Every spring, South Korea turns pink. Cherry blossoms line rivers, lakes, palace walls, and coastal roads, and festivals celebrate the season with food stalls, music, and evening lights. Korea is a wonderful and often less crowded alternative to Japan for cherry blossoms. This guide covers when to go, the best places to see cherry blossoms in Korea, from Seoul to Jeju, and how to plan your trip.
When Is Cherry Blossom Season in Korea?
Korea's cherry blossom season usually runs from late March to mid-April. The blossoms open first in the warm south and move north as temperatures rise, so you can follow them across the country. Typical timings are:
- Jeju Island: Late March.
- Busan and Jinhae: Late March to early April.
- Gyeongju: Late March to early April.
- Seoul: Early to mid-April.
- Gangwon Province (Chuncheon, Nami Island): Mid-April.
Exact dates change every year with the weather, so check the forecasts published by the Korea Meteorological Administration and weather services in late winter. Full bloom usually lasts about a week before the petals fall, and visiting a day or two before peak bloom often means smaller crowds.
Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Seoul
1. Yeouido Spring Flower Festival
Seoul's biggest cherry blossom celebration takes place on Yeouiseo-ro, the road behind the National Assembly on Yeouido Island. Around 1,800 cherry trees form a pink canopy, and the road closes to cars during the festival, with food stalls and street performances. Take subway Line 5 to Yeouinaru Station. It gets very crowded, so go early in the morning or on a weekday.
2. Seokchon Lake
Cherry trees ring both halves of Seokchon Lake in Songpa-gu, next to Lotte World. The lakeside paths are beautiful at dusk, when the lights reflect in the water with Lotte World Tower behind. Take subway Line 2 or 8 to Jamsil Station.
3. Namsan Park and N Seoul Tower
Walk the paths of Namsan for cherry blossoms framing views of the city, or take the cable car up toward N Seoul Tower.
4. Palaces and Riverside Parks
Gyeongbokgung and Changgyeonggung palaces combine blossoms with traditional architecture, and visitors wearing hanbok enter Seoul's main palaces for free. Seoul Forest and the Han River parks are good spots for a cherry blossom picnic.
Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Jinhae, Busan, and Gyeongju
5. Jinhae Gunhangje Festival
Korea's largest cherry blossom festival takes place in Jinhae, in Changwon, where hundreds of thousands of cherry trees bloom across the town. Don't miss Gyeonghwa Station, where the blossoms frame a disused railway track, and Yeojwacheon Stream, with its Romance Bridge and evening lights. The festival usually runs for about ten days from late March to early April. Accommodation fills up months ahead, so many visitors stay in Busan and visit on a day trip.
6. Dalmaji Hill, Busan
This winding road above Haeundae is lined with cherry trees on one side and ocean views on the other, especially lovely at sunset.
7. Oncheoncheon Stream, Busan
Locals picnic along the banks of this stream, where cherry trees form a canopy over the walking path. Take Busan subway Line 1 to Oncheonjang Station or Line 3 to Yeonsan Station.
8. Gyeongju
The former capital of the Silla Kingdom is known as a "museum without walls." In spring, cherry blossoms frame royal burial mounds, the Cheomseongdae Observatory, and the shores of Bomun Lake, which you can explore by bike. Singyeongju Station is about two hours from Seoul by KTX.
Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms on Jeju Island
9. Jeonnong-ro
In Jeju City, this road is lined with King cherry trees, a species native to Jeju with large, abundant blossoms, forming a pink tunnel. The local festival is usually held in late March.
10. Halla Arboretum and Jeju's Countryside
Halla Arboretum combines cherry trees with other spring flowers, and the countryside around Jeju is famous for fields of yellow canola blossoms. Look for spots where both bloom side by side, such as the Noksan-ro road in Seogwipo.
Cherry Blossoms Near Seoul: Nami Island and Gangwon
11. Nami Island
This half-moon-shaped island, famous as a K-drama filming location, has tree-lined paths that are beautiful in spring. Take the ITX-Cheongchun train from Yongsan to Gapyeong, about an hour, and then a short taxi and ferry ride. Many day tours combine Nami Island with the Gangchon Rail Bike and nearby cherry blossom roads.
12. Gyeongpo Lake, Gangneung
On the east coast, the cherry trees around Gyeongpo Lake bloom in early April, and you can easily combine them with a walk on nearby Gyeongpo Beach.
How to Plan Your Cherry Blossom Trip
Where to Stay
- Seoul: Myeongdong for central sightseeing, Hongdae for nightlife, or Jamsil for Seokchon Lake. Book two to three months ahead.
- Busan: Haeundae for the beach and Dalmaji Hill, or Seomyeon for easy subway connections.
- Jeju: Jeju City for Jeonnong-ro, or Seogwipo for quieter coastal walks.
Getting Around
- Use a T-money card for subways and buses in Seoul and Busan.
- Take the KTX between Seoul, Busan, and Gyeongju, and book early in blossom season.
- Join a day tour for Jinhae and Nami Island if you prefer not to manage connections.
- Rent a car on Jeju, where buses are less frequent. You will need an International Driving Permit.
What to Pack
Spring weather is changeable, with cool mornings and evenings, so pack layers, a light waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes. Bring a power bank for a day of photos and maps.
Cherry Blossom Etiquette
- Do not shake branches or climb trees for photos.
- Take your trash with you or use the bins provided.
- Respect private property and residents' homes.
- Keep paths clear and take photos quickly in busy areas.
- Go early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid the biggest crowds.
Stay Connected During Cherry Blossom Season
Bloom forecasts change from day to day, and you will want maps, transit times, and bookings at your fingertips. An egoViet South Korea eSIM connects as soon as you land. Download our recommended travel apps for South Korea, and add a Busan day trip from Seoul to your itinerary.
FAQs: Cherry Blossoms in Korea
When is cherry blossom season in Korea?
Cherry blossom season runs from late March to mid-April, starting on Jeju Island and in the south and moving north to Seoul in early to mid-April.
Where can I see cherry blossoms in Seoul?
The best spots are Yeouido, Seokchon Lake, Namsan Park, Seoul Forest, and palaces such as Gyeongbokgung.
What is the biggest cherry blossom festival in Korea?
The Jinhae Gunhangje Festival in Changwon is Korea's largest cherry blossom festival, usually held from late March to early April.
Where can I see cherry blossoms on Jeju?
Jeonnong-ro in Jeju City is famous for its King cherry trees, and Halla Arboretum and Noksan-ro are also popular.