Spring is one of the best times to visit Korea due to the warm weather, sunny days, and bright nature that reappears after the cold Korean winter. This is the busiest season for festivals of all kinds, including the famous cherry blossom festivals in late March / early April. There’s so much to do.

This guide to the best spring festivals in Korea covers all the fun festivals between March and May and in all parts of Korea. Learn about what’s on this spring, how to get to each festival, when the festivals start and end, and all the exciting activities you can do at each festival. Find out more below.

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The Best Korean Spring Festivals In 2024

There are various spring festivals to enjoy in Korea between March and May that happen across the country in this lovely season. Whether you want to see bright & beautiful nature, unique sights & experiences, or learn about traditional & modern culture, there is a Korean spring festival for you.

Here’s a brief overview of what you can find in each section of this article:

2024 Korean spring festival summary: All of the 2024 Korean spring festivals listed in month order to help you figure out what you can see during your visit. Also some top festival tour options.

Korean cherry blossom festivals: Cherry blossoms festivals are some of the most popular festivals during spring in Korea. Find out which ones to see and when the blossoms will be out this spring.

Spring nature festivals in Korea: Besides cherry blossoms, there are lots of nature-based festivals to visit in Korea, including festivals for plum blossoms, bamboo trees, green tea, and lots more.

Unique Korean spring festivals: These Korean spring festivals are like nothing you’ve experienced before, including a sea-parting miracle, modern Korean cultural shows, and a lantern festival.

Korean spring cultural festivals: Find the best of Korean traditional and modern culture, as well as international cultural events, at these spring festivals. Perfect for those looking to learn about Korea.

Guide to visiting Korea in spring: Make the most of your trip to Korea in spring with these tips about spring weather, public holidays in spring, how to get around, and where to stay to visit festivals.

Use the links above to jump to the section you’re most interested in, or read through to discover all of the best Korean spring festivals you can see and explore. There’s also some great tips at the end of this article to help you enjoy visiting Korea in spring and to travel more easily.

2024 Korean Spring Festival Summary

There are dozens of spring festivals in Korea to check out from March to May. To help you see what festivals are on when you’re visiting, I’ve added a summary of the festivals by month. These festivals are included in the article and you can find more information about each in the following sections.

Korean Spring Festivals In March 2024

March is the start of spring in Korea and there are lots of festivals celebrating the return of nature after the long winter. There are maehwa (plum blossom) and cherry blossom festivals to see in the southern part of the country, as well as cultural festivals featuring Korean and international culture.

• Everland Fairy Town Tulip Festival
• Gurye Sansuyu Flower Festival
• Gwangyang Maehwa Plum Blossom Festival
• Holi Hai Festival
• House Of Yu Gi-Bang Daffodil Festival
• Hwagae Market Cherry Blossom Festival
• Jeju Canola Flower Festival
• Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival
• Jeju Field Fire Festival
• Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival
• Nonsan Strawberry Festival
• Seocheon Camellia Octopus Festival
• Tongyeong International Music Festival
• Wondong Maehwa Festival
• Yeongam Wangin Festival

Korean Spring Festivals In April 2024

April is when the cherry blossoms start to bloom in the northern half of the country, including Seoul. Not only are the cherry blossoms on display, there are many other beautiful flowers that get their own festivals, including azaleas and tulips. Visit the Seoul Festa for a look at modern Korean culture.

• Boseong Green Tea Culture Festival
• Garden Of Morning Calm Spring Festival
• Gijang Anchovy Festival
• Goryeosan Mountain Azalea Festival
• Goyang International Flower Festival
• Gyeongju Cherry Marathon
• Gyeongpodae Cherry Blossom Festival
• Jindo Sea Parting Festival
• Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival
• Seoul Festa Festival
• Suncheonman International Garden Festival
• Taean Tulip Festival
• Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival

Korean Spring Festivals In May 2024

May has fewer festivals than the other two months of spring, but there are several large festivals to visit, including the Seoul Lotus Lantern Festival, which celebrates Buddha’s Birthday. The Damyang International Bamboo Festival is a great festival for those looking to walk among giant bamboo trees.

• Busan Gwangalli Eobang Yellowtail Festival
• Changwon Jindong Midodeok Festival
• Chuncheon International Mime Festival
• Damyang International Bamboo Festival
• Eumseong Pumba Festival
• Yeon Deung Hoe (Seoul) Lotus Lantern Festival
• The Samgwangsa Lotus Lantern Festival
• Haeundae Beach Sand Festival
• The Seoul Jazz Festival
• The Color Run Korea

Available Spring Festival Tours In Korea

Why not take a day trip to a fun festival this spring? Travelling to Korea’s spring festivals by public transport can sometimes take longer and be more difficult than a guided tour. Here’s a collection of the best spring festival tours leaving from Seoul and Busan that you can add to your Korean itinerary.

Korean Spring Festival Tours From Seoul

• Available Cherry Blossom Tour from Seoul
• Daegu E-WORLD Land & Spring Cherry Blossom from Seoul
• Ganghwa Island Cherry Blossom & Luge Ride from Seoul
• Garden of Morning Calm & Eden Cherry Blossom Tour from Seoul
• Goseokjeong Flower Field/Cheorwon Historical Day Tour from Seoul
• Goryeosan Mountain Azalea Festival & Seafood Tour from Seoul
• Gwangyang Maehwa & Jeonju Hanok Village Tour from Seoul
• Jarasum Flower Festival & Nami island & Alpaca Ranch from Seoul
• Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Day Tour from Seoul
• Taean Flower Festivals Trip with Strawberry Picking from Seoul
• Yangpyeong Galsan Park Cherry blossom Tour from Seoul

Korean Spring Festival Tours From Busan

• Available Cherry Blossom Tour from Busan
• Cherry Blossom Hunting Tour from Busan
• Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Tour from Busan
• Jinhae Cherry Blossom Tour from Busan

You don’t have to book a day tour to visit most of the festivals in this article, but it can certainly help save time and planning if you do. Some of the festivals are in rural locations and I would certainly recommend using a day tour to see those. Alternatively, rent a car and drive there.

Korean Cherry Blossom Festivals Spring 2024

The biggest Korean spring festivals have to be the cherry blossom festivals, which run in late March and early April. Starting on Jeju Island and finishing on the country’s northern border, the return of spring is truly encapsulated in the celebration of these soft blossoms.

These spring festivals can draw thousands of people each day, with millions attending popular locations like Jinhae, Seokchon Lake, and Yeouido Hangang Park. The festivals below are 6 of the most popular in Korea with some of the most incredible cherry blossom views to enjoy this spring.

Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival 2024

When: March 24 – April 6 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Jinjae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival hosts more than 2 million people each year, making it one of the largest spring festivals in Korea and one that shouldn’t be missed. People flock to Jinhae to see the blossoms create a magnificent painting of colours, with lines of trees painting pinky-white stripes across the city. Enjoy walking along romantic riverside walkways, trying delicious street foods, and taking pictures with the colourful street murals at this festival.

How to get there: To get to the Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival, take a bus from Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal to Jinhae. The journey takes 4 hours and costs W27,000.

Address: 경상남도 창원시 창원시 진해구 여명로

Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival 2024

When: April 5 – April 9 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival, located at the beautiful butterfly-shaped lake that sits below Lotte World Tower, is a free festival that’s extremely popular thanks to the long, tree-lined walkways along the edge of the lake. Visit on a sunny day to get views of the blossoms reflected on the lake’s surface and falling from above. It gets crowded during cherry blossom season, but fortunately there are many places to take pretty cherry blossom selfies.

How to get there: To get to the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival, take the subway to Jamsil Subway Station (Lines 2 & 8) and go out exit 2 or 3. The lake is visible in front of you.

Address: 서울특별시 송파구 잠실6동

Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival 2024

When: April 1 – April 15 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is where you’ll find the scenic street of Yeouiseo-ro Road, which is lined with hundreds of cherry blossom trees for you to walk under. This is a popular destination with locals who want to enjoy river views and lovely nature at the same time. At this colourful festival you can also see azaleas, forsythia, royal azaleas, and other spring flowers in full bloom. Stay for the night-time light show, where flowers are lit up as a backdrop to street performances and art exhibitions.

How to get there: Take the subway to either National Assembly Subway Station (Line 9) or Yeouinaru Subway Station (Line 5) and follow the festival signs.

Address: 서울특별시 영등포구 여의서로

Gyeongpodae Cherry Blossom Festival 2024

When: April 1 – April 10 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

Head to Gyeongpodae Lake in the coastal city of Gangneung to see cherry blossoms with beaches. Gaze at the cherry blossoms floating on trees above you and blowing down to the lake’s waters when a sea breeze blows through the trees. With over 4km of trees to walk through, this is certainly a lovely way to spend a warm spring day. Check out the pavilion for romantic views that are best shared with a loved on. There are games and activities to enjoy, as well as unique festival foods, such as flower pancakes.

How to get there: Take a train or bus from Seoul to Gangneung City. From Gangneung Bus Terminal, take Bus 202 and get off at Gyeongpodae Lake.

Address: 강원도 강릉시 초당동 459-2

Hwagae Market Cherry Blossom Festival 2024

When: March 22 – March 29 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Hwagae Market Cherry Blossom Festival, located near Jirisan National Park, is one of the most magical cherry blossom festivals in Korea. What makes this so amazing is the landscape, set in the Korean countryside for a view of cherry blossoms surrounded by nature. The attraction is the ‘marriage road‘, which is rumoured to guarantee a long and happy life together if couples walk down it holding hands. When the sun hits the blossoms from above, they cast a romantic pink glow on the road below.

How to get there: Take the intercity bus from Nambu Bus Terminal (Seoul) to Hwagae City. Get off at Hwagaejangteo Market and walk to the temple from Hwagae following the river. Roads will probably be crowded, so expect delays.

Address: 경상남도 하동군 화개면 쌍계로 15

Jeju Island Cherry Blossom Festival 2024

When: March 23 – April 1 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

At the Jeju Island Cherry Blossom Festival you’ll find streets full of cherry blossom goods, arts and craft stalls, and festival food stalls, all overlooked by the cloudy cherry blossoms. This is the most popular cherry blossom festival on Jeju Island and a perfect place for blossom viewing. If you arrive a few weeks after the festival, towards mid-April, you can see the special Jeju King cherry blossoms. These cherry blossoms, native to Jeju Island, are bigger than the usual cherry blossoms and much brighter, too.

How to get there: Take bus 122 from Jeju Airport to Jeju Bus Terminal. Walk north along the river for 10 minutes or take a taxi. You can also see the cherry blossoms at Jangjeon-ri in Aewol and outside Jeju National University.

Address: 삼도일동 721-14번지 제주시

Korean Cherry Blossom Festival Tour Options

Here are some tours that will take you to these cherry blossom festivals if you want a simpler and faster way to visit the tours than by travelling on public transport.

• Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Day Tour from Seoul
• Available Cherry Blossom Tour from Seoul & Busan
• Ganghwa Island Cherry Blossom & Luge Ride from Seoul
• Garden of Morning Calm & Eden Cherry Blossom Tour from Seoul
• Yangpyeong Galsan Park Cherry blossom Tour from Seoul
• Daegu E-WORLD Land & Spring Cherry Blossom from Seoul
• Jinhae Cherry Blossom Tour from Busan
• Cherry Blossom Hunting Tour from Busan
• Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Tour from Busan
• Jeju Canola Flower & Cherry Blossom from Jeju City

Want to know whether it’s worth visiting a spring cherry blossom festival in Korea? Check out this video of some of the prettiest, pinkest cherry blossom views in Seoul.

Korean Cherry Blossom Forecast 2024

The 2024 Korean cherry blossom forecast won’t be available until February 2024. For now, you can use the 2023 Korean cherry blossom forecast to get an idea of when the blossoms will be out. However, the dates for 2023 were earlier than usual and 2024 could be a week later in each area.

The 2023 Korean cherry blossom forecast below will show you the start dates for cherry blossoms in Korea this spring. The cherry blossom peak (the best time to visit) is usually around 4-7 days after the start of the blossoming. The spring cherry blossom festivals typically run from the first blossoms.

For a more detailed guide to seeing cherry blossoms in Korea this spring, check out my Korean cherry blossom guide. This guide covers all the best festivals, riverside and lakeside walking spots, peaceful forests abloom with nature, and useful tips for getting around Korea in spring.

Spring Nature Festivals In Korea 2024

Spring is one of the best times to visit Korea. The main reason for this is the abundance of vibrant plants and flowers that come alive in this season. Korea has beautiful nature and shows it a lot of respect with a profusion of spring festivals focused on foliage, blossoms, and blooms.

From cool and shaded bamboo forests, to distinctly Dutch-looking tulip farms, there’s certainly plenty of nature-based spring festivals in Korea that will please outdoors lovers. These Korean spring festivals begin with the very first blossoms of the season, apricot plums, in early March.

Spring Nature Festival Tours

Many of these Korean spring nature festivals are located far from the major cities and are therefore quite difficult to get to, even if you are familiar with using public transport in Korea. Therefore, I’ve included some tours that will help you see these festivals and save you a lot of time.

• Gwangyang Maehwa & Jeonju Hanok Village Tour from Seoul
• Jeju Canola and Cherry Blossom Tour from Jeju City
• Taean Tulip Festival & Strawberry Picking Tour from Seoul
• Garden of Morning Calm & Gapyeong Day Tour from Seoul
• Goryeosan Mountain Azalea Festival & Seafood Tour from Seoul

The address of each of these spring festivals has been included below, as well as directions for how to reach the festival. Please note that some of these festivals may take up to 4 or 5 hours to get to one-way from Seoul or Busan, which is why tours really can be a much better option.

Damyang International Bamboo Festival 2024

When: May 3 – May 7 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Damyang International Bamboo Festival is a beautiful Korean spring festival that is located in Juknokwon, a pretty bamboo forest with gigantic bamboo trees to walk through. The festival has lots of hands-on activities, including bamboo log rafting and water biking. There is also food made with bamboo, bamboo beer, and bamboo-based souvenirs to purchase. The Damyang bamboo forest is a peaceful, refreshing destination with lots of secretive pathways, babbling brooks, and traditional Korean buildings to explore.

How to get there: Damyang is far from Seoul, so a tour would be the easiest option. Take the KTX from Yongsan Station to Gwangju Station and then change to bus 311.

Address: 전라남도 담양군 담양읍 죽녹원로 119

Boseong Green Tea Culture Festival 2024

When: April 29 – May 7 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Boseong Green Tea Culture Festival is a collection of festivals and events held at the lush green tea fields in Boseong and showcases one of Korea’s healthiest drinks – green tea. This festival will give you the opportunity to pick your own leaves, make healthy Korean green tea, and try lots of green tea-based products. Other activities include learning about traditional Korean tea ceremonies and the manners involved, a green tea stamp tour, tea competition, and even an astrology experience.

How to get there: Boseong is far from Seoul and Busan and a tour would be the best option. From Gwangju, take the train to Boseong Station, then transfer to Yulpo Bus 70-5 or 71-5/6/8.

Address: 전라남도 보성군 보성읍 녹차로 775

Gwangyang Maehwa Plum Blossom Festival 2024

When: March 10 – March 19 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Gwangyang Maehwa Plum Blossom Festival is one of the first of the Korean spring festivals as the apricot plum blossoms are the first to come out after winter. The apricot plum blossoms are often mistaken for cherry blossoms as they look quite similar and are equally as pretty. Spread over 83 acres, there are countless apricot plum blossoms to see in Maehwa Village. You can sample apricot plum blossom ice cream at this spring festival, too. All made locally.

How to get there: This is not easily accessed by public transport unless you’re staying locally. Take bus 35 from Gwangyang Bus Terminal (75 minutes) to reach the festival ground.

Address: 광양시 다압면 섬진강매화로 1563-1

Garden Of Morning Calm Spring Festival 2024

When: April 15 – May 31 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Garden of Morning Calm Spring Festival celebrates the beautiful rebirth of nature with a plethora of different flowers on display throughout April and May. You can find such delights as magnolia, azalea, Japanese apricot, forsythia and even cherry blossoms. There is also the wild flower exhibition to see in the large greenhouses inside the Garden of Morning Calm. Certainly one of the most colourful and beautiful of the spring nature festivals in Korea.

How to get there: The Garden of Morning Calm can be accessed from Seoul by bus, train, or by driving. Check out the directions from their website to find the best way for you.

Address: 경기도 가평군 상면 수목원로 432

Jeju Canola Flower Festival 2024

When: March 25 – April 15 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Jeju Canola Flower Festival is held in Gasi-ri Town, which is famous for having the largest number of canola flowers on Jeju Island. This area has picturesque views of long, winding roads, cherry blossoms and canola flowers blooming together, and Jeju’s famous volcanic rock walls offering contrast to the bright spring colours. Drive down Noksan-ro Road between Noksanjang and Gammajang for one of the most scenic routes in Korea. Also visit Hueree Natural Park near Seogwipo for more canola sights.

How to get there: Both of these locations are not easily accessed by public transport. Car rental for Jeju Island is the easiest way to enjoy seeing canola flowers in spring.

Address: 서귀포시 표선면 가시리 산41-1

Nonsan Strawberry Festival 2024

When: March 8 – March 12 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Nonsan Strawberry Festival is held in the central Korean city of Nonsan, the largest strawberry producing area in the whole country and one famous for large, succulent strawberries. The festival spreads across wide strawberry fields near the Nonsancheon Stream with millions of juicy strawberries to pick and eat. There are various events, such as strawberry picking, strawberry cake & jam making, and other strawberry-based activities. K-Drama fans can also visit the Sunshine Studio in Nonsan.

How to get there: Take the KTX from Seoul Station, change at Gwangmyeong Station and get off at Nonsan Station. Walk or take a taxi to the festival area.

Address: 충청남도 논산시 취암동 체육로 110

Gurye Sansuyu Festival 2024

When: March 11 – March 19 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Gurye Sansuyu Festival is a spring festival celebrating the yellow sansuyu (cornelian cherry) blossoms and runs at the same time as the maehwa (plum blossoms) are on display in Jirisan National Park. This area has more than 30,000 sansuyu trees, making an ocean of yellow flowers to walk under and appreciate. There are also dance performances, traditional music, and other festival events to enjoy, including fireworks.

How to get there: From Gurye Bus Terminal, take bus 7-4, 7-7, or 7-9 until the Jungdong bus stop near the festival.

Address: 전라남도 구례군 산동면 좌사리 835-2

Taean Tulip Festival 2024

When: April 12 – May 7 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Taean Tulip Festival is Korea’s largest flower festival and held at the Korea Flower Park in the coastal city of Taean on Korea’s west coast. Visitors to this festival can experience oceans of bright tulips in a variety of colours, from dazzling yellow to deep red. The flower park provides many photo opportunities for nature-lovers, with spring flowers as well as decorations, ornaments, and sculpted displays.

How to get there: Take a bus from Central City Bus Terminal in Seoul to the Anmyeon Bus Terminal. Take a taxi to the festival.

Address: 충청남도 태안군 안면읍 꽃지해안로 400

Everland Fairy Town Tulip Festival 2024

When: March 17 – June 18 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Everland Fairy Town Tulip Festival is the spring 2024 festival for Korea’s biggest theme park and features not only beautiful tulips, it also has a fantastic fairy world to go with it. There are loads of fun photo zones with fairies and other magical creatures here. Everland hosts one of the largest spring flower festivals and primarily includes tulips and daffodils, as well as more flowers as they come into season through spring. Visitors to Everland can enjoy thrilling roller coasters, fun fairground activities, animals, fireworks, parades, and many pretty flowers.

How to get there: Take the Everland Shuttle Bus from Seoul to Everland directly or book a shuttle bus with entrance fee included.

Address: 경기 용인시 처인구 포곡읍 에버랜드로 199

House Of Yu Gi-Bang Daffodil Festival 2024

When: March 15 – April 30 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The House of Yu Gi-Bang Daffodil Festival isn’t actually a festival, but it’s worth adding to this list as it’s a seasonal event that’s on for a limited time. During March and April, visitors to The House of Yu Gi-Bang can witness thousands of golden daffodils shining upwards among the grounds of this historic hanok house. This house may be familiar to fans of ‘Mr. Sunshine’ as it was used in the K-Drama. It’s a lovely place outside of Seoul where you can walk and explore the gardens and buildings, surrounded by pine forests and experience traditional Korea.

How to get there: The house is close to Seosan, but you should take a bus and transfer several times. Driving is recommended.

Address: 충남 서산시 운산면 이문안길 72-10

Goyang International Flower Festival 2024

When: April 27 – May 8 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Goyang International Flower Festival by International Horticulture Goyang Korea is an impressive flower exhibition held in spring and autumn each year at the Ilsan Lake Park in Goyang. Visitors to the spring festival can spend the day admiring creative flower displays along the shore of the lake, which features art pieces, photo zones, unique and rare plants, and flower-filled pathways. There are also cultural events, performances, and festival food to enjoy.

How to get there: Take the orange subway line (Line 3) to Jeongbalsan Station and use exit 1 or 2 to get to the park.

Address: 경기도 고양시 일산동구 호수로 595 KR

Goryeosan Mountain Azalea Festival 2024

When: April 14 – April 22 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Ganghwado Goryeosan Mountain Azalea Festival is located on one of the islands of Incheon, just outside of Seoul. Mount Goryeosan is an area of natural wonder that is known for it’s roaming displays of vivid pink and purple azaleas spread over the mountain. Visit on a sunny day for impressive postcard-like scenes of traditional buildings, rocky mountains, and colourful pools of pink and purple azaleas. Also see azalea photo zones, art exhibitions, and street art.

How to get there: Take a bus to Ganghwa Terminal from Gimpo in Seoul. Transfer to bus 14 or 39 and get off at Seonhaeng-ri Entrance.

Address: 인천광역시 강화군 강화읍 국화리 550

Unique Korean Spring Festivals 2024

Spring in Korea is a time with many unique festivals that celebrate both local and international culture, traditions, and spectacles, including a miraculous sea parting. These spring festivals are not to be missed and will show you some sights you won’t normally see in other seasons.

This section contains diverse festivals that have happened for a long time, such as the Seoul Lantern Festival for Buddha’s Birthday, and the Jeju Fire Festival. These historic festivals are a window into Korea’s past, while others show modern and international cultural influences on Korea.

Jindo Sea Parting Miracle Festival 2024

When: April 20 – April 22 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Jindo Sea Parting Miracle Festival is a unique annual occurrence in Jindo where the seas give way to form a 3km-long pathway between islands. You’re not likely to see an event like this elsewhere in the world. The ‘miracle’ occurs due to an extremely low tide, caused by tidal harmonics. During this time, you can walk from Jindo Island to Modo Island, hunt for clams and shells who have been abandoned by the waters, and take lots of pictures.

How to get there: Jindo is an island in SW Korea and not easily accessed from major cities. There are no current tours to the Jindo Sea Parting Festival, so driving is the best option.

Address: 전남 진도군 고군면 신비의바닷길 74

Yeon Deung Hoe (Seoul) Lotus Lantern Festival 2024

When: May 11 – May 28 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Yeon Deung Hoe Seoul Lotus Lantern Festival is the biggest celebration of Buddha’s Birthday in Korea. At the Seoul Lantern Festival, which is held in two of Seoul’s most famous temples, Bongeunsa Temple in Gangnam and Jogyesa Temple in Jongno, you can see lots of colourful lantern displays, cultural performances, and traditional decorations. The highlight of this festival is the lantern parade through central Seoul, held on May 20th from 7pm.

How to get there: The parade runs from Jonggak to Dongdaemun Station. Jogyesa Temple is near Anguk Station & Bongeunsa Temple is outside Bongeunsa Station.

Address: 서울특별시 종로구 우정국로 55

Gyeongju Cherry Marathon 2024

When: April 1 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon Festival is a festival that combines beautiful cherry blossoms with the spectacle of a half marathon. The Gyeongju Cherry Marathon starts in the Bomun Lake area and goes around the lake, following the river into Gyeongju City and back along the opposite shore back past the lake again, running under cherry tree-lined river roads. The shorter 10km and 5km races stick to the Bomun Lake area, which is one of the most spectacular places for cherry blossoms in Gyeongju. The race starts at 8:00am.

How to get there: From Singyeongju KTX station, take bus 700 to Bomun Lake and get off at the K Hotel stop. Cross the bridge for the start.

Address: 경상북도 경주시 천군동 157-8

Jeju Fire Festival 2024

When: March 9 – March 12 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Jeju Fire Festival is a unique Korean spring festival where Saebyeol Oreum (volcanic cone hill) is set alight as huge daljip (moon houses) are burnt at night. This cultural festival helps bring good fortune to the island, protects from evil, and ensures a strong harvest in autumn. It also signals the move from winter to spring with the first burning away the old grass. Watch the night skies glow red as the massive fires spread across the hill and watch other festival events, such as a torch march, fire show, entertainment shows, and try local foods.

How to get there: Take bus 282 from Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal and get off at Saebyeol Oreum stop. Walk towards Saebyeol Oreum.

Address: 제주 제주시 애월읍 봉성리 산59-8

Holi Hai Festival 2024

When: March 26 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Holi Hai Festival is held by the Indians in Korea group to celebrate India’s largest festival. Running for more than a decade in Korea, this colourful festival will be held in Miryang City and is open to people from all nationalities and ethnicities as a way to celebrate the coming of spring, the joy of friendship, and equality for all. Bring a white t-shirt to the event and prepare to get very messy as you throw coloured powders into the air and at each other while Bollywood music blasts out in the background. Please note, you should register on the Holi Hai website to be able to join the event.

How to get there: There is a shuttle bus from Seoul, Suwon or Chuncheon directly to Miryang. There are several buses from Miryang Station, including 1 / 6 / 7-1.

Address: 경상남도 밀양시 삼문동 1-1

Seoul Festa Festival 2024

When: April 30 – May 7 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Seoul Festa Festival, now in its second year, is a cultural festival in Seoul that highlights the best of the city’s culture and entertainment. The five themes of the Seoul Festa are music, style, taste, night-scape, and ‘boom-up’ events. There will be events and activities across Seoul. K-Pop acts will perform on April 30th at the Jamsil Sports Complex and there will be numerous events at the main venue in Gwanghwamun Square focusing on drama, beauty, fashion, and traditional crafts. Experience outdoor dining and light shows at the Hangang River Parks and the Myeongdong Festival in Myeongdong.

How to get there: Gwanghwamun Station for the main venue, Myeongdong Station for the Myeongdong Festival. Sports Complex Station for the K-Pop event.

Address: 인천광역시 강화군 강화읍 국화리 550

The Color Run Korea 2024

When: May 13 2024 from 1pm (2024 Dates TBC)

The Color Run Korea is another colourful spring festival that is all about enjoying the lovely weather and getting outside for fun with friends. Held in Songdo Moonlight Festival Park, join with a host of Korean celebrities and run 5km through 5 different colour-themed zones and get colourful as colour powder is thrown all around, just like in the Holi Hai festival. Food trucks, after-run parties, photo zones, and live performances make this a fun day out in spring.

Tickets required, so be sure to book in advance to guarantee a spot.

How to get there: Take the subway to Songdo Moonlight Festival Park Station and use exit 4. The subway line is Incheon Line 1.

Address: 인천광역시 연수구 센트럴로 350

Seoul Jazz Festival 2024

When: May 26 – May 28 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Seoul Jazz Festival is one of the first big summer festivals (it actually happens in spring this year) and features lots of fantastic sets from artists such as Taeyang, Epik High, Balming Tiger, Damien Rice, and more. The Seoul Jazz Festival is held each year in Olympic Park in Seoul, a wide park with lots of indoor and outdoor venues that host the various types of acts. There is more than just jazz, with indie, hip-hop, dance music, and more by artists from around the world.

Tickets required, so be sure to book in advance to guarantee a spot.

How to get there: Take the subway to Olympic Park Station and use exit 3. Line 5 and Line 9 both stop at this station.

Address: 서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 424

The Samgwangsa Lotus Lantern Festival 2024

When: May 5 – May 27 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Samgwangsa Lotus Lantern Festival is a festival celebrating Buddha’s Birthday in one of Busan’s most beautiful Buddhist temples. See thousands and thousands of lanterns strung out between temple buildings, along pathways, hanging from trees, and wrapped around the temple buildings. This beautiful festival is best seen at night after the lanterns are turned on at 7pm, which creates a dazzling display of colours across the temple. Climb up the lantern-lined stairs of Baegyangsan Mountain and discover this awe-inspiring spring festival in Korea.

How to get there: Take bus 81 from outside Busan Station. Get off at Seonggok Traditional Market and walk to the temple.

Address: 부산진구 초읍천로43번길 77

Haeundae Sand Festival In Busan 2024

When: May 19 – May 22 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Busan Haeundae Sand Festival is a unique spring festival that sees Busan’s most popular beach destination transformed into an outdoor canvas for the best sand artists. You can see a range of sand sculptures at this festival, from local characters and heroes, to gigantic replicas of famous sights, such as the Eiffel Tower. There are tall sculptures all along the beach to walk along and admire, or to gaze at while you rest in one of the beachside cafes or bars. Although the festival only runs for a few days, the sand art remains on display until June 6th.

How to get there: Take the subway to Haeundae Station and walk towards the beach. Take bus 1003 from Busan Station.

Address: 부산광역시 해운대구 중제1동 1411-25

These unique spring festivals are not to be missed if you’re in Korea at the right time, especially the Seoul Lantern Festival. It’s a massive parade that goes through the centre of the city and will be something you’ll remember for a long time. Here’s a video of what it looks like.

Korean Spring Cultural Festivals 2024

Korea has lots of unique culture and traditions that are best witnessed in these Korean spring festivals. You can experience traditional crafts, learn about folklore and historical events, and visit long-running festivals that celebrate life and harmony in Korea during spring.

As well as traditional Korean culture, some of these spring festivals showcase the best of international culture and performances, such as the Chuncheon Mime Festival and Tongyeong International Music Festival. These smaller festivals will offer a unique glimpse into Korea.

Chuncheon International Mime Festival 2024

When: May 28 – June 4 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Chuncheon International Mime Festival is one of the 3 major mime festivals in the world and has been running for more than 30 years. The festival includes performances of Korea’s top mime artists, as well as mime artists from around the world. The mime festival is held in several venues in the city of Chuncheon, with the main area near the river. Visitors to this festival not only watch the interesting mime performances, they can also join in and be part of the show.

How to get there: Take the ITX from Yongsan Station to Chuncheon Station, then take a taxi to the main riverside festival area.

Address: 강원도 춘천시 삼천동 200-9

Busan Gwangalli Eobang Yellowtail Festival 2024

When: May 12 – May 14 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Busan Gwangalli Eobang Yellowtail Festival is held on one of Busan’s most popular beaches, Gwangalli Beach, and is a festival dedicated to the fishermen of this coastal region. At the Busan Eobang Yellowtail Festival you can see parades, watch the fishermen go out to sea, see cultural performances, and be part of the local traditions. Visitors can try out bare-handed fish catching, take part in a cooking contest, and try lots of Busan’s famous local yellowtail fish.

How to get there: From Busan Station, take bus 40 / 41 / 1001 / 1003 to Gwangalli Beach or bus 38 / 1001 / 1003 from Haeundae Beach.

Address: 부산광역시 수영구 광남로

Seocheon Camellia Octopus Festival 2024

When: March 23 – April 5 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Seocheon Camellia Octopus Festival is a festival held in the small town of Seocheon on Korea’s west coast that celebrates two local specialities; camellia flowers and webfoot octopuses. Held at the Maryangjun Port in Seocheon, visitors can walk around the beautiful pink, red, and white camellia flowers and take in views of the Yellow Sea where the octopuses roam. There are octopus-themed events such as octopus fishing and octopus cooking, as well as cultural performances and festival food.

How to get there: Seocheon is not easily accessed by public transport, so I recommend using a car to drive there.

Address: 충청남도 서천군 서면 서인로 56

Tongyeong International Music Festival 2024

When: March 31 – April 9 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Tongyeong International Music Festival was created to celebrate the world-famous composer Yoon Lee-Sang, who was born in Tongyeong on Korea’s south coast. This spring festival is a good chance to experience classical music performances from Korean and international musicians, including the Korean National Symphony Orchestra. Tongyeong is not only a popular attraction for summer travellers who want to enjoy the areas many beaches, it’s also a UNESCO Creative City of Music.

How to get there: From Busan Seobu Bus Terminal, take the intercity bus to Tongyeong Bus Terminal, then change to bus 104 / 141 / 184.

Address: 경상남도 통영시 큰발개1길 38

Eumseong Pumba Festival 2024

When: May 17 – May 21 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Eumseong Pumba Festival is a Korean spring festival dedicated to the tradition of begging and street singing. ‘Pumba’ is the word that street singers would sing as they moved around towns and villages looking for food or money or anything people would offer. The word is meaningless, but provides a basis for the chants and a beat for dancing. The Eumseong Pumba Festival has performances by gakseori, modern day performers who show their exicitng and colourful singing and dancing skills.

How to get there: From Seoul Nambu Terminal, take an intercity bus to Eumseong Bus Terminal, then walk to the park where the festival is held.

Address: 충청북도 음성군 음성읍 설성공원길 28

Yeongam Wangin Festival 2024

When: March 30 – April 2 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Yeongam Wangin Culture Festival is held at the start of April to coincide with the cherry blossoms and offers a colourful look into the life of the famous Korean scholar, Dr. Wangin. Dr. Wangin travelled to Japan 1,600 years ago with his followers and taught the Japanese royal court about Confucian values, as well as teaching arts and singing techniques. This festival celebrates his achievements and features traditional Korean cultural events, including parades, performances, songs, and dancing.

How to get there: From Mokpo, take bus 101 and get off at the Historic Site of Dr. Wangin, which is where the festival is held.

Address: 전라남도 영암군 군서면 왕인로 440

There are lots more smaller cultural spring festivals in Korea that might appeal to those who want to see a different side of Korea. I won’t go into detail about these festivals, but you can learn more about them from the links below.

• Busan Gijang Anchovy Festival (late May)
• Changwon Jindong Midodeok Festival (May 12 – May 14 2024 (2024 Dates TBC))
• Daegu Hip Hop Festival (May 6 – May 7 2024 (2024 Dates TBC))
• Daejeon Gyejoksan Red Clay Path Festival (May)
• Mungyeong Chasabal Festival (April 29 – May 7 2024 (2024 Dates TBC))

Most of these links are in Korean. If you can’t read Korean, I recommend using a plugin like Google Translate, or translating via an app like Papago. There typically aren’t tours for these as major tour companies don’t bother to visit them. Trazy is probably the only tour company that might.

If you’re not sure how to use Papago, check out my guide to the Papago app and find out why it’s a must-have when travelling to Korea. I used it a lot when writing this article.

Guide To Visiting Korea In Spring

To get the most out of these Korean spring festivals, it is important to consider what travelling to Korea during spring is like. Spring is one of the best seasons to visit Korea as the weather is pleasant, nature puts on a good show, and there are many things to see and do.

However, there are some issues when travelling to Korea during spring, such as public holidays that might make it difficult to travel, seasonal air pollution, and peak travel problems. The following section of this guide to spring festivals in Korea offers lots of useful information to help you travel more easily.

What Is Korean Spring Weather Like?

Here’s a quick summary of the weather in Korea during each month of spring:

• March: cold and wintry still
• April: warmer and sunny, some rain.
• May: warm and sunny, some rain.

March is the start of spring in Korea and there’s still a chance of snow. Temperatures at night are below zero in the first half of March but may be up to 20 degrees during the day. The weather changes a lot during March and may be snowing one week and warm and sunny the next.

April has warmer temperatures, especially at night, but usually requires a jacket at the start of the month. There is more rain in April, which can be a problem if you want to see cherry blossoms, but it’s not usually constant. Generally, April is warm with clear skies and a great time to travel in Korea.

May is a much warmer than the start of spring and the summer weather starts to begin. Temperatures can be as high as 30 degrees, but typically stay around the low 20s with clear skies and lots of sunshine. There are still rainy days, but they’re not as bad as June, which is rainy season in Korea.

For more information about what Korea is like in each season, check out this guide to Korea’s seasons. You’ll find a month-by-month and season-by-season guide to Korean weather, foods, festivals, and other events. It’ll help you plan your travels whatever season you visit Korea in.

Fine Dust During Spring In Korea

Although the weather in Korea during spring is usually clear and sunny, with mild rain showers on some days, the air pollution is at its worst. The seasonal air pollution, known as Yellow Dust, hits Korea during spring and can cause thick pollution that’s dangerous to be outside in.

If you’re sensitive to air pollution, be sure to read up about fine dust in Korea and wear an appropriate face mask. Use a weather or air pollution app to check the current situation and take appropriate actions. You can tell when the fine dust is serious as there will be a yellow haze in the sky.

Are There Any Public Holidays During Spring In Korea?

There are several public holidays during spring in Korea that might affect your travel plans or provide extra festivals to see. Most of these are fixed to a certain date, but Buddha’s Birthday, was is based on the lunar calendar, changes each year. Be sure to check the correct dates for the year.

May 15th: Buddha’s Birthday (celebrated May 15th in 2024). This public holiday is the Buddhist equivalent of Christmas for Christians. There are big celebrations at Buddhist temples across Korea on this day, with lanterns, cultural events, and food provided by temples. Tourist sites should be open.

March 1st: Independence Day. This is a public holiday for workers, so banks and government buildings will be closed. Tourist sights and shops should still be open with regular hours.

May 5th: Children’s Day. This is a public holiday to celebrate children. Banks and government buildings (incl. schools) will be closed. Expect family-oriented places to be especially busy on this day as families celebrate their children and the weather is usually good for being outdoors at this time.

June 6th: Memorial Day. This is a public holiday to remember those who have died in wars. This isn’t in spring, but may affect travel plans for those travelling between seasons. Banks and government buildings will be closed, but tourist sights and shops should be open.

Please note: holidays that fall on a weekend day will usually be moved to the following Monday.

How Can You Travel To Korean Spring Festivals?

The easiest option to see Korean spring festivals is with a guided tour. There are many tour companies that provide tours to popular festivals during spring, such as the cherry blossom and flower festivals. Here are some of the best tour companies operating in Korea:

• Klook
• Viator
• Get Your Guide
• Trazy

To get around on Korea’s public transport, it is best to get a T-Money card, which is a prepaid transportation card used for buses, subways, and taxis in Korea. You can purchase a T-Money card at Incheon Airport when you arrive, or at convenience stores in Korea.

Travelling to city-based Korean spring festivals can be easy, depending on the location of the festival and its popularity. Korea has a well-connected public transport system that covers the country, as well as excellent bus, subway, and train networks in big cities that are mostly available in English.

However, travelling to remote spring festivals in the Korean countryside may be more challenging and might not be feasible without a car. You can rent a car in Korea to help you get around outside the cities and see a very different side to Korea than you’ll find in the urban areas.

Useful Apps For Travelling Korea In Spring

There are many apps and websites that can help you navigate in Korea and find your way to spring festivals more easily. The most useful apps include Naver Maps, which you can use to plan routes and check bus times, and Papago Korean Translation, which can help you translate Korean.

Kakao Taxi is the best Korean app for booking taxis in Korea. Kakao Taxi is easy to use and you can use my guide to help you setup Kakao Taxi with or without a Korean phone number. Finally, use the official Korean Rail website to check train times and book tickets in Korea.

For more tips about how to travel around Korea to see festivals and other attractions, read my South Korea Travel Guide. It’s full of useful tips to help you plan your journey to Korea and has more information about what to see, do, and discover during spring and other seasons.

Where Should You Stay To Visit Korean Festivals In Spring?

Tours that go to Korean spring festivals, such as the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, usually start from Seoul or Busan, so staying in one of these cities is the best option if you plan to book a day tour. If you’re planning to see festivals on Jeju Island, then Jeju City is a good place to stay.

Seoul and Busan have several spring festivals that can be accessed by public transport and each city has a good transport network that means you don’t need to stay near the festival to see it. I recommend finding a good location you want to stay in, then travelling to the festival that day.

For Seoul, I recommend looking for hotels in Myeongdong or hotels in Hongdae for first time travellers. These areas have good hotel options for budget to mid-range travellers, great transport connections, lots of interesting nightlife, and good food and cafe options nearby.

For Busan, I recommend looking for hotels in the Haeundae Beach area or in the downtown Seomyeon area. These two areas are popular with travellers and have lots of dining and accommodation options. Haeundae Beach is also close to attractions and has coastal views.

FAQs About Spring Festivals In Korea

Finally, here’s a few FAQs about Korean spring festivals, in case the above information didn’t cover enough for you. If you have any other questions you’d like to ask, feel free to leave a comment.

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This guide will tell you where to see cherry blossoms in Korea and includes the 2024 Korean cherry blossom forecast to help you plan your trips during Korea’s prettiest season. There are cherry blossom forecast dates for the whole of Korea, from Seoul to Jeju Island.

Discover incredible cherry blossom festivals, viewing spots, and unique events across Korea and how to get there. As well as knowing where to see cherry blossoms in Korea in 2024, you’ll find my own travel tips & insights and useful information to help you travel Korea.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

Why See Cherry Blossoms In Korea?

Why should you visit Korea to see cherry blossoms this spring? Well, simply put, there’re amazing and give you the chance to see pretty spring blossoms when the weather is warm and the seasons are changing. They’re also all over the country, from city streets to winding around mountains on long, pink paths, which means that you can’t miss them. You’ll find incredible cherry blossom sights in Korea.

Leaping out in pinky-white waves across Korea, heralding the start of spring, the blossoms are the perfect antidote to the cold, dark winter that grips Korea for several months beforehand, and marks the start of warmer weather and prettier sights all round. When you visit Korea during cherry blossom season, you will see for yourself why Koreans and tourists alike love celebrating cherry blossom season.

My personal favourite places to see cherry blossoms in Korea are:

These places all have cherry blossom festivals where you can not only take in the pinky-white petals, you can also enjoy festival activities and other natural or cultural sights nearby. When can you see cherry blossoms in Korea? The next section will show you the Korean cherry blossom forecast for 2024 for the best dates for blossom watching.

Please note: The 2024 forecast will be available around January or February 2024.

South Korean Cherry Blossom Forecast 2024

Cherry blossoms in Korea come out from mid March until early April. They start in the south on Jeju Island and slowly work their way up towards Seoul by early April. Therefore, you can travel through the country and see several cherry blossom spots on your way.

Please note: The 2024 South Korea cherry blossom forecast is not yet available. However, the dates should be around the dates of the 2023 cherry blossoms. However, the 2023 cherry blossom dates were up to 10 days earlier than average, so it’s likely that the 2024 cherry blossom dates will be later. The 2024 cherry blossom forecast will be available in early 2024.

The dates for the start of the cherry blossoms in Korea for 2023 are provided below. This will help you plan your travels to see Korean cherry blossoms in 2024.

Source: Weatheri website

The 2024 Korean cherry blossom forecast shows the start date of the cherry blossoms coming out. The peak Korean cherry blossom dates, the times when most cherry blossoms are fully out, is usually 4 to 7 days after the start date. If you want the best views, visit up to a week after the start date.

Please note: these dates can change due to unforeseen weather conditions. Visiting a few days after the start of the forecasted dates should give you the best views in case the blossoms are late.

Below you can find the Korean cherry blossom dates for various cities and the yearly average blossom dates. Yet again, the Korean cherry blossom forecast shows an early blossoming date than normal. This is likely due to a warmer than usual winter in Korea.

Available Cherry Blossom Tours

This article introduces the best cherry blossom spots across Korea, starting with Seoul and working down across the country, including the best festivals. If you’re interested in booking a cherry blossom tour, here are some of the best tours available this spring 2024 (tours won’t be available until 2024).

Cherry Blossom Tours from Seoul:

Cherry Blossom Tours from Busan:

Cherry Blossom Tours on Jeju Island:

If you’re visiting Korea in mid-March, which is a bit early for cherry blossoms, you can still see the beautiful plum blossoms, which are known in Korea as maehwa.

• Gwangyang Maehwa & Jeonju Hanok Village Tour from Seoul

Not sure where to go and whether you need a cherry blossom tour in Korea or not? Keep reading to find out about everything to do with cherry blossoms in Korea this spring.

Cherry Blossom Festivals In Korea

The best way to see cherry blossoms in Korea is by attending a cherry blossom festival. These festivals go all out and have a lot of other attractions besides the colourful blossoms. You can find food trucks, cultural performances, games, and even live music at these festivals. Read on to find out the best cherry blossom festivals in Korea.

Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival 2024

More than 2 million people visit the Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival each year, making it the biggest cherry blossom festival in Korea. People flock to Jinhae to see the blossoms create a magnificent painting of colours, with lines of trees painting pinky-white stripes across the city. Visitors to the Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival can also see cultural performances, walk along romantic riverside walkways, try delicious street foods, and take pictures with the colourful street murals.

When: March 24 – April 6 2024 (date TBC)

Address in Korean: 경상남도 창원시 창원시 진해구 여명로

How to get there: To get to the Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival, take a bus from Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal directly to Jinhae. The festival is held throughout the city. The trip takes four hours and costs around W27,000.

Tour options: Tours to Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival are available from Seoul and Busan.

Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival 2024

The Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival is a free festival at the butterfly-like lake that sits below Lotte World Tower. The wings of the lake are lined with hundreds of cherry trees that explode with colour at the start of April. Visit on a sunny day to get views of the angelic blossoms reflected on the lake’s surface and falling from the heavens above. It gets very crowded during cherry blossom season, but fortunately there are many places to take pretty cherry blossom selfies.

When: April 5 – April 9 2024 (date TBC)

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 송파구 잠실6동

How to get there: To get to the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival, take the subway to Jamsil Subway Station (Lines 2 & 8) and go out exit 2 or 3. The lake is visible in front of you.

Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival 2024

Yeouido Island is a popular destination in Seoul where locals flock to enjoy being outdoors on the weekends, drinking a Cass and eating ramyeon while sitting along the Han River’s grassy banks. During April, thousands of people swarm the scenic streets of Yeouiseo-ro Road to experience the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival.In this colourful festival you’ll not only find cherry blossoms, but also azaleas, forsythia, royal azaleas, and other spring flowers all in full bloom. Stay for the night-time light show, where flowers are lit up as a backdrop to street performances and art exhibitions.

When: April 4 – April 9 2024 (date TBC)

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 영등포구 여의서로

How to get there: To get to the Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival, take the subway to either National Assembly Subway Station (Line 9) or Yeouinaru Subway Station (Line 5) and follow the signs to the festival.

Tour options: There is a cherry blossom tour from Klook that will take you to 3 of the hottest cherry blossom spots in Seoul, including this location. The locations change depending on which site has the best blossoms in bloom.

Gyeongpodae Cherry Blossom Festival 2024

Head to Gyeongpodae Lake in the beautiful coastal city of Gangneung to combine cherry blossoms with beaches. Gaze at the cherry blossoms floating on trees above you and blowing down to the lake’s waters when a sea breeze blows through the trees. With over 4km of trees to walk through, this is certainly a lovely way to spend a warm spring day. Check out the pavilion for romantic views that are best shared with a loved on. There are lots of fun games and activities to enjoy, as well as unique festival foods, such as flower pancakes.

When: April 1 – April 10 2024 (date TBC)

Address in Korean: 강원도 강릉시 초당동 459-2

How to get there: Take a train or bus from Seoul to Gangneung City. From Gangneung Intercity/Express Bus Terminal, take Bus 202 and get off at Gyeongpodae Lake.

Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival 2024

At the Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival you can find streets full of cherry blossom goods, arts and craft stalls, and festival food stalls, all overlooked by the cloudy cherry blossoms. This is the most popular cherry blossom festival on Jeju Island and a perfect place for blossom viewing. Jeju is home to a special type of cherry blossom, the King cherry blossom. These trees are said to be the original Korean cherry trees and the best of all the cherry blossoms in Korea. The blossoms are larger than other types of cherry trees in Korea. Like a pink sponge, more a full flower than a simple blossom. They come out later from mid-April.

When: March 23 – April 1 2024 (date TBC)

Address in Korean: 삼도일동 721-14번지 제주시 제주특별자치도 KR

How to get there: Take bus 122 from Jeju Airport to Jeju Bus Terminal. Walk north along the river for 10 minutes or take a taxi there in less than 10 minutes. You can also see the cherry blossoms at Jangjeon-ri in Aewol and outside Jeju National University.

Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival 2024

The Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival is your chance to view cherry blossoms growing around ancient Korean architecture in the historic city of Gyeongju. You’ll find the most incredible views of traditional Korea. At this festival you’ll have the chance to enjoy various activities, such as face painting, traditional games, live music, a cherry blossom shower, and tours around the city. The Bomun Lake Tourist Area offers the chance to see cherry blossom reflections while riding rollercoasters, sitting by the lake, or enjoying coffee from a lakeside cafe.

When: March 27 – April 8 2024 (date TBC)

Address in Korean: 경상북도 경주시 보문로 446 (Bomun Lake)

How to get there: Take an intercity bus from Busan Sasang Bus Terminal to the Gyeongju Bus Terminal. From there, follow the main road towards the historic central area or take a taxi to Bomun Lake Tourist Area.

Tour Options: book a private taxi tours of Gyeongju to see cherry blossoms and other sights. As Gyeongju’s main sights are quite spread out, this can be a time-saving and hassle-free option.

Hwagae Market Cherry Blossom Festival 2024

Located near Jirisan National Park in southern Korea is one of the most magical cherry blossom festivals in Korea – the Hwagae Market Cherry Blossom Festival. What makes this so spectacular is the landscape, set in the Korean countryside for a very different view of cherry blossoms surrounded by nature. The main draw to the area is the ‘marriage road‘, which is rumoured to guarantee a long and happy life together if couples walk down it holding hands. When the sun hits the towering cherry blossoms from above, they cast a romantic pink glow on the road below.

When: March 22 – March 29 2024 (date TBC)

Address in Korean: 경상남도 하동군 화개면 쌍계로 15

How to get there: Take the intercity bus from Nambu Bus Terminal (Seoul) to Hwagae City. Get off at Hwagaejangteo Market and walk to the temple from Hwagae following the river.

Where To See Cherry Blossoms In Seoul

Seoul is the most popular tourist destination in Korea and this bustling capital city has so many great sights to offer. There are countless places to see cherry blossoms in Seoul – in parks, along rivers, and amongst historic buildings.

The following locations offer the chance to not only take pictures with the cherry blossoms, but also to see pretty natural, historic and traditional Korean sights. When visiting Seoul for cherry blossoms, you get to enjoy the sights with extra colour. Here are my recommendations for the best places to see cherry blossoms in Seoul.

Seoul’s Royal Palaces & Secret Garden

Seoul’s royal palaces are the perfect traditional Korean backdrop to the natural beauty of cherry blossoms. The central lake at the heart of Gyeongbokgung in particular has spectacular views with cherry trees running along the edge and is very popular during cherry blossom season. The Secret Garden, located inside Changdeokgung Palace, is a restricted royal garden area that showcases some of the finest natural sights in Korea and is less packed with photographers due to the limited number of people who can visit each day.

How to get there: The royal palaces (and nearest subway) are Gyeongbokgung (Gyeongbokgung Station), Changdeokgung (Anguk Station), Changgyeonggung (Anguk Station), Deoksugung (City Hall Station), and Gyeonghuigung (Gwanghwamun Station).

Opening Times:
Gyeongbokgung – closed Tuesday
Other palaces – closed Monday

Cherry Blossom Viewing With Hanbok: If you plan to visit Seoul’s royal palaces, I recommend renting traditional Korean hanbok. Not only will you look beautiful, you can gain free entry to the palaces. Hanbok rental starts from as little as ₩10,000 and will give you the perfect clothes for a cherry blossom photo shoot in Seoul.

Seoul Grand Park

Located in southern Seoul, Seoul Grand Park is a family-friendly area surrounded by woody hills and nature, making it a great place for views of cherry blossoms. The park includes Seoul Land amusement park, Seoul Zoo, a healing forest, theme park, and more. Stroll along the wide lake, join the festival activities, watch cultural activities, and more. To enjoy the cherry blossoms fully, grab some snacks and coffee from the vendors near the subway station and find a peaceful place to sit and take in the views.

Address in Korean: 경기도 과천시 막계동 267-1

How to get there: Take the subway to Seoul Grand Park Station and go out exit 2. The main park is in front of you, as well as convenience stores, cafes, and street vendors.

Tour options: There is a cherry blossom tour from Klook that will take you to 3 of the hottest cherry blossom spots in Seoul, including this location. The locations change depending on which site has the best blossoms in bloom.

Seokchon Lake Area

As mentioned previously, the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Seoul. Walk around the tree-lined pathways that surround the lake, taking in the views over the water and overhead as you go. Head to the Seoul Sky Observatory in Lotte World Tower and see the lake from above, or visit Lotte World Magic Island, which looks out over the lake. For more cherry blossom views, head east to the nearby Olympic Park for beautiful blossoms and walking paths.

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 송파구 잠실6동

How to get there: To get to the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival, take the subway to Jamsil Subway Station (Lines 2 & 8) and go out exit 2 or 3. The lake is visible in front of you.

N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower)

The N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower) in central Seoul has dozens of cherry blossom trees at the peak and on the road leading up to it. Walk up the path and see cherry blossoms above or ride the Nasman Cable Car and see them passing by below. You can see the whole city from here, as well as the towering mountains of Bukhansan National Park in the north. I recommend taking the cable car to the top just before sunrise, checking out the views and other attractions, and then walking down the hill at night when the lights come on.

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 용산구 남산공원길 105

How to get there: There are several ways to get to the N Seoul Tower, including on foot, by cable car, bus, or car. The most scenic way is by cable car. Walking takes about 30 minutes from Myeongdong Station and involves an uphill ascent (paved).

Tip: You can save money on entrance fees and attractions at the tower by booking online, which also avoids long queues and gives you more time to see snowy sights in Seoul.

Yeouido Hangang (Han River) Park

There’s more to the Yeouido Han River area than just the Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival. Featuring long, green river banks, you have lots of space to explore and enjoy cherry blossoms away from the crowds. Walk along the river, or sit and have a picnic. The best views are from Yeouido Hangang Park, which you can find outside Yeouinaru Station. You can rent bikes from here, as well as tents, lawn mats, and buy a range of essential cherry blossom viewing supplies.

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 영등포구 여의동로 330

How to get there: Take the subway to Yeouinaru Station (Line 5) and use exit 2 or 3. The park spreads along the river.

Han River Cruise From Yeouido: After a busy day strolling under cherry blossom trees, relax and see the colourful bridges and sights of Seoul from the comfort of a cruise along the Han River.

Seoul Forest Park

Seoul Forest is Korea’s answer to Central Park in New York and makes you feel like you’re not in a city any more. Packed full of parks for children of all sizes, petting zoos, deer, and plenty of places to be in nature, this is the perfect place for cherry blossom viewing in Seoul. Entrance is free and is likely to be less busy than some of the other top cherry blossom spots in Seoul. Head to the far side of the park for raised walkways that give you views of the park, walking through the trees, with sights of the Han River in the background.

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 성동구 뚝섬로 273

How to get there: Take the subway to Seoul Forest Station (Bundang Line) and use exit 3. You’ll probably have to transfer at Wangsimni Station if you’re coming from central Seoul.

Kyung hee University Campus

The Kyung Hee University campus provides a peaceful environment for students and visitors and is packed with ponds, parks, and relaxing pathways, as well as millions of cherry blossoms. The impressive neo-classical architecture provides an interesting backdrop to the blossoms, as do the students’ creative works that are on display.Take a walk through the grounds, along the ponds, and feel at ease in this pleasant surrounding. Once you’ve finished, you’ll find lots of nice cafes and restaurants to eat at outside. The top of the College of Fine Arts building offers 360 degree views of the area.

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 동대문구 경희대로 26

How to get there: Take the subway to Hoegi Station (Line 1) and use exit 1. Follow the signs towards Kyung Hee University and look for the small hill in the background. The campus is located below that.

Seoul National Cemetery

Spring is a symbol of birth and regrowth and what better place to witness this than at a cemetery? Set in beautiful grounds, over slowly sloping hills, and packed with cherry trees, the Seoul National Cemetery is a remarkable place to visit any time of year. The cherry blossoms, perhaps in keeping with the setting, are weeping trees, with thick branches full of cherry blossoms, falling down towards the ground. After you’ve finished exploring the Seoul National Cemetery, find out more about Korea’s history at the nearby National Museum of Korea and War Memorial of Korea.

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 동작구 현충로 210

How to get there: Take the subway to Dongjak Station (Lines 4 & 9) and use exit 6 or 7.

Ganghwa Sanseong Fortress & Goryeogung Palace

Travel to the beautiful Ganghwa Island to discover cherry blossoms blooming amongst the historic fortress walls and buildings of the ancient Ganghwa Sanseong Fortress and Goryeogung Palace. Cherry blossoms straddle the pathways around this area, creating an umbrella of blossoms for you to enjoy. This was an important location during the Goryeo Dynasty, which ran from the 10th to 14th Centuries. Learn about the how the soldiers in this area defended Korea from Mongolian invaders for decades while you appreciate the views.

Address in Korean: 인천광역시 강화군 불은면 중앙로 602-14

How to get there: Take the 3000 bus from Hongdae to Ganghwa Terminal and then take a taxi to the fortress. It’s only a short ride and shouldn’t cost more than a few thousand won.

Tour options: There is a tour to Ganghwa Island to see cherry blossoms and enjoy other activities available from Klook.

Nami Island & Garden Of Morning Calm

Nami Island and the Garden of Morning Calm are close to Seoul and are both full of nature and great for cherry blossom viewing in spring. They are both in Gapyeong County and can be accessed on a single day trip, either with a tour or by local transport. Nami Island features tree-lined streets, woodland animals, cafes, and cultural attractions. The Garden of Morning Calm is the best sculpted garden in all of Korea and offers views of Korean pagodas surrounded by cherry trees. Both can be seen in a day.

Address in Korean: 강원도 춘천시 남산면 남이섬길 1 (Nami Island), 경기도 가평군 상면 수목원로 432 (Garden of Morning Calm)

How to get there: Take the ITX train from Yongsan Station (Seoul) to Gapyeong Station, then take the Gapyeong City Tour Bus to Nami Island. For other transport options, check out the guide in the article about how to get to Nami Island From Seoul.

Tour options: There are plenty of tour options to take you to these locations and other sights in Gapyeong with a day tour departing from Seoul. Check out Klook, Trazy, and Get Your Guide for their various packages.

Less Visited Cherry Blossom Spots In Seoul

Looking for some less crowded areas in Seoul to see cherry blossoms away from the main festivals and throngs of people? Then check out these more peaceful areas of Seoul which still have many cherry blossom tree-lined streets to enjoy but aren’t yet as crowded.

Seongnaecheonduk-gil: Part of the Songpa Trail in the Jamsil area of Seoul, this waterside walkway starts north of Jamsillaru Station and takes you down a narrow lane starting at the Asan Medical Center and splits on the other side of Olympic Park. This area is also a great place for autumn foliage spots and Olympic Park is a lovely place to visit for a summer picnic or stroll on a sunny day.

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 송파구 풍납2동 416-1 성내천길 다리

Walkerhill Street: Starting from the top of Achasan (a small hill) and leading down to the shores of the Han River, this 800 meter walkway stretches from the Achasan Mountain Ecological Park to the Walkerhill Hotel & Resort and passes under beautiful blossoms, considered one of the best sites in Seoul to see cherry blossoms, but not as busy as it’s a bit further out from the centre than other spots.

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 광진구 광장동 370

Yeonhee Forest Shelter: Explore one of Seoul’s lesser-known mountain parks and see cherry blossoms at the Yeonhee Forest Shelter along the Ansan Jarak-gil walking trail in Ansan Mountain. This trail goes along leafy lanes and up the shallow slopes of Ansan Mountain (it’s not a mountain), offering views of blossoms, metasequoia trees, tulips, magnolias, and Korean forsythias near and far.

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 서대문구 연희동 산2-128

Hwarangdae Railyway Park: Located in a northern part of Seoul near the old Hwarangdae Station in Nowon-gu, the Hwarangdae Railway Park is now an urban park that combines historic steam trains and trams from as far back as the 1890s with spectacular spring cherry blossom displays. There’s a peaceful cafe to relax in, old trains to sit in, and the colourful Nowon Light Garden to see at night.

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 노원구 공릉2동 29-4

Gyeonggui Forest Line Park & Donggyo-ro 41 Gil: Check out the parallel streets of the Forest Line Park and Donggyo-ro 41 in Hongdae’s Yeonnam-dong area (near Hongik Uni Station) to see tree-lined pathways covering an abandoned railway track and blossom filled walking streets packed with boutique shops, bars, and lots of dessert cafes. Trendy blossom views with tasty treats together.

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 마포구 동교동 147-89

Where To See Cherry Blossoms On Jeju Island

Spring comes early to Jeju Island and the King Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the first and most colourful of the spring cherry blossom events. The big blossoms offer lots of photo opportunities, but are not the only thing to see on Jeju Island in spring.

Jeju Island, known as one of the New 7 Wonders Of Nature, has a reputation for incredible natural beauty, which can certainly be seen if you visit Noksan-ro. This area features long, winding roads that are lined with vibrant displays of yellow and pink together from the cherry blossoms and canola flowers.

This area is very popular with cyclists and bikers in spring. Drive or bike around to the south coast and cruise along endless lanes of yellow and pink. Hikers can check out cherry blossoms and other spring flowers from the slopes of Hallasan Mountain. The volcanic mother to Jeju Island has some wonderful trails to explore and you’ll see cherry blossoms along the way.

Where To See Cherry Blossoms In Gyeongju

In Gyeongju City, witness the cherry blossoms blooming among old hanok buildings and above ancient tombs, the way they would have hundreds of years ago. This is definitely one of the best cities to see cherry blossoms in Korea and a really simple day trip from Busan.

You’ll find the best views in the Gyeongju Historic Area. Highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site include Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory (built in 675), Gyochon Traditional Village, and Woljeonggyo Bridge, a stunning bridge that looks like a palace wall.

Besides the colourful sights at the Gyeongju Historic Area, you can also find cherry blossoms at the Bomun Lake Tourist Complex to the south. One of my favourite sights here is the massive Hwangnyongwon (a 9-story golden tower), as well as the lake itself.

If you’ve an extra day in Gyeongju, then definitely visit Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto located in the mountains outside the city. Bulguksa is one of the most impressive Buddhist temples in Korea and hosts six National treasures of South Korea.

How to get there: Take an intercity bus from Busan Sasang Bus Terminal to Gyeongju Bus Terminal. Follow the main road towards the historic central area or take a taxi to Bomun Lake Tourist Area.

Taxi Tours Of Gyeongju: Gyeongju’s attractions are in several areas, including the Gyeongju Historic Area, Bomun Lake, and Bulguksa Temple. It can take a long time to get between these areas so an easier way to see the sights is with a Private Taxi Tour of Gyeongju.

Where To See Cherry Blossoms In Busan

All major cities in Korea have parks, rivers, or even mountains that provide great cherry blossom views, and Busan is no exception. There are plenty of places to see cherry blossoms in Busan, both in the city streets and in the nearby mountains around Busan.

These are 3 of the best places to see Busan’s cherry blossoms:

Oncheon Stream Park

With other 1,300 cherry trees lining the banks of the Oncheon Stream, this pleasant location is perfect in spring. A place for local residents to walk, run, and ride, this busy park is a prime location for cherry blossom viewing in Busan. Not only can you see cherry blossoms along the river, you’ll also find rows of bright yellow canola plants. There are small cafes and restaurants along the river, great for watching the night lights illuminate the delicate blossoms.

Address in Korean: 부산광역시 연제구 연산동

How to get there: There are multiple subway stations that lead out to the Oncheon Stream. The closest to Oncheon Stream Park is Dongnae Station. Use exit 2 and walk south towards the stream. The park is to the east (turn left at the river).

Samnak Ecological Park

The Samnak Ecological Park walkway, named one of the 100 most beautiful places in Korea, hosts a large number of cherry blossom trees that come to life in early April each year. With more than 1,200 trees blooming at the same time, you can see tunnels of pinky-white petals like in the picture above. You’ll also find dozens of other blooming plants, wetland birds, and tall flame grass along the Nakdonggang River banks. Rent a bike and explore this area at your own leisure or bring some lunch to have a picnic in the park in the warm spring weather.

Address in Korean: 부산광역시 사상구 삼락동 686

How to get there: Take the subway to Sasang Station and use exit 3. The park is directly ahead following the road straight. The Busan Seobu Intercity Bus Terminal is also in this area, which makes it a good place to visit for a day trip from other cities.

Dalmaji Hill & Dalmaji-Gil Road

Dalmaji Hill is perfect for quiet strolls away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Haeundae Beach. The area is famous for cafe lovers and artists and features markets, galleries, and cosy places to sit and relax. You can walk from Haeundae Beach, but it’s quite far. A better option is to ride the Haeundae Beach Train from Mipo.

In April, the hilly Dalmaji-Gil Road is crowded with cherry trees, creating an intimate forest of blossoms, adding to the area’s own beauty. From atop the hill enjoy breathtaking views of the coast. The area is a favourite with local artists and there are several galleries in the area. On weekends there are art markets at the Haeweoljeong Pavilion square.

Address in Korean: 부산광역시 해운대구 중2동 1488-1

How to get there: Take bus 1003 from Haeundae Beach or bus 39 | 100 | 141 | 200 from Haeundae Traditional Market to Dalmaji Hill and explore on foot. The Haeundae Beach Train stops here, too.

Where To See Cherry Blossoms In Daejeon

Daejeon isn’t on most people’s radar when they travel, but it’s a lovely city and certainly comes to life during cherry blossom season. I know, I’ve lived in Daejeon since 2015. There are several great places to view cherry blossoms in Daejeon, including at KAIST University, along the Gapcheon River, and in nearby Gyeryongsan National Park.

The KAIST University campus is reminiscent of a K-Drama filming location and is an ideal place to sit on the grass and enjoy the warm weather while viewing the blossoms. There are various cafes and restaurants to get food and drinks on the campus, and you can even order food to be delivered directly to you while you sit on the grass.

Outside the KAIST University campus is the Gapcheon River, which runs through the central area of Daejeon and is lined with many cherry trees and yellow canola plants. The riverside is a wide public space with parks, bridges, and walkways for people to walk at their leisure. The area near Expo Bridge and Hanbat Arboretum is especially nice.

For cherry blossom festivals near Daejeon, visit Donghaksa Temple in Gyeryongsan National Park. The cherry blossom festival at Donghaksa Temple runs for two weeks in early April and features traditional festival events, such as trot singing, performances, and games. You can also see blossoms falling upon the temple buildings and stone walls.

Address in Korean: 충청남도 공주시 반포면 동학사1로 462 (Donghaksa Temple), 대전광역시 유성구 구성동 (KAIST), 대전광역시 유성구 도룡동 (Expo Bridge)

How to get to Daejeon from Seoul: Take the KTX train to Daejeon Station, then change to the subway. For KAIST University get off at Wolpyeong Station. For Expo Bridge get off at Government Complex Station and walk north.

How to get to Donghaksa Temple: Take bus 107 from central Daejeon and get off at the final stop. Follow the main street to get to the park entrance and Donghaksa Temple.

Where To See King Cherry Blossoms In Korea

King cherry blossoms, which are bigger, brighter, and more pinky than regular Korean cherry blossoms, come from Jeju Island and have spread to a few locations across Korea. These are some of the most photogenic cherry blossoms and, in my opinion, look the best.

Where can you find King cherry blossoms? Apart from Jeju Island, the home to King cherry blossoms, here are a few of the best locations to see King cherry blossoms on the Korean mainland.

• Seosan Gaesimsa Temple
• Seosan Munsusa Temple
• Cheonan Gakwonsa Temple
• Songnisan Beopjusa Temple
• Wansan Flower Garden
• Jeonju Hanok Village

You can find them at other locations, typically at temples and gardens. I can highly recommend Beopjusa Temple, which is where a lot of the King cherry blossom pics for this article come from. It’s not only lovely for cherry blossom viewing, it’s also a very beautiful temple set in the foothills of Songnisan National Park.

When do King cherry blossoms come out in Korea? They’re actually later than the regular cherry blossoms, so if you’re visiting Korea after the main blossoms, you can still see them. King cherry blossoms usually bloom between the last week of April and the first week of May, depending on which part of the country you’re in.

Tour options: Here are some tours you can take that will show you these gorgeous King cherry blossoms.

• Seoul King Cherry Blossom Tour
• King Cherry Blossom Day Trip From Seoul
• King Cherry Blossom Tour From Busan

You can also make your own way to places in Seoul, Busan, and other cities on foot. I recommend downloading Naver Maps and using it to help plan your route.

Tips For Seeing Cherry Blossoms In Korea

Cherry blossom season in Korea is one of the busiest times to travel as local and tourists alike are eager to get the best views. Here are 5 tips that will help you travel more easily and let you make the most of your time in Korea.

1: Book ahead. If you plan to travel and need a hotel or tour, book ahead and make sure you can get a seat or room. I recommend booking tours at least in January or February. Trains can only be booked 30 days in advance.

2: Check the weather. Spring weather in Korea can be unpredictable. Keep an eye on forecasts and be flexible if you can. If it’s raining, check out some alternative indoor activities you can enjoy and adjust plans to be outside when it’s dry.

3: Wrap up warm. Winter winds and chills can persist during Korean cherry blossom season. Bring a jacket and warm clothes, just in case. This is especially important if you’re going to visit a national park.

4: Try unique tastes. Cherry blossom season in Korea brings with it some interesting foods and drinks. Give them a try while they’re available. You’ll mostly find these at festivals, such as the cherry blossom festival in Jinhae.

5: Walk a lot. Put on your walking boots, and explore as much as possible. City streets, riverside pathways, forest trails – experience them all. There are many streets lined with cherry blossoms that won’t be listed here and yet provide photogenic views.

Check out these Korean travel essentials to find more great tips for travelling in Korea.

Weather During Cherry Blossom Season

The weather during cherry blossom season in Korea is cool, with temperatures around 10 – 15 degrees Celsius during the day, rising to 20 degrees on a sunny day. The weather is mild, with clear or cloudy skies and a slight chance of rain. Jeju and the south coast will be warmer than Seoul by a few degrees. Spring starts two weeks earlier in Korea’s southern regions, which is why cherry blossoms in Korea bloom at different times. See the Korean cherry blossom forecast for exact dates.

Tours To See Cherry Blossoms In Korea In 2024

Travellers visiting Korea in spring have various options to see cherry blossoms. Those in major cities such as Seoul and Busan can easily reach popular cherry blossom sights by public transport or by walking around on foot. However, some of the best places to see cherry blossom in Korea are outside big cities and to get to these places, a day trip (or weekend away) is the best option.

Here are 5 of the best day trips to see cherry blossoms in Korea:

1: Jinhae in Changwon City (Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival)

2: Nami Island & Garden of Morning Calm

3: Jirisan National Park (Hwagae Festival & Gurye Sansuyu Festival.)

4: Gangneung City (Gyeongpodae Cherry Blossom Festival)

5: Gyeongju City

You can visit these places by public transport if you’re comfortable with the Korean public transportation system, or book a day tour from a reputable company. Tour companies in Korea that offer cherry blossom tours include Klook, Trazy, and Get Your Guide. Please note, these tours are seasonal and usually available to book from January onwards. If there are no tours available now, check again closer to spring.

Where To Stay To See Cherry Blossoms In Korea

Although some of the best cherry blossom sights in Korea are in the countryside, I’d recommend staying in larger cities like Seoul and Busan and then travelling out for day trips to see cherry blossoms. Hotels in smaller areas like Jinhae and Gyeongju are likely to be more expensive, as well as booked out in advance. You’ll get better deals and more options staying in Seoul or Busan. However, the prices in these cities can be high during cherry blossom season, too.

Book ahead to avoid disappointment and higher prices.

Seoul: Hotels in Myeongdong offer convenient access to N Seoul Tower and royal palaces. Hotels in Hongdae are ideal for visiting Yeouido and Han River parks. Hotels in Gangnam provide easy access to Seokchon Lake and the Lotte World Tower.

Busan: For hotels in Busan, stay in Haeundae or Seomyeon are generally the most convenient for travelling around Busan. Both areas are connected to the subway system and have good bus connections, too.

Jeju Island: For hotels on Jeju Island, stay in either Jeju City or Seogwipo City. Jeju City is closer to the cherry blossom festival, but Seogwipo is closer to nature and has some of the best walking trails along the coast.

Visiting Korea In Other Seasons

Korea is an amazing country to visit any time of year and undoubtedly has four very distinct seasons with lots of other activities, sights, foods, and festivals waiting for you in each one.

Therefore, don’t forget to check out my other awesome seasonal guides for Korea to make sure you’re getting the most out of your trip to Korea whenever you travel, including a Season Guide To Korea which covers every month of the year. Be sure to check out the best spring festivals in Korea, too.

Summer: A hot and rainy time of year, but perfect for getting out to enjoy the best Korean Summer Activities, such as water sports, camping by the beach, summer festivals, eating yummy Korean summer foods, and getting a tan. If the rain is too heavy, there are plenty of Indoor Activities in Seoul where you can stay dry and still have fun.

Autumn: Like spring, autumn is all about nature and the change of seasons represented by the fall foliage. There are many places to see Autumn Leaves In Korea, including golden gingko leaves and multi-coloured maple leaves, which change from green to gold to red.

Winter: After the beauty of the fall foliage and the rains of summer, winter is the complete opposite – snowy white and extremely dry. Winter has very little rain, which makes it perfect for exploring outside and enjoying one of the many Winter Activities In Korea. Just make sure you wrap up warm! If you’re visiting Korea in winter, I highly recommend check out my Jeju Island Winter Itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about seeing cherry blossoms in Korea. These answers are based on my own experience and from research conducted to write this article.

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Korean Seasons & Weather, Spring

This guide provides a season-by-season guide to the kind of weather you can expect, as well as the potential problems (and benefits) the seasonal changes bring. Find out when to watch out for typhoons, when to wrap up warm, and when to bring waterproofs for rainy season.

Hiking in Korea is more than just watching the weather. There are so many incredible sights to see. From cherry blossom-lined streets to the stunning views of autumn leaves, silvery reeds, and snow-capped mountain tops, I’ll show you the best places to see them all. Never miss out on the best mountains at the best time with this essential guide to hiking in Korea’s magnificent mountains.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

When To Go Hiking In Korea For The best Sights

The best seasons to go hiking in Korea are definitely spring and autumn, which both feature warm, sunny days and clears skies while you hike. Summer and winter are tougher, but you can definitely enjoy a day out hiking during these seasons.

Each season in Korea has its own charms – from winter snow to autumn leaves and a lot else in between. There’s not really a bad time to go hiking in Korea, but there are definitely better places to go during each season, and places to avoid.

This Korean seasonal hiking guide will give you a quick overview of the weather in each season, some of the best mountains to hike in each season, what you can expect to see, and how to prepare for hiking at that time of year.

Don’t forget to check out my top 21 Korean Hiking Tips to get even more advice about how to have a fun day out hiking in Korea’s national parks. Also, be sure to check my Complete Guide To Korea’s Seasons to know what to experience in each month. This covers a month-by-month guide to weather, events, activities, and festivals to enjoy throughout the year in Korea.

Spring Hiking In Korea

One of the best seasons to go hiking in Korea. Full of nature, new beginnings, bright flowers, and warm weather. After a long winter, spring brings positivity for the year ahead. The arrival of the cherry blossoms brings a lot of people out into the mountains.

Spring Weather

Still cold from winter in early March, quickly warming and quite hot by the end of May. There can be seasonal fine dust during early spring, but the weather is quite nice apart from that. There can be some showers in early April, but they’re not too strong and you can hike with waterproof clothing.

Best Mountains To Hike

Head to Jirisan or Hallasan (Jeju) for incredible views of Cherry blossoms. Hwangmaesan Mountain in Hapcheon (near Busan) has fields of pink flowers on the mountainside, old fortress walls, and even sheep wondering the hills – a nice secret spot away from the crowds.

Near Seoul, Bukhansan National Park is always good, and you can get views of the greenery returning to parks and palaces across the capital.

Chiaksan National Park near Wonju is packed with more trees and there is also the Wonju Rail-bike Park that offers a fun rail-bike experience along an abandoned train line, passing by lakes, cliffs, and lots of pretty sights.

What You Can See

An abundance of flowers, blossoms, and blue skies. The first blossoms of the season are the plum blossoms (maehwa) in early March, followed up by the Cherry Blossoms in mid to late March and early April. There are also magnolias, azaleas, forsythia, and lots more.

There are many Korean festivals celebrating spring and Buddha’s Birthday that are held in the national parks and mountains. The most popular festivals are the cherry blossom festivals, including the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, which attracts millions of visitors each year.

What To Watch Out For

Fine dust is the biggest issue in spring. Check the air pollution levels before hiking and bring a mask if you expect it. It won’t stop you hiking, but will often spoil the view.

Crowds can also be an issue, especially during cherry blossom season (late March to early April). If you can hike during the week, it’ll be much quieter than the weekends.

Summer Hiking In Korea

Definitely the toughest season to go hiking in Korea, but one where you can still enjoy getting out and seeing the sights. There are more than just mountains to see and the warm summer nights offer the opportunity for night hiking, particularly in Seoul.

Summer Weather

Hot! It doesn’t get cold during summer unless it rains, which it does a lot during July. This is rainy season, so definitely check the weather forecast and pack appropriately if you’re hiking in summer. Night time is cooler and good for special night hikes.

Best Mountains To Hike

I love Odaesan and Gyeryongsan for summer hiking. They have thick forests that provide shelter from the sun’s heat and aren’t too exposed at the top, protecting you from the sun. 

Geumosan Mountain in Gumi (near Daegu) is a nice hidden gem that has a large waterfall you can walk under and a pool to stay cool. You can ride a cable car up to the mountain top and hike back down.

If you’re in Seoul, hike Namsan Mountain at night or along the Seoul City Fortress Walls.

What You Can See

Greenery. After rainy season, plants and trees have a growth explosion and cover everything. Thick leaves, bushes, and plants are everywhere, along with more wildlife and flowers than in any other season.

What To Watch Out For

The heat. Stock up on water and be prepared to sweat. Also be prepared for mosquitoes. They are out in force during summer and you should wear long sleeves to protect against bites. Summer In Korea is tough, but there are many great places to check out, too.

Autumn Hiking In Korea

My favourite season to go hiking in Korea. Long, warm days. Blue skies. And the many colourful autumn leaves that are on display at this time of year. They all add up to one of the best times to be out in nature and hiking. It’s also the most popular time to go hiking in Korea.

Autumn Weather

Lower air pollution than other seasons, more blue skies, and warm (but not hot). The best weather of the year. There are the occasional typhoons, which can be an issue if you’re hiking on Jeju or along the south coast. However, there aren’t as many as in other countries in East Asia.

Best Mountains To Hike

Seoraksan is the most popular destination during autumn, as well as Jirisan, which has loads of maple trees. Naejangsan is considered one of the most beautiful spots for autumn leaves. 

Daedunsan Mountain near Daejeon also has incredible views, as well as a suspension bridge and stairway between peaks (with a scary view below).

If you want to find oceans of silver grass reeds, head to Mindungsan in Gangwon-do.

Check out this article for details about How To Get To Naejangsan. If you want to know more about the best time to travel in Korea, check out my Guide To October In Korea, which is packed with info about festivals, sights, must-do activities, and lots more.

What You Can See

Korea’s Autumn Leaves. These start in late September and run through to early November. There are also various cultural festivals celebrating the harvest and different locally produced products are on sale, such as chestnuts, persimmons, and jujube.

What To Watch Out For

Typhoons. Although they aren’t common, the strong winds and heavy rains make it very dangerous to go hiking. Also keep an eye out for snakes hiding in the fallen leaves.

Winter Hiking In Korea

The coldest season in Korea is actually still a good one to go hiking. Be prepared, wrap up warm, and you can see some incredible sights, including snow-capped mountain tops, snow flowers, and lots more.

Winter Weather

Cold! From mid-November the temperature plummets and is often below 0 degrees Celsius in January and February. This can bring snowy weather, but not all the time.

Hiking in the mountains gives you the best chance to see snow. It’ll also be a lot colder as you start climbing higher. The weather is generally dry during winter, which is good for hiking. Watch out for ice though.

Best Mountains To Hike

Deogyusan is my favourite mountain for winter hiking. There’s often snow and the connected ski-resort gives you an easy way down the mountain after hiking to the top. Jirisan also has great winter views.

If you want to experience snowy mountain views, head to Taebaeksan, it’s famous for its winter festival and snowy scenes. You can get a shuttle bus from Seoul during festival time.

Visiting Jeju Island in winter? Then be sure to try winter hiking on Hallasan for incredible snowy sights.

What You Can See

Snow! In the highest mountains (Seoraksan, Jirisan, Deogyusan, Hallasan), there’s a much better chance of seeing snow than in the cities. A lot of the big ski resorts are in Gyeonggi Province or Gangwon Province in the northern part of Korea, close to Seoul.

What To Watch Out For

Ice. If you’re hiking, make sure you pack some spikes (crampons) and hiking sticks. Wrap up warm because winter is cold and the mountains are freezing. You’ll warm up as you hike though. It gets dark quickly, too. Be prepared to end your hike around 5pm.

The Best Places To Go Hiking In Korea

There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of mountains to choose from if you want to go hiking in Korea. The country is 70% mountainous and knowing which ones are the best ones you should visit can feel a bit overwhelming.

The list below are for the best mountains you can visit from Seoul and then the best mountains you can visit across Korea in case you’re starting from other locations.

Best Mountains To Hike In Seoul

These mountains are all inside Seoul and accessible by public transport

• Bukhansan National Park
• Namsan Mountain (N Seoul Tower)
• Inwangsan Mountain
• Gwanaksan Mountain
• Cheonggyesan Mountain
• Ansan Mountain
• Achasan Mountain

Best Mountains To Hike In Korea

For other parts of Korea, here are some of the best national parks that are typically suitable for all levels.

• Chiaksan National Park
• Seoraksan National Park
• Odaesan National Park
• Jirisan National Park
• Hallasan National Park (Jeju)
• Gyeryongsan National Park
• Songnisan National Park
• Naejangsan National Park

These mountains are some of the Best Mountains To Hike In Korea.

How To Get To The Mountains In Korea

Here are a few tips about how to get to the mountains to start your hiking journey.

By Car

If you have car, then you won’t have many problems getting to the mountains. Look for the national park entrances, there are usually car parks right outside.

Be careful during the busiest times (cherry blossom & autumn leaves season) as traffic can be backed up. Arrive early and leave early to avoid the worst traffic.

By Public Transport

Korea has an amazing bus and train network that goes to the most remote national parks. I don’t own a car and have had to rely on public transport to get to most places.

You’ll need to do some research, and check the routes with Naver / Kakao map apps, as well as Korean bus apps, but it’s certainly possible.

A lot of the major hiking destinations have online guides and you can find out the best way to get there with a quick search. It’s often cheap but be prepared for long journeys. That’s not so bad as you can sleep on the way.

One word of warning: bus drivers in Korea love to turn the heating up to maximum during winter. It’s really, really hot on the bus (way too hot) and you should be prepared to take off most of your winter hiking clothes. The opposite is true in summer when it’s freezing cold with the aircon.

By Taxi

If you travel to nearby towns, getting a taxi is a reasonably priced and convenient option to get to the hiking routes.

For example, if you want to hike Daedunsan near Daejeon or Odaesan near Jinbu, you can get a taxi from these places and be there in 20 – 30 minutes. It’s a lot more convenient as the buses aren’t that frequent.

By Tour Operator

There are a number of great tour operators that provide tours for locals living in Korea or tourists visiting Korea. These can be more expensive than taking public transport, but also get your straight to where you want to go without detours and long waits between connections.

Furthermore, tour operators also provide insights from local guides, extra stops along the way with additional activities you might never get the chance to experience, as well as visiting several famous locations in the same area.

Online tour operators I recommend:

• Klook.com
• Trazy.com

Facebook-based tour companies operating in Korea:

• Seoul Hiking & Nature Group
• Tour 08 Foreigner Tours
• Korea Travel Easy
• WINK Travel

There’s also the option to hire a private driver to take you to various places and guide you around.

I hope these few sections of this guide to hiking in Korea have helped you to figure out when, where, and how to go hiking.

Why Should I Go Hiking In Korea?

Did you know that one translation of ‘Korea’ is ‘land of high mountains and sparkling streams‘? Whenever you go into the Korean countryside, you’re surrounded by mountains and awe-inspiring views. You’ll easily understand why it has that name.

I hope this guide to hiking in Korea has inspired you to get your boots on and go out and experience the incredible scenes you can find all across Korea. In case you’re not convinced about why hiking is a must-do activity in Korea, here are a few more reasons why you should try it:

• It’s great exercise – A day hiking in the mountains can burn hundreds or even thousands of calories and work many different muscles.
• To make friends – There are many social clubs where people go hiking together. It’s a great way to meet new people and find people who like to get out and enjoy nature.
• You’ll see incredible sights – There are incredible scenes waiting to be discovered out there. Waterfalls, friendly squirrels, forested valleys, frozen lakes, snowy peaks, autumn leaves, cherry blossoms, and so much more.
• It’s a cheap day out – Unlike a day at a theme park or visiting expensive attractions, hiking is really cheap. Park entrance fees are a few thousand won and food and snacks don’t cost much at all.
• Chance to see snow – if you’re looking for snowy sights, the mountains during winter are the best places to find them.
• The best Buddhist temples – whilst Seoul has some nice temples, the best ones are all hiding in the national parks. You can even do a temple stay and enjoy hiking in the mountains at the same time

For those living in Korea, I’d recommend joining a hiking Facebook group such as the Seoul Nature & Hiking Group or Hiking In Korea.

Hiking In Korea FAQs

Finally, here’s a few FAQs about how to go hiking in Korea, in case the above information didn’t cover enough for you.

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