Looking for the best places to see cherry blossoms in Seoul? No worries, your girl, Gina Bear, has you covered on the best seasonal travel insights!
Spring in Korea is undoubtedly one of the best seasons. The cherry blossoms in Korea have a special meaning of purity and beauty. It’s when everyone is hopeful of a new school year, job, and maybe even a new love.
So why should you listen to me above all the other bloggers out there? I lived in South Korea for almost six years and can navigate like a local.
If you’re looking to enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms in Seoul, I’ve compiled a list of all the best viewing spots. I also have some bonus favorites for the best cherry blossom spots in South Korea.
When is peak season for spring festivals in Korea?
While Koreans love beautiful cherry blossoms most of all, there are so many flower festivals in Korea. For instance, the plum blossoms bloom in early March.
You can also see King Cherry Blossoms in the historic city of Gyeongju in March. The royal Azaleas bloom in mid to late March.
Bongeunsa Temple
The best time to travel in Seoul is when the beautiful cherry blossoms bloom. Fun fact: in Asian countries like South Korea, they’re considered the start of a year.
Many festivals, cherry blossom viewings, and cherry blossom-themed food mark spring in Seoul. I recommend visiting Korea’s Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival and other amazing spring flower festivals.
Bongeunsa Temple has lanterns to celebrate Buddha’s Birthday, making a great backdrop for cherry blossoms in Seoul.
Lotte World Mall in Jamsil
After months of bundling up in heavy jackets, spring is the best time to check out local festivals and enjoy outdoor activities. Weather conditions have been pushing the cherry blossoms to bloom in late March.
I recommend taking a walk along the courtyard at the Lotte World Mall in Jamsil. This is a hidden gem you won’t find it overly crowded.
Visit the Seoul Sky Observatory. You can get here by getting off at Jamsil Station.
Olympic Park
Olympic Park is a popular spot to see cherry blossom trees and spring flowers in full bloom. It is a massive park and the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors the whole day.
I have a great time here in all seasons. I especially love the Olympic Park Rose Plaza.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
During the first week of April, you’ll be treated to spectacular cherry blossom views while learning about South Korea’s rich history. I recommend renting a pink hanbok for a unique experience while visiting the royal palaces.
Pro tip: If you book the Discover Seoul Pass, you’ll get a free hanbok rental at Hanboknam, plus free entry into Korea’s grand palaces! A popular event at Gyeongbokgung is to watch the changing of the guard.
You can also see the Korean cherry tree as you take a leisurely stroll. One of the best spots to take pictures is at the Gyeonhoeru Pond and Changgyeonggung Palace.
Changdeokgung Palace
The South Korean cherry blossoms are especially beautiful at the Secret Garden. Since spring is the peak season to go, I recommend buying tickets when they open at 9 am so you can secure your spot.
You can see the restricted royal garden area if you go on a guided tour. There are fewer people around, so you can enjoy a leisurely walk while taking photos.
Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival
Seoul in April has some of the prettiest cherry blossoms around. While I lived in Korea, Seokchon Lake Park quickly became one of my favorite places in Seoul.
The last year I went was during the pandemic. This is my favorite place to see a Seoul cherry blossom by Lotte World Magic Island Amusement Park.
Yeouido Hangang Park
You can catch the annual cherry blossom festival in early April at the Yeouido Han River Park. It’s also in combination with the Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival.
At the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival, you can enjoy live music, local markets, dance performances, and delicious food stalls. Street vendors will also sell seasonal treats and cherry blossom crowns. Yeouido Park is one of Seoul’s most popular places for cherry blossoms.
Many people visit convenience stores for snacks or rent picnic baskets and blankets. I also recommend going on a romantic Han River sunset cruise!
Namsan Tower
A great place to view Korean cherry blossoms is at Namsan Tower. If you take the cable car, you can get a bird’s eye view of the cherry blossoms at Namsan Park.
If you book a bougie dinner at The Place in the N Seoul Tower, you can see incredible night views of the Seoul cherry blossoms.
Seoul Forest
Another great place for Korean cherry blossom viewing is at Seoul Forest. (And it’s also an amazing place for autumn foliage in Seoul too!)
It’s a public park, and a lot of people come here to picnic, especially during the weekends. It’s a great way to spend the afternoon.
Jungnangcheon
Jungnangcheon Stream is also a great spot for Korean cherry blossoms. The stream has a gorgeous walkway where you can enjoy a romantic walk under these beautiful blooms.
Seoul National Cemetery
Cemeteries freak me out, but it’s another ideal place to see cherry blossoms in Seoul. These Korean cherry blossoms honor Korea’s finest military members and remind us what past generations gave to shape their society today.
Seoul Children’s Grand Park
The next place to see Seoul’s cherry blossoms is Seoul Grand Park. They even have a lift where you can leisurely enjoy floating above the cherry blossoms.
It’s popular, especially on weekends, so I recommend going during the week or early in the morning.
Ansan Mountain
If you’re looking for secret places to see cherry blossoms in Seoul, then this is it! The entire base of the mountain until Hongje Stream is covered with these beautiful white flowers.
Where To See Cherry Blossoms in South Korea?
Below are some of my favorite cherry blossom festivals and places around the country to see them. I hope you’ll love them too!
Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival
The Hueree Canola Flower Festival is a site to behold at the beginning of spring. It is Korea’s earliest spring festival and grows well in the nutrient-rich soil.
The peak season for the canola flower is from March to April this year. I recommend going at the end of March when you can enjoy the Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival amongst the bright yellow flowers.
Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival
Also known as the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, it is the country’s most well-known cherry blossom festival. It is a popular destination since the whole town has incredible blooming cherry blossoms.
Nothing is more romantic than when the wind blows, and the cherry petals fall like snow. Korea is gearing up for early spring, and this festival will be taking place from March 25, 2025, through April 5, 2025.
The Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the most popular festivals in the country. Many Yoshino cherry trees were planted during the Japanese occupation.
Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival
The historic city of Gyeongju definitely serves during their cherry blossom festival. They are most famous for the king cherry blossom tree.
Gyeongju was the old capital of the Shilla Dynasty and there’s nothing quite like taking a walk into the past.
During the festival, you can see a lot of cultural performances with traditional music. You can also participate in various activities such as live performances and cultural events.
Nami Island & Garden of Morning Calm
Since the cherry blossoms are only around for a short time, you should consider going to Nami Island and Garden of the Morning Calm to see them.
Nami Island is most famous for the Korean drama Winter Sonata. Garden of the Morning Calm has a beautiful botanical garden where you can view different flowers.
Plus, catch some white blossoms and royal azaleas while you’re at it! If you want to walk among a mountain full of azaleas, visit the Gunpo Royal Azalea Festival.
Dalmaji-gil Road
Fun facts: this road is located in Busan and is most famous for its cherry blossoms. Located in the Haeundae District, its about a 15-minute walk from the beach.
Be sure to bookmark this post for all the best Seoul cherry blossom viewing places! I will constantly update my photos and the most Instagramable places in Seoul for you to enjoy.
Get Travel Insurance
A common question I get is what do I need to travel to South Korea? One thing I always recommend is travel insurance.
Life throws curveballs. Flights get canceled. You get sick. There’s a family emergency. I highly recommend using World Nomads Travel Insurance.
How To Get Around
The best way to get around Korea is by purchasing a T-Money card at any convenience store and loading it with money. You can also purchase the mobile version via Klook to use with your purchase.
I also recommend getting the Discover Seoul Pass so you can visit the major tourist attractions around Seoul for free or at a discounted price. It comes in increments of 24/48/72 hours.
How To Stay Connected
Luckily in Korea, there is wifi everywhere. Most cafes offer wifi for free and you can connect to various free spots around the city.
However, if you don’t want to rely on that, you book an e-sim card and download it directly to your phone.
What To Pack For Spring In Korea
I highly recommend packing as lightly as possible so that way when you buy all of your favorite Korean products, there will be room in your suitcase. My favorite travel suitcase brand is Béis. I’m obsessed with their Weekender bag, carry-on, and checked luggage.
What To Wear For Spring In Korea
If you’re looking for a spring-in-Korea outfit, then look no further. These are my spring Korean fashion essentials.
- A Mask– Yellow dust and pollution in Korea is no joke. If you have allergies or are especially sensitive, I highly suggest a mask that will filter out the 2.5mg dust particles.
- A Spring Jacket is one of my most common spring essentials in Korea. I really love fleece-style jackets with a lot of pockets.
- Long-sleeved shirts – This is a basic essential. It can be a lighter one so you can layer it.
- A scarf – Wear a more light silk scarf. It can double as a headband or hair tie during the day and a neck warmer at night.
- Reebok Sneakers – I never wear sandals during spring in Korea because it’s too cold… I wear cute sneakers up until the end of May.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What month is cherry blossom season in Korea?
Every year is different, and the effects of global warming have caused cherry blossom season in Korea to be super early. These days, cherry blossom season starts in mid-March or the beginning of April.
2. Is it cold in spring in Korea?
March in Korea is very chilly because of the cold winds blowing through. It starts to warm up at the end of March. In April and May, the temperature drops considerably at night making it very chilly as well. Bring a light jacket.
3. Is April a good time to visit Korea?
South Korea in April is the best time to visit. The weather is perfect (albeit a bit chilly at night), and it isn’t overly humid. You can enjoy warm days on the many rooftops of Seoul.
4. What is yellow dust in South Korea?
This yellow-colored dust originates from the dry deserts of China and Mongolia. It also comes from the Yellowstone zone of the Yellow River.
Strong winds whisk these fine dust particles into the air. Because the air pressure is a lot lower in the spring, it is carried to South Korea and Japan. I highly recommend wearing a mask to filter out the crap in the air.
5. Why is there fine dust in Korea?
South Korea spring brings a lot of fine dust. This is China’s pollution mixed in with Korea’s pollution.
It has detrimental health risks, including coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and irritation of the eyes/nose/throat. The dust can trigger asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems.
6. When is spring in Korea?
Korean spring takes place during the months of March, April, and May. The weather in South Korea in April makes it a perfect time to visit since the days are mild.
7. How do you say spring in Korean?
You can say 봄 (bom)! If you’d like to learn Korean, check out this FREE Hangul cheat sheet from 90 Day Korean here.
8. How do you say cherry blossom in Korean?
You can say 벚꽃 (bat-gōt).
Spring Weather in Korea
Spring weather in Korea varies month by month. March in Seoul starts out pretty cool and then warms up toward the end of the month.
You’ll be fine if you’re equipped with a good spring jacket. It is a gradual change, but the temperature variation can cause you to get sick.
March Weather in Korea
Korea in March brings average high temperatures of 10°C (50°F) and an average low temperature of 0°C (32°F). Toward the end of March in Korea, many cherry blossoms will bloom.
April Weather in Korea
Spring in Korea, in my opinion, has the best weather of the year. It’s not too hot or too cold.
Korea in April brings average high temperatures of 17°C (63°F). In the evenings, temperatures reach an average low of 6°C (43°F).
May Weather in Korea
Spring weather in South Korea typically means May is the hottest month of the season. Korea in May brings temperatures ranging from 23°C (73°F) to 12°C (54°F).
Some days, it truly feels like summer, while in the evenings, it can feel quite cool. It’s easy to get sunburned during May in Korea so bring your best sunscreen.
2025 Korea Cherry Blossom Forecast
The 2025 Korea cherry blossom forecast has been released, and this spring season will see them blooming the first week of April. Though the exact dates may vary, this is about when you can see peak bloom.
Weather conditions like heavy rain can also cause the cherry blossoms to fall early.
- Seoul – April 1, 2025
- Jeju Island – March 22, 2025
- Yeosu – March 26, 2025
- Busan – March 23, 2025
- Jeonju – March 26, 2025
- Daegu – March 24, 2025
- Suwon – April 3, 2025
- Gangneung – April 1, 2025
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