Are you ready for April festivals 2024? I know I sure am. After a long and hard winter I always feel best when the sun starts shining for longer and the beautiful flowers start to bloom in South Korea. Koreans love many different types of flowers and usually throw a bunch of Korean spring festivals. In this post, we’re going to go over the best spring festivals in Korea and how to celebrate Korean spring!

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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 which you can book here. With the World Nomads Travel Insurance, you can expect:

  1. Trip Cancelation – This benefit helps you recover non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs when you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason, including for an unexpected sickness that keeps you from traveling.
  2. Emergency Medical – If you get sick with COVID-19 or another illness, you can get diagnostic tests to confirm your case and other emergency medical benefits.
  3. Medical Evacuation – If you’re in an inadequate medical facility, our plans have benefits that can arrange a transfer to a hospital capable of treating your medical needs.
  4. Trip Interuption – This section helps you get reimbursed for a one-way, economy-class ticket home and any pre-paid, unused portions of your trip for a covered reason.
  5. Trip Delay – If your travels are delayed at least six hours by a covered event, you could get reimbursed for meals, hotels and other basic expenses.

If this plan isn’t for you then you can check out the different travel insurance plans World Nomads offers here.

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 and get a 5,000 won top off coupon 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 be reliant on that, you book an e-sim card and download it directly to your phone.

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 mid March or 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 is a yellow colored dust originating 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 bring a lot of fine dust. This is China’s pollution mixed in with Korea’s pollution. The pollutants stay in the air and cause fine dust. It has detrimental health risks including coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, irritation of the eyes/nose/throat, and 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 make it a perfect time to visit since the days are mild. In my opinion, April in Seoul is the absolute best!

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 Korean?

You can say 벚꽃 (bat-gōt).

What To Pack For Spring In Korea 

I highly recommend packing as light 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, carryon, and checked luggage. Use my code for $15 off your first order and 150 points toward your new account.

Travel essentials for what to pack to Korea in spring:

  • Korea travel adapter – Korea uses 220V plugs. Daiso sells them for 5,000 won.
  • Unlocked phone – You can book a sim card here. Alternatively, if you don’t have an unlocked phone, you can also use this portable wifi router.
  • Toothpaste – Korean toothpaste sucks PERIODT. Bring your own from home.
  • Important documents – Bring any important medical documents in case something happens. 
  • Passport – This should be a given, but please don’t forget it. Make a copy of your passport and hide it in your suitcase and leave one on your fridge at home.
  • Credit/Debit Cards – There are ATMs all over Korea and most places accept credit cards.
  • Medication – Don’t forget your important medicine because I guarantee it will be a nightmare for you to navigate the hospital and then go to a pharmacy to try and get it.

What To Wear For Spring In Korea

If you’re looking for a spring in Korea outfit, then look no further. I have written an entire blog post about Korea spring fashion. This is a detailed guide on what to wear in Korea in April until May. Here’s a mini list of what to pack for spring in Korea. These are my spring Korean fashion essentials. 

  • A Spring Jacket – This is one of my most common spring essentials in Korea. I really love fleece style jackets with a lot of pockets. This is my go to during spring in Korea.
  • 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.
  • 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. 

2024 Korea Cherry Blossom Forecast 

The 2024 South Korea cherry blossom forecast has arrived! The parts of Korea where the cherry blossoms bloom first is usually down in Jeju Island. Here you’ll find the peak time for all the popular spots for cherry blossoms. 

  • Jeju Island – March 24, 2024
  • Busan – March 22, 2024
  • Jeonju – March 29, 2024
  • Gangneung – March 31, 2024
  • Seoul – April 3, 2023

2024 Korea Azalea Forecast 

  • Busan – March 19, 2024
  • Jeonju – March 25, 2024
  • Gangneung – March 24, 2024
  • Seoul – March 29, 2024
  • Incheon – March 26, 2024

Public Holidays in Korea During Spring 

There are lots of notable public holidays in Korea during spring. Since many people have off during public holidays you’ll see many people traveling during this time. It’s also a great opportunity to learn and experience Korean culture. In 2024, the Korea in spring public holidays are: 

  • Independence Movement Day – March 1, 2024 
  • Children’s Day – May 6, 2024
  • Buddha’s Birthday – May 15, 2024

March in Korea Weather

South Korea in spring towards the beginning is quite chilly. Korea in March brings average high temperatures of 10°C (50°F) and an average low temperature of 0°C (32°F). South Korea in March can still be pretty chilly! Toward the end of March in Korea many of the cherry blossoms will bloom. The trees are also pretty bare until the end of the month.

April in Korea Weather

Spring in Korea in my opinion has the best weather of the year. It’s not too hot and not 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 in Korea Weather

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 can feel quite cool. It’s easy to get sunburned during May in Korea so bring your best sunscreen.

1. Jeju Cherry Blossom and Canola Festival

When: March 5, 2024 – June 18, 2024

The canola flower is known to last throughout the spring season in Jeju since it grows well in the nutrient rich soil. If you’d like to catch the cherry blossoms and canola, I recommend booking your tour for the end of March. It’s breathtaking to see the cherry blossoms amongst the bright yellow blooms. You can book your Jeju Canola and Cherry Blossom Festival tour here.

spring festival Korea

2. Jeju Fire Festival

When: March 7, 2024 – March 9, 2024

It sounds like this should be a summer festival, but alas it is a spring one. It is usually held the first Thursday of March for three days. The Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival is a national holiday that is celebrated on the first full moon of the Korean lunar calendar.

In Asian countries like Korea, they pray for a lucky and healthy year. During this time, they burn the Daljip which is a wooden structure which is built every year on the hill top. This festival is for a good harvest and healthy livestock as well.

3. Gwangyang Maehwa Festival

When: March 8, 2024 – March 20, 2024

Following the Seomjingang River flowing down the outskirts of Jirisan Mountain is a Seomjin Village filled with plum trees. I’ve been to this festival before and it is honestly a lot of fun. You’ll get to see an entire mountain of beautiful snowy white blossoms and even cultural performances. Don’t forget to try the green tea ice cream and local food! You can book a Gwangyang Maehwa Festival tour here.

4. Gurye Sansuyu Festival

When: March 9, 2024 – March 17, 2024

The Gurye Sansuyu Festival is an annual spring flower festival. Major programs include exhibition of local products made from sansuyu (cornus fruit), while other programs include traditional music and dance performances, experience programs, and fireworks. You can book a tour to the Gwangyang Maehwa Festival and Gurye Sansuyu Festival here.

5. Jindo Sea Parting Festival

When: March 11, 2024 – March 13, 2024

The Jindo Miracle Sea Road Festival was one of the coolest spring festivals in Korea I have ever participated in. I’ve never walked across a whole expanse of ocean before because the tide was so low.

It was an incredible experience to make the trek before the butt crack of dawn and then watch the sun rise. I have an entire blog post dedicated to the Jindo Miracle Sea Parting Festival if you would like to know more about it.

6. Daegu E-World Cherry Blossom Festival

When: March 25, 2024 – April 7, 2024

One of the most iconic shots during the day and night is the cherry blossom road in front of the Daegu 83 Tower Observatory. Daegu E-World has four outdoor amusement parks—Fantasy World, Magic World, Adventure World, and Dynamic World. They also host an annual Korean cherry blossom festival. Book your tickets to the Daegu E-World Cherry Blossom Festival here.

South Korea April

7. Suwon Cherry Blossom Festival

When: March 22, 2024 – April 9, 2024

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a stroll along the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. Here you can see where history meets the modern and enjoy the sights of incredible Korean cherry blossoms. This is a great opportunity to see the King Cherry Blossoms which are a darker pink and bigger than a regular one. Of course you can always DIY the trip yourself, but you can also book a hassle free Suwon Fortress Cherry Blossom Tour here.

8. Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival

When: March 25, 2024 – April 5, 2024

This festival is also called the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival. Jinhae South Korea hosts the largest cherry blossom festival throughout the entire town. It’s one of my favorite April 2024 festivals. The city is technically a base for the South Korean military.

There are about 360,000 cherry trees in downtown Jinhae. The type spring Korea cherry blossom trees Jinhae is famous for is the Yoshino cherry trees which were planted during Japanese occupation. For everything you need to know about the the Jinhae Korean spring festival, click here.

Book a Jinhae Cherry Blossom Tour

9. Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival

When: March 25, 2024 – April 5, 2024

The Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival is a great day trip from Seoul in March. Hwagae has over 5km of cherry blossoms, with more than 1,200 large cherry blossom trees! This tour will also take you to the well-known Wedding Road. Urban legend has it that couples who stroll together on the flowering cherry blossom road will marry. The final stop of cherry blossom road is Ssangyesa temple where green tea in South Korea was first planted. You can book a Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival tour from Busan here.

10. Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival

When: March 25, 2024 – April 7, 2024

Gyeongju is absolutely stunning in autumn… But it is just as breathtaking in spring too with all the beautiful cherry blossoms. Imagine having a great time walking around the most traditional place in Korea.

Since a lot of the traditional sights are close, the easiest way to get around is by renting a scooter. Tours don’t give a lot of time so this is the best way to see everything you want to. There’s also handy maps around town so you can find your own cherry blossom path.

Book a Gyeongju King Cherry Blossom Tour

11. Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival

When: March 27, 2023 – March 31, 2024

Spring time in Seoul isn’t really complete without a visit to the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival in early April. You’ll feel like you’re in your own Korean drama while walking along this cherry blossom road with the Han River and Namsan Tower in the background. Make sure you visit early morning during the weekday to have it all to yourself. If you’re up for it, down the road at the National Assembly Building, you’ll also find beautiful scenery. 

I also recommend avoiding it on the weekend. Try going on a romantic Han River Cruise and having a Han River picnic for and essential Seoul to do. Seoul in April will inspire you to move to South Korea!

March in Seoul

12. Bucheon Azalea & Cherry Blossom Festival

When: March 28, 2024 – April 12, 2024

Both azaleas and cherry blossoms are revered and cherished in South Korea. This tour will take you to frolic in nature and then underground into the Gwangmyeong Cave. The peak for both the cherry blossoms and azaleas is expected to be between April 1 – 2, 2024. You can book your Bucheon Azalea and Cherry Blossom Festival tour here.

13. Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival

When: April 1, 2024 – April 4, 2024

The Seokchon Lake Park Cherry Blossom Korea spring festival is a totally underrated one. I lived very close to Jamsil (in the neighboring city Hanam) so I spent a lot of time getting to know this area really well.

This is a cherry blossom spot in Seoul worth visiting. Just look how romantic the road looks with the Lotte Tower in the background. While you’re here, I recommend checking out Seoul Sky and of course Lotte World.

14. Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival

When: April 2, 2024 – April 6, 2024

Korean spring brings the Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival. This tour will take you on a lovely Korea spring walk along a lake with fluffy cherry blossoms, to the famous BTS bus stop, and of course the filming location of my favorite Kdrama Goblin. April in South Korea is undoubtedly a dazzling month!

15. Maison Mountain Cherry Blossom Festival

When: April 4, 2024 – April 11, 2024

The cherry blossoms in the Jeonju area usually in full bloom late March. Jeonju City is an area rich in culture and food and is definitely a must for a first time visitor to Korea. The Maison Mountain has a famous three kilometer walk of hanging cherry blossoms. You can book a Maison Mountain and Jeonju Cherry Blossom Festival tour here.

16. Busan Nakdong River Canola Flower Festival

When: TBA 2024

The Daejeo Eco Park becomes filled with the fragrance of canola flowers during this Korean spring festival. The Busan Nakdong River Canola Flower Festival was canceled last year in 2023, but I have a really good feeling it’s gonna be popping this year! For more information, check out the official festival website here.

17. Taean Tulip Festival

When: April 12, 2024 – May 7, 2024

Did you know the Taean Tulip Festival is one of the top five tulip festivals in the world? Here you can see over 300 different species of tulip. You can book your Taean Tulip Festival and Strawberry Picking adventure here.

18. Hampyeong Butterfly Festival

When: April 26, 2024 – May 6, 2024 

The Hampyeong Butterfly Festival held in April offers visitors the opportunity to get a closer look at ecology, in particular the region’s butterflies, flowers, and other insects. Hampyeong is a small town near Gwangju. You can easily get here by public transportation from Seoul. They have various outdoor activities here and showcase the life of a butterfly. 

19. Gunpo Royal Azalea Festival

When: April 28, 2023 – April 30, 2023 | TBA 2024

Gunpo City was the very first place I lived in South Korea. What a surprise it was to me that every spring the mountain right by my house turned purple and pink with all the gorgeous azaleas in bloom… And there was even a Gunpo Royal Azalea Festival that drew people from miles around.

20. Goyang International Horticulture Festival

When: April 26, 2024 – May 12, 2024

The annual Goyang International Horticulture Festival showcases different flowers from around the world. It truly is a stunning sight to behold. Here you’ll also get the opportunity to participate in a flower arranging class and watch the masters do it. You can book a tour to the Goyang International Horticulture Festival here.

21. Boseong Green Tea Festival

When: May 3, 2024 – May 7, 2024 

You should also check out the Damyang Bamboo Forest nearby. Boseong is the birthplace of the commercial tea industry and the largest producer of tea in South Korea. At the festival, you can go pick tea leaves, make tea, and sample green tea snacks. You can book a Boseong Green Tea Tour here.

22. YeonDeungHoe Seoul Lotus Lantern Festival

When: May 10, 2024 – May 12, 2024 

This is the best lantern parade in Seoul. The Lunar Calendar usually dictates when Buddha’s Birthday is every year. You’ll see the celebrations start at Jogyesa Temple with brightly colored lanterns adorning it. You can also try Buddhist traditional food during the celebrations. While enjoying the festival, there are fun activities such as building your own lotus lantern. 

23. Gwangalli Eobang Festival

When: May 10, 2024 – May 12, 2024

While the time for snow crab may be gone, this fishing festival is really interesting. Here, they traditional fishing culture from the Joseon dynasty. Visitors can experience traveling back in time to the folk village where exhibitions and programs are offered. It is held in Busan against the background of Gwangandaegyo Bridge. You can find more information here on Visit Busan. 

24. Hangang Seoraeseom Canola Festival 

When: May 12, 2023 – May 21, 2023 | TBA 2024

The canola fields with the Seoul backdrop are truly a sight to behold. The annual Hangang Seoraeseom Canola Festival features musical performances and eco-friendly workshops. For more information, you can check the Hangang Park website.

There are so many cherry blossom festivals and flower festivals in Korea. Be sure to bookmark this post as I will update the festival dates every year. There are so many great Korean festivals with cultural events, it’s so hard to go to them all. Honestly, I wish they would have these kinds of festivals in my home country. 

This post contains affiliate links which means at no additional cost to you, I make a small commission to help keep Gina Bear’s Blog running. Thanks for your support!

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