Korean culture celebrates the spring season in the most beautiful ways. If you’re looking for a good time and the best spring festivals in Korea, look no further! Cherry blossom season in South Korea is one of the most wonderful times of the year.
Frolic among beautiful flowers, enjoy Korean public holidays, live performances, and popular cherry blossom festivals. This is the best time to partake in cultural events and fall in love with The Land of the Morning Calm.
So why should you listen to me compared to all the other bloggers out there? I lived in Korea for almost six years, and I understand the country like a local since I worked in their society and studied the language.
There are so many gorgeous flower festivals to attend, so you can enjoy the flower festivals from early spring to summer in Korea.
Jeju Island Hueree Canola Flower Festival | 휴애리 유채꽃 축제
When: January 20, 2025 – April 13, 2025
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.
Gwangyang Maehwa Festival | 광양 매화축제
When: March 7, 2025 – March 16, 2025
The Gwangyang Maehwa Flower Festival signifies the arrival of spring in Korea. Following the Seomjingang River flowing down the outskirts of Jirisan Mountain is a Seomjin Village filled with plum blossoms.
At this Korean festival, you’ll get to see an entire mountain of beautiful snowy white blossoms and enjoy cultural experiences. Don’t forget to try the green tea ice cream and local food at the various food stalls!
Gurye Sansuyu Flower Festival | 구례산수유꽃축제
When: March 10, 2025 – March 21, 2025
The Gurye Sansuyu Festival is an annual spring flower festival. Major programs include an exhibition of local products made from sansuyu (Cornus fruit), while other programs include traditional music and dance performances, experience programs, and fireworks.
Jeju Fire Festival | 제주들불축제
When: March 14, 2025 – March 16, 2025
The Jeju Fire Festival is usually held for three days on the first Thursday of March; therefore, the festival dates change yearly. The Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival is a national holiday 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, a wooden structure built every year on the hilltop. This festival is for a good harvest and healthy livestock as well.
Maison Mountain Cherry Blossom Festival | 마이산 벚꽃 축제
When: March 14, 2025
The Maison Mountain Cherry Blossom Festival is usually in full bloom in late March. Located in a traditional town, Jeonju City is an area rich in culture and food.
For a first-time visitor to Korea, I definitely recommend making this day trip from Seoul. The Maison Mountain has a famous three-kilometer walk of hanging cherry blossoms.
Everland Tulip Festival | 에버랜드 튤립축제
When: March 21, 2025
The Four Seasons Garden at Everland Amusement Park is filled with 1.2 million spring flowers including tulips, daffodils, and grape hyacinths. This year, there will be a Sanrio theme with characters like Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Kuromi.
Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival | 진해 군항제
When: March 25, 2025 – April 5, 2025
The Jinhae Gunhangje Festival is one of the best spring festivals. According to CNN, it’s one of Asia’s best cherry blossom festivals.
The city is famous for the gorgeous Yoshino cherry trees planted during the Japanese occupation. There are about 360,000 cherry trees in downtown Jinhae.
One of the most popular photo zones at the festival is the Yeojwacheon Stream. It’s a great spot for beautiful pictures early in the morning.
Daegu E-World Cherry Blossom Festival | 대구 E-월드 벚꽃 축제
When: March 25, 2024 – April 6, 2025
One of the most iconic photow 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.
Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival | 경주벚꽃축제
When: March 25, 2025 – April 11, 2025
The Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival is breathtaking in spring. Imagine having a great time walking around ancient royal palaces and enjoying various activities like renting hanbok.
Since many traditional sights are close, renting a scooter is the easiest way to get around. Tours don’t give much time to explore, so this is the best way to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms. There are also handy maps around town to find your cherry blossom path.
Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival | 화개 벚꽃 축제
When: March 28, 2025 – March 30, 2025
The Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival is a great day trip from Seoul in March. Hwagae has over 5km of cherry blossoms, with over 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. This time of year is great for a day tour!
Jindo Sea Parting Festival | 진도신비의바닷길 축제
When: March 29, 2025 – April 1, 2025
The Jindo Miracle Sea Road Festival was one of the coolest annual festivals in Korea. This popular event draws over half a million visitors and you can experience the parting of the sea like Moses.
The low tides mean you can trek across the ocean before the butt crack of dawn and then watch the sunrise. They have a variety of events, such as an opening ceremony, a Jindo dog show, and cultural performances.
Suwon Cherry Blossom Festival | 수원 벚꽃 축제
When: April 1, 2025 – April 7, 2025
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a stroll along the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress while enjoying spring flowers. Here, you can see where history meets modernity and enjoy the sights of incredible Korean cherry blossoms.
This is a great opportunity to see the King Cherry Blossoms, which are larger and a darker pink.
Bucheon Azalea & Cherry Blossom Festival | 부천 춘꽃축제
When: April 1, 2025 – April 10, 2025
Imagine walking among a mountain filled with over 150,000 trees of pink and purple azaleas. Both azaleas and cherry blossoms are revered and cherished in South Korea.
The Bucheon Azalea and Cherry Blossom Festival happens at the same time, depending on the warm weather. This fun festival is definitely one not to miss!
Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival | 석촌호수 벚꽃 축제
When: April 5, 2025 – April 9, 2025
The Seokchon Lake Park Cherry Blossom Korea spring festival is a totally underrated one. I lived very close to Jamsil (in the neighboring city of Hanam), so I spent much time getting to know this area 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 visiting Seoul Sky and Lotte World.
Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival | 경포대 벚꽃축제
When: April 5, 2025 – April 15, 2025
Korean spring brings the Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival. This tour will take you on a lovely Korean 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.
Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival | 영등포 여의도 봄꽃축제
When: April 6, 2025 – April 15, 2025
Springtime in Seoul isn’t complete without visiting 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.
The easiest way to get here is via public transport. Get off at the Yeouido Hangang Park Station on purple Line 5. This is a popular destination for many Seoulites.
Make sure you visit early morning during the weekday to have it all to yourself. You’ll also find beautiful scenery down the road at the National Assembly Building.
Try going on a romantic Han River Cruise and having a Han River picnic for a quintessential experience. Seoul in April will inspire you to move to South Korea!
Busan Nakdong River Canola Flower Festival | 부산 낙동강 유채꽃 축제
When: TBA 2025
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 2024, but I have a really good feeling it’s gonna be popping this year!
Taean Tulip Festival | 태안 튤립 축제
When: April 8, 20245 – May 6, 2025
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 tulips.
Hampyeong Butterfly Festival | 함평 나비대축제
When: Late April 2025 – Early May 2025
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.
Gunpo Royal Azalea Festival | 군포철쭉축제
When: April 19, 2025 – April 27, 2025
Gunpo City was the very first place I lived in South Korea, and it has a special place in my heart. The first time I saw the mountain right by my house turn purple and pink with all the azaleas, it took my breath away…
Get off at Sanbon Station on light blue Line 5, and it’s an easy 15-minute walk from the station. If you’re interested in visiting, I have a complete Gunpo Royal Azalea Festival guide on my blog.
YeonDeungHoe Seoul Lotus Lantern Festival | 연등회
When: April 25, 2025 – April 27, 2025
This is one of the best lantern festivals 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.
Goyang International Horticulture Festival | 고양국제꽃박람회
When: April 25, 2025 – May 11, 2025
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.
Boseong Green Tea Festival | 보성다향대축제
When: May 2, 2025 – May 6, 2025
You should also check out the Damyang Bamboo Forest nearby. The Boseong Green Tea Festival is the best place to see the commercial tea industry’s birthplace and the largest tea producer in South Korea. At the festival, you can go pick tea leaves, make tea, and sample green tea snacks.
Gwangalli Eobang Festival | 광안리어방축제
When: TBD May 2025
While the time for snow crab may be gone, this Eungbongsan Mountain Fishing Festival is really interesting. Here, you can witness the 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.
Hangang Seoraeseom Canola Festival | 한강 서래섬 유채꽃축제
When: Mid May | TBA 2025
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.
Samcheok Rose Festival | 삼척 장미 축제
When: TBD 2025
The Samcheok Rose Festival is located at the Osipcheon Stream Rose Park. This park boasts 10 million roses of 200 different kinds.
Olympic Park Rose Garden |올림픽 공원 장미 정원
When: Late May
Seoul in May get a special treat with the beautiful roses at the Olympic Park Rose Garden. The best part about the Olympic Park Rose Garden?
It’s completely FREE. Just get off at the (Line 5) purple line Olympic Park Station exit 3.
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 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.
What To Pack For Spring In Korea
My favorite travel suitcase brand is Béis. I’m obsessed with their Weekender bag, carry-on, and checked luggage.
I also have a complete guide on spring in Korea that breaks down the temperatures, the cherry blossom forecast, and my favorite festivals.
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 – I recommend booking a sim card before you land in South Korea.
- Toothpaste – Korean toothpaste sucks PERIODT. Bring your own from home.
- Important documents – Bring any important medical documents in case something happens.
- Passport – Make a copy of your passport and hide it in your suitcase. 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 so you don’t waste your vacation time trying to get replacements.
What To Wear For Spring Festivals In Korea
For more detail and outfit inspiration, definitely check out my guide on everything you should pack and wear for Korea in spring. If you’re in a hurry, these are my top 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.
In Conclusion on the Best Spring Festivals in Korea
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 and cultural events, and it’s hard to attend them all. Which spring festivals in Korea are you headed to first?
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