Best Guide To The Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

The Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival is the biggest cherry blossom festival in South Korea. And in my not-so-humble opinion, it is one of the most beautiful places to enjoy spring.

So why should you listen to me? I lived in South Korea for almost six years and traveled extensively throughout the country. I speak the language, understand the culture, and can traverse around like a local!

According to CNN, it’s the best cherry blossom festival in South Korea. I had the opportunity to visit in 2019, and it honestly took my breath away.

This blog post is designed to help you plan the most efficient trip to the 2025 Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival.

When is the Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival?

The year, the festival will take place from late March to early April. The dates are March 29, 2025, through April 6, 2025.

Why is Jinhae so famous for its cherry blossoms?

The type of spring Korean cherry blossom trees Jinhae is famous for is the Yoshino cherry trees, which were planted during the Japanese occupation. Jinhae was an important Japanese port during this time.

There are about 360,000 cherry trees in downtown Jinhae and this is one of the most popular cherry blossom festivals in all of Asia.

Where To Go During The Jinhae Korea Cherry Blossom Festival

The Jinhae Naval Base Festival is also going on during the largest cherry blossom festival in the country. You can expect lots of different events like cherry blossom viewing, cultural performances, a military performance, and a chance to immerse yourself in Korean culture.

The festival areas are scattered around the city of Jinhae, and it’s a great chance to explore the town on foot. Be aware that the best spots draw huge crowds, but it is worth it!

Jungwon Intersection (중원로터리)

Visit the main festival grounds, which are located along the Jungwon Rotary. You’ll find many tents with Korean festival offerings, such as street food and souvenir shops.

If this is your first time, definitely enjoy the opening ceremony. You can see military bands perform and also get detailed information.

Yeojwa Stream (여좌천)

Yeojwacheon Romance Bridge is a bridge across the Yeojwacheon stream, and you will encounter long lines to take pictures here. It has the best cherry blossom road and is one of the most famous sites.

During the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, this small town gets super crowded. So, I would recommend that you go early in the morning during the week or on weekends.

Jaehwangsan Park (제황산궁원)

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, then try going up to the Jaehwangsan Park Observatory. It’s the best place to get stunning sea, city, and cherry blossom views.

There are two ways to get up the mountain. One is on the back side with a colorful owl staircase, and the other is in the front with a monorail.

Eat Cherry Blossom Ice Cream

I promise you it doesn’t taste like a beautiful cherry blossom. Since strawberry season lasts until early spring, you’re most likely eating strawberry-flavored ice cream.

Many food stalls and street vendors serve these tasty treats.

Gyeonghwa Station (경화역)

The cherry blossoms in Jinhae are some of the prettiest I’ve ever seen with their delicate pink hue. This special train is one of the main tourist attractions.

I had to wait over an hour for my picture at the Gyeonghwa Station train. Was it worth it? Hell yeah.

It is also former train station and not currently active, so don’t worry!

Where To Stay in Jinhae

Believe me, when I tell you, booking a Jinhae Cherry Blossom Tour is much better because they take out much of the planning. The tour operators handle accommodation and transport to the main attractions.

However, if I were to do it alone, I would just make it a day trip. However, a pro tip I have to catch the full bloom trees without lots of people is to stay the night. That way, you can get up early and have a great trip with a lot of memories.

If you do plan on staying in Jinhae, I highly recommend these hotels:

How To Get To Jinhae

Public transportation is the best way to get to the Jinhae during cherry blossom season. Book yourself a train or bus in advance because these spots fill up quickly.

Also, be sure to arrive at your scheduled departure time because the bus almost always departs on time.

Jinhae By Tour

These tours below have great reviews and have a shuttle bus to take you around.

How To Get To Jinhae By Bus From Seoul

You’ll need to go from Nambu Bus Terminal in Seoul. It takes approximately four to five hours to get there.

Jinhae By KTX Train From Seoul

The KTX is faster and will get you to Jinhae in three hours and forty minutes. However, you will need to transfer to the Mugungwha train at Masan station to reach Jinhae.

How To Get To Jinhae From Busan

The closest big city to Jinhae is Busan. Jinhae is a great day trip from Busan.

In addition, if you’re planning a South Korea trip, I also have a done-for-you 4-day Busan itinerary.

Jinhae By Bus From Busan

The Busan Sasang Bus Terminal is the best way to get there on a one-day tour. It’s right above the Line 2 green line.

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.

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
Seoul – April 1, 2025

What To Wear For Cherry Blossom Photos

A great way to make incredible memories is by dressing up. It’s the best time to do so since the weather is so nice.

I also have a complete guide on spring fashion in Korea for your inspiration. Personally, photos are forever memories, and I could never go out looking like a rag muffin drugstore cowboy.

I’ve worn and done a lot of crazy shit for photos, and you know what? It’s totally worth it.

2024 Korea Cherry Blossom Forecast

The Korea cherry blossom forecast will not be available until early 2024. The dates below are from the 2023 cherry blossom season in Korea. This can be used as a guide for when they typically bloom.

Jeju Island – March 20, 2023
Busan – March 24, 2023
Jeonju – March 29, 2023
Gangneung – March 30, 2023
Seoul – April 2, 2023

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