This Complete Guide to Spring in South Korea was updated in March 2025.
Whenever I think of spring in South Korea, the song that comes to mind is Cherry Blossom Ending (벚꽃 엔딩) by Busker Busker. I also can’t help but listen to Flower Road 꽃길 by Big Bang to celebrate this magical season with spring flowers.
If you’re looking to travel during the most romantic time of year, then this spring in Korea travel guide will help you plan an epic trip. During this time of year, you’ll get to celebrate Buddha’s birthday and enjoy vibrant festivals.
Plus, you’ll get to purchase the coveted Starbucks cherry blossom collection, try cherry blossom foods, and have cultural experiences. The mild weather is also perfect for showing off your spring fashion in Seoul.
So why should you listen to me as compared to all the other bloggers? Well, I lived in Korea for almost six years.
I can speak the language and blend in like a local. This post is dedicated to where to go during spring in Korea, what to do in Korean spring, and what to eat.
What month is cherry blossom season in Korea?
South Korea has four distinct seasons. In 2025, the weather conditions have caused the cherry blossom season to start late March until early April.
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
2025 Korea Azalea Forecast
The beauty of spring is that you can enjoy all sorts of seasonal traditional foods and popular Korean spring festivals. Many Korean azaleas bloom on the mountains making it some of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen.
P.S. My favorite place to see them is the Gunpo Royal Azalea Festival.
- 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
How do you say spring in Korean?
You can say bom (봄)! If you’re interested in learning Korean, check out this free Hangul cheat sheet and learn it in one afternoon.
Korea Spring Itinerary
If you want to enjoy this beautiful season, I have a done-for-you 5-day South Korea itinerary, complete with a map. You’ll know the best things to do, where to enjoy local culture, and the most popular destinations worth your time.
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.
Travel essentials for what to pack to Korea in spring:
- Korea travel adapter – Korea uses 220V plugs. You can easily find some at Daiso for 5,000 won if you forget.
- Unlocked phone – I recommend booking a physical sim card or an e-sim card before landing 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. Also, 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 have to waste your vacation time going to the doctor to replace it.
What To Wear For Spring In Korea
If you’re looking for a spring-in-Korea outfit, then look no further. I have an entire blog post about Korean spring fashion.
These are my spring Korean fashion essentials:
- A light 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 – Comfortable walking shoes are a must since you’ll be doing a lot of sightseeing on the bustling streets of Seoul.
- A Face Mask– Yellow dust and pollution in Korea is no joke. If you have allergies or are especially sensitive, I highly suggest a face mask that will filter out the 2.5mg dust particles.
March Weather in Korea
Korea in March sees average daytime temperatures of 10°C (50°F) and low temperatures of 0°C (32°F). Early 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 Weather in Korea
The pleasant weather in April makes it the best month to visit because you can participate in various outdoor activities. It’s not too hot or too cold.
Average temperatures range from 17°C (63°F) during the day. 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 average daily temperatures ranging from 23°C (73°F) to 12°C (54°F).
During May in Korea, there will be cooler mornings, so make sure you bring a light jacket. It’s also easy to get sunburned, so bring your best sunscreen.
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 2025, the Korea in spring public holidays are:
- Independence Movement Day – March 1, 2025
- Buddha’s Birthday – May 5, 2025
- Children’s Day – May 5, 2025
What To Eat in Spring in Korea
Every season in Korea brings delicious seasonal foods to try. I love spring in Korea because of all the delicious “cherry blossom” flavored snacks and drinks that become available during this time.
Cherry Blossom EVERYTHING
- Cherry Blossom and Apple Minute Maid
- Cherry Blossom GS25 Sparkling Soda
- Cherry Blossom Pepero
- Cherry Blossom Popcorn
- Cherry Blossom CocaCola
- Starbucks Cherry Blossom Collection
Eat Korean Strawberries
Spring in South Korea is the perfect time to eat ripe strawberries. You can even go on a strawberry-picking and tulip viewing excursion and eat all the strawberries your stomach can hold.
One of my favorite buffets, the Barbie Salon de Ddalki is done from December to May at the JW Marriot in Dongdaemun. There, you can have tea with Barbie in a beautiful Salon and mouth-watering desserts that will make you truly enjoy the atmosphere.
Where To See Cherry Blossoms in Seoul
Seoul is one of the best places to enjoy cherry blossoms. Many popular cherry blossom festivals take place in Korea’s largest city.
Come enjoy clear skies and warm days while appreciating the fleeting nature of life.
Namsan Tower
Namsan Park is an excellent cherry blossom viewing spot in Seoul. The best way to see them is by booking a cable car to travel up the mountain.
Lotte World Mall in Jamsil
I highly recommend taking a walk in early spring at the courtyard of Lotte World Mall in Jamsil. The grounds are beautiful, and you can easily walk to the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival.
This year, the festival dates are from April 2, 2025, through April 6, 2025.
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.
Seokchon Lake Park
In my not-so-humble opinion, this local festival has the most beautiful cherry blossoms and a great place to see them in full bloom. The best time to visit is early morning, around 7am.
While you’re here, I recommend visiting Seoul Sky and, of course, Lotte World.
Yeouido Hangang Park
Seoul in spring is best for picnicking by the Han River and enjoying a romantic Han River sunset cruise! The cherry blossom trees at Yeouido Hangang Park usually bloom in late March or early April.
The Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is one of the most popular spots to see a pink cherry blossom. Yeouido Park draws large crowds every year, so be sure to go in the morning.
Pro Tip: If you’re on a budget, there are a lot of convenience stores around the river. A lot of people go buy drinks and snacks to enjoy during the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival.
Seoul Forest Cherry Blossoms
I also recommend climbing Eungbongsan Mountain for excellent views of Seoul Forest and the Han River. Many people will go picnic during this time of year and have a great time.
Spring Flower Festivals in Korea
While visiting South Korea, there are so many unique experiences to have. Korean spring festivals are a great place to enjoy live performances, traditional music, and local markets.
Jeju Island Hueree Canola Flower Festival
When: January 20, 2025 – April 13, 2025
The arrival of spring starts with the Hueree Canola Flower Festival. Canola flowers grow 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 too.
Jeju Fire Festival
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.
Gwangyang Maehwa Festival | 광양매화축제
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 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.
Maison Mountain Cherry Blossom Festival
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.
Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival | 진해군항제
When: March 25, 2025 – April 5, 2025
The Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom 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 that you can see at the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival.
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
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 | 경주 벚꽃축제
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
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 | 진도 신비의바닷길축제
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.
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.
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.
In Conclusion
This Korea spring travel guide will help you plan your itinerary. There are so many amazing spring activities in Korea, it’s almost impossible to them all.
Koreans love to celebrate the new season’s coming with delicious food and flower festivals. Springtime in South Korea is such a special time of year; it feels like a holiday within itself. After a harsh winter and late winter, I know I’m getting ready for the mild temperatures.
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