The Best Places To See Cherry Blossoms in Seoul 2024

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.

If you’re looking to truly enjoy the cherry blossoms in Seoul, I’ve compiled a list of all the best places to see them. I also have some bonus favorites for the best places to see South Korea cherry blossoms around the country.

Table of Contents

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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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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. You’re going to need a travel adapter to charge your electronics. If you forget, you can easily find some at Daiso 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.

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. As long as you’re equipped with a good spring jacket, you’ll be fine. It is a gradual change, but the temperature variation can cause you to get sick. The Korea spring months are usually from March to May. Spring time in Korea starts off pretty cool and then warms up quickly in May.

March Weather in Korea

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 Weather in Korea

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

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

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 see King Cherry Blossoms in the historic city of Gyeongju also during March. The royal Azaleas bloom in mid to late March.

1. Bongeunsa Temple

The best time to travel in Seoul is when the cherry blossoms bloom. Fun fact, in Asian countries like South Korea and Japan, they’re considered the start of a year.

Spring in Seoul is marked by many festivals, cherry blossom viewings, and cherry blossom themed food. Bongeunsa Temple has lanterns to celebrate Buddha’s Birthday make a great backdrop for the cherry blossom in Seoul.

2. Lotte World Mall in Jamsil

After months of bundling up in heavy jackets, the spring season in South Korea gives me a chance to show off my spring fashion in Seoul. Weather conditions have been pushing the cherry blossoms to bloom in late March.

I highly recommend taking a walk along the outdoor area at the Lotte World Mall in Jamsil. This is a hidden gem and you’re not gonna find it overly crowded. Here, you can visit the Lotte Tower and the Seoul Sky Observatory. You can get here by getting off at the Jamsil Subway Station.

3. Olympic Park

Believe it or not, 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 spend the whole day. I have a great time here in all seasons. I especially love the Olympic Park Rose Plaza.

4. Gyeongbokgung Palace

During the first week of April, you’ll be treated by the spectacular sight of cherry blossom views. Here you can see a Korean cherry tree in the heart of Seoul. I recommend renting a pink hanbok to go with the theme.

The cherry blossoms in Seoul look gorgeous amongst the traditional Korean palace. One of the best spots to take pictures is at the Gyeonhoeru Pond and Changgyeonggung Palace.

5. Changdeokgung

The South Korea cherry blossoms are especially beautiful at the Secret Garden. The Secret Garden has a spectacular view of a beautiful spring flower in the botanical garden. Changdeokgung is also great when you think about a South Korea cherry blossom.

If you want to get in to the Secret Garden (especially on the weekends) make sure you get to the ticket office right when it opens at 9am so you can secure your space. It’s also another great place to rent a hanbok and take photos.

6. 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.

7. Yeouido Hangang Park

During early April, you can catch the annual cherry blossom festival here. It’s also in combination with the Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival. During the Yeouido Cherry blossom Festival, you will see a lot of food vendors and street performances. This is one of the most popular places for cherry blossoms Seoul.

A lot of people go to the convenience stores around the area for a makeshift picnic. Don’t forget your picnic blanket to Yeouido Park! Seoul in spring is best enjoyed around the Han River for picnics and even a romantic Han River sunset cruise!

8. Namsan Tower

A great place to view Korean cherry blossoms is at Namsan Tower. | I also recommend booking a bougie dinner at The Place in the N Seoul Tower. It gives you an amazing night view of the Seoul cherry blossoms.

9. Seoul Forest

Another great place for a Korean cherry blossom viewing is at Seoul Forest. (And it’s also an amazing place for autumn foliage in Seoul too!) A lot of people come here to picnic especially during the weekends. It’s a great way to spend the afternoon.

10. Jungnangcheon

Jungnangcheon Stream is also a great spot Korea cherry blossoms. The stream has a gorgeous walkway where you can enjoy a romantic walk under these beautiful blooms.

11. Seoul National Cemetery

Cemeteries freak me out, but it’s a 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 the world today.

12. 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 really popular especially on weekends, so I recommend going during the week or super early in the morning.

13. 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

14. Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival

Also known as the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, it is the mecca of all cherry blossoms in South Korea. The whole town is covered in these pink cherry blossoms and it makes national news every year for how stunning it is.

It is one of the most popular cherry blossom festivals in the country. Since Jinhae was a military hotspot during the Japanese occupation, many imported Yoshino cherry trees line the streets.

I recommend booking a cherry blossom tour to Jinhae for a hassle free trip. Or if you’re interested in DIYing Jinhae, I have a Complete Guide To The Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival here.

15. Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival

The cherry blossom in South Korea is even more stunning in a traditional and cultural backdrop. They are most famous for the King Cherry 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 and cultural events taking place. You can book a Gyeongju cherry blossom tour from Seoul here.

16. Nami Island & Garden of Morning Calm

Since the cherry blossoms are only around for such a short time, you should definitely consider going to Nami Island to see them. You can book a Nami Island and Garden of the Morning Calm tour here.

Be sure to bookmark this post for all the best Seoul cherry blossom viewing places! I will constantly be updating my photos and the most Instagramable places in Seoul for you to enjoy.

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January 7, 2024 | 0 comments