Apart from Japan‘s sakura craze, South Korea cherry blossom season can also be a sought-after occasion in Asia — particularly as a result of it may be fairly quick! As such, this is among the greatest occasions to discover the nation and witness the distinctive magnificence and vibe that the blossoms add to the native landscapes and sights.
Your top-of-mind vacation spot will certainly be the capital, Seoul, however I urge you to attempt to make time in exploring different locations like Busan or Jeju Island.
RELATED READ:
– Spring Flowers in Korea: When & Where to Go
– Seoul Itinerary
– South Korea Travel Guides
South Korea Cherry Blossom Map Forecast
- DISCLAIMER: The above knowledge is as of March 2023. Take observe that sudden modifications in temperature, rainfall, and wind energy can speed up, delay or shorten the forecast above — however you may already use this preliminary forecast as a preliminary information. Rest assured, I’ll hold this submit up to date as soon as dates occur to alter so come drop by now and again!
In most elements of South Korea, the cherry blossom’s blooming dates begin across the final week of March (beginning in Jeju Island) and lasts till the primary week of April; however Seoul, specifically, has blooms that come slightly later.
Koreans sometimes name cherry blossoms beot-kkot (벗꽃) and they aren’t to be confused with similar-looking blooms like that from the almond, apricot, peach, and plum timber. Besides, South Korean cherry blossoms have a distinctive pink hue and a stunning scent that’s considerably completely different from that of Japan.
NOTE: The Korean cherry tree which is often known as ‘King Cherry’ originated from Jeju Island and it barely differs from most different cherry blossom timber resulting from the truth that its flowers are bigger. They additionally solely bloom in full for under a few days!
All in all, in the event you’re planning a visit to South Korea any time quickly, it’s best to pay attention to these high locations from ALL of the areas within the nation that gives you lovely cherry blossom views, in addition to an opportunity to take part in bustling cherry blossom festivals!
Best South Korea Cherry Blossom Spots
Other South Korean blooms to be careful for?
See this record of the most well-liked spring flowers in Korea — when to see them and the place to go!
South Korea has 9 (9) provinces, specifically: North Chungcheong, South Chungcheong, Gangwon, Gyeonggi, North Gyeongsang, South Gyeongsang, North Jeolla, South Jeolla, and Jeju Special Self-Governing Province.
For this text, I’ve mixed north and south provinces; thus, narrowing it right down to solely six (6) so to higher see the highest South Korea cherry blossom spots that you could see everywhere in the nation!
» Cherry Blossom Spots in Seoul & Gyeonggi Regions
Photo by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Seoul
(March 28 to April 3)
As a dynamic capital, there are tons of key locations that you could see for viewing South Korea cherry blossom timber. To identify a couple of, they’re…
- Yeouido Park: This is among the hottest locations to see cherry blossoms in Seoul and it even has its personal competition known as Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival or Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival. It is legendary for its 1.8k Korean Cherry timber that line the boulevard and also you’re certain to discover a mass arrival of vacationers who wish to witness the fantastic thing about these cherry timber. Due to its reputation, a whole lot of distributors, road performances, and outside leisure will even be unfold across the park. At evening, Yeouido Park even transforms right into a magical setting when the cherry blossom timber are lit in numerous coloured lights.
- Festival Date: (TBC) April 6 to fifteen
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- Festival Date: (TBC) April 6 to fifteen
- Seokchon Lake: Found within the japanese a part of town, this standard spot is gorgeous all-year-round — but it surely’s additional particular throughout spring when it’s surrounded with colourful cherry timber. If you’re visiting the close by Lotte World Amusement Park, that is certainly a cease that you could make! Aside from cherry blossom viewing, different actions right here embody piano on the lake, cherry blossom market, and numerous performances.
. - Seoul Grand Park: This park is full of nice surprises provided that it offers entry to each cherry blossoms viewing and an amusement park that encompasses a zoo and botanical backyard! To add, Seoul Grand Park additionally holds a big cherry blossom competition throughout the first week of April the place vacationers can take pleasure in dwell performances of kinds.
- Festival Date: (TBC) April 8 to 17
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- Festival Date: (TBC) April 8 to 17
- Seoul Forest: (Pictured Above) This could also be a well-liked attraction in Seoul however with its grand house, you received’t really feel the crowds as you take pleasure in the fantastic thing about the encircling cherry timber. You will even love the bridge that’s discovered in the course of the forest the place you view some lavender-colored blooms. There are even deers dwelling right here and also you’re free to feed them. If you ask me, that is the proper spot for a romantic picnic with your beloved!
. - Namsan Mountain: This is the place the well-known N Seoul Tower is discovered and it’s completely attractive within the spring. After all, the trail in its Namsan Park is claimed to be the longest path of South Korea cherry blossom timber within the metropolis! Additionally, additionally, you will witness fairly spring flowers like forsythias and azaleas.
. - Kyung Hee University: An attractive Seoul campus made much more attractive throughout the cherry blossom season! It is taken into account a hidden spot for cherry blossom viewing in Seoul the place the sunshine pink cherry blossoms give a stupendous backdrop of the structure. You will really discover 200 cherry timber lined from the principle gate to the principle constructing, so it makes for a terrific Instagrammable spot!
. - Seoul National Cemetery: Although this isn’t perfect for picnics and leisure, this cemetery stays to be a well-liked cherry blossom viewing spot amongst locals. You may also take pleasure in different actions right here just like the altering of the guards in addition to photograph exhibitions.
. - Royal Palaces: One of the most effective locations to understand the well-known spring flowers is at Seoul’s royal palaces akin to Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Changgyeonggung. With its distinctive architectural design, it’s an absolute should to take photographs in these spots whereas carrying a hanbok rental, or the standard Korean costume, as it’s the most quintessential and dramatic Korean spring photograph.
. - Anyang Stream: This lengthy path is lined with cherry blossom timber that present a terrific cover to the walkway. Located on the western facet of town, it is a hidden attraction the place not a whole lot of vacationers crowd in — thus, making it a great place for viewing and photograph ops. Anyang Stream can also be dwelling to some lovely surrounding flower fields and gardens that add extra magnificence to the place.
. - Yangjaecheon Stream: This is taken into account one more hidden spot for South Korea cherry blossom viewing. The locals normally go to this place to see the attractive spring flowers and benefit from the native Yangjaecheon Stream Cherry Blossom and Lantern.
- Festival Date: (TBC) April 5 to 9
◘◘ Gyeonggi
(April 5 to 11)
- Nami Island: This crescent-shaped island is among the hottest day journeys from Seoul provided that the entire of the realm is roofed in numerous timber that cycle superbly by the seasons. Naturally, in spring, the South Korea cherry blossom timber line up many of the pathways like a cover, making it such a romantic vacation spot not just for {couples} however for households and buddies alike. Apart from viewing the encircling nature, you may also take pleasure in numerous actions right here akin to renting a motorcycle, zip-lining, buying, and plenty of others.
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» Cherry Blossom Spots in Gangwon Region
Photo by: Shutterstock
This northeast province of South Korea is mountainous and it’s well-known for its ski resorts — actually, the county of Pyeongchang has been a bunch web site for the Winter Olympics. But when it’s spring season, the top-of-mind metropolis to go to is Gangneung.
◘◘ Gangneung
(March 31 to April 6)
- Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival: In Gangneung, Gyeongpo is well-known for its pure sights (e.g. seashores and lakes) and festivals; one among which is the Gyeongpodae Cherry Blossom Festival. For the most effective spots to view these South Korea cherry blossoms and luxuriate in competition actions, they’re:
- Gyeongpodae Pavilion: This is among the 8 scenic websites in Gwangdong that’s situated on a hill north of Gyeongpo Lake.
- Gyeongpo Provincial Park: Within its expanse is the Gyeongpodae Pavilion, however aside from that, it additionally has different key historic websites akin to Geumnanjeong Pavilion, Banghaejeong Pavilion, Haeunjeong Pavilion, Ojukheon House, Seongyojang House, and Guesthouse Gate. And as you wander round searching for extra blossom sights, you’ll love how the park is simply subsequent to the famed Seoraksan Mountain and Odaesan National Park.
- Festival Date: (TBC) April 6 to fifteen
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» Cherry Blossom Spots in Chungcheong Region
Photo by: Shutterstock
Chungcheong is split into North Chungcheong Province (capital: Cheongju) and South Chungcheong Province (capital: Hongseong County), and the latter is claimed to be South Korea’s richest province!
◘◘ Jecheon
(March 30 to April 6)
- Cheongpunghoban Cherry Blossom Festival: This competition is held in Cheongpung Lake the place you will discover blooms not solely from cherry timber but in addition from forsythias and azaleas. For the length of the competition, guests can take pleasure in exhibitions, performances and even actions like bungee leaping! You will even love the 13-kilometer Cheongpung Lake Road that’s lined with 1000’s of Korea cherry timber.
- Festival Date: (TBC) April 6 to eight
◘◘ Daejeon
(March 27 to April 2)
- The metropolis of Daejeon won’t be on most vacationers’ must-see lists — but it surely must be! After all, it has a number of wonderful South Korea cherry blossom viewing spots, specifically…
- Gyeryong Mountain or National Park: Found inside this space is the Donghaksa Temple and the environment have a formidable show of pink timber that you’ll love taking photos in! There can also be a competition that’s being held for this location however it’s not as effectively marketed to overseas vacationers.
- Chungnam National University: Known to have the most important gathering of cherry timber within the metropolis!
- KAIST University: Has the second largest gathering of cherry timber in Daejeon and the most effective spot is claimed to be throughout the Sports Complex.
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» Cherry Blossom Spots in Gyeongsang Region
Photo by: Shutterstock
Gyeongsang can also be divided into two provinces: North Gyeongsang (capital: Daegu) and South Gyeongsang (capital: Changwon) — and it’s on this latter province the place one can find the massive cities of Busan and Ulsan.
◘◘ Changwon
(March 23 to 30)
- Jinhae Gunhangje Festival: It is usually mentioned that that is the largest South Korea cherry blossom competition whereby over greater than 2 million folks flock to the south coastal metropolis of Changwon to get a glimpse of the famed timber. This competition is normally held on the Jinhae Jungwon Rotary Intersection and one can find numerous artwork and cultural performances which might be unfold about within the venue (akin to in Paldo Pungmul Market). Other key places are…
- Gyeonghwa Station: There is an 800-meter part of flowers on this railroad you could admire, in addition to a close-by stream the place a number of cherry timber are lined up. As pictured above, that is the place most guests attempt to await a prepare to cross by to be able to get such an iconic image.
- Jehwangsan Mountain Park: If you desire a panoramic view of town in its pink glory, head over to this spot.
- Festival Date: (TBC) March 30 to April 6
◘◘ Gyeongju
(March 24 to 31)
- Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival: This competition was first held in 2017 and it coincided with the twenty sixth Cherry Blossom Marathon that town is well-known for (and which you’ll be a part of in the event you’re up for it!). Key highlights for viewing the blossoms are…
- Bomun Lake: About 9,000 cherry timber across the lake will stunningly bloom and as you cross the time away within the lake, you may take pleasure in the next…
- Waterwheel Square: A preferred photograph zone the place you will discover an enormous waterwheel on a path.
- Bomun Pavilion (Bomunjeong): An attractive pavilion that could be a favourite of a whole lot of photographers.
- Pedal a duck boat: Share this expertise with somebody by heading over to Hoban Square and paying for a duck boat! (If you’re not eager, you may also lease a motorcycle).
- Festival Date: (TBC) March 30 to April 8
- Bomun Lake: About 9,000 cherry timber across the lake will stunningly bloom and as you cross the time away within the lake, you may take pleasure in the next…
◘◘ Hadong/Jirisan
(March 22 to 29)
- Hwagae Cherry Blossoms Festival: Held in Simni Cherry Blossom Road, this 4-kilometer highway connecting Ssanggyesa Temple and Hwagaejangeo Market is full of over 1,200 cherry blossom timber and a whole lot of locals flock to this small village simply to get a glimpse of its pinkish glory.
- Ssanggyesa Temple: A preferred temple on this space of Jirisan that dates again to the eighth century.
- Simni Cherry Blossom Road: This is a densely-packed highway filled with cherry timber and it even has a nickname “Hollye-gil” which suggests ‘Marriage Road’ or ‘Wedding Road’. There is a neighborhood perception that in the event you and your beloved stroll on this highway collectively, you’ll ultimately marry and dwell fortunately ever after. Who is aware of if it’s true, but it surely’s price a shot, proper? -wink-
- Festival Date: March 30 to April 5
◘◘ Busan
(March 24 to 31)
- Samnak Ecological Park (Sasang-gu): An extended path lined with over a thousand of cherry timber, that when in bloom appear to kind a tunnel over the park’s path. With this characteristic, it has simply change into one of many topmost lovely spots in South Korea!
- Dalmaji Hill (Haeundae-gu): Found southeast of Haeundae Beach, that is sometimes known as a romantic vacation spot the place {couples} hang around throughout spring.
- Oncheoncheon Stream (Dongnae-gu): Running by two districts of Dongnae and Yeonje, this riverside walkway is fondly known as a ‘flower road’ and it’s a kind of iconic spots that you simply typically see in photographs of South Korea. The stream spans 10 kilometers lengthy and the stream itself is usually embellished in colourful umbrellas.
- Samik Beach Apartment (Suyeong-gu): Found close to Gwanganli Beach is a favourite of locals which is the Cherry Blossom Road — a protracted stretch of outdated cherry timber that overlook the Gwangan Bridge. You may also try the close by Hwangnyeongsan Ring Road for extra cherry timber.
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» Cherry Blossom Spots in Jeolla Region
Photo by: Shutterstock
Jeolla is split into North Jeolla (capital: Jeonju) and South Jeolla (capital: Muan County). If there may be one place you could embody in your South Korea itinerary, it’s to…
◘◘ Gwangju
(March 22 to twenty-eight)
- Seomjin River Cherry Blossom Festival: Among the 5 main rivers within the nation, the Seomjin River is claimed to be the cleanest, and its 3-km lengthy cherry tree highway that’s speckled with different colourful mixes of flowers is known as one of many ‘100 Most Beautiful Roads in Korea’. During the competition, you’ll discover quite a lot of dwell live performance performances which might be extra intimate, thus giving the place a sense of quaintness. Don’t miss out on seeing this spot in the event you’re ever within the Jeolla area!
- Festival Date: (TBC) Late March or Early April
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» Cherry Blossom Spots in Jeju Region
Photo by: Shutterstock
Known for its pristine coastlines and volcanic landscapes, Jeju Island would possibly simply be a terrific spring vacation spot for you particularly since it’s the place South Korea’s first cherry blossom bloom occurs!
◘◘ Jeju Island
(March 20 to 27)
- Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival: Jeju prides itself for having been the place the place the King Cherry Tree originated; the cherry tree that produces the most important cherry blossom petals! As I’ve talked about earlier than, the flowers of this specific tree solely final for two to three days so it’s a should that you simply time your go to right here effectively. During the entire of the competition, don’t additionally neglect to drop by these important places each evening and day (since they typically illuminate some cherry tree streets when it’s darkish).
- Jeonnong-ro Street
- Entrance to Jeju National University
- Jangjeon-ri, Aewol-eup
- Jeju Stadium or Sports Complex
- Seogwipo Downtown
- Festival Date: (TBC) March 24 to April 12
Best Tours in South Korea?
Come and take a look at this record of the high issues to do in South Korea which options the most effective actions and excursions to do in locations like Seoul, Busan and extra!
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South KoreaTravel Guide
» Best Time to Visit
Any time and any season! No matter if it’s spring, summer time, autumn, or winter, South Korea has a ton of locations and actions to replenish your itinerary! But if you wish to keep away from the height seasons, it’s best to go to both throughout autumn or winter. Why not summer time? It’s when faculties and Korean corporations take a trip so a whole lot of locals shall be up and about; and naturally, spring is extraordinarily standard due to the cherry blossom season.
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» Getting in to South Korea
By air. International guests sometimes arrive on the important airport known as Incheon International Airport (ICN). To get right here, I like to recommend shopping by Skyscanner to seek out the most effective flight offers out of your level of origin.
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» Visa for South Korea
If you’re NOT a citizen of any of South Korea’s exempted international locations, you’re then required to avail of a visa beforehand. (If you’re from the Philippines, you may learn my information on easy methods to get a South Korea visa in Manila right here.)
- Check full visa necessities right here as per your nationality.
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» Where to Stay (South Korea Accommodations)
To seek for the most effective resort lodging in South Korea at the most effective costs, I recommend cross-checking resort costs between Agoda and Booking.com. But in the event you’re quite keen on renting snug homes or residences, it’s best to search by AirBnB.
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» South Korea Currency
South Korean Won (KRW / ₩) whereby KRW 1,000 is the same as about USD $0.9~, €0.7~ or Php 49.00~ (that is as of March 2023). In the occasion that you simply wish to change your cash for KRW, I extremely advise that you simply do NOT change your cash on the airport because the charges there should not aggressive.
- How to greatest change your forex? Either change your cash at a financial institution or at a cash exchanger in your house nation or in Seoul’s metropolis heart. Better but, simply withdraw from an ATM along with your debit/bank card (do one massive withdrawal to reduce charges along with your financial institution). Speaking of playing cards, a whole lot of Seoul’s institutions settle for bank cards but it surely’s at all times advisable to have money available.
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» Cost of Travel in Korea
While the price of dwelling in South Korea is way from being low cost, your journey doesn’t have to interrupt the financial institution! To provide you with an concept, it’s best to count on to journey in South Korea with a mean each day value of about USD $35~ per particular person on a finances, or a minimum of $100~ if you wish to expertise extra consolation on actions, excursions, motels, and extra. (Values beneath present low finances to medium finances ranges).
- Hotels: $20 to $100 USD / day
- Food: $10 to $30 USD / day
- Fun: $10 to $25 USD / day
- Transport: About US$1 per subway trip*
*Buy a T-Money card that saves you ₩100 on all journeys.
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» How to Get Around South Korea
By aircraft. South Korea has a terrific community of home flights that can take you, for example, from Seoul to Busan, Jeju, Daegu, and so forth., and vice versa. Some airways that function these routes are Asiana and Korean Air in addition to low-cost ones like Air Busan and Jeju Air. To search for the most effective flight offers, at all times guide by Skyscanner.
By prepare. Quite a lot of the main cities in South Korea are linked by the nationwide prepare operator known as Korail. As a foreigner, you may benefit from the KR Pass that grants you limitless journey on any Korail Train for two, 3, 4 or 5 days.
Meanwhile, whenever you’re mapping out your day-to-day route, simply use Google Maps as a result of it would present intimately the quickest connections you are able to do (by strolling, by automotive, by bus, and by prepare).
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» Staying Connected in South Korea
South Korea is claimed to have the quickest web on this planet (and yep, it’s true!) so that you’ll be assured of nice connection wherever you go. To add, most locations even supply FREE WiFi — however to be able to persistently keep linked on-line throughout your Seoul journey, I like to recommend getting your individual pocket WiFi or SIM Card.
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» Safety in South Korea
The Republic of Korea or South Korea stays to be one of many most secure international locations on this planet — and likewise one of many most secure international locations for solo feminine vacationers. Petty theft might occur however they’re fairly uncommon; so, simply apply widespread sense always and also you’ll be effective!
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» Helpful Korean Phrases
English will not be broadly spoken in South Korea even whether it is taught in a whole lot of faculties, however you’ll have higher luck within the capital of Seoul the place lots of people put time, effort and cash in studying English. Nevertheless, it doesn’t harm to be taught a little bit of the native language!
Hello (formal): Annyeong haseyo
Hello (casual): Annyeong
Thank you: Gamsahamnida
You’re welcome: Cheonmanyeyo
Yes: Ye/Ne
No: Aniyo
Goodbye (to particular person leaving): Annyeonghi gaseyo
Goodbye (to particular person staying): Annyeonghi gyeseyo
Goodbye (casual): Annyeong
Excuse me (getting consideration): Sillyehamnida
I’m sorry: Joesonghamnida
Is there somebody right here who speaks English?: Yeogi-e yeong-eoreul hasineun bun gyesimnikka?
Help!: Dowajusipsio!
Cheers!: Geonbae!
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Overall
Witnessing South Korea cherry blossoms of their full bloom is really a novel expertise!
So don’t neglect to make use of this text as your information to the place you may greatest admire their magnificence.
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