Speak of cherry blossoms and Japan comes to mind immediately. But just as Japan is known for its cherry blossoms in Spring, so too is South Korea’s streets shrouded by pale pink petals as March transitions into April. The result is indeed a spectacle to behold!
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The cherry blossoms season in Korea lasts for a short period of time only, but if you plan your trip thoroughly, it’s easy to get the best views at the best time!
Credit: Wei-Te Wong on Flickr
Here, we have compiled for you a list of the blooming dates from 2017 as the official forecast this year has yet to be reported. The dates may differ by a day or two, but these should help you gauge your trip’s timeline fairly accurately!
P.S. Traveling on a budget? Prepare in advance by getting the best deals from Klook! Singaporean travellers, you get to enjoy $36* off your purchases when you use the promo code <CHERRY18>! If you’re from Malaysia, use the promo code <CHERRY58> for RM116* off while Indonesian travellers enjoy RP376RB* off by using the promo code <CHERRY 188> 🤗
Jeju Island: 23 – 30 March
Starting off the season, Jeju has its very own Cherry Blossom Festival to welcome the stunning beauty of the cherry blossoms
Credit: Mr.kototo on Flickr
When in Jeju, you must not miss out on the spectacular views at Hallim Park and Suweolbong! Make sure you’re equipped with Wi-fi or mobile data so your friends can get live updates of the beautiful destination you’re currently exploring
Busan: 26 March – 2 April
One of the most popular spring festivals in South Korea, the Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival turns the peaceful naval town into a picture-perfect village with raining petals. Do not miss out on the scenic shots you can take at Yeojwacheon Stream and Gyeonghwa station!
Credit: Gadjo Dilo on Flickr
#HHWT Tip: If you’re coming to Busan from Seoul, we highly recommend using a Korea Rail Pass (KR Pass) as it allows access to over 600 stations across South Korea and takes only 2.5 hours to travel from Seoul to Busan!
Credit: Catch the Wave on Facebook
Daegu: 26 March – 2 April
Believe it or not, Daegu has a wide range of places where you can admire cherry blossoms! Head on over to Yongyeonsa Temple Cherry Blossom Street for a serene atmosphere as you stroll around the temple grounds.
Another iconic cherry blossom street is the Jijeo-dong Cherry Blossom Tunnel, so don’t forget to put that in your itinerary!
Credit: Daegu Travel on Facebook
(Psst… Daegu is the perfect place for a day trip from Busan! We highly recommend using the KR Pass for convenient transportation between the two places. What’s more – you get to enjoy discounts for admission into various tourist attractions such as SEA Life Busan Aquarium and Busan Citytour )
Gwangju: 29 March – 5 April
The weather in spring is also perfect for a stroll down Gwangju’s Juknokwon Bamboo Forest. The splashes of pink cherry blossoms amidst bamboo trees make the trip down even more delightful!
Credit: Raheel Shahid on Flickr
If you have your Wi-fi or mobile data here with you, navigate your way to Sajik Park, where more awe-inspiring sights await.
Jeolla Province: Late March to early April
Here’s your chance to experience a Korean festival with traditional drum performances and many other interesting activities!
The Jeolla province comes alive during the Seomjingang Riverside Cherry Flower Festival and the merry atmosphere is further uplifted by the beautiful petals flowing around. Just imagine experiencing a different culture surrounded by such spectacular sights
Seoul: 6 – 13 April
Cherry blossom viewing spots are aplenty in Seoul and one of the best ways to maximise your cherry blossom chase is to tour with experienced guides! This Chasing Cherry Blossoms Tour gives you the freedom to choose among various cherry blossom hotspots such as Yeouido Hangang Park, Ilsan Lake Park, and Goryeosan Mountain. The tour also serves vegetarian gimbap* so you get to experience picnicking among such extraordinary views.
(*As the vegetarian gimbap is not halal-certified, we recommend that you dine at your own discretion.)
Credit: @seouljah_boy on Instagram
Bask in the spring atmosphere at the famous Yeouido Spring Flower Festival! Known for its 1,886 Korean Cherry trees, this festival lasts till night. Even after sunset, the petals remain alive with lights and street performances around.
Credit: Republic of Korea on Flickr
#HHWT Tip: When in Seoul, we highly recommend you get a Discover Seoul Pass which comes as both a transportation card (T-Money) and entry into attractions such as the Jongmyo Royal Shrine, N Seoul Tower and many more!
To further immerse yourself, why not take it up a notch by donning a hanbok? Rent one from either Changdeokgung or Gyeongbokgung and you’re ready to explore. Don’t forget to use our code <TRAVELHHWT> to get $5 off your first Klook purchase!
If you have time to spare, a trip to Everland is worth it for the beautiful display of spring flowers that brighten up this picturesque amusement park.
Credit: etravel PH on Facebook
Fancy a different view of the cherry blossoms in Korea? You can also enjoy a bird’s-eye view of this breath-taking phenomena from the Namsan Seoul Tower!
Gangwon-do: Early April to mid-April
If you’re looking to explore more beyond Seoul, head on over to Nami Island for a romantic time with your loved ones. Stroll down the tree-lined paths and drink in the captivating views of the canopying flowers
Be sure not to miss out on other sights in Gangwon-do too, such as in the annual Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival! Another opportunity to put that KR Pass to good use
Credit: Korea Tourism Organization on Facebook
Give yourself a different perspective of the Korean Cherry trees – hop on board a cable car and ascend Mt. Seorak for astounding views! Once you’re there, be sure to explore the grounds of the Naksansa Temple, home to the majestic Bodhisattva statue.
Gyeongju: Early April
Credit: Visitkorea London on Facebook
Looking for a unique way of enjoying the cherry blossoms? Try participating in the Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon (7 April)! Run through paths lined by Korean Cherry trees and enjoy the breeze as you race to the finishing line ♂️
Incheon: 9 – 15 April
Great news! From the airport, you also don’t need to travel far to find a festival! That said, you definitely have to visit the Incheon Grand Park Cherry Blossom Festival in none other than the largest park in Incheon.
Credit: @purejylee on Instagram
Incheon is worth a day trip before you head on over to Seoul or before you make your way to the airport! You can choose to either charter a private car with a professional English-speaking driver, or have your luggage conveniently delivered to your accommodation so you can explore Incheon fuss-free
#HHWT Tip: Travel conveniently by purchasing your transportation and admission passes in advance with Klook! With a minimum of SGD$450 spent on activities in Korea, Japan, Taiwan or China, you get $36* off your purchases with the promo code <CHERRY18>. Malaysian travellers, you can also get RM116* off with the promo code <CHERRY58> and not to forget, Indonesian travellers who use the code <CHERRY188> get to enjoy RP376RB* off your purchases 🤗
Now that you know the approximate time periods to experience the beauty of cherry blossoms in Korea, it’s time to start planning for that Spring escapade Mark your calendars now!
This article was brought to you by Klook.