Where and When to See Cherry Blossoms in Korea 2024
Who says that you can only see sakura in Japan? One of our favorite things about spring in South Korea is definitely being able to enjoy cherry blossom season or beot-kkot (벗꽃) 🌸 But before you book your flight - don't forget to first check out our trusty guide on Korea's Spring Season - from festivals, food, and more!
You can also stay updated with Korea's cherry blossom 2024 forecast for predicted sakura blooming times for Seoul, Busan, Jeju, and other popular cherry blossom spots in the country.
Spring in South Korea
Heading to Korea in spring to see the sakura has definitely got to be on the travel bucket list for many - and it's not hard to see why.
From March to Mid-April, many flock to the country to partake in cherry blossom viewing festivals (like the famous Jinhae Gunhangje Festival and Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival) and revel in the breathtaking sight of streets covered in a sea of sakura 😍
South Korea Cherry Blossom Forecast 2024
City | Predicted Flowering Date (2024) |
|---|---|
Jeju | 24 March |
Busan | 22 March |
Changwon | 22 March |
Ulsan | 27 March |
Yeosu | 28 March |
Gwangju | 28 March |
Mokpo | 29 March |
Jeonju | 29 March |
Daegu | 26 March |
Pohang | 24 March |
Andong | 31 March |
Daejeon | 30 March |
Cheongju | 31 March |
Seosan | 7 April |
Suwon | 7 April |
Seoul | 3 April |
Incheon | 7 April |
Gangneung | 31 March |
Chuncheon | 7 April |
For more information on flowering and prediction dates, check out the Korea Weatheri Cherry Blossom Forecast Notice on this website.
*All dates are accurate at the time of publishing, please check the relevant websites for the most updated information.
15 Best Places to Enjoy Cherry Blossoms in South Korea
Jeju
1. Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival
Image credit: Jeju Tourism Website
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Jeju Island is home to the elusive King Cherry Trees. As one of the most majestic and rare species of cherry blossoms, seeing them IN REAL LIFE is a real thrill.
Image credit: Jeju Tourism website
The annual Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival is held at tree-lined venues including Jeonnong-ro, Jeju City, the entrance to Jeju National University, and at Jangjeon-ri, Aewol-eup. Revel in the marvelous sight of lovely King Cherry blooms - these are fleeting (they only last for 2-3 days) and usually starts late March
If you miss out on seeing these blossoms in full bloom, you can still enjoy the breathtaking views surrounding Jeju Island. Around mid-April, you can also see a sea of yellow as the canola flowers bloom! (Read here to know more about: Jeju cherry blossoms)
Address: Jeonnong-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Seoul
2. Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival
Image credit: Yeongdeungpo Cultural Foundation website
Home to over 1,880 cherry blossom trees along with azaleas, forsythia, royal azaleas, and other spring flowers, the Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is sure to be a blooming bonanza. Set along the Han River, this is one of the most frequented cherry blossom viewing spots in all of Seoul. Lay out your rug and plant yourself here for the day!
Aside from perusing a plethora of pretty Sakura trees, you can get your delicious fill at the food booths situated throughout the area. And make sure you look out for the unique performances and events as well. The festival usually runs in early April.
Address: Yeongdeungpo-gu Yeouiseo-ro and Han River Park soccer field
3. Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival
Seoul cherry blossoms are sure to be heart-stealers when you visit Seokchon Lake during springtime. Come early to mid April, the cherry blossom trees are in full dazzle along the lakeside – make sure to highlight the Seokchonhosu Lake Cherry Blossom Festival on your calendar. Dates are to be confirmed - but the festival usually happens in the first two weeks of April.
Address: 148, Jamsil-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Image credit: @visitseoul_official on Instagram
Stroll past the pink blooms, get involved in hands-on activities or enjoy the festival’s fun performances and exhibitions. And here’s more great news – Seokchon Lake Park isn’t far from Lotte World, so you can combine your sakura fix and adrenaline rush in one day!
Klook Tip: Skip the queues! Get your discounted Lotte World tickets on Klook and get instant confirmation. This means less waiting and more good times!
4. Namsan Park
One of the most popular green spaces in Seoul, Namsan Park is a short stroll from the sky-high N Seoul Tower. Sitting at 262 metres, this park-on-a-hill is blessed with a long line of wow-worthy sakura blossoms.
Klook Tip: Hop on the N Seoul Tower for a beautiful bird's-eye view of the cherry blooms! Trust us, it's a whole different experience!
Address: 231, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
5. Anyangcheon Cherry Blossom Walkway
Image credit: @mirabelly on Instagram
Another lovely cherry blossom hotspot by a lake is the Anyangcheon Cherry Blossom Walkway by Anyang Stream.
This place is perfect for an afternoon stroll, with tons of photo opportunities and picturesque views. If you have the time, get a drink and snack and plop yourself down by the grass patches for a scenic picnic!
Address: Seoksu-ro, Manan-gu, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do
6. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Peruse the palatial petals
Easily one of the most iconic sights in Seoul, the Gyeongbokgung Palace is a fantastic spot for beholding cherry blossoms. Wander around the palace gardens and wonder at the delicate flowers and surrounding vistas.
Fun Fact: Gyeongbokgung Palace was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty and was built in 1395!
And guess what? If you’re dressed in traditional hanbok, you can enter for free! So, to save – make sure to book your hanbok rental on Klook! Free entry to the palace, traditional hanbok dress, and free hairstyling to see cherry blossoms in full glory – it’s an Instagram hat trick!
There are a few more palaces around Seoul that are stunning during cherry blossom season Korea. These include Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Unhyeongung Palace and Changgyeonggung Palace.
Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
For the best-curated sakura experience in Seoul, the Chasing Cherry Blossoms Tour will take you to all the best viewing spots, based on the forecast and when you’re due in town!
7. Seoul Forest Park
Image credit: @visitseoul_official on Instagram
Seoul Forest Park is a hotspot when it comes to seasonal flowers and foliage. Come spring, the park is covered in gorgeous, powdery pink cherry blossom blooms, while the stretch of ginkgo trees are perfect for foliage viewing in autumn.
Image credit: @visitseoul_official on Instagram
There are many facilities within the Seoul Forest Park, which include a Culture & Art Park, forest playground areas and a waterfront marina area, making it a fantastic and relaxing spot for locals and tourists alike. Pack a picnic, pick a spot, and enjoy the view 😍
Address: 273, Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
📍More cherry blossom spots in Seoul
Parks
In Namsan Park
Near Lotte World Seoul
Get there via round-trip shuttle bus from Seoul
or join a day tour + other activities
Palaces
You get free entry if you’re wearing a hanbok!
Join a guided tour that includes all three palaces and more.
Busan
8. Namcheon-dong Cherry Blossom Road
Namcheon-dong in Busan, more famously known as Cherry Blossom Road, is an other-worldly sight! With densely-packed cherry trees lining either side, arching over the road in Samik Beach town, you’ll feel as if you’re traveling to the gates of sakura heaven.
Image credit: Busan Tourism website
Some of these trees are more than 30 years old! This is a famous spot for locals and tourists to lay their eyes on these lovely pink blooms. And while you’re in the hood, head to other popular nearby destinations like Gwangalli Beach.
Address: Namcheon-dongSuyeong-gu, Busan, South Korea
9. Oncheoncheon Café Street
Image credit: Busan Tourism website
The Oncheoncheon Café Street is a lovely place for your cherry blossom hunt in Busan. Brimming with cafes, bakeries, shops and restaurants, here's where you can sit and enjoy a cuppa with a view. You can also shop for cute souvenirs and trinkets here!
Address: 451 Oncheoncheon-ro, Allak-dong, Dongnae-gu, Busan, South Korea
10. Haeundae Dalmajigil Road
Image credit: Busan Tourism website
The Dalmajigil Road in Haeundae is lined with pretty cherry blossom and pine trees and restaurants and cafés, so it's a great spot for couples on dates loved by couples (psst, this spot is also known as "lover's lane").
Address: 1488-1 Jung 2(i)-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
11. Daejeo Eco Park
Image credit: Busan Tourism website
Located on the riverbanks of Nakdonggang River, go on a nature escape at Daejeo Ecological Park, where springtime brings amazing views of cherry blossom and spring flower blooms (like canola!).
Locals and tourists alike flock here to see the 2,500 cherry blossom trees, that form a 12-kilometer blossom tunnel along the edge of the Nakdonggang River - a stunning sight for sure!
Address: 2314-11 Daejeo 1(il)-dong, Gangseo-gu, Busan, South Korea
Gyeongju
12. Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival
A two-hour KTX ride away from Seoul lies the historic city of Gyeongju, which is known for its rich history. In fact, the Gyeongju Historic Areas and Yangdong Folk Village are designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
History aside, this city also offers amazing cherry blossom views come springtime too! The Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival One day Tour from Busan will take you to all the best spots this city has to offer, from the Bomun Tourist Complex to Daereungwon! After that you will also get to enjoy a Eastern Historic site tour that brings you to important landmarks in Korean history within the area. Throughout your tour, you'll be able to try traditional Korean street food, buy souvenirs and gifts, and learn more about Korean culture.
Address: Eastern Historic District (Cheomseongdae, Gyerim, and surrounding area), Bomun Tourist Complex
Others
13. Jayu Park
When you think of Incheon, you probably think of Korea’s major international airport. Well, apart from all things aviation, you may be surprised to discover that Incheon is also home to some of the most jaw-dropping cherry blossom viewing spots. So, even if you only have a short time during transit, these local Incheon spots are sure to satisfy your sakura fix.
One of the must-visit vistas in Incheon is Jayu Park. Here you’ll see puffs of pink blooms from afar. This park is only a short walk from the Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village, so make sure you take a stroll.
This is also the time of year to catch the incredible Incheon Grand Park Cherry Blossom Festival. This idyllic park is punctuated with sakura trees, as the locals picnic and cycle around – it’s pretty much pink heaven!
Address: 25 Jayugongwonnam-ro, Bukseong-dong 3(sam)-ga, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea
14. Nami Island
A popular day trip from Seoul, Nami Island is a charmer. Rich with natural lush, green gifts, it’s no wonder this picturesque island has become a nature hotspot (also boosted by being featured in a popular Korean Drama).
Beautiful year-round, during the season of cherry blossom Korea, Nami Island turns into a pink sakura paradise. Some of the best bloom photos are taken along Cherry Tree Lane in front of the Water Stages Swimming Pool — great for the 'gram 😉
Check out this day tour from Seoul to Nami Island, Petite France, and Garden of Morning Calm with a Gangchon Rail biking experience which combines the best of Nami Island attractions into a day trip!
Address: 1 Namisum-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea
15. Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival
When it comes to South Korea cherry blossom, the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival (25 March - 3 April 2023) is one of the most famous sakura festivals in Korea. One of the biggest celebrations in the country, visitors from across the globe flock to this otherwise sleepy town to see the stunning pastel pink hues.
The top blossom viewing spots are at the Yeojwacheon Stream and Gyeonghwa Station. To top off your experience, make sure you sample a slice of Cherry Blossom Cake; a sweet seasonal treat that's only available during spring.
Address: 9 Tongsin-dong, Jinhae, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea
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