Cherry blossom fever is here! If you want to experience a delicious flavour flush, spring in South Korea is a hub of budding taste sensations.
Cherry blossom-inspired Korean food is a feast for the eyes, as well as having a fun floral flavour. These 10 foodie delights are seasonal, making a short but sweet appearance once every year. Wrap your taste buds around these lil’ gems during your Sakura chase in Korea.
South Korea Cherry Blossom Forecast 2024
South Korea has not yet announced its 2024 dates, so please stay tuned for updates!
City | Predicted Flowering Date (2023) |
|---|---|
Jeju | 22 March |
Busan | 27 March |
Changwon | 28 March |
Ulsan | 28 March |
Yeosu | 29 March |
Gwangju | 27 March |
Mokpo | 29 March |
Jeonju | 27 March |
Daegu | 26 March |
Pohang | 27 March |
Andong | 31 March |
Daejeon | 31 March |
Cheongju | 1 April |
Seosan | 7 April |
Suwon | 6 April |
Seoul | 3 April |
Incheon | 8 April |
Gangneung | 31 March |
Chuncheon | 7 April |
For more information on flowering and prediction dates, please check out the Korea Weather Cherry Blossom Forecast Updates on this website.
*All dates are accurate at the time of publication, so please refer to the relevant websites for the most updated information.
What can I expect in the spring season in Korea?
Image credit: Jeju Tourism Website
Spring in Korea is a delightful season characterised by the blooming of cherry blossoms, known as "벚꽃" or "beotkkot" in Korean. These iconic pink and white flowers create stunning landscapes, attracting both locals and tourists to participate in the tradition of cherry blossom viewing.
With the arrival of spring in Korea, you can also expect milder temperatures, with daytime averages ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius.
The season also brings outdoor festivals that celebrate Korean culture through events such as music festivals, food festivals, and more. Culinary offerings during spring feature fresh, seasonal ingredients, including cherry blossom-infused dishes that highlight light and refreshing flavours.
Spring holds special significance for students as it marks the end of the academic year, with school graduations symbolising new beginnings. Traditional holidays like Buddha's Birthday (Seokga Tansinil) and Children's Day (어린이날) add cultural richness to the season, making spring in Korea a vibrant and lively time decorated with natural beauty and a sense of rejuvenation.
Cherry-blossom themed foods you can munch on in South Korea
1. Chomp on a sweet petal-shaped cake
A little cake with a big surprise!
Photo Credit: @sae_______h on Instagram
Made exclusively for the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, these little delicacies not only resemble the shape of a single cherry tree bloom, but when you bite into them, expect a pleasing red bean paste filling with cherry blossom extract.
Find these at: The Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, also known as the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival.
Nearest station: Changwon Station
2. You’ll scream for more ice-cream
Take time out for a frozen floral yum! Photo Credit: Blackburns
Just when you thought there couldn’t be any more ice cream flavours on the face of the planet – enter BLACKBURN’s frozen Cherry Blossom delight. Sourced from fresh Japanese ingredients, this treat is a cold party in your mouth that tastes just like the cherry blossoms in Korea (but sweeter).
Find these at: BLACKBURN’S , 29, Ewhayeodae 7-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Nearest station: Sinchon Station
3. We like pink buns and we cannot lie
The most unique burger you’re likely to lay eyes on. Photo Credit: @pinkarumi on Instagram
Not quite Korean spring street food, but rather off-street food, convenience stores in South Korea have a great cherry blossom game! For a burger with a nod to all things pink blooms, during the season, the shelves of the GS25 stores are lined with pink, fluffy-bun burgers. Taste this unique flavour and get in on the Sakura hype without forking out a small fortune.
Find these at: GS25 convenience stores across South Korea.
Nearest station: Try the GS25 near Seoul Station for starters.
4. Blossoms and bubbles, a drink with a difference
Let’s get fizzy-cal!
Photo Credit: Twitter
For a blooming great beverage, wash your burger down with a fab floral chaser! Also sold at GS25, this cherry blossom sparkling soda is the cherry on top of your taste sensation.
Find these at: GS25 convenience stores across South Korea.
Nearest station: Try the GS25 near Seoul Station for starters.
5. Bagelly goodness that goes beyond
Bite into the supermodel of bagels!
Photo Credit: @hoophoopbagel on Instagram
Be gone plain bagels! Nothing is quite as beautiful as a pink cherry blossom bagel; this is Instagrammable, pretty food at its best. It’s almost too attractive to eat, but – you definitely should! Sink your teeth into this bouncy bread good and savour the flavour.
Find these at: Hoop Hoop Bagel, 124, Sicheong-ro, Gwangmyeong-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
Nearest station: Gaebong Station
6. Soju think you can resist this drink?
Korea’s favourite tipple comes in pink.
Photo Credit: YouTube
Soju is a Korean staple, a unique pink potion you need to sample a-sap. Not only lovely to look at, this drink also derives its flavour and pastel hue from the elusive pink cherry blossom. Sweet and delightfully pink, it’s guaranteed to add some sophistication to your shots.
Find these at: Daldal Day (달달데이) branches.
Nearest station: Soongsil University Station
7. Bring on the Bingsu
Dessert done right with some sakura flair. Photo Credit: Spot The Food
This Korean dessert is nothing short of spectacular; once you try it, you’ll be back for more! Cherry blossom season brings the Bingsu with an extra dimension: Sakura-flavour. Get ready for spring in a bowl!
Find these at: Danggo jip (당고집), 5, Eoulmadang-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Nearest station: Sangsu Station
8. Spectacular, scrumptious skewers
Don’t skewer around with anything else – try these! Photo Credit: Spot The Food
Chew on this: these mochi-like (sweet and chewy rice cakes) traditional desserts taste as good as they look. And that’s saying something because they look pretty striking. Taste the full rainbow of flavours, but during spring, don’t miss the beautiful cherry blossom skewers; a seasonal taste sensation.
Find these at: Danggo jip (당고집), 5, Eoulmadang-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Nearest station: Sangsu Station
9. Pink coffee art – you’ll love it a latte
Sip on the best-looking latte in town. Photo Credit: Cafe Cuzacuza
Seoul’s Cafe Cuzacuza has a well-earned reputation for its impressive coffee art. If it’s fancy froth you’re after, this is the place. For limited periods, you can head to the cafe for a cherry blossom latte and see for yourself as these talented baristas create their milky blooms.
Find these at: Cafe Cuzacuza (카페 쿠자쿠자), 25, Itaewon-ro 54ga-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Nearest station: Hangangjin Station
10. Celebrate cherry blossom season at Starbucks
Starbucks is a dedicated sakura fan.
Photo Credit: Starbucks Korea
In Korea, Starbucks is cherry blossom central! During Sakura season, this coffee shop is pinker than a watermelon factory. Choose from special edition tumblers, mugs and merchandise dedicated to these blooming lovely blossoms while you sip on seasonal drinks and sample desserts.
Find these at: Starbucks outlets across South Korea.
Nearest station: Try the Starbucks near Seoul Station for starters.
More foods to try
If you’re keen to taste other South Korean quirky foods, go to Egg Drop, an uber popular brekky spot; take your pick of an egg sandwich with loads of fillings. And there’s another toasted sandwich chain too – at Isaac Toast, you’ll never look at this simple food offering the same again. With more than 700 retail stores across the country, go forth and toast!
Other Korean Must-Eats and Specialties in Spring
1. King Crab
Spring is the peak season for king crab both in South Korea and Japan. This means that you'll enjoy it at its freshest and most flavourful. The crabs are typically harvested during the winter months in the frigid waters of the North Pacific, making spring the perfect time to indulge in this seasonal delicacy.
King crab is known for its sweet and succulent meat, which pairs perfectly with the light and refreshing flavours often associated with spring cuisine. Whether steamed, grilled, or served in a spicy stir-fry, king crab is a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in a variety of delicious ways to suit your taste.
2. Jjukkumi (쭈꾸미) — Webfoot Octopus
Jjukkumi is known for its unique texture and rich, savoury flavour. When cooked properly, the octopus becomes tender and slightly chewy, with a deliciously smoky taste that pairs perfectly with spicy seasonings. This makes jjukkumi a popular dish to enjoy with friends and family during spring gatherings.
That's why eating jjukkumi in Korea during spring can allow you to experience a beloved local dish that is deeply rooted in Korean culinary tradition. Jjukkumi is often enjoyed as a seasonal delicacy, with its availability limited to the spring months.
3. Strawberries
Taste the sweetness of Korean strawberries! Credits: Klook
Korea is renowned for its exceptionally sweet and juicy strawberries, offering you a treat during the best harvests in spring. The strawberry season spans from late winter to early summer (January to May), with many strawberry farms welcoming visitors to pick their own berries for a fee during these months.
The season to think pink
Travel essential: Korail pass!
When cherry blossom season is in sight, the best way to remedy your pink fever is a holiday packed with these essential Sakura activities for the perfect getaway! If a trip to South Korea is already on your radar, here are travel essentials that’ll make for a top trip:
4G WiFi Device and the Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS) for 2, 3, 4 or 5 days.
Sakura season is a rare opportunity to see a floral flourish like no other. To make sure you don’t miss the cherry blossoms in full bloom, check out the Cherry Blossom Forecast and the Best Viewing Spots so you’re not left up the creek without a petal!
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