Update 2024
Spring in South Korea is the best season to come visit the country. The most anticipated event is the cherry blossom viewing happening from late March to Mid-April. The trees turn into gorgeous giant flower bouquets all across the country at different times which makes it possible to view them in full bloom for a month.
1. Famous Cherry Blossom Spots in Seoul
Where is the best place to see cherry blossoms in Seoul? Yeouido Hangang Park has the highest cherry blossom tree number, over a thousand! The vast park is next to the Han River making this viewing spot one of the local favorites. At night, the trees are illuminated, offering a memorable romantic evening.
Seokchon Lake, located near the famous Lotte World Tower, is one of the picturesque views. It is possible to photograph it from above by visiting the tower.
Seoul Forest Park is next to a trendy neighborhood called Seongsu. If you are cafe hopping or shopping in that area, visit Seoul Forest as well!
Mount Namsan is where the N Seoul Tower is. Away from the hustle and bustle, a walk there is always enchanting. This path is part of the Namsan Dulle-gil, use the east entry next to Banyan Tree Hotel.
Gyeongbokgung Palace‘s Cherry Blossoms are the most photographed by tourists in the peak season, as they flaunt a majestic pond Pavillon in the background for a picture-perfect shoot.
2. Cherry Blossom Hidden Spots in Seoul
Cafe & restaurant streets in Seoul such as Gyeongui Line & Hapjeong are famous for their cherry blossoms. They are famous but not as popular as the previous spots, so it is still possible to walk and enjoy the scenery. Those who love the cherry blossom season, know this is extremely valuable!
As someone who enjoys eateries, I highly suggest you make sure to have a reservation at one of the restaurants with a view of the cherry blossoms. Or, I recommend coming before 11 am to secure a spot.
Dear Moment is a restaurant with a Naver reservation system. It is located on the 2nd floor of a small building on the Gyeongui Line.
There are 2 main roads with cherry blossoms in the Hapdong area. The first one is the very animated Hapjeong Cafe Street accessible near exits 5 and 6 of Hapjeong Station of lines 2 and 6.
A little further, hidden in the neighborhood is the Huiujeong Street. This is a very quiet residential area with a pretty cherry blossom walkway.
Yangjae Citizen’s Forest is a long river-walking path. It is a spot with fewer people where you could also picnic under the cherry blossom trees if you walk toward the Yangjae Flower Market.
Seoul Grand Park is located in a remote southern area of Seoul. It is a true getaway with no buildings to be seen, famous among families. If the family vibes are not your cup of tea, how about horses? The Let’s Run Park Seoul, located one station before Seoul Grand Park, has an enchanting cherry blossom alley.
Seoul National Cemetery‘s Weeping Cherry Blossom Trees are the epitome of elegance. This is why many come to shoot their wedding pictures. This cherry blossom species is a rare sight in South Korea.
Ansan Urban Natural Park is famous for people living in the neighborhood. This local festival is hidden on a mountain! The area also holds an illumination festival at the Yeonhui Forest Rest Area.
3. When Is The Best Time For The Korean Cherry Blossom
When can you see the cherry blossom in Seoul? The best time in Seoul would be from April 3 to April 10, 2024. The double cherry blossom species typically bloom later, from April 8 to April 16, but they are usually planted singularly in public parks of Seoul.
How long do cherry blossoms last? The full bloom of cherry blossoms can last from 5 to 10 days. Starting from the first flowers to green leaves, the period is usually one month.
Updated 2024 Forecast
Northern area:
- Seoul: April 3 – April 10
- Suwon: April 7 – April 14
- Incheon: April 7 – April 14
Southern area:
- Daejeon: April 1 – April 8
- Jeonju, Gwangju: March 31 – April 6
- Busan, Daegu, Pohang: March 29 – April 5
- Jeju-do: March 26 – April 2
Forecast explanation: The blooming dates are registered each year to give a prediction for the following year. But, the flower bud growth mainly depends on the weather. A mild winter and high spring temperatures will lead to faster bud development. So, cherry blossoms located in colder areas such as mountains are usually the ones blooming later.
Too early to see the cherry blossoms? Don’t worry, I got you!
The Yellow Korean Forsythia Festival happening on the 3rd week of March. It is the most impressive from the Eungbong Mountain (accessible by bus, easy peak for trollers & wheelchairs).
The deep pink Azalea Festival on Wonmisan Mountain in Bucheon, close to Incheon. This magical event is worth it! It is held on the last weekend of March.
I recommend visiting on weekdays to avoid the crowd. With lucky weather, both Azalea and Cherry Blossom blooms can be seen in the 1st week of April!
Bonus flower trees are the famous Magnolias. The huge white or deep pink flowers of the magnolia trees are irresistible. You can find them at peak on the 3rd and last week of March in Seoul. Conhas Coffee in Seoul is a great spot for Instagram!
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