VI
EN
Discover South Korea during cherry blossom season.
After a long and cold winter, South Korea welcomes spring with clusters of cherry blossoms bursting into bloom, painting the sky pink. The blossoms first appear on Jeju Island in mid-March, then gradually spread northward, lasting until the end of April in the high mountain regions. The peak blooming period lasts only about a week before the petals fall, covering the ground in pale pink carpets.
Compared to Japan, which has a long tradition of cherry blossom viewing (hanami), South Korea has the advantage of being more affordable. Tourists can enjoy the cherry blossom season without worrying too much about the cost of transportation or accommodation. Therefore, more and more people are choosing South Korea as an ideal destination to welcome spring and enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms.
The best cherry blossom viewing spots in South Korea.
1. Yeouido Park - The heart of Seoul's cherry blossom season.
The Han River, the iconic river of Seoul, is one of the most beautiful places to see cherry blossoms. Rows of cherry trees line both banks, creating a picturesque natural landscape. Among these, Yeouido Park is the most popular destination. It's not only a financial and political center with the National Assembly building and many modern skyscrapers, but also an ideal picnic spot in the spring.
The Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival takes place annually, usually during the first or second week of April. Visitors can not only admire the vibrant blossoms but also enjoy traditional Korean art performances.
2. Gakwonsa Temple - The serene beauty of cherry blossoms
Cherry blossoms adorn Buddhist temples, most notably Gakwonsa Temple in Cheonan. Located at the foot of Mount Taejo, just 40 minutes from Seoul by bullet train, Gakwonsa Temple boasts distinctive Korean Buddhist architecture with its curved tiled roofs and intricately carved eaves. Every spring, the temple grounds are bathed in the pink hues of cherry blossoms, creating a scene that is both poetic and sacred. The 15-meter-tall, 60-ton seated Buddha statue is a highlight not to be missed. From the temple, visitors can hike along mountain trails, relaxing and enjoying the stunning natural scenery.
3. Jeju Island - Admire the rare "king" cherry blossoms.
If you want to admire a truly special cherry blossom, you can't miss Jeju Island. Thanks to its mild climate, the cherry blossoms here bloom about one to two weeks earlier than on the mainland. Notably, Jeju is the only place with a native cherry blossom variety known as the "king cherry blossom," with larger petals and a deeper pink color than other varieties.
The Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival is a highlight every spring, with Jeonnong-ro – the famous cherry blossom road in Jeju City – being a favorite spot for many tourists. As night falls, the cherry trees are illuminated with shimmering lanterns, creating a magical and romantic scene.
Visiting South Korea during cherry blossom season, tourists can not only enjoy the stunning scenery but also experience the local culture in a fascinating way. Locals often buy a refreshing glass of watermelon juice, spread out a dotjari (cushioned picnic mat) in the park, and sit enjoying the delicate beauty of cherry blossom petals falling in the wind.
If you've ever been captivated by cherry blossoms in Japan, try experiencing springtime in South Korea. Cherry blossoms in the land of kimchi will surely offer you a fresh experience, awakening your love for nature and your enjoyment of life.
