Discover Korea in cherry blossom season
After a long, cold winter, Korea welcomes spring with clusters of cherry blossoms blooming, painting the sky pink. The flowers first bloom on Jeju Island in mid-March, then gradually spread north, lasting until late April in the highlands. The peak bloom lasts only about a week before the petals fall, covering the ground in pale pink carpets.
Compared to Japan - where the tradition of hanami cherry blossom viewing is long-standing - Korea has the advantage of more reasonable costs. Tourists can enjoy the flower season without worrying too much about the cost of transportation or accommodation. Therefore, more and more people choose Korea as an ideal destination to welcome spring and enjoy the cherry blossom scenery.
The best places to see cherry blossoms in Korea
1. Yeouido Park - The heart of Seoul's cherry blossom season
The Han River, the symbolic river of Seoul, is one of the most beautiful places to see cherry blossoms. On both sides of the river, rows of cherry trees stretch out, creating a poetic natural picture. Among them, Yeouido Park is the most popular destination for tourists. This place is not only a financial and political center with the National Assembly building and many modern high-rise buildings, but also an ideal picnic area in the spring.
The Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival takes place annually, usually in the first or second week of April. Coming here, visitors can not only admire the brilliant flowers but also have the opportunity to enjoy traditional Korean art performances.
2. Gakwonsa Temple - The serenity of cherry blossoms
Cherry blossoms add a peaceful and serene beauty to Buddhist temples, notably Gakwonsa Temple in Cheonan. Located at the foot of Taejo Mountain, just 40 minutes by high-speed train from Seoul, Gakwonsa Temple has typical Korean Buddhist architecture with curved tiled roofs and delicately carved eaves. Every spring, the temple grounds are immersed in the pink color of cherry blossoms, creating a poetic and sacred scene. In particular, the 15m high, 60-ton seated Buddha statue here is a highlight not to be missed. From the temple, visitors can walk along the trails up the mountain, both relaxing and enjoying the beautiful natural scenery.
3. Jeju Island - See the rare "king" cherry blossoms
If you want to admire a special cherry blossom, visitors cannot miss Jeju Island. Thanks to the temperate climate, cherry blossoms here bloom about one to two weeks earlier than on the mainland. In particular, Jeju is the only place with a native cherry blossom variety known as the “king cherry blossom” with large petals and a darker pink color than other varieties.
The Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival is a highlight event every spring, with Jeonnong-ro – the famous flower road in Jeju City – being a favorite destination for many tourists. When night falls, the rows of cherry trees here are lit up with shimmering lanterns, creating a magical, romantic scene.
Coming to Korea during cherry blossom season, visitors can not only enjoy the beautiful scenery but also experience the local culture in an interesting way. People here often buy a glass of cool watermelon juice, spread out a dotjari (picnic mat with cushion) in the park and sit and enjoy the fragile beauty of cherry blossom petals falling in the wind.
If you have ever been fascinated by the cherry blossom season in Japan, try to experience the spring in Korea. Cherry blossoms in the land of kimchi will definitely bring you a new experience, awakening the love of nature and enjoyment of life in each person.
