You know it is springtime in South Korea when trees that seem like giant pink cotton candies are lining up pathways and crowding islands and parks. These dreamlike clusters of petals called cherry blossoms, also known as sakura, only show off their beauty for a brief time.
Korea’s weather has four distinct seasons: summer takes place from July to August, autumn from September to November, winter from December to March, and the cherry blossom season called spring, full from April to June, but many parts of the country are already bathed in hues of pink as early as March.
Therefore, before you book your tickets and come up with your Korea itinerary, you need to know where you can go in Korea during spring and when you will go if you want to catch the delicate blooms of cherry blossoms. The good news is there are ideal sakura-viewing spots as well as cherry blossom festivals in Korea that will allow you to fully enjoy the season.
Jeju Island: Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival
The highly anticipated shower of cherry blossoms takes place in Jeju City at Jeongnong-ro. You’ll find King Cherry trees adorning both sides of the road, with lanterns all over the place during the festival. There are crowds, vendors, and shops. You can tour the whole island and see all its best attractions by booking this amazing one-day guided tour.
Jeonnong-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Best time to view cherry blossoms: March 23-30
Best spots to view cherry blossoms:
Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehang-ro, Arail-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Jeju City Sport Complex, 24 Seogwang-ro 2-gil, Orail-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Sinsan Park, 885 Ildo 2-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Noksan-ro, Canola Flower road, San 51-1 Gasi-ri, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Gangwon-do: Nami Island
Unwind underneath the cherry blossom trees in Nami Island. Strolling in the island will bring you to a magical place. Don’t miss the enchanting tunnel formed by the cherry blossom trees on the Gapyeong Cherry Blossom Tree Road. You can explore Nami Island and soak in its breathtaking views on a lovely day tour like this.
1 Namisum-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Best time to view cherry blossoms: Early April
Changwon City: Jinhae Gunhangje Festival
The largest spring festival in Korea is the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival. The festival, celebrated for 10 days, attracts at least two million tourists every year. Its history can be traced back to the commemoration of Yi Sun-sin, Joseon period’s revered naval admiral. To completely enjoy the event, book KKday’s Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival Day Tour from Seoul now!
Best time to view cherry blossoms: Early April
Best spots to view cherry blossom: Yeojwacheon stream and Gyeonghwa train station
Gyeongju: The 29th Gyeongju Cherry Marathon
A unique way to celebrate the blooming of cherry blossoms in Korea is to join a fun-filled activity with others. Attracting both tourists and locals, the 29th Gyeongju Cherry Marathon in Gyeongju is popular because its course appears enclosed by stunning cherry blossom trees.
593, Gyeonggam-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Event Schedule: April 4, 2020, 8:00 AM
Yeouiseo-ro: Yeouido Flower Festival
The Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is famous for its 1,886 Korean Cherry trees. The event takes place on Yeouiseo-ro Road (Yunjung-no) in mid-April. Aside from cherry blossom trees, the festival also showcases forsythia, azaleas, royal azaleas, and other spring flowers in full bloom.
Visitors can freely roam and enjoy the entire festival because vehicles are usually not allowed on the road around the National Assembly Building. You can also enjoy sakura-viewing at night when cherry blossoms are lit up with multicolored lights. You can also witness street performances, a singing contest, character parade, and art exhibitions.
Yeouiseo-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Best time to view cherry blossoms: Mid-April
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*Featured image from TONOITOO on Shutterstock
