Beatrice TanThere’s only a short window in the entire year when one will be able to experience the magical feeling of being blanketed with pastel pink blossoms in Korea.
Yes, cherry blossom season will be back soon and if you want to catch it, it’s best to start planning your trip now!
Image credit: Korea Tourism
Based on the blooming season timings in 2017, here’s our guide on where and when to catch the cherry blossoms in Korea for 2018:
Disclaimer: These dates are rough estimates. With the ever-changing weather patterns, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact full bloom dates. This forecast nonetheless serves as a very close guide and we’ll be updating it when we have more information.
🌸 Seoul: 6 to 13 April 🌸
Yeouido Spring Flower Festival, Yeouiseo-ro Street
Image credit: Republic of Korea
Image credit: Republic of Korea
Where better to catch the first glimpse of these beautiful flowers than in Seoul, the capital of Korea? Check out the Yeouido Flower Festival which is famous for its celebration of 1,886 Korean cherry trees. Get ready to feast your eyes at all the delicate sakura blooms during the cherry blossom season!
Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival
Image credit: Korea Tourism
The area surrounding Seokchon Lake also transforms into a wonderful springtime scene where cherry blossoms line the course of the lake. How gorgeous is that?
Other places to spot cherry blossoms include: Outside Kyung Hee University, Seoul Forest, Seoul Grand Park and outside the five grand palaces in Seoul (Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Unhyeongung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace and Gyeongbokgung Palace)
🌸 Jeju Island: 23 to 30 March 🌸
Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival, Seogwipo
Image credit: Korea Tourism
Jeju Island is famous for its fresh seafood, golden beaches and volcanic landscapes but come sakura season, visitors flock here to witness a visual spectacle as the island takes on a soft pink hue.
Late March to early April will also see Jeju island covered in yellow canola flowers, so don’t miss out on their canola flower festivals as well when you’re there!
🌸 Busan and Gyeongsangnam-do: 26 March to 2 April 🌸
Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival, Jinhae
Image credit: Sam Ng
Known for its iconic cherry trees that cluster around the southern port of Jinhae, the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival celebrates the delicate blooms and the arrival of spring from mid March to early April. Snap a photo at the Romance Bridge over Yeojwacheon stream for the ‘gram and watch your friends swoon with envy.
Other places to spot cherry blossoms include: Hwagae Cherry Blossoms Festival,
Gyeonghwa Station, Jungwon Rotary, Ecological park in Naesu-myeon, Jehwangsan Park and Korea Naval Academy
🌸 Gwangju: 29 March to 5 April 🌸
Bamboo Forest, Juknokwon
Image credit: Raheel Shahid
From late March to early April, Gwangju will be the perfect place to visit as you can slowly meander through its Juknokwon Bamboo Forest – made even more scenic with bursts of silky pink and white flowers.
Other places to spot cherry blossoms include: Outside Gwangju National Museum, Sajik Park (great for a night walk as light displays are often installed in the trees)
🌸 Daegu: 26 March to 2 April 🌸
Image credit: Dirk Tussing
There are many lovely cherry blossom spots in Daegu! Do check out the area outside Yongyeonsa Temple Cherry Blossom Street or take a stroll along the blossom-lined pathways of Suseong Lake!
Other places to spot cherry blossoms include: Seongseo Campus of Keimyung University, Duryu Park and Jijeo-dong Cherry Blossom Tunnel
🌸 Gyeongju: Early April 🌸
Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon (7 April)
Image credit: Korea Tourism
Fancy running a marathon with an unbeatable view? The Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon is held every year without fail, coinciding with the blooming period of gorgeous cherry blossoms. The route goes past Bomunho Lake, where runners can run through cherry blossom-lined paths. Other runs include 10km and 5km running events. You can find out more on the marathon here.
Other places to spot cherry blossoms include: Areas of Dongbu Historic Site & Bomun Tourist Complex, Bomun Lakeside Stage
🌸 Jeolla Province: Late March to Early April 🌸
Seomjingang Riverside Cherry Flower Festival
Image credit: Jonniesdough
Image credit: Jonniesdough
Held along the banks of Seomjingang River, the Seomjingang Riverside Cherry Flower Festival welcomes the sakura blooms with a myriad of exciting activities that include traditional drum performances, a paragliding contest, puzzle games, flower art and face painting.
Other places to spot cherry blossoms include: Wolmyeong Dong Park, Boseong Daewonsa Temple, Seomjingang Cherry Blossom Road, Hwagae Market, Ssanggyesa Temple
🌸 Gangwon-do: Early April to Mid April 🌸
Image credit: Korea Tourism
The Gyeongpodae Cherry Blossom Festival takes place at the Gyeongpodae Pavilion and lake.
Surrounded by a 4.3km path of blooming cherry trees, the Gyeongpoho Lake will definitely be a sight to behold, rendering visitors speechless at the view.
Other places to spot cherry blossoms include: Nami Island
🌸 Incheon: 9 to 15 April 🌸
Image credit: Craig Rohn
Come sakura season in Incheon, Incheon Grand Park Cherry Blossom Festival will take place. This is when the cherry trees in Incheon Grand Park will be filled with pretty pastel flowers and the largest park in Incheon will be covered in a pastel pink hue.
Other places to spot cherry blossoms include: Jayu Park
Ready to chase those sakura? Don’t forget to plan your trip closely to these estimates in order to get the best chances for a sakura sighting! Remember to bring along your cameras too, because it’s time to snap away at some of the prettiest scenes you’ll ever see!
