South Korea Cherry Blossom Forecast (2023): When & Where

Apart from Japan‘s sakura craze, South Korea cherry blossom season can be a sought-after occasion in Asia — particularly as a result of it may be fairly brief! As such, this is likely one of the finest instances to discover the nation and witness the distinctive magnificence and vibe that the blossoms add to the native landscapes and sights.

Your top-of-mind vacation spot will certainly be the capital, Seoul, however I urge you to attempt to make time in exploring different locations like Busan or Jeju Island.

RELATED READ:
– Spring Flowers in Korea: When & Where to Go
– Seoul Itinerary
– South Korea Travel Guides

South Korea Cherry Blossom Map Forecast

In most elements of South Korea, the cherry blossom’s blooming dates begin across the final week of March (beginning in Jeju Island) and lasts till the primary week of April; however Seoul, specifically, has blooms that come a little bit later.

Koreans sometimes name cherry blossoms beot-kkot (벗꽃) and they don’t seem to be to be confused with similar-looking blooms like that from the almond, apricot, peach, and plum timber. Besides, South Korean cherry blossoms have a distinctive pink hue and a beautiful scent that’s considerably completely different from that of Japan.

NOTE: The Korean cherry tree which is often known as ‘King Cherry’ originated from Jeju Island and it barely differs from most different cherry blossom timber attributable to the truth that its flowers are bigger. They additionally solely bloom in full for less than a few days!

All in all, for those who’re planning a visit to South Korea any time quickly, it’s best to be aware of these high locations from ALL of the areas within the nation that will provide you with lovely cherry blossom views, in addition to an opportunity to take part in bustling cherry blossom festivals!

Best South Korea Cherry Blossom Spots

South Korea has 9 (9) provinces, particularly: North Chungcheong, South Chungcheong, Gangwon, Gyeonggi, North Gyeongsang, South Gyeongsang, North Jeolla, South Jeolla, and Jeju Special Self-Governing Province.

For this text, I’ve mixed north and south provinces; thus, narrowing it all the way down to solely six (6) so as to higher see the highest South Korea cherry blossom spots that you need to see everywhere in the nation!

» Cherry Blossom Spots in Seoul & Gyeonggi Regions

Photo by: Shutterstock

◘◘ Seoul
(March 28 to April 3)

As a dynamic capital, there are tons of key locations that you need to see for viewing South Korea cherry blossom timber. To identify a couple of, they’re…

• Yeouido Park: This is likely one of the hottest locations to see cherry blossoms in Seoul and it even has its personal competition referred to as Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival or Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival. It is legendary for its 1.8k Korean Cherry timber that line the boulevard and also you’re certain to discover a mass arrival of vacationers who wish to witness the great thing about these cherry timber. Due to its recognition, a whole lot of distributors, avenue performances, and out of doors leisure may also be unfold across the park. At evening, Yeouido Park even transforms right into a magical setting when the cherry blossom timber are lit in varied coloured lights.
  • Festival Date: (TBC) April 6 to fifteen
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• Seokchon Lake: Found within the japanese a part of town, this standard spot is gorgeous all-year-round — nevertheless it’s additional particular throughout spring when it’s surrounded with colourful cherry timber. If you’re visiting the close by Lotte World Amusement Park, that is certainly a cease that you need to make! Aside from cherry blossom viewing, different actions right here embody piano on the lake, cherry blossom market, and varied performances.
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• Seoul Grand Park: This park is full of nice surprises provided that it supplies entry to each cherry blossoms viewing and an amusement park that includes a zoo and botanical backyard! To add, Seoul Grand Park additionally holds a big cherry blossom competition in the course of the first week of April the place vacationers can take pleasure in reside performances of types.
  • Festival Date: (TBC) April 8 to 17
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• Seoul Forest: (Pictured Above) This could also be a well-liked attraction in Seoul however with its grand area, you gained’t really feel the crowds as you take pleasure in the great thing about the encircling cherry timber. You may also love the bridge that’s discovered in the midst of the forest the place you view some lavender-colored blooms. There are even deers residing right here and also you’re free to feed them. If you ask me, that is the proper spot for a romantic picnic with your beloved!
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• Namsan Mountain: This is the place the well-known N Seoul Tower is discovered and it’s completely attractive within the spring. After all, the trail in its Namsan Park is claimed to be the longest path of South Korea cherry blossom timber within the metropolis! Additionally, additionally, you will witness fairly spring flowers like forsythias and azaleas.
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• Kyung Hee University: A lovely Seoul campus made much more attractive in the course of the cherry blossom season! It is taken into account a hidden spot for cherry blossom viewing in Seoul the place the sunshine pink cherry blossoms give a fantastic backdrop of the structure. You will really discover 200 cherry timber lined from the principle gate to the principle constructing, so it makes for an incredible Instagrammable spot!
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• Seoul National Cemetery: Although this isn’t preferrred for picnics and leisure, this cemetery stays to be a well-liked cherry blossom viewing spot amongst locals. You also can take pleasure in different actions right here just like the altering of the guards in addition to picture exhibitions.
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• Royal Palaces: One of the perfect locations to understand the well-known spring flowers is at Seoul’s royal palaces corresponding to Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Changgyeonggung. With its distinctive architectural design, it’s an absolute should to take pictures in these spots whereas carrying a hanbok rental, or the normal Korean costume, as it’s the most quintessential and dramatic Korean spring picture.
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• Anyang Stream: This lengthy path is lined with cherry blossom timber that present an incredible cover to the walkway. Located on the western facet of town, it is a hidden attraction the place not a whole lot of vacationers crowd in — thus, making it a super place for viewing and picture ops. Anyang Stream can be residence to some lovely surrounding flower fields and gardens that add extra magnificence to the place.
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• Yangjaecheon Stream: This is taken into account one more hidden spot for South Korea cherry blossom viewing. The locals often go to this place to see the attractive spring flowers and benefit from the native Yangjaecheon Stream Cherry Blossom and Lantern.
  • Festival Date: (TBC) April 5 to 9

◘◘ Gyeonggi
(April 5 to 11)

• Nami Island: This crescent-shaped island is likely one of the hottest day journeys from Seoul provided that the entire of the world is roofed in varied timber that cycle fantastically via the seasons. Naturally, in spring, the South Korea cherry blossom timber line up many of the pathways like a cover, making it such a romantic vacation spot not just for {couples} however for households and pals alike. Apart from viewing the encircling nature, you too can take pleasure in a variety of actions right here corresponding to renting a motorcycle, zip-lining, purchasing, and plenty of others.

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» Cherry Blossom Spots in Gangwon Region

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This northeast province of South Korea is mountainous and it’s well-known for its ski resorts — the truth is, the county of Pyeongchang has been a number web site for the Winter Olympics. But when it’s spring season, the top-of-mind metropolis to go to is Gangneung.

◘◘ Gangneung
(March 31 to April 6)

• Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival: In Gangneung, Gyeongpo is well-known for its pure sights (e.g. seashores and lakes) and festivals; one among which is the Gyeongpodae Cherry Blossom Festival. For the perfect spots to view these South Korea cherry blossoms and luxuriate in competition actions, they’re:
  • Gyeongpodae Pavilion: This is likely one of the 8 scenic websites in Gwangdong that’s situated on a hill north of Gyeongpo Lake.
  • Gyeongpo Provincial Park: Within its expanse is the Gyeongpodae Pavilion, however aside from that, it additionally has different key historic websites corresponding to Geumnanjeong Pavilion, Banghaejeong Pavilion, Haeunjeong Pavilion, Ojukheon House, Seongyojang House, and Guesthouse Gate. And as you wander round on the lookout for extra blossom sights, you’ll love how the park is simply subsequent to the famed Seoraksan Mountain and Odaesan National Park.
  • Festival Date: (TBC) April 6 to fifteen

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» Cherry Blossom Spots in Chungcheong Region

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Chungcheong is split into North Chungcheong Province (capital: Cheongju) and South Chungcheong Province (capital: Hongseong County), and the latter is claimed to be South Korea’s richest province!

◘◘ Jecheon
(March 30 to April 6)

• Cheongpunghoban Cherry Blossom Festival: This competition is held in Cheongpung Lake the place you’ll find blooms not solely from cherry timber but in addition from forsythias and azaleas. For the period of the competition, guests can take pleasure in exhibitions, performances and even actions like bungee leaping! You may also love the 13-kilometer Cheongpung Lake Road that’s lined with 1000’s of Korea cherry timber.
  • Festival Date: (TBC) April 6 to eight

◘◘ Daejeon
(March 27 to April 2)

• The metropolis of Daejeon may not be on most vacationers’ must-see lists — nevertheless it needs to be! After all, it has a number of wonderful South Korea cherry blossom viewing spots, particularly…
  • Gyeryong Mountain or National Park: Found inside this space is the Donghaksa Temple and the environment have a formidable show of pink timber that you’ll love taking footage in! There can be a competition that’s being held for this location however it isn’t as effectively marketed to overseas vacationers.
  • Chungnam National University: Known to have the most important gathering of cherry timber within the metropolis!
  • KAIST University: Has the second largest gathering of cherry timber in Daejeon and the perfect spot is claimed to be throughout the Sports Complex.

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» Cherry Blossom Spots in Gyeongsang Region

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Gyeongsang can be divided into two provinces: North Gyeongsang (capital: Daegu) and South Gyeongsang (capital: Changwon) — and it’s on this latter province the place you’ll find the massive cities of Busan and Ulsan.

◘◘ Changwon
(March 23 to 30)

• Jinhae Gunhangje Festival: It is commonly stated that that is the largest South Korea cherry blossom competition whereby over greater than 2 million folks flock to the south coastal metropolis of Changwon to get a glimpse of the famed timber. This competition is often held on the Jinhae Jungwon Rotary Intersection and you’ll find a variety of artwork and cultural performances which are unfold about within the venue (corresponding to in Paldo Pungmul Market). Other key places are…
  • Gyeonghwa Station: There is an 800-meter part of flowers on this railroad which you could admire, in addition to a close-by stream the place a number of cherry timber are lined up. As pictured above, that is the place most guests attempt to look forward to a prepare to move by so as to get such an iconic image.
  • Jehwangsan Mountain Park: If you desire a panoramic view of town in its pink glory, head over to this spot.
  • Festival Date: (TBC) March 30 to April 6

◘◘ Gyeongju
(March 24 to 31)

• Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival: This competition was first held in 2017 and it coincided with the twenty sixth Cherry Blossom Marathon that town is well-known for (and which you’ll be part of for those who’re up for it!). Key highlights for viewing the blossoms are…
  • Bomun Lake: About 9,000 cherry timber across the lake will stunningly bloom and as you move the time away within the lake, you’ll be able to take pleasure in the next…
    • Waterwheel Square: A preferred picture zone the place you’ll find an enormous waterwheel on a path.
    • Bomun Pavilion (Bomunjeong): A lovely pavilion that may be a favourite of a whole lot of photographers.
    • Pedal a duck boat: Share this expertise with somebody by heading over to Hoban Square and paying for a duck boat! (If you’re not eager, you too can lease a motorcycle).
  • Festival Date: (TBC) March 30 to April 8

◘◘ Hadong/Jirisan
(March 22 to 29)

• Hwagae Cherry Blossoms Festival: Held in Simni Cherry Blossom Road, this 4-kilometer highway connecting Ssanggyesa Temple and Hwagaejangeo Market is full of over 1,200 cherry blossom timber and a whole lot of locals flock to this small village simply to get a glimpse of its pinkish glory.
  • Ssanggyesa Temple: A preferred temple on this space of Jirisan that dates again to the eighth century.
  • Simni Cherry Blossom Road: This is a densely-packed highway filled with cherry timber and it even has a nickname “Hollye-gil” which implies ‘Marriage Road’ or ‘Wedding Road’. There is a neighborhood perception that for those who and your beloved stroll on this highway collectively, you’ll finally marry and reside fortunately ever after. Who is aware of if it’s true, nevertheless it’s value a shot, proper? -wink-
  • Festival Date: March 30 to April 5

◘◘ Busan
(March 24 to 31)

• Samnak Ecological Park (Sasang-gu): An extended path lined with over a thousand of cherry timber, that when in bloom appear to type a tunnel over the park’s path. With this function, it has simply turn into one of many topmost lovely spots in South Korea!
• Dalmaji Hill (Haeundae-gu): Found southeast of Haeundae Beach, that is sometimes known as a romantic vacation spot the place {couples} hang around throughout spring.
• Oncheoncheon Stream (Dongnae-gu): Running via two districts of Dongnae and Yeonje, this riverside walkway is fondly referred to as a ‘flower road’ and it’s a kind of iconic spots that you just usually see in pictures of South Korea. The stream spans 10 kilometers lengthy and the stream itself is commonly adorned in colourful umbrellas.
• Samik Beach Apartment (Suyeong-gu): Found close to Gwanganli Beach is a favourite of locals which is the Cherry Blossom Road — an extended stretch of outdated cherry timber that overlook the Gwangan Bridge. You also can try the close by Hwangnyeongsan Ring Road for extra cherry timber.

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» Cherry Blossom Spots in Jeolla Region

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Jeolla is split into North Jeolla (capital: Jeonju) and South Jeolla (capital: Muan County). If there may be one place you must embody in your South Korea itinerary, it’s to…

◘◘ Gwangju
(March 22 to twenty-eight)

• Seomjin River Cherry Blossom Festival: Among the 5 main rivers within the nation, the Seomjin River is claimed to be the cleanest, and its 3-km lengthy cherry tree highway that’s speckled with different colourful mixes of flowers is known as one of many ‘100 Most Beautiful Roads in Korea’. During the competition, you’ll discover a wide range of reside live performance performances which are extra intimate, thus giving the place a sense of quaintness. Don’t miss out on seeing this spot for those who’re ever within the Jeolla area!
  • Festival Date: (TBC) Late March or Early April

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» Cherry Blossom Spots in Jeju Region

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Known for its pristine coastlines and volcanic landscapes, Jeju Island may simply be an incredible spring vacation spot for you particularly since it’s the place South Korea’s first cherry blossom bloom occurs!

◘◘ Jeju Island
(March 20 to 27)

• Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival: Jeju prides itself for having been the place the place the King Cherry Tree originated; the cherry tree that produces the most important cherry blossom petals! As I’ve talked about earlier than, the flowers of this specific tree solely final for two to three days so it’s a should that you just time your go to right here effectively. During the entire of the competition, don’t additionally overlook to drop by these principal places each evening and day (since they usually illuminate some cherry tree streets when it’s darkish).
  • Jeonnong-ro Street
  • Entrance to Jeju National University
  • Jangjeon-ri, Aewol-eup
  • Jeju Stadium or Sports Complex
  • Seogwipo Downtown
  • Festival Date: (TBC) March 24 to April 12

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South KoreaTravel Guide

» Best Time to Visit

Any time and any season! No matter if it’s spring, summer time, autumn, or winter, South Korea has a ton of locations and actions to replenish your itinerary! But if you wish to keep away from the height seasons, it’s best to go to both throughout autumn or winter. Why not summer time? It’s when colleges and Korean firms take a trip so a whole lot of locals might be up and about; and naturally, spring is extraordinarily standard due to the cherry blossom season.

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» Getting in to South Korea

By air. International guests sometimes arrive on the principal airport referred to as Incheon International Airport (ICN). To get right here, I like to recommend looking via Skyscanner to search out the perfect flight offers out of your level of origin.

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» Visa for South Korea

If you’re NOT a citizen of any of South Korea’s exempted nations, you might be then required to avail of a visa beforehand. (If you’re from the Philippines, you’ll be able to learn my information on how one can get a South Korea visa in Manila right here.)

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» Where to Stay (South Korea Accommodations)

To seek for the perfect resort lodging in South Korea at the perfect costs, I counsel cross-checking resort costs between Agoda and Booking.com. But for those who’re reasonably interested by renting comfy homes or residences, it’s best to search via AirBnB.

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» South Korea Currency

South Korean Won (KRW / ₩) whereby KRW 1,000 is the same as about USD $0.9~, €0.7~ or Php 49.00~ (that is as of March 2023). In the occasion that you just wish to alternate your cash for KRW, I extremely advise that you just do NOT alternate your cash on the airport because the charges there will not be aggressive.

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» Cost of Travel in Korea

While the price of residing in South Korea is much from being low-cost, your journey doesn’t have to interrupt the financial institution! To provide you with an concept, it’s best to anticipate to journey in South Korea with a median every day price of about USD $35~ per individual on a funds, or at the very least $100~ if you wish to expertise extra consolation on actions, excursions, lodges, and extra. (Values under present low funds to medium funds ranges).

*Buy a T-Money card that saves you ₩100 on all journeys. 

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» How to Get Around South Korea

By airplane. South Korea has an incredible community of home flights that may take you, as an illustration, from Seoul to Busan, Jeju, Daegu, and so on., and vice versa. Some airways that function these routes are Asiana and Korean Air in addition to low-cost ones like Air Busan and Jeju Air. To search for the perfect flight offers, all the time e book via Skyscanner.

By prepare. Quite a lot of the most important cities in South Korea are linked by the nationwide prepare operator referred to as Korail. As a foreigner, you’ll be able to benefit from the KR Pass that grants you limitless journey on any Korail Train for two, 3, 4 or 5 days.

Meanwhile, once you’re mapping out your day-to-day route, simply use Google Maps as a result of it’ll present intimately the quickest connections you are able to do (by strolling, by automotive, by bus, and by prepare).

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» Staying Connected in South Korea

South Korea is claimed to have the quickest web on the earth (and yep, it’s true!) so that you’ll be assured of nice connection wherever you go. To add, most locations even supply FREE WiFi — however so as to constantly keep linked on-line throughout your Seoul journey, I like to recommend getting your personal pocket WiFi or SIM Card.

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» Safety in South Korea

The Republic of Korea or South Korea stays to be one of many most secure nations on the earth — and in addition one of many most secure nations for solo feminine vacationers. Petty theft could occur however they’re fairly uncommon; so, simply apply widespread sense always and also you’ll be wonderful!

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» Helpful Korean Phrases

English is just not extensively spoken in South Korea even whether it is taught in a whole lot of colleges, however you’ll have higher luck within the capital of Seoul the place lots of people put time, effort and cash in studying English. Nevertheless, it doesn’t harm to study a little bit of the native language!

Hello (formal): Annyeong haseyo
Hello (casual): Annyeong
Thank you: Gamsahamnida
You’re welcome: Cheonmanyeyo
Yes: Ye/Ne
No: Aniyo
Goodbye (to individual leaving): Annyeonghi gaseyo
Goodbye (to individual staying): Annyeonghi gyeseyo
Goodbye (casual): Annyeong

Excuse me (getting consideration): Sillyehamnida
I’m sorry: Joesonghamnida
Is there somebody right here who speaks English?: Yeogi-e yeong-eoreul hasineun bun gyesimnikka?
Help!: Dowajusipsio!
Cheers!: Geonbae!

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