South Korea Cherry Blossom Forecast (2024): When & The place

Other than Japan‘s sakura craze, South Korea cherry blossom season can also be a sought-after occasion in Asia — particularly as a result of it may be fairly quick! As such, this is likely one of the finest occasions 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 try to make time in exploring different locations like Busan or Jeju Island.

RELATED READ:
– Spring Flowers in Korea: When & The place to Go
– Seoul Itinerary
– South Korea Journey Guides

South Korea Cherry Blossom Map Forecast

• DISCLAIMER: The above knowledge is as of March 2024. Take word that sudden adjustments in temperature, rainfall, and wind energy can speed up, delay, or shorten the forecast above — however you possibly can already use this preliminary forecast as a preliminary information. Relaxation assured, I’ll preserve this submit up to date as soon as dates occur to alter so come drop by infrequently!

In most components of South Korea, the cherry blossom’s blooming dates begin across the final week of March (beginning in Jeju Island) and final till the primary week of April; however cherry blossom season in Seoul, specifically, has blooms that come slightly 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 bushes. Apart from, South Korean cherry blossoms have a distinctive pink hue and a stunning scent that’s considerably totally different from that of Japan.

NOTE: The Korean cherry tree which is also referred to as ‘King Cherry’ originated from Jeju Island and it barely differs from most different cherry blossom bushes on account of the truth that its flowers are bigger. Additionally they solely bloom in full for under a few days!

All in all, should you’re planning a visit to South Korea any time quickly, it’s best to pay attention to 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!

Greatest 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 Particular 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 should see all around the nation!

» Cherry Blossom Spots in Seoul & Gyeonggi Areas

Photograph by: Shutterstock

◘◘ Seoul
(March 27 to April 2)

As a dynamic capital, there are tons of key locations that you should see to view South Korea cherry blossom bushes. To call a couple of, they’re…

• Yeouido Park: This is likely one of the hottest locations to see cherry blossom season Seoul and it even has its pageant referred to as Yeouido Cherry Blossom Competition or Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Competition. It’s well-known for its 1.8k Korean Cherry bushes that line the boulevard and also you’re certain to discover a mass arrival of vacationers who wish to witness the fantastic thing about these cherry bushes. Resulting from its recognition, plenty of distributors, road performances, and outside leisure may also be unfold across the park. When you’re in search of night time cherry blossom in Korea, Yeouido Park even transforms right into a magical setting when the cherry blossom bushes are lit within the night in numerous coloured lights.
  • Competition Date: (TBC) April 6 to fifteen
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• Seokchon Lake: Discovered within the japanese a part of town, this common spot is beautiful all-year-round — but it surely’s additional particular throughout spring when it’s surrounded by colourful cherry bushes. When you’re visiting the close by Lotte World Amusement Park, that is certainly a cease that you should make! Except for cherry blossom viewing, different actions right here embrace piano on the lake, cherry blossom market, and numerous performances.
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• Seoul Grand Park: This park is crammed with nice surprises on condition that it supplies entry to each cherry blossoms viewing and an amusement park that includes a zoo and botanical backyard! So as to add, Seoul Grand Park additionally holds a big cherry blossom pageant throughout the first week of April the place vacationers can take pleasure in reside performances of kinds.
  • Competition Date: (TBC) April 8 to 17
    .
• Seoul Forest: (Pictured Above) This can be a well-liked attraction in Seoul however with its grand area, you gained’t really feel the crowds as you delight in the fantastic thing about the encompassing cherry bushes. Additionally, you will 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. When you ask me, that is the right spot for a romantic picnic with your beloved!
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• Namsan Mountain: That is the place the well-known N Seoul Tower is discovered and it’s completely beautiful within the spring. In any case, the trail in its Namsan Park is claimed to be the longest path of South Korea cherry blossom bushes within the metropolis! Moreover, additionally, you will witness fairly spring flowers like forsythias and azaleas.
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• Kyung Hee College: An exquisite Seoul campus made much more beautiful throughout the cherry blossom season! It’s thought of a hidden spot for cherry blossom viewing in Seoul the place the sunshine pink cherry blossoms give a gorgeous backdrop of the structure. You’ll truly discover 200 cherry bushes lined from the primary gate to the primary constructing, so it makes for an incredible Instagrammable spot!
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• Seoul Nationwide Cemetery: Though this isn’t ultimate for picnics and leisure, this cemetery stays a well-liked cherry blossom viewing spot amongst locals. It’s also possible to 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: Probably the greatest locations to understand the well-known spring flowers is Seoul’s royal palaces reminiscent of Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Changgyeonggung. With its distinctive architectural design, it’s an absolute should to take images in these spots whereas sporting a hanbok rental, or the normal Korean costume, as it’s the quintessential and dramatic Korean spring picture.
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• Anyang Stream: This lengthy path is lined with cherry blossom bushes that present an incredible cover to the walkway. Situated on the western facet of town, it is a hidden attraction the place not plenty of vacationers crowd in — thus, making it a super place for viewing and picture ops. Anyang Stream can also be dwelling to some lovely surrounding flower fields and gardens that add extra magnificence to the place.
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• Yangjaecheon Stream: That is thought of yet one more hidden spot for South Korea cherry blossom viewing. The locals normally go to this place to see the gorgeous spring flowers and benefit from the native Yangjaecheon Stream Cherry Blossom and Lantern.
  • Competition Date: (TBC) April 5 to 9

◘◘ Gyeonggi
(April 4 to 11)

• Nami Island: This crescent-shaped island is likely one of the hottest day journeys from Seoul on condition that the entire of the world is roofed in numerous bushes that cycle fantastically by means of the seasons. Naturally, in spring, the South Korea cherry blossom bushes line up a lot of the pathways like a cover, making it such a romantic vacation spot not just for {couples} however for households and mates alike. Other than viewing the encompassing nature, you may also take pleasure in quite a few actions right here reminiscent of renting a motorcycle, zip-lining, procuring, and lots of others.

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» Cherry Blossom Spots in Gangwon Area

Photograph by: Shutterstock

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. However when it’s spring season, the top-of-mind metropolis to go to is Gangneung.

◘◘ Gangneung
(March 30 to April 4)

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

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» Cherry Blossom Spots in Chungcheong Area

Photograph by: Shutterstock

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 29 to April 5)

• Cheongpunghoban Cherry Blossom Competition: This pageant is held in Cheongpung Lake the place you could find blooms not solely from cherry bushes but additionally from forsythias and azaleas. At some point of the pageant, guests can take pleasure in exhibitions, performances and even actions like bungee leaping! Additionally, you will love the 13-kilometer Cheongpung Lake Street that’s lined with hundreds of Korea cherry bushes.
  • Competition Date: (TBC) April 6 to eight

◘◘ Daejeon
(March 26 to April 1)

• The town of Daejeon may not be on most vacationers’ must-see lists — but it surely must be! In any case, it has a number of superb South Korea cherry blossom viewing spots, particularly…
  • Gyeryong Mountain or Nationwide Park: Discovered inside this space is the Donghaksa Temple and the environment have a powerful show of pink bushes that you’ll love taking photos in! There may be additionally a pageant that’s being held for this location however it isn’t as properly marketed to international vacationers.
  • Chungnam Nationwide College: Identified to have the biggest gathering of cherry bushes within the metropolis!
  • KAIST College: Has the second largest gathering of cherry bushes in Daejeon and one of the best spot is claimed to be throughout the Sports activities Complicated.

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» Cherry Blossom Spots in Gyeongsang Area

Photograph by: Shutterstock

Gyeongsang can also 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 22 to 29)

• Jinhae Gunhangje Competition: It’s usually mentioned that that is the most important South Korea cherry blossom pageant whereby over greater than 2 million folks flock to the south coastal metropolis of Changwon to get a glimpse of the famed bushes. This pageant is normally held on the Jinhae Jungwon Rotary Intersection and you’ll find quite a few artwork and cultural performances which might be unfold about within the venue (reminiscent of in Paldo Pungmul Market). Different key places are…
  • Gyeonghwa Station: There may be an 800-meter part of flowers on this railroad that you could admire, in addition to a close-by stream the place a number of cherry bushes are lined up. As pictured above, that is the place most guests try to look ahead to a prepare to cross by so as to get such an iconic image.
  • Jehwangsan Mountain Park: If you’d like a panoramic view of town in its pink glory, head over to this spot.
  • Competition Date: (TBC) March 30 to April 6

◘◘ Gyeongju
(March 23 to 30)

• Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Competition: This pageant 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 able to be a part of should you’re up for it!). Key highlights for viewing the blossoms are…
  • Bomun Lake: About 9,000 cherry bushes across the lake will stunningly bloom and as you cross the time away within the lake, you possibly can take pleasure in the next…
    • Waterwheel Sq.: A preferred picture zone the place you could find an enormous waterwheel on a path.
    • Bomun Pavilion (Bomunjeong): An exquisite pavilion that may be a favourite of plenty of photographers.
    • Pedal a duck boat: Share this expertise with somebody by heading over to Hoban Sq. and paying for a duck boat! (When you’re not eager, you may also lease a motorcycle).
  • Competition Date: (TBC) March 30 to April 8

◘◘ Hadong/Jirisan
(March 21 to twenty-eight)

• Hwagae Cherry Blossoms Competition: Held in Simni Cherry Blossom Street, this 4-kilometer highway connecting Ssanggyesa Temple and Hwagaejangeo Market is crammed with over 1,200 cherry blossom bushes and plenty 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 Street: It is a densely-packed highway stuffed with cherry bushes and it even has a nickname “Hollye-gil” which implies ‘Marriage Street’ or ‘Marriage ceremony Street’. There’s a native perception that should you 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, but it surely’s value a shot, proper? -wink-
  • Competition Date: March 30 to April 5

◘◘ Busan
(March 23 to 29)

• Samnak Ecological Park (Sasang-gu): An extended path lined with over a thousand of cherry bushes, that when in bloom appear to kind a tunnel over the park’s path. With this characteristic, it has simply turn out to be one of many topmost lovely spots in South Korea!
• Dalmaji Hill (Haeundae-gu): Discovered southeast of Haeundae Seashore, that is sometimes known as a romantic vacation spot the place {couples} hang around throughout spring.
• Oncheoncheon Stream (Dongnae-gu): Operating by means of two districts of Dongnae and Yeonje, this riverside walkway is fondly referred to as a ‘flower highway’ and it’s a kind of iconic spots that you simply usually see in images of South Korea. The stream spans 10 kilometers lengthy and the stream itself is commonly adorned in colourful umbrellas.
• Samik Seashore Condo (Suyeong-gu): Discovered close to Gwanganli Seashore is a favourite of locals which is the Cherry Blossom Street — an extended stretch of previous cherry bushes that overlook the Gwangan Bridge. It’s also possible to try the close by Hwangnyeongsan Ring Street for extra cherry bushes.

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» Cherry Blossom Spots in Jeolla Area

Photograph by: Shutterstock

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

◘◘ Gwangju
(March 21 to twenty-eight)

• Seomjin River Cherry Blossom Competition: Among the many 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 Stunning Roads in Korea’. Through the pageant, you’ll discover quite a lot of reside live performance performances which might be extra intimate, thus giving the place a sense of quaintness. Don’t miss out on seeing this spot should you’re ever within the Jeolla area!
  • Competition Date: (TBC) Late March or Early April

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» Cherry Blossom Spots in Jeju Area

Photograph by: Shutterstock

Identified 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 19 to 26)

• Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival: Jeju prides itself on having been the place the place the King Cherry Tree originated; the cherry tree that produces the biggest 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 simply time your go to right here properly. Throughout the entire of the pageant, don’t additionally neglect to drop by these major places each night time and day (since they usually illuminate some cherry tree streets when it’s darkish for an evening cherry blossom in Korea expertise).
  • Jeonnong-ro Avenue
  • Entrance to Jeju Nationwide College
  • Jangjeon-ri, Aewol-eup
  • Jeju Stadium or Sports activities Complicated
  • Seogwipo Downtown
  • Competition Date: (TBC) March 24 to April 12

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South KoreaTravel Information

» Greatest Time to Go to

Any time and any season! Irrespective of if it’s spring, summer season, autumn, or winter, South Korea has a ton of locations and actions to refill your itinerary! However if you wish to keep away from the height seasons, it’s best to go to both throughout autumn or winter. Why not summer season? It’s when faculties and Korean firms take a trip so plenty of locals shall be up and about; and naturally, spring is extraordinarily common due to the cherry blossom season.

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» Getting in to South Korea

By air. Worldwide guests sometimes arrive on the major airport referred to as Incheon Worldwide Airport (ICN). To get right here, I like to recommend searching by means of Skyscanner to seek out one of the best flight offers out of your level of origin.

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» Visa for South Korea

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

Examine full visa necessities right here as per your nationality.

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» The place to Keep (South Korea Lodging)

To seek for one of the best resort lodging in South Korea at one of the best costs, I recommend cross-checking resort costs between Agoda and Reserving.com. However should you’re reasonably all for renting comfy homes or flats, it’s best to search by means of AirBnB.

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» South Korea Foreign money

South Korean Gained (KRW / ₩) whereby KRW 1,000 is the same as about USD $0.9~, €0.7~ or Php 49.00~ (that is as of March 2024). Within the occasion that you simply wish to trade your cash for KRW, I extremely advise that you simply do NOT trade your cash on the airport for the reason that charges there usually are not aggressive.

• finest trade your forex? Both trade your cash at a financial institution or at a cash exchanger in your house nation or in Seoul’s metropolis middle. Higher but, simply withdraw from an ATM along with your debit/bank card (do one large withdrawal to reduce charges along with your financial institution). Talking of playing cards, plenty of Seoul’s institutions settle for bank cards but it surely’s all the time advisable to have money readily available.

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» Price of Journey in Korea

Whereas the price of residing in South Korea is way from being low cost, your journey doesn’t have to interrupt the financial institution! To present you an concept, it’s best to count on to journey in South Korea with a median each day price of about USD $35~ per particular person on a price range, or at the very least $100~ if you wish to expertise extra consolation on actions, excursions, inns, and extra. (Values beneath present low price range to medium price range ranges).

*Purchase a T-Cash card that saves you ₩100 on all journeys. 

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» Get Round South Korea

By airplane. South Korea has an incredible community of home flights that may take you, as an example, 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 one of the best flight offers, all the time ebook by means of Skyscanner.

By prepare. Numerous the foremost cities in South Korea are linked by the nationwide prepare operator referred to as Korail. As a foreigner, you possibly can benefit from the KR Go that grants you limitless journey on any Korail Practice for two, 3, 4 or 5 days.

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

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» Staying Linked in South Korea

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

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» Security in South Korea

The Republic of Korea or South Korea stays to be one of many most secure nations on the planet — and likewise one of many most secure nations for solo feminine vacationers. Petty theft might occur however they’re fairly uncommon; so, simply observe frequent sense always and also you’ll be nice!

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» Useful Korean Phrases

English isn’t extensively spoken in South Korea even whether it is taught in plenty of faculties, however you’ll have higher luck within the capital of Seoul the place lots of people put time, effort and cash in studying English. However, it doesn’t damage to study a little bit of the native language!

Hi there (formal): Annyeong haseyo
Hi there (casual): Annyeong
Thanks: Gamsahamnida
You’re welcome: Cheonmanyeyo
Sure: Ye/Ne
No: Aniyo
Goodbye (to particular person leaving): Annyeonghi gaseyo
Goodbye (to particular person 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?
Assist!: Dowajusipsio!
Cheers!: Geonbae!

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