March 28, 2023

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 among 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 attempt 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

(For a Pinterest-sized model of this South Korea cherry blossom forecast map, scroll to the underside of this submit)
  • DISCLAIMER: The above information is as of March 2023. Take notice that sudden modifications 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 hold this submit up to date as soon as dates occur to vary 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 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 aren’t to be confused with similar-looking blooms like that from the almond, apricot, peach, and plum timber. In addition to, South Korean cherry blossoms have a unique pink hue and a beautiful scent that’s considerably totally different from that of Japan.

NOTE: The Korean cherry tree which is also called ‘King Cherry’ originated from Jeju Island and it barely differs from most different cherry blossom timber as a result of the truth that its flowers are bigger. In addition they solely bloom in full for less than a few days!

All in all, should you’re planning a visit to South Korea any time quickly, you need to be aware of these high locations from ALL of the areas within the nation that offers you stunning cherry blossom views, in addition to an opportunity to take part in bustling cherry blossom festivals!

Greatest South Korea Cherry Blossom Spots

Different South Korean blooms to be careful for?

See this listing of the preferred spring flowers in Korea — when to see them and the place to go!

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 it’s essential to see all around the nation!

» Cherry Blossom Spots in Seoul & Gyeonggi Areas

Photograph by: Shutterstock

◘◘ Seoul
(March 28 to April 3)

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

  • Yeouido Park: This is among the hottest locations to see cherry blossoms in Seoul and it even has its personal pageant known as Yeouido Cherry Blossom Competition or Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Competition. It’s well-known for its 1.8k Korean Cherry timber that line the boulevard and also you’re positive to discover a mass arrival of vacationers who need to witness the great thing about these cherry timber. On account of its recognition, quite a lot of distributors, avenue performances, and out of doors leisure may even be unfold across the park. At evening, Yeouido Park even transforms right into a magical setting when the cherry blossom timber are lit in numerous coloured lights.
    • Competition Date: (TBC) April 6 to fifteen
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  • Seokchon Lake: Discovered within the japanese a part of the town, this fashionable spot is beautiful all-year-round — however it’s further particular throughout spring when it’s surrounded with colourful cherry timber. In case you’re visiting the close by Lotte World Amusement Park, that is certainly a cease that it’s essential to 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 provided that it gives 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 get pleasure from reside performances of kinds.
    • Competition Date: (TBC) April 8 to 17
      .
  • Seoul Forest: (Pictured Above) This can be a preferred attraction in Seoul however with its grand house, you gained’t really feel the crowds as you delight in the great thing about the encircling cherry timber. 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 dwelling right here and also you’re free to feed them. In case 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 spite of everything, the trail in its Namsan Park is alleged to be the longest path of South Korea cherry blossom timber within the metropolis! Moreover, additionally, you will witness fairly spring flowers like forsythias and azaleas.
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  • Kyung Hee College: A lovely Seoul campus made much more beautiful throughout the cherry blossom season! It’s thought-about a hidden spot for cherry blossom viewing in Seoul the place the sunshine pink cherry blossoms give a stupendous backdrop of the structure. You’ll truly discover 200 cherry timber lined from the primary gate to the primary constructing, so it makes for an amazing Instagrammable spot!
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  • Seoul Nationwide Cemetery: Though this isn’t supreme for picnics and leisure, this cemetery stays to be a preferred cherry blossom viewing spot amongst locals. You may also get pleasure from different actions right here just like the altering of the guards in addition to photograph exhibitions.
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  • Royal Palaces: Probably the greatest locations to understand the well-known spring flowers is at Seoul’s royal palaces akin to Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Changgyeonggung. With its distinctive architectural design, it’s an absolute should to take photographs in these spots whereas carrying a hanbok rental, or the normal Korean costume, as it’s the most quintessential and dramatic Korean spring photograph.
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  • Anyang Stream: This lengthy path is lined with cherry blossom timber that present an amazing cover to the walkway. Positioned on the western facet of the town, it is a hidden attraction the place not quite a lot of vacationers crowd in — thus, making it an excellent place for viewing and photograph ops. Anyang Stream can also be residence to some stunning surrounding flower fields and gardens that add extra magnificence to the place.
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  • Yangjaecheon Stream: That is thought-about 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 5 to 11)

  • Nami Island: This crescent-shaped island is among the hottest day journeys from Seoul provided that the entire of the world is roofed in numerous timber that cycle fantastically by the seasons. Naturally, in spring, the South Korea cherry blossom timber 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 associates alike. Other than viewing the encircling nature, you can even get pleasure from a variety of actions right here akin to renting a motorbike, zip-lining, purchasing, 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 — in actual fact, the county of Pyeongchang has been a bunch website for the Winter Olympics. However when it’s spring season, the top-of-mind metropolis to go to is Gangneung.

◘◘ Gangneung
(March 31 to April 6)

  • Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Competition: In Gangneung, Gyeongpo is well-known for its pure sights (e.g. seashores and lakes) and festivals; certainly one of 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 among 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 akin to Geumnanjeong Pavilion, Banghaejeong Pavilion, Haeunjeong Pavilion, Ojukheon Home, Seongyojang Home, and Guesthouse Gate. And as you wander round searching for 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 alleged to be South Korea’s richest province!

◘◘ Jecheon
(March 30 to April 6)

  • Cheongpunghoban Cherry Blossom Competition: This pageant is held in Cheongpung Lake the place yow will discover blooms not solely from cherry timber but additionally from forsythias and azaleas. All through the pageant, guests can get pleasure from exhibitions, performances and even actions like bungee leaping! Additionally, you will love the 13-kilometer Cheongpung Lake Street that’s lined with 1000’s of Korea cherry timber.
    • Competition Date: (TBC) April 6 to eight

◘◘ Daejeon
(March 27 to April 2)

  • The town of Daejeon may not be on most vacationers’ must-see lists — however it needs to be! In spite of everything, it has a number of wonderful 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 timber 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 effectively marketed to international vacationers.
    • Chungnam Nationwide College: Recognized to have the most important gathering of cherry timber within the metropolis!
    • KAIST College: Has the second largest gathering of cherry timber in Daejeon and one of the best spot is alleged 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 can find the massive cities of Busan and Ulsan.

◘◘ Changwon
(March 23 to 30)

  • Jinhae Gunhangje Competition: It’s usually mentioned that that is the largest 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 timber. This pageant is normally held on the Jinhae Jungwon Rotary Intersection and you can find a variety of artwork and cultural performances which can be unfold about within the venue (akin to in Paldo Pungmul Market). Different key places are…
    • Gyeonghwa Station: There may be an 800-meter part of flowers on this railroad which you can 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 await a prepare to go by in an effort to get such an iconic image.
    • Jehwangsan Mountain Park: If you need a panoramic view of the town in its pink glory, head over to this spot.
    • Competition Date: (TBC) March 30 to April 6

◘◘ Gyeongju
(March 24 to 31)

  • Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Competition: This pageant was first held in 2017 and it coincided with the twenty sixth Cherry Blossom Marathon that the town is well-known for (and which you’ll be able to be part of should you’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 go the time away within the lake, you possibly can get pleasure from the next…
      • Waterwheel Sq.: A preferred photograph zone the place yow will discover an enormous waterwheel on a path.
      • Bomun Pavilion (Bomunjeong): A lovely pavilion that could be a favourite of quite a lot of photographers.
      • Pedal a duck boat: Share this expertise with somebody by heading over to Hoban Sq. and paying for a duck boat! (In case you’re not eager, you can even lease a motorbike).
    • Competition Date: (TBC) March 30 to April 8

◘◘ Hadong/Jirisan
(March 22 to 29)

  • 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 timber and quite a 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 Street: This can be a densely-packed highway stuffed with cherry timber and it even has a nickname “Hollye-gil” which suggests ‘Marriage Street’ or ‘Wedding ceremony Street’. There’s a native perception that should you and your beloved stroll on this highway collectively, you’ll ultimately marry and reside fortunately ever after. Who is aware of if it’s true, however it’s price a shot, proper? -wink-
    • Competition Date: March 30 to April 5

◘◘ Busan
(March 24 to 31)

  • Samnak Ecological Park (Sasang-gu): A protracted path lined with over a thousand of cherry timber, that when in bloom appear to kind a tunnel over the park’s path. With this function, it has simply turn out to be one of many topmost stunning 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 two districts of Dongnae and Yeonje, this riverside walkway is fondly known as a ‘flower highway’ and it’s a type of iconic spots that you simply usually see in photographs of South Korea. The stream spans 10 kilometers lengthy and the stream itself is commonly adorned in colourful umbrellas.
  • Samik Seashore Condominium (Suyeong-gu): Discovered close to Gwanganli Seashore is a favourite of locals which is the Cherry Blossom Street — a protracted stretch of outdated cherry timber that overlook the Gwangan Bridge. You may also try the close by Hwangnyeongsan Ring Street for extra cherry timber.

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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 may be one place you might want to embrace in your South Korea itinerary, it’s to…

◘◘ Gwangju
(March 22 to twenty-eight)

  • Seomjin River Cherry Blossom Competition: Among the many 5 main rivers within the nation, the Seomjin River is alleged 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’. In the course of the pageant, you’ll discover a wide range of reside live performance performances which can 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

Recognized for its pristine coastlines and volcanic landscapes, Jeju Island may simply be an amazing 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 simply time your go to right here effectively. Throughout the entire of the pageant, don’t additionally overlook to drop by these important places each evening and day (since they usually illuminate some cherry tree streets when it’s darkish).
    • Jeonnong-ro Road
    • 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

Greatest Excursions in South Korea?

Come and take a look at this listing of the top things to do in South Korea which options one of the best actions and excursions to do in locations like Seoul, Busan and extra!

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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, you need to go to both throughout autumn or winter. Why not summer season? It’s when colleges and Korean firms take a trip so quite a lot of locals will probably be up and about; and naturally, spring is extraordinarily fashionable due to the cherry blossom season.

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» Getting in to South Korea

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

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» Visa for South Korea

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

  • Test full visa necessities here as per your nationality.

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» The place to Keep (South Korea Lodging)

To seek for one of the best lodge lodging in South Korea at one of the best costs, I recommend cross-checking lodge costs between Agoda and Booking.com. However should you’re somewhat excited by renting snug homes or residences, you need to search by AirBnB.

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» South Korea Forex

South Korean Received (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). Within the occasion that you simply need to trade your cash for KRW, I extremely advise that you simply do NOT trade your cash on the airport because the charges there will not be aggressive.

  • The right way to 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 together with your debit/bank card (do one huge withdrawal to reduce charges together with your financial institution). Talking of playing cards, quite a lot of Seoul’s institutions settle for bank cards however it’s all the time advisable to have money available.

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» Price of Journey in Korea

Whereas the price of dwelling in South Korea is much from being low-cost, your journey doesn’t have to interrupt the financial institution! To provide you an thought, you need to anticipate to journey in South Korea with a mean day by day price of about USD $35~ per individual on a price range, or at the least $100~ if you wish to expertise extra consolation on actions, excursions, lodges, and extra. (Values under present low price range to medium price range ranges).

  • Lodges: $20 to $100 USD / day
  • Meals: $10 to $30 USD / day
  • Enjoyable: $10 to $25 USD / day
  • Transport: About US$1 per subway journey*

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

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» The right way to Get Round South Korea

By airplane. South Korea has an amazing community of home flights that can take you, as an example, from Seoul to Busan, Jeju, Daegu, and many others., 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 e book by Skyscanner.

By prepare. Loads of the most important cities in South Korea are related by the nationwide prepare operator known as Korail. As a foreigner, you possibly can benefit from the KR Pass that grants you limitless journey on any Korail Practice for two, 3, 4 or 5 days.

In the meantime, once 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 Related in South Korea

South Korea is alleged to have the quickest web on this 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 in an effort to persistently keep related on-line throughout your Seoul journey, I like to recommend getting your personal 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 this planet — and in addition one of many most secure nations for solo feminine vacationers. Petty theft might occur however they’re fairly uncommon; so, simply follow frequent sense always and also you’ll be high quality!

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» Useful Korean Phrases

English will not be extensively spoken in South Korea even whether it is taught in quite a 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. Nonetheless, it doesn’t harm to be taught a little bit of the native language!

Good day (formal): Annyeong haseyo
Good day (casual): Annyeong
Thanks: Gamsahamnida
You’re welcome: Cheonmanyeyo
Sure: 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?
Assist!: Dowajusipsio!
Cheers!: Geonbae!

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Total

Witnessing South Korea cherry blossoms of their full bloom is actually a singular expertise!

So don’t overlook to make use of this text as your information to the place you possibly can finest respect their magnificence.

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