Timing your trip to see cherry blossoms blooming can be a tricky subject but planning ahead can help you make the most of your trip to see these beautiful trees flowering!
When Do Cherry Blossoms Bloom?
Early March to April. Check Cherry Blossom forecasts for the best predictions! Post to be updated for 2024 announcements!
If you want to be extra ambitious and see the flowers thoughout Korea, I suggest planning your trip to start in the south in Jeju, and make your way up though Busan, and then finish in Seoul. That's because the flowers will bloom earlier in the south where it is warmer!
When are Cherry Blossom Festivals in Korea?
Dates vary by city and are announced depending on the year's predicted flowering. Good news is you can still see the trees flowering outside of the festival as well!
Where is the best places to see Cherry Blossoms in Korea?
You can see Cherry Blossoms throughout Korea, and many cities hold Cherry Blossom festivals to celebrate.
What to see and do at Cherry Blossom Festivals?
These are fun, festive activities to do with friends and family to enjoy the flowers, eat some food, play games, and so on!
@ardencove I could look at cherry blossoms all day, but what else is there to do at a cherry blossom festival? 🌸🍧🍡 Jeju is famous for their King Cherry Tree, its blossoms are the largest and most luxurious among all cherry blossoms. The peak of the King Cherry Trees blossoms lasts for only 2 to 3 days, but the beautiful blossoms can be seen for weeks, from late March to the second week of April. 📍 Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival (제주 왕벚꽃축제) Jeonnong-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do 제주특별자치도 제주시 전농로 , 애월읍 장전리 🎒Carmel Backpack in Brown with microfiber side straps 🛍️ardencove.com for anti-theft water-resistant travel bags #제주왕벚꽃축제 #cherryblossom #sakura #beojkkoch #벚꽃 #桜 #櫻花 #korea #southkorea #koreantiktok #seoul #wheretoseecherryblossoms #travel #traveltiktok #travelbucketlist #traveltok #flower #flowers #flowertok #foryou #fyp #fypシ #지역축제 #꽃축제 ♬ 벚꽃보러가요 (feat.O'Lee) - Monday Morning
Read on to see my favorite Cherry Blossom Festivals in Korea:
The Best Cherry Blossom Festivals in Korea
1. Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival
Location: Jinhae County
When: End of March to Early April
Best Spots: Yeojwacheon Romance Bridge / Gyeonghwa Station
Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Period: March 25~April 3
This is the largest Cherry Blossom Festival in Korea thanks to the large and abundant trees throughout the area. The location is a bit further out, but doable as a day trip from Seoul and even easier to reach from Busan.
The Gyeonghwa Station features a stationary train that is a popular photo spot along the rails. The Yeojwacheon Romance Bridge is a popular spot to stroll along the steam. For a higher view up, check out Jehwangsan Park (제황산궁원) where you can ride the monorail up to the observatory, or skip the line and walk up the rainbow “Owl Road" staircase.
2. Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival
Location: Across Gyeongju City
When: Early April
Best Spots: Bomun Lake / Bulguksa Temple / Daereungwon Tomb
Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival Period: March 31~April 2
Probably my personal favorite, the historic city of Gyeongju offers the unique opportunity of seeing Cherry Blossoms along historic buildings and UNESCO World Heritage sites such as such as Seokguram Grotto in Bulguksa Temple. Bomun Lake offers a gorgeous cherry tree-lined path around the lake.
Personally, I liked that it was less crowded and thought it was worth the day trip from Busan!
3. Seoul
Location: Across Seoul City
When: Early April
Best Spots: Yeouido Han River Park / Seokchon Lake / Namsan Park / Children’s Grand Park
Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival: April 4~9
Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival: April 5~9
You will see Cherry Blossoms all over Seoul during the season, but if you're specifically looking for a spot with a lot of blossoms, check out Yeouido, Seokchon Lake, Namsan Tower, and Children’s Grand Park.
4. Busan
Location: Across Busan City
When: Early April
Best Spots: Dalmaji Hill / Oncheoncheon Cherry Blossom Road
Dalmajigil Road, or Dalmaji Hill, a walkway lined with cherry trees where you can peer down at the beautiful Haeundae beach. At night, eat and drink in red tents under Cherry Blossoms in Busan! If you want more cherry blossoms, Busan is the perfect spot to make day trips from to Gyeongju and Jinhae.
5. Jeju
Where: Across Jeju Island
When: Mid March
Best Spots: Jeju Seongeup Folk Village / Seopjikoji Hill / Hallim Park
@ardencove Cherry blossoms in Jeju Island, South Korea! 🌸 famous for their King Cherry Tree, its blossoms are the largest and most luxurious among all cherry blossoms. The peak of the King Cherry Trees blossoms lasts for only 2 to 3 days, but the beautiful blossoms can be seen for weeks, from late March to the second week of April. 📍 Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival (제주 왕벚꽃축제) Jeonnong-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do 제주특별자치도 제주시 전농로 , 애월읍 장전리 🎒Carmel Backpack in Brown with microfiber side straps 🛍️ardencove.com for anti-theft water-resistant travel bags #제주왕벚꽃축제 #cherryblossom #sakura #beojkkoch #벚꽃 #桜 #櫻花 #korea #southkorea #koreantiktok #seoul #wheretoseecherryblossoms #travel #traveltiktok #travelbucketlist #traveltok #flower #flowers #flowertok #foryou #fyp #fypシ ♬ Hazakura, cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms, dignified piano solo(1163731) - Home-like Music
For the first blooms of the country, start in Jeju! It's also the perfect time to see not only Cherry Blossoms but the yellow fields of beautiful canola flowers in full bloom.
Karin is the co-founder of Arden Cove and co-creator of the Anti-Theft Waterproof Crossbodies - bags created for women who want all the practicality and safety features without compromising in style. Shop ArdenCove.com.
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