Best Time to See Cherry Blossoms in South Korea [2024]

South Korea's cherry blossoms, paint the country in a stunning palette of pink each spring, attracting visitors from all over the world. Planning your trip to coincide with the peak bloom of these delicate flowers is essential for witnessing their full splendor. In this guide, we'll explore the best time to see cherry blossoms in South Korea in 2024, and highlight the most scenic spots for capturing stunning photographs.

‍

‍

When are cherry blossoms in bloom in Korea?

The timing of cherry blossom season in South Korea varies slightly from year to year, depending on factors like weather conditions and geographical location. With rising temperatures due to climate change, the flowering season in 2024 is expected to arrive earlier by as much as a week in some places compared to recent years.

Jeju is expected to bloom earliest on March 20th, followed by Jeonju on March 22nd, Seoul, Ulsan, and Busan on March 24th, Yeosu and Pohang on March 25th, Gwangju and Daejeon on March 27th, Mokpo on March 28th, and Gangneung on March 30th.

In April, you can enjoy cherry blossoms in Suwon on the 1st, and in Chuncheon and Incheon on the 3rd.

‍

‍

How long are cherry blossoms in bloom?

Typically, cherry blossoms are in bloom for about one to two weeks. The duration of cherry blossoms in bloom can vary depending on factors such as the specific variety of tree, weather conditions, and geographical location.

‍

Where are the best places to see cherry blossoms in Korea?

Cherry blossoms can be seen all around the country, adorning the side of roads, neighboring parks, mountainsides, and riverbanks. While specific destinations are not necessary to witness cherry blossoms, parks and riversides, in particular, offer picturesque settings to admire their beauty.

‍

📍 Changdeokgung Palace (99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul)

‍

📍 Seokchon Lake Park (32 Sincheon-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul)

‍

📍 Seoul Forest Park (273 Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul)

‍

📍 E-World (200 Duryugongwon-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu)

‍

📍 Bomunho Lake (Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongju-si, Bomun-ro, 446)

‍

📍 Simni Cherry Blossom Street (Samsin-ri, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do)

‍

📍 Gyeonghwa Station Railway (Gyeonghwa-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do)

‍

📍 Sangsang Sheep Ranch (Seolcheon-ro 775beon-gil 364 Seolcheon-myeon, Namhae, Gyeongsangnam-do)

‍

📍 Samseonghyeol (22 Samseong-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do)

‍

Cherry Blossom Festivals in Seoul & Gyeonggi-do

With the early blooming of cherry blossoms, festival schedules have also been adjusted accordingly.

‍

Seokchon Lake Park Cherry Blossom Festival (석촌 벚꽃축제)

Date: 2023-04-05  ~ 2023-04-09

Address: 32 Sincheon-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul

‍

Yeouido Yunjung-ro Cherry Blossom Festival (여의도 윤중로 벚꽃축제)

Date: 2023-04-04 ~ 2023-04-09

Address: Yeouiseo-ro, Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

‍

Incheon Grand Park Cherry Blossom Festival (인천대공원 벚꽃축제)

Date: 2023-04-06 ~ 2023-04-07

‍Address: 236 Munemi-ro, Namdong-gu, Incheon

‍

Gapyeong Eden Cherry Blossom Road Cherry Blossom Festival (가평 에덴벚꽃길 벚꽃축제)

Date: Est. early April

‍Address: Edenbeotkkot-gil Cheongpyeong-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

‍

Gwacheon Let's Run Park Night Cherry Blossom Festival (과천 렛츠런파크 야간 벚꽃축제)

Date: Est. early April

‍Address: 107 Gyeongmagongwon-daero, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

‍

Gwacheon Seoul Grand Park Cherry Blossom Festival (서울대공원 벚꽃축제)

Date: Est. early April

‍Address: 102 Daegongwongwangjang-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

‍

‍

Cover photo source: Timothy Ries (Unsplash)