Where to See Cherry Blossom in South Korea in 2025
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Cherry blossom season in South Korea is pure magic. It’s no surprise that springtime here draws in visitors from all over the world. Sure, some might call it a cliché, but hey, clichés exist for a reason, right? There’s something undeniably enchanting about South Korea dressed in pink and white blooms—it’s the kind of beauty you have to experience firsthand to truly appreciate.
If you are planning a trip to South Korea for Cherry blossoms you are in for a treat! In this blog, I’ll share tips on when to plan for the best cherry blossom viewing, the best spots to visit in South Korea in spring and activities to do while you are at it.
What Month is Cherry Blossom in South Korea?
Cherry blossom season in South Korea typically occurs from late March to mid-April. The exact timing varies depending on the region, with the southern areas, like Jeju Island, seeing the blossoms bloom as early as mid-March, while the northern areas, including Seoul, experience peak bloom in early to mid-April. The blossoms only last for about a week after they bloom, so timing your visit is crucial to catching them at their best.
Yearly average Blooming Dates
Now that we are clear about the months around which cherry blossoms appear in the different regions of South Korea, the next and most important is the flowering date and the full bloom date for cherry blossoms in South Korea.
It’s beneficial to note that this date can not be predicted to precision months in advance. When I was planning my trip to Japan for cherry blossom season, I used this trick and it worked wonders.
Here’s a table of cherry blossom dates for the last two years, this will give you a fair idea of the range the flowering and full bloom fall under. Use this table to plan your cherry blossom trip to South Korea in 2025.
| City/Region | 2023 Flowering | 2023 Full Bloom | 2024 Flowering | 2024 Full Bloom |
| Jeju Island | March 20 | March 23 | March 18 | March 21 |
| Busan | March 24 | March 30 | March 22 | March 27 |
| Daegu | March 26 | March 31 | March 24 | March 29 |
| Gyeongju | March 25 | March 31 | March 23 | March 28 |
| Seoul | April 5 | April 10 | April 3 | April 8 |
| Incheon | April 6 | April 11 | April 4 | April 9 |
| Gangneung | April 7 | April 12 | April 5 | April 10 |
| Chuncheon | April 9 | April 14 | April 7 | April 12 |
Best time to visit South Korea for Cherry Blossom 2025
As mentioned in the earlier section, it’s hard to predict a date. But the above table gives you a good range, and the cherry blossoms do follow a pattern. While this has been distributed a little bit thanks to global warming.
I recommend following these date ranges for your trip to South Korea in 2025 to view cherry blossoms.
- Jeju Island: Visit from March 16 to March 23. This southern island has an earlier bloom compared to other parts of the country.
- Busan: Aim for March 23 to March 30. Busan’s cherry blossoms typically peak in late March.
- Daegu: Plan your trip between March 25 and April 1. Daegu’s cherry blossoms usually reach full bloom in late March.
- Gyeongju: The best period is from March 24 to March 31. Gyeongju offers beautiful blossoms around the same time as Daegu.
- Seoul: The optimal time is from April 2 to April 9. Seoul’s cherry blossoms peak in early April.
- Incheon: Visit from April 4 to April 9. Incheon’s blossoms typically align closely with those in Seoul.
- Gangneung: The ideal period is from April 5 to April 10. Gangneung’s cherry blossoms usually bloom a bit later.
- Chuncheon: The best time is from April 7 to April 12. Chuncheon’s cherry blossoms tend to peak a little later in the season.
What’s the average temperature during spring and what to wear?
Spring in South Korea is generally mild and pleasant, making it perfect for outdoor activities like blossom viewing. Temperatures in March and April range from:
- March: 5°C to 14°C (41°F to 57°F)
- April: 9°C to 18°C (48°F to 64°F)
Light layers are recommended for chilly mornings and evenings. Rain is infrequent but can occur, especially during April, so pack an umbrella just in case. The wind may also scatter the blossoms quicker than usual, so aim to visit just before the peak for the fullest blooms.
Where are the best places to see Cherry Blossom in South Korea?
Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Seoul
Seoul bursts into pink during cherry blossom season, and the city is home to several stunning locations to admire the blooms.
- Seokchon Lake: One of the most picturesque spots in Seoul, Seokchon Lake is surrounded by 300,000 cherry blossom trees. The calm water reflects the blossoms, creating a stunning mirror effect.
- Yeouido Park: Famous for the annual Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival, this park draws huge crowds during the season. Stroll along the Han River with cherry trees in full bloom while enjoying festival booths, performances, and food stalls.
- Namsan Park: Home to N Seoul Tower, Namsan Park offers a scenic mix of cherry blossoms and views over the city. The hike up is worth the reward of cherry blossoms lining the walking paths.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: This iconic palace looks even more magnificent surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms. Explore the traditional architecture while enjoying the trees in full bloom.
Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Jeju
Jeju Island, famous for its early blooms, offers unique and stunning locations for cherry blossom viewing.
- Jeonnong-ro Cherry Blossom Street: This famous spot in Jeju City is one of the best for early cherry blossoms. Lined with King Cherry trees, it offers a breathtaking pink tunnel effect. These blossoms are known for their larger size and deeper pink hue compared to others in Korea.
- Hallim Park: A tranquil setting to enjoy the cherry blossoms, Hallim Park combines gardens, ponds, and Jeju’s native flora for a serene experience. The park is less crowded than city spots, making it ideal for peaceful blossom viewing.
- Seongsan Ilchulbong: While better known as the “Sunrise Peak,” this volcanic crater is a stunning spot to visit during cherry blossom season. The contrast of the pink flowers against the dark, rugged landscape is unforgettable.
Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Gyeongju
Gyeongju, often referred to as the “museum without walls,” is renowned for its rich historical heritage and stunning natural beauty. During cherry blossom season, it transforms into a breathtaking landscape of pink and white blooms. Here are some of the best spots to enjoy cherry blossoms in Gyeongju:
- Bomun Lake: Bomun Lake is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Gyeongju. The lake is surrounded by numerous cherry trees that create a picturesque scene with the flowers reflecting on the water.
- Gyeongju National Museum: The museum grounds offer a tranquil setting for cherry blossom viewing, with cherry trees providing a stunning contrast to the museum’s historical artefacts.
- Seongdong Cemetery: This lesser-known spot is a serene place where cherry blossoms bloom among ancient tombstones, offering a unique and contemplative atmosphere.
- Oksan Seowon Confucian Academy: This historic Confucian academy features beautiful cherry blossoms among traditional Korean architecture and serene surroundings.
For more cherry blossom spots and planning your perfect cherry blossom itinerary reach out to me!
Tips for Visiting Cherry Blossom Spots in Gyeongju:
- Timing: Aim to visit during the peak bloom period, usually late March to early April.
- Crowds: Popular spots like Bomun Lake can get crowded, so consider visiting early in the morning or later in the day for a more peaceful experience.
- Weather: Check the weather forecast before your visit as cherry blossoms can be affected by wind and rain.
Must-Visit Cherry Blossom Festivals in South Korea
- Seoul Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival: Located along the Han River, this festival draws massive crowds to enjoy the 1,400 cherry trees blooming along Yeouido-ro Street. The backdrop of skyscrapers and the river makes it a stunning urban experience.
- Jinhae Gunhangje Festival (Jinhae): The largest cherry blossom festival in South Korea, located in the coastal city of Jinhae, near Busan. Over 360,000 cherry trees bloom here, and the city comes alive with parades, fireworks, and street performances. The famous Romance Bridge over the Yeojwacheon Stream is a must-see.
- Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival: As the ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty, Gyeongju offers a beautiful historical backdrop for cherry blossom viewing. The festival combines traditional performances, cherry blossom walks around Bomun Lake, and a chance to visit historic temples and tombs while the trees are in bloom.
- Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival (Hadong): Located near the picturesque Hwagae Market, this festival features a 6-km long “10-ri Cherry Blossom Road,” also known as the “Wedding Road,” said to bless couples who walk it together.
- Daegu E-World Blossom Picnic: Held at E-World Theme Park, the cherry blossoms here are accompanied by light displays at night, creating a romantic and festive atmosphere. You can also enjoy rides and other attractions as part of the experience.
The list goes on! But if you were to visit South Korea for the first time during Cherry Blossom, I recommend at least attending one of these festivals.
Cherry Blossom Tours in South Korea
So your heart is set on visiting South Korea for Cherry Blossom. I say plan sooner rather than later. The cost of accommodation skyrockets during this time, and naturally, most internal tour operators charge a higher price too. If you are looking for a custom itinerary reach out to me and I’ll help you plan a trip as unique as you are!
And if you are looking to join a group trip to South Korea, I’m hosting my second; South Korea Cherry Blossom group trip in 2025!
One last thing before I go, remember that cherry blossoms last only a couple of weeks. So plan your trip earlier than later to snag the best rates
