Early April is THE time to see Cherry Blossom in Seoul and many other Spring Blossoms in South Korea! The sun shines and the people celebrate the new beginnings all over the country. Even if you might be too late for Cherry Blossom, there are still many things to see and do in April 2024 in South Korea.
How is April in South Korea?
Spring is here! And you cannot just feel that in the air, but also smell and see the fresh and colorful spring blossoms everywhere. It’s getting warmer, people start spending more time outside and the country celebrates different festivals this month!
How’s the weather in April?
Typically, temperatures in April range from around 7°C (45°F) to 18°C (64°F). However, it’s worth noting that April too can still have some pretty cold days, especially in the early part of the month, so I recommend to pack layers and be prepared for varying conditions. Seoul and other central areas tend to be a bit colder, while southern regions, such as Busan or Jeju Island, are already taking big steps to a warm spring weather.
With an average of 5 rain days in April you don’t have to carry around an umbrella the whole time, but better to check the weather forecast (or see if Koreans carry an umbrella, as they are always prepared :D).
Another thing you should keep in mind is that with warmer temperatures and sunny days the fine dust pollution usually also gets worse. I highly recommend checking the “AQI” daily and if you see a red number better plan some indoor activities or wear a mask!
Will there be Cherry Blossom in April?
Early April is usually the peak season of Cherry Blossom in Seoul. In more southern parts of the country the blossoms start much earlier in Mid March. When exactly the Cherry Trees start to bloom depends on a lot of things, especially the temperatures during winter and how quickly it gets warmer in March and April.
Find more in my Korea Cherry Blossom Guide!
↓ Get it for 5$ when using the code CHERRY25 ↓
What should I bring to Korea?
Now, onto the important stuff – what to pack. Even though it’s getting warmer, I would still recommend to bring multiple layers. Especially in the evenings and nights Korean weather still can be really chilly! I also always recommend to comfortable footwear, a portable battery and – if you need – a travel pharmacy from your home country as Korean medication hits quite different 😀
Are there public holidays in April?
Yes, on April 10th 2024 it’s National Assembly Election Day, which is a special holiday this year. On this day, regional representatives are elected to serve and represent their district for four years as a member of the National Assembly. Reelection and by-election are also held on the same day.
On this day Koreans are meant to not work to have enough time to go vote for their representative, so it is a so called “red day”, means it’s a public holiday and government facilities, banks and post offices will be closed. Still most private businesses and restaurants will be open normally.
General South Korea Travel Guide
In this South Korea Guide, I cover everything you need to know for an amazing South Korea trip (not related to a specific month) from Basic Information about the country, weather all around the year, Visa and Entry Requirements, best Korean SIM Cards, Transportation, Must Visit Spots and Recommended Activities in Korea.
What to do in Korea in April?
Of course travelers visiting Korea in April are eager to see Spring blossoms. The most famous are the beautiful cherry blossoms but there are other flowers and trees blooming in South Korea in April. In the following paragraphs you can find Cherry and other Spring Blossom Places and Activities to do in Korea.
See Cherry Blossom in Seoul
There are many Cherry Blossom Spots in the bustling city of Seoul. I made a very detailed Cherry Blossom Guide on Thatch where you can find more hidden and less crowded Seoul Spots, but here some of the most popular places to see the blooming cherry blossom trees:
Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival
Yeouido Hangang Park is a popular riverside park located in Yeouido, a district in the heart of Seoul. The park spans over 2.8 million square meters and offers a variety of attractions such as walking trails, picnic areas, sports facilities, and a large outdoor stage where concerts and events are held.
Yeouiseo-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 영등포구 여의서로
Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival
Seokchon Lake is a man-made lake located in the southeastern part of Seoul, South Korea, and it is surrounded by several popular attractions, such as Lotte World and the Seoul Sky Observatory. The lake is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, who come to enjoy the scenery, relax, and take part in various recreational activities, such as walking, jogging, and cycling.
180, Jamsil-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
서울 송파구 잠실로 180
Seoul Palaces
There is a collection of ancient royal residences located in Seoul, which were built during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The five main palaces in Seoul are Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Gyeonghuigung Palace. Those popular tourist destinations offer visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of Korea, as well as stunning examples of traditional Korean architecture and design.
Gyeongbokgung:
161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울 종로구 사직로 161
Seoul Forest Park
Seoul Forest is a large urban park in the heart of Seoul, South Korea, which spans over 1.16 million square meters and offers a variety of attractions such as walking trails, gardens, sports facilities, and a cultural art center. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, providing a peaceful escape from the bustling city and opportunities to enjoy nature and various recreational activities.
273, Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
서울 성동구 뚝섬로 273
Namsan Mountain Park
Namsan Tower, also known as N Seoul Tower, is a communication and observation tower located on top of Namsan Mountain in central Seoul. The tower stands at a height of 236.7 meters and offers panoramic views of the city, especially at night. Originally built as a broadcasting tower in 1969, Namsan Tower has since become a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a variety of experiences and activities. You can take a cable car, walk up the hiking trail, or take a bus to get up.
231, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
서울 중구 삼일대로 231
Find more Seoul Spots, Hidden Gems & Activities close to those areas in my full South Korea Cherry Blossom Guide!
↓ Get it for 5$ when using the code CHERRY25 ↓
Attend Cherry Blossom Festivals in other cities
I always recommend South Korea Travelers to leave the big cities at least once during their trip. There are many amazing organized group tours or destinations you can travel to by yourself – especially during Cherry Blossom! Technically you can go anywhere and I’m sure you will find beautiful blooming trees, but here some of the most popular spots in other areas:
Jinhae
Jinhae is a district located in Changwon City, in the southeastern region of South Korea, known for its naval port, the Naval Academy and of course the Cherry Blossom Festival. The two best spots to see Cherry Blossom in Jinhae are Gyeonghwa Station and Yeojwacheon Stream. It’s just a short trip away from Busan, so perfect for a day trip from there!
Nami Island
Nami Island, is a small half-moon shaped island located in Chuncheon, close to Seoul, and is known for its picturesque landscapes and through the Korean Drama ‘Winter Sonata’. Nami Island is worth a visit during every season and the tour offers usually include other great destinations close to Seoul.
Gangneung
Gyeongpodae, a historic pavilion located in Gangneung is known for its picturesque location overlooking the lake, making it a popular destination for tourists during cherry blossom. During the guided tour I linked here you can also visit a sheep farm!
Jeonju
Jeonju is known for its rich cultural heritage, traditional architecture in form of a big Hanok Village, and delicious cuisine, particularly its famous bibimbap dish. And what is better than endless Hanok House in combination with beautiful Cherry Blossom Trees?
Gyeongju
Gyeongju is a city located in the southeastern part of South Korea, known for its rich cultural and historical heritage, including numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are great day trip options from Busan and even this Cherry Blossom themed guided tour:
Jeju Island
If you’re looking for aa bit more than a daytrip, maybe consider taking a flight (or ferry :D) to Jeju Island! This beautiful and culturally distinct volcanic island with attractions such as beaches, waterfalls, lava tubes, traditional villages, and a variety of outdoor activities offers also amazing cherry blossom and canola spots!
Attend other Spring Blossom Festivals
Of course Cherry Trees are not the only plants blooming in Spring and as with many other things Koreans made amazing Festivals of those other Spring Blossoms. Most of them are outside of Seoul, here some examples:
- Goryeosan Mountain Azalea Festival (April 14 – 22)
- Taean Tulip Festival (April 12 – May 7)
- Garden of Morning Calm (April – May)
Explore other cities
Embarking on a day trip from Seoul is a fantastic way to explore South Korea’s diverse landscapes and historical sites.
A visit to the Korean Folk Village and Suwon, just an hour away from Seoul, allows you to experience the Korean Folk Village and stroll along the UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon.
For a more solemn experience, consider a visit to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), which takes approximately two hours to reach.
Finally, you can have a day trip to Jeonju and its famous Hanok Village. The area around the city is known for its picturesque landscapes especially during winter.
See the city from above
Perched atop Namsan Mountain in the heart of the city you can find the N Seoul Tower – often simply called Namsan Tower. Not only does it provide breathtaking panoramic views of Seoul’s sprawling cityscape, but it also offers cultural performances every day at 3 PM and has some great photospots like the lock filled walls of the viewing platform. You can buy tickets for the N Seoul tower’s observatory >here.
Another great place for awesome city views is the Lotte Tower’s Seoul Sky Observatory, located in the Jamsil district. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits before ascending to the rooftop observatory or even book the Sky Bridge Tour to have a walk outside on 555m height. Tickets for the Observatory can be booked in advance >here.
I can also recommend you to have a walk around the Seokchon Lakes and walk to the Lotte World Castle, which you actually can see without going into the amusement park itself.
Have a Selfcare-Day
Combine relaxation and cultural immersion by visiting a Jjimjilbang (찜질방) – a traditional Korean bathhouse. Upon entering, you’re enveloped in a world of soothing saunas, hot baths, and special treatments. The gentle heat of the Korean saunas, ranging from intense to mild, helps release tension and detoxify the body. After a leisurely soak in therapeutic mineral baths, you can indulge in a Korean body scrub that leaves your skin feeling soft and revitalized. Alternatively you can get a massage or one of Korea’s famous skin treatments in one of the great facilities below. This self-care day in Korea allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in a wellness oasis steeped in Korean tradition.
Watch Performances
The “Nanta Cooking Show” and “Painter’s Show” are two captivating performances in Seoul. “Nanta” is a comedy combining cooking and drumming, while “Painters Show” blends live painting, multimedia art, and humor. Both shows offer unique, interactive experiences combined with some Korean cultural insights that entertain audiences of all ages and backgrounds, making them must-see attractions in Seoul.
Take a cooking class
Korean cooking classes provide a hands-on experience in preparing traditional Seollal dishes like colorful rice cakes, Korea’s National dish Kimchi, or a whole set of meals like Bulgogi (marinated grilled meat) or Korean stews. Guided by expert instructors, participants not only learn the secrets of these time-honored recipes but also gain insight into the significance of each dish in Korean Cuisine. It’s a delightful opportunity to connect with the essence of Korean traditions and share in the joy of creating and savoring these delectable treats with loved ones.
Craft your own souvenirs
Instead of buying souvenirs I can highly recommend to try one of many special activities and experiences in South Korea. It’s not just great to make a very personal gift for yourself or your loved ones at home, but it’s also a perfect way to learn more about Korean Culture and connect with locals. You can usually book them in English,
Mother of Pearl
Make accessories with the Korean traditional Najeon Technique!
Perfume Making
Make your own Perfume step by step with English guidance!
Stone Stamp
Make your own traditional Korean stone stamp that was used to sign contracts!
Leather Goods
Make yourself a wallet, small glasses case or a leather hand bag!
Wooden Rings
Special rings made of wood for couples, solo travelers or friends!
Traditional Dyeing
Dye a scarf or tote bag with the traditional Jjokbit Color.
Find more in my FREE Experience Guide ↓
Traveling to South Korea in April means you should prepare for all different kinds of weather and events. From Cherry Blossom Festivals all over the country to other Festivals – there are many things to explore! Will you visit Korea in April? Let me know your tips in the comments!
