This is your ultimate companion to experiencing the beauty of cherry blossoms in South Korea. This comprehensive guide gives you all the information you need to plan your perfect cherry blossom trip, from the forecasted dates for 2024, the best viewing spots in Seoul and other cities to practical tips on how to make the most of your visit.
Why should I visit Korea during Cherry Blossom?
Imagine endless rows of pink and white trees mixed with old Hanok Buildings and Sky Scrapers.. As you look around, you see families and friends gathered beneath the trees, picnicking on blankets, enjoying the spring festivals and the new energy that comes with spring.
It’s Korea’s most popular Tourist season and that’s for a reason! The weather is great, the views are breathtaking and the winter is finally over!
When is Cherry Blossom Season in Korea?
The Cherry Blossom Season in South Korea usually falls between late March and early April. When exactly the Cherry Trees start to bloom depends on a lot of things, especially the temperatures during winter and rainfall. In 2024 the forecast says that the Blooming will start about a week earlier than the yearly average, very similar to 2023.
The following dates are the expected peak blooming dates, means you can usually see cherry blossom one week before and after those dates.
And here expected start and peak blooming dates for 2024:
| CITY | BEGINNING | FULL BLOOM |
|---|---|---|
| Jeju | March 19 | March 26 |
| Gwangju | March 21 | March 28 |
| Jeonju | March 21 | March 28 |
| Busan | March 23 | March 29 |
| Daegu | March 25 | April 1 |
| Daejeon | March 26 | April 1 |
| Seoul | March 27 | April 2 |
| Andong | March 29 | April 4 |
| Gangneung | March 30 | April 4 |
| Incheon | April 2 | April 9 |
| Chuncheon | April 4 | April 11 |
How’s the weather during Cherry Blossom Season?
Weather in Seoul during Cherry Blossom Season can be quite pleasant as it marks the transition from winter to spring. Typically, in March temperatures range from around 1°C (34°F) to 11°C (52°F) and in April from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F). While you usually have about 5 rainy days in March, April gets a bit more unpredictable with 9 rainy days on average.
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!
What should I bring to Korea?
Now, onto the important stuff – what to pack. Even though it’s slowly getting warmer, I would still recommend to bring multiple layers. Especially the evenings and nights can still be really chilly!
I also always recommend to bring comfortable footwear, a portable battery and a small travel first aid kit with basic medicine from your home country as Korean medication hits quite different 😀
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.
Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Seoul
As South Korea’s capital city, Seoul of course offers the most famous and popular sights and events during Cherry Blossom Season. It is also the city with the highest number on tourist – Korean or Foreign – so be prepared for crowded places and waiting times during this most popular season. Find some of the most popular Cherry Blossom Spots here and many more spots and hidden gems in my full >Cherry Blossom Guide.
Yeouido Hangang Park
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.
Korean Address: 서울특별시 영등포구 여의도동
English Address: Yeouiseo-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Seokchon Lake
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.
Korean Address: 서울 송파구 잠실로 180
English Address: 180, Jamsil-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
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 Palace
Korean Address: 서울 종로구 사직로 161
English Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Deoksugung Palace
Korean Address: 서울 중구 세종대로 99
English Address: 99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
Changdeokgung Palace
Korean Address: 서울 종로구 율곡로 99
English Address: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Changgyeonggung Palace
Korean Address: 서울 종로구 창경궁로 185
English Address: 185, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Gyeonghuigung Palace
Korean Address: 서울 종로구 새문안로 45
English Address: Saemoonan-ro 45, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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.
Korean Address: 서울 성동구 뚝섬로 273
English Address: 273, Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
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.
Korean Address: 서울 중구 삼일대로 231
English Address: 231, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
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 ↓
Best Cherry Blossom Spots in the rest of South Korea
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!
Find many more Spots, Hidden Gems, fun Activities and other spring blossom infos in my full South Korea Cherry Blossom Guide!
↓ Get it for 5$ when using the code CHERRY25 ↓
As cherry blossom season approaches in South Korea in 2024, now is the perfect time to start planning your spring trip. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or simply seeking a memorable travel experience, South Korea offers something for everyone during this magical time of year. From the bustling streets of Seoul to the tranquil landscapes of Gyeongju, the beauty of cherry blossoms will leave an indelible mark on your journey.
I hope this guide has provided valuable insights into making your spring trip to South Korea unforgettable. If you have any questions or would like to share your own experiences, please leave a comment below!
