Korea’s Sakura Season is a Stunner!
As spring in Korea sneaks up on us, the buds of the much-coveted cherry blossom trees are getting bloom-ready. Before they burst, make sure you get your travel plans sorted! If you’ve been dreaming about visiting South Korea to catch the pink-petal craze, here are the best places to get your pink on, as well as the cherry blossom Korea 2020 forecast dates to catch Sakura sensation in full stride.
Dates stated in the image are estimated based on last year’s predictions
SEOUL
1. Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival (6-13 April)
Celebrate under the blossoms
Home to over 1,880 cherry blossom trees, the Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is sure to be a blooming bonanza. Set along the Han River, this is one of the most frequented cherry blossom viewing spots in all of Seoul. Layout your rug and plant yourself here for the day!
Aside from perusing a plethora of pretty Sakura trees, you can get your delicious fill at the food booths dotted throughout the area. And make sure you look out for the unique performances and events as well.
Address: Tongsin-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
Nearest Station: Yeouido Station (Exit 5 or 9) or Yeouinaru Station (Exit 1) or National Assembly Station (Exit 6)
2. Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival (6-13 April)
Warning: the Seoul cherry blossom is sure to be a heart-stealer when you visit Seokchon Lake during springtime. At peak-beauty during April when the cherry blossom trees are in full dazzle along the lake lakeside – make sure to highlight the Seokchonhosu Lake Cherry Blossom Festival on your calendar.
Stroll past the pink blooms, get involved in hands-on activities or enjoy the festival’s fun performances and exhibitions. And here’s more great news – Seokchon Lake Park isn’t far from Lotte World, so you can combine your Sakura fix and adrenaline rush in one day!
Klook Pro-tip: Skip the queues! Get your open-dated Lotte World tickets on Klook! This means less waiting and more good times. Be sure to also check out the Klook guide to Lotte World for hacks on conquering this epic park.
Seokchon Lake Park
Address: 148, Jamsil-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Nearest Station: Jamsil Station Exit 2 or 10
Lotte World
Address: 240 Olympic-ro, Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Jamsil Station Exit 4 on Line No. 2 and No. 8
3. Blooming lovely Namsan Park (6-13 April)
One of the most popular green spaces in Seoul, Namsan Park is a short stroll from the sky-high N Seoul Tower. Sitting at 262 metres, this park-on-a-hill is blessed with a long line of wow-worthy Sakura blossoms.
During your visit to Namsan Park, make a beeline for the N Seoul Tower to take in a beautiful birds-eye-view of the cherry blooms. With open-dated tickets from Klook, you can easily time your visit to N Seoul Tower around full bloom to see the unforgettable flower flourish. This is cherry blossom Seoul action at it’s best.
Namsan Park
Address: 231, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
Nearest Station: Namsan cable car
N Seoul Tower
Address: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan 2(i)ga-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Namsan cable car
4. Prime petal viewing at Gyeongbokgung Palace (6-13 April)
Peruse the palatial petals
Easily one of the most iconic sights in Seoul, the Gyeongbokgung Palace is also a top spot for beholding cherry blossoms. Wander around the palace gardens and wonder at the delicate flowers and surrounding vistas.
And guess what? If you’re dressed in traditional hanbok, you can enter for free! So, to save – make sure to book your hanbok rental on Klook! Free entry to the palace, traditional hanbok dress, and cherry blossoms in full glory – it’s an Instagram hattrick!
Klook Pro-tip: There are a few more palaces around Seoul that are stunning during cherry blossom season Korea. These include Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Unhyeongung Palace and Changgyeonggung Palace.
Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 5 on Line 3. Anguk Station Exit 1 on Line 3
For the best-curated Sakura experience in Seoul, you can have a Klook at the Chasing Cherry Blossoms Tour, which will take you to all the best viewing spots, based on the forecast and when you’re due in town!
5. Blooming lovely festival (27 March-6 April)
Experience Korea's biggest spring festival which attracts more than 2 million visitors every year. On the Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival Day Tour from Seoul you can upgrade to a VIP bus decked out with modern amenities like a touchscreen pad to watch while you stretch out on the luxe seats. Big windows let you feast your eyes on attractions and landmarks on your way to the festival.
Hongdae
Meetup: Hongdae Starbucks, 159-1,Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu Seoul, 11 121-756
How to Get There: Take line 2 to Hongik Univ. station and exit from Exit 8. Walk straight for 2 minutes
Myeongdong
Meetup: McDonald's at Myeongdong station, 8 Myeongdong 7-gil, Myeongdong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
How to Get There: Exit from Myeongdong station's Exit 4
Dongdaemun
Meetup: Hotel The Designers at Dongdaemun History and Culture Park station, 306 Toegye-ro, Gwanghui-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
How to Get There: Take line 2, 4, or 5 to Dongdaemun History and Culture Park station. The hotel is opposite Exit 5
6. A very regal blossom experience
See the city's bountiful blooms on the Seoul King Cherry Blossoms Trip. You’ll be taken to 3 specially-selected prime viewing spots where you can bask in the beauty and take a tonne of photos.
Meetup: Hongik Univ. Station, Exit 4, Seogyo-dong, Seoul, South Korea
How to Get There: Take subway line 2 to Hongik Univ. Station
Meetup: Myeongdong Station, Exit 2, Myeong-dong, Seoul, South Korea
How to Get There: Take subway line 4 to Myeongdong Station
Meetup: Dongdaemun History Culture Park Station, Exit 10, 279 Euljiro-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
How to Get There: Take subway line 2, 4, or 5 to Dongdaemun History Culture Park Station
INCHEON
7. Blossoms galore at Jayu Park and Incheon Grand Park (mid April)
When you think of Incheon, you probably think of Korea’s major international airport. Well, apart from all things aviation, you may be surprised to discover, Incheon is also home to some of the most jaw-dropping cherry blossom viewing spots. So, even if you only have a short time during transit, these local Incheon spots are sure to satiate your Sakura fix.
One of the must-visit vistas in Incheon is Jayu Park. Here you’ll see puffs of pink blooms from afar. This park is only a short walk from the Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village, so make sure you take a stroll. This is also the time of year to catch the incredible Incheon Grand Park Cherry Blossom Festival. This idyllic park is punctuated with Sakura trees, as the locals picnic and cycle around – it’s pretty much pink heaven!
Jayu Park
Address: 25 Jayugongwonnam-ro, Bukseong-dong 3(sam)-ga, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea
Nearest Station: Exit 1 of Incheon Station (Seoul Subway Line 1)
Incheon Grand Park
Address: 산180 Jangsu-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon, South Korea
Nearest Station: Incheon Grand Park Station (Incheon Subway Line 2)
GANGWON-DO
8. Cherry delight on Nami Island (early April)
Stretches of Sakura
A popular day trip from Seoul, Nami Island is a charmer. Rich with natural lush, green gifts, it’s no wonder this picturesque island has become a nature hotspot (also boosted by being featured in a popular Korean Drama).
Beautiful year-round, during the season of cherry blossom Korea, Nami Island turns into a pink Sakura paradise. Some of the best bloom photos are taken along Cherry Tree Lane in front of the Water Stages Swimming Pool. Charge your battery because your camera will be working hard!
Address: 1 Namisum-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea
How to Get There: The most hassle-free way is to book a return transfer with Klook. Alternatively, you can join a Nami Island tour, which includes a visit to Petite France, Garden of Morning Calm, and more.
JEJU
9. Join the Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival, Seogwipo (23-30 March)
Driving has never looked so good
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Jeju Island is home to the elusive King Cherry Trees. As one of the most majestic and rare species of cherry blossoms, seeing them IRL is a real thrill.
While they’re found all over the island, a couple of prime viewing spots can be found in downtown Seogwipo and the Jeju Sports Complex. These lovely King Cherry blooms are fleeting (they only last for 2-3 days), so keep your eyes fixed on the forecasts as the date of your visit draws near! The Jeju cherry blossom is jubilant!
If you miss out on seeing these blossoms in full bloom, you can still enjoy the breathtaking views surrounding Jeju Island. Around mid-April, you can also see a sea of yellow as the canola flowers open!
Address: Jeonnong-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Nearest Station: Jeju National University Bus Stop (Bus No. 6, 7, 10, 11, 37, 46, 55, 97, 500, 502)
CHANGWON CITY
10. Celebrate with a cherry on top at the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival (early April)
Celebrate cherry blossom season
When it comes to South Korea cherry blossom, the Jinhae cherry blossom festival plays a starring role. One of the biggest celebrations in the country, visitors from across the globe flock to this otherwise sleepy town to see the stunning pastel pink hues.
The top blossom viewing spots are at the Yeojwacheon Stream and Gyeonghwa Station. To top off your experience, make sure you sample a slice of Cherry Blossom Cake; a sweet seasonal treat, only available during spring.
Address: 9 Tongsin-dong, Jinhae, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea
How to Get There: Join a Jinhae Gunhangje Festival day tour from Seoul or from the nearby Busan. If you’re planning your own trip, remember to get your Korea Rail Pass from Klook.
BUSAN
11. On the road at Namcheon-dong (26 March - 2 April)
Namcheon-dong in Busan, more famously known as Cherry Blossom Road, is an other-worldly sight! With densely-packed cherry trees lining either side, arching over the road in Samik Beach town, you’ll feel as if you’re travelling to the gates of Sakura heaven.
Some of these trees are more than 30 years old! This is a famous spot for locals and tourists to lay their eyes on these lovely pink blooms. And while you’re in the hood, head to other popular nearby destinations like Gwangalli Beach.
Address: Namcheon-dongSuyeong-gu, Busan, South Korea
How to Get There: From Geumnyeonsangan subway station (exit 5), it’s a 10-minute walk or short taxi ride. If you’re travelling to Busan from Seoul, make sure to get your KR Pass from Klook.
Klook Pro-tip: There are other noteworthy places to catch cherry blossoms in Busan. These include Dalmaji-gil Road in Haeundae, Igidae Park, Hwangnyeongsan Ring Road, and Oncheonchon Stream Park.
12. A big day of blossoms (early April)
Spring brings plentiful petals on the Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival Day Trip from Daegu. Look up, and you’ll fall in love with the season’s blooms, as you explore extensive gardens of Gyeongju's popular Bomun Tourist Complex and wander the gorgeous grounds of the Daereungwon Tomb Complex. There’s yum street food and crafts shops too!
Address: Banwoldang, Seongnae 2(i)-dong, Daegu, South Korea
How to get there: Take subway line 1 or 2 to Banwoldang Station and exit from exit 21
13. Make a blooming occasion of it (27 March - 6 April)
Spring into spring with a fun day adventure. On the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Day Tour from Daegu, walk the striking streets of Jinhae and applaud the architecture. Visit the area’s top blossom viewing spots and have your photos taken with a sea of pink. Check out the famous cherry blossom road of Gyeonghwa Station, and see the top viewing spot at Yeojwacheon Stream.
Address: Dongdaegu-ro, Sinam 4(sa)-dong, Dong-gu, Daegu, South Korea
How to get there: Take subway line 1 to Dongdaegu Train Station and exit from exit 3
GYEONGJU
14. Run with a view at the Gyeongju Cherry Marathon (early April)
Enjoy a long run with a view
Photo Credit: Lee Bum Soo
Take your cherry blossom chase to the next level. In the Gyeongju Cherry Marathon, you'll run along cherry-lined roads, as well as the beautiful Bomunho Lake: one of Gyeongju’s most scenic spots. If you need a pick-me-up during your race, give yourself a blooming break and stop to smell the Sakura!
This is one marathon worth the burning legs and screaming muscles. And we don’t blame you for slowing down to check out the cherry trees – you can always catch up later!
If you’re not a fan of running, go on a less literal cherry blossom chase with a Gyeongju day tour from Seoul. Explore the city’s most famous historical sites such as Donggung Palace, Wolji Pond, and Bulguksa Temple. You can also try on traditional Hanbok and walk through the ancient streets of the Gyochon Hanok Village!
GWANGJU / DAMYANG
15. Flowering feature at Gwangju Bamboo Forest (29 March - 5 April)
Blooms and bamboo, who could ask for more?
Photo Credit: Toshimasa Ishibashi
One of the more unique spots to catch stunning Sakura blooms is at the Gwangju Bamboo Forest, also known as Juknokwon Bamboo Forest. See bursts of pastel pink and white petals peeking out between the towering bamboo.
Reminiscent of the famous Arashiyama Forest in Japan – put this remarkable bamboo forest on your itinerary for an unforgettable sight. As you roam through this peaceful forest in the cool of spring, take a moment to appreciate the uncommon combination of bamboo and blooms.
Address: 119 Jungnogwon-ro, Damyang-eup, Damyang, Jeollanam-do, South Korea
How to Get There: A few hours from Seoul by train, the best way to get there is by the KTX which you can take using a Korea Rail Pass
Sakura essentials in Korea
With these Sakura viewing spots locked in, you’ll need some essentials to complete your trip. This 4G WiFi device will come in handy for all the Instagrammable moments, as well as for navigating the streets of Korea. You’ll also need a Korea Railplus transport card to get to these popular Sakura pink spots!
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