The spring season is a popular vacation pick for people all over the world, as the warm weather allows people to see popular sights, tour around the city, and engage in outdoor activities.
In Korea, spring is all about rejuvenation and celebration of nature's beauty, bringing people to enjoy the outdoors and try out cultural activities. Vibrant cherry blossoms are in full bloom, livening up the city after the cold winter months. Spring starts around late March and goes until early June, while cherry blossom season is only until mid-April.
With so many outdoor activities available, it can be a challenge to narrow down your options to make the most out of the season.
What happens during spring in Korea?
As Korea turns pink, spring has arrived. Credits to @geonuk on Unsplash
During spring, Korea is a top destination for all things cherry blossoms. Locals and tourists alike gather to laze among the pink flowers, take beautiful photos, and have picnics under the trees.
The season also brings out the outdoor enthusiasm of people, making activities like taking hiking trails in the mountains or walking in parks popular. With warmer weather, people are also inclined to explore cultural activities and tours.
On top of typical vacation activities like going to amusement parks and eating Korean BBQ, here's a curated list of seven outdoor activities to do during spring in South Korea:
- Chasing Cherry Blossom and Spring Flowers Day Tour from Seoul
- Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Tour
- Yangpyeong Yongmun Temple and Paragliding Tour
- DMZ Day Tour from Seoul
- Hanbok Experience at Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung with Korean Hairstyling
- Private Jeju Island Tour
- Nami Island Petite France Tour
1. See cherry blossoms bloom all over Seoul
It's cherry blossoms galore all over Korea's capital city!
When in Korea, things to do include cherry blossom sightings, especially during spring.
On the Chasing Cherry Blossom and Spring Flowers Day Tour, the itinerary includes a full-day trip exploring three of the best areas to see the cherry blossoms in forests, parks, and iconic establishments scattered around Seoul/Gyeonggi, Gangwon, and Chuncheong.
The cherry blossoms create a beautiful background for the mountains, rivers, and cityscapes to really shine and come to life. Visitors can relax on benches or blankets beneath the cherry blossom trees, taking in the peaceful atmosphere and capturing beautiful photos.
Do note also that the viewing locations will be disclosed on the day of the tour itself. But don't worry, you'll surely be getting Korea's best cherry blossom views.
Klook Tip: Upon booking, KTOURSTORY offers a complimentary Lotte duty-dree coupon worth 11.55 AUD.
Cost: 80.55 AUD
Location:
- Seoul/Gyeonggi
- Gangwon
- Chuncheong
2. Enter a cherry blossom tunnel
The most scenic train ride awaits you at the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Tour!
The Jinhae Cherry Blossom Tour starts at Gyeonghwa Station for an exciting exploration of their famous cherry blossom tunnel. Its railway tracks will be surrounded by these beautiful flowers, perfect for a relaxing stroll and scenic photo spot. Another picturesque spot on this tour is the Yeojwacheon Stream or Romance Bridge, where the cherry blossoms hang over the banks.
At the main festival and downtown Jinhae, you can hike up Jehwangsan Mountain to catch panoramic views of the whole place covered in cherry blossoms. After all, one of the best things to do in Korea during the spring is to take a good hike.
Cost: 113.25 AUD
Location:
- Gyeonghwa Station
- Yeojwacheon Stream
- Jinhae
3. Visit famous K-drama filming locations
Don't miss out on all the unique destinations on this tour! Credits to @janice.in.motion on Instagram
During the Yangpyeong Yongmun Temple and Paragliding Tour, you'll be able to visit several filming locations of popular Korean TV dramas and variety shows. The atmosphere is also especially romantic during the cherry blossom season.
Yangpyeong Galsan Park
Being one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing parks in South Korea, it's also known as the Seoul City-themed promenade. This tour destination is only available during cherry blossom season, so make sure to take advantage of it while it lasts!
Dumulmeori
This formerly busy wharf serves as the intersection of the North and South Han River. Now, it's a popular destination among Koreans to take wedding photos and film TV shows.
Yongmunsa Temple
Located on the mountainside of Yongmunsan Mountain, Yongmunsa Temple is home to two Buddha statues and eight Bodhisattva statues.
The Korean architecture of this Buddhist temple has stood the test of time since 913 and was rebuilt during the reign of King Sejong due to the damage it sustained from the Korean War. At present, three annexes, including Daxiong Hall and Bell Pavillion, are preserved.
Dreamy Camera Cafe
Built like a twin-lens camera, the cafe's infrastructure is one of its most eye-catching characteristics. It was featured by American media company Buzzfeed in 2014 under "25 Cafes You Must Visit Before You Die." More than its cool architecture, the entire building represents the dream of the owner and his wife.
E-land Han River Cruise
This attraction features a cruise that travels through the centre of Seoul while you can take in the panoramic views of the Han River. As the most representative and popular tourist attraction in Seoul, you have got to make time for this in your itinerary!
Cost: 101.05 AUD
Location:
- Yangpyeong Galsan Park
- Dumulmeori
- Yongmunsa Temple
- Dreamy Camera Cafe
- E-land Han River Cruise
4. Explore North Korea without leaving Seoul
Get to cross the famous Freedom Bridge separating North and South Korea! Credits to @wwarby on Unsplash
Take on an immersive learning experience of Korean history with the DMZ Day Tour. DMZ stands for demilitarised zone, which is a border that separates North and South Korea. It symbolises the age-old conflict between the two nations with a Cold War-era military infrastructure. Here, you'll be able to discover more about North Korea from Gyeonggi-Do, the southern part of the Korean peninsula, without crossing the border.
Besides the surrounding cherry blossoms, spring brings about more lush and vibrant landscapes to the DMZ. The contrast between the bright spring colours and stark DMZ creates a more striking view.
These are the DMZ tours available:
Gimpo Demilitarized Zone
This tour offers the closest view of North Korea. You will also get to observe the North Korean village at the Jo-river Observatory Area.
At Gimpo Marine Park, you'll get a tour of the battleship that's been used for several wars throughout history.
Cheorwon Demilitarized Zone
This tour gives context to the brutality of the Baekma Battlefield and includes an exploration of the 150m-deep Second Tunnel, which North Koreans used to infiltrate South Korea in the past before it was discovered in 1975.
Paju Demilitarized Zone (Camp Greaves)
Formerly a station for US troops during the Korean War, it is now a peace and security facility where you can participate in fun activities like making your own 'dog tags' and wearing military uniforms.
The Odusan Observatory is also available for viewing a birds-eye view of more North Korean land!
Paju Demilitarized Zone (Third Tunnel)
The tour starts at Imjingak, a park that commemorates the sacrifices made during the Korean War. It is a symbol of hope for the reunification of North and South Korea.
Here lies the Freedom Bridge that represents both the division between the two nations and also the desire for reconciliation and reunification. There's also an optional ride on the Peace Gondola to explore the area by boat.
Don't forget to explore the Third Tunnel which reinforces the need for peace and the Dora Observatory where you can see beyond the border into North Korean territory.
Cost: 90.89 AUD
Location:
- Gimpo Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
- Cheorwon Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
- Paju Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) (Camp Greaves)
- Paju Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) (3rd Tunnel)
5. Time travel to the Joseon era in hanbok
Get all dolled up in Hanbok for all the spring activities!
Have you ever seen those colourful and grand traditional Korean dresses? Hanbok originated from the Joseon period, worn as semi-formal or formal attire during festivals and celebrations. Whether you're viewing cherry blossoms or attending beotkkot festivals, wearing a hanbok can make the experience even more memorable.
The Hanbok Experience at Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung allows you to choose and rent your very own hanbok for the day. At Gyeongbokgung Store, you'll have access to over 500 hanboks ranging from royal, military, and wedding styles. Especially during spring, you will find several hanbok in pretty pastel shades, mirroring the colours of cherry blossoms and other spring flowers in bloom. Hairstyle options are between braids or a bun, and you can also add accessories like Daenggi to elevate your look.
Entering the Gyeongbokgung Palace grounds wearing traditional hanbok lifts the charge from the admission tickets.
Check out this list of more top things to do in Seoul including K-Pop dance classes, Korean karaoke experiences, and visits to a UNESCO world heritage site like Changdeokgung Palace!
Cost: 9.55 AUD
Location:
- Hanboknam
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
6. Choose from six famous Jeju Island attractions
Create a unique itinerary touring around Jeju Island!
Journey through Jeju Island's best as you travel at your own pace with a nine-hour driver guide and private transport at the Jeju Island Day Tour. Choose between six tour options to experience Korean culture beyond Seoul city life. Here are some notable attractions worth visiting:
O'Sulloc Museum
Take an equally enriching adventure for your mind and tastebuds at the O'Sulloc Museum to familiarise yourself with Korea's traditional tea culture. While you're there, you can visit the lotus pond, go to the observatory, and enjoy the view of green tea fields. The best part is probably all the delicious food and drinks made with fresh Jeju green tea you get to sample like ice cream, cake, and lattes.
Chanjeyeon Waterfalls
Chanjeyeon Waterfalls, also known as 'The Pond of God,' is one of the top attractions on Jeju Island, measuring 22m high and surrounded by rare plant species. Walk across a breathtaking subtropical path leading to the waterfalls to see dozens of koi fish under the bridge and eel in the waterfall pond. At night, the falls are illuminated, creating a romantic atmosphere and the ideal date spot.
Teddy Bear Museum
How adorable would it be to see tons of handcrafted teddy bears dressed in different outfits? In the Teddy Bear Museum, you'll see bears reenacting famous works from renowned artists, wearing cultural attire from all over the world, and even doing day-to-day activities.
You can also head over to the museum shop, cafe, restaurant, or outdoor park to see a picturesque view of the Jungmun Sea.
Feel like we missed anything? You can find more things to do in Jeju here!
Cost: 275.07 AUD for two
Location: Jeju Island
7. Check out how famous tourist destinations change during spring
The Little Prince-inspired town is even more breathtaking during spring!
One of the best things to do in South Korea is an inter-city tour while partaking in fun seasonal activities!
The Nami Island Petite France Tour includes going around the suburbs of Seoul with a private driver and tour guide in a comfortable car. Just choose any three places out of the many options available. Here are some attractions we recommend for spring:
Petite France
Petite France is a French village tucked away in the suburbs of Gapyeona in Gyeonggi-do inspired by the novel The Little Prince, where you can explore several art galleries, restaurants, and shops. You may also recognize this place as a common filming site for popular TV shows like Running Man, My Love From The Star, Secret Garden, and Beethoven Virus, making it one of the most visited attractions in South Korea.
The Garden of Morning Calm
If you want to see the spring flowers in full bloom, The Garden of Morning Calm is breathtaking with 30,000 sqm of natural beauty.
The Garden of Morning Calm is a result of Han Sang-Kyung's vision to create a garden that manifests Korean beauty to the world. In fact, it's all worth it to visit South Korea just for this spot to see how its landscape changes per season, as it's also open all year round.
Strawberry Farm
Strawberry picking is a must during spring. Korea has some of the best strawberries in the world—known to be juicier and sweeter than any regular ones.
Thanks to the ideal weather conditions of the cultivating areas, eco-friendly methods, and meticulous harvest process, each berry comes out fresh and delicious. Have the strawberries you picked wrapped up in a box to take home!
Add more exciting things to do in Gyeonggi-do to your Korea bucket list!
Cost: 259.75 AUD for two
Location: Gyeonggi-do
With spring comes warmer weather and lots more things to do at Korea! Koreans love to spend this time engaging in outdoor activities, with a variety of cultural, scenic, and fun tours and festivals tourists would also enjoy.
Written by: Celestine Chua
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