While South Korea is fantastic any time of the year, something about spring makes it extra magical! It’s the greenery and the colorful flora emerging again after the snowy winters, the warmth that signals us to swap our winter wear for a comfy outfit for spring in Korea, and the plethora of fun things you can do while the weather is juuust right!
When is spring in Korea?
Spring in Korea typically starts in April and ends in June, though some plant life (like cherry blossoms) may start blooming in March. You’ll enjoy the pleasant weather, with average temperatures of 15 - 18°C!
You're in for a treat if you plan to go to Korea in spring. We’ve handpicked the best activities and attractions to visit during the season, especially along the Southern part of the country, where it’s warmer than most!
What happens during spring in Korea?
Get a different view of Korea with these cherry blossom trees all around it
Spring in Korea is a vibrant and beautiful season marked by various natural and cultural events. Here are some of the notable occurrences during spring in Korea:
- Cherry Blossom Festivals: Similar to Japan, Korea celebrates the arrival of spring with cherry blossoms. Parks and streets are adorned with these delicate flowers, creating a picturesque atmosphere. Many cities, including Seoul, Busan, and Gyeongju, host cherry blossom festivals where people gather to enjoy the blossoms, take photos, and have picnics.
- Hiking and Outdoor Activities: The mild and pleasant weather during spring makes it an ideal time for outdoor activities. Many Koreans take advantage of this season to go hiking in the mountains, explore national parks, or participate in various outdoor sports and events.
- Jeongwol Daeboreum: This is a traditional Korean holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the lunar calendar, which usually falls in February or March. It marks the first full moon of the lunar year and involves various customs, including the burning of daljip (straw mounds) to ward off bad luck.
- Garden Festivals: Spring is a time when various garden festivals take place across the country. These festivals showcase beautifully landscaped gardens, floral displays, and artistic installations. Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and horticulture.
- Lantern Festivals: Lantern festivals are held in several cities, such as Jinju and Seoul, during the spring. These festivals often feature illuminated lanterns, parades, and cultural performances. Lanterns are symbolic of the wish for good fortune and are released into the sky or floated on rivers.
- Traditional Markets: Spring is a time when fresh produce becomes abundant and traditional markets come to life. These markets offer a wide variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and local specialities. It's a great opportunity to explore Korean culinary delights.
- Celebration of Buddha's Birthday: Buddha's Birthday, or "Seokga Tansinil," is a significant celebration in Korea during spring. Temples are adorned with colourful lanterns, and various events, including lantern parades, take place to commemorate the birth of Buddha.
- Outdoor Concerts and Events: Many outdoor concerts, cultural performances, and events are organized during the spring season. From K-pop concerts to traditional music performances, there are numerous opportunities to enjoy live entertainment in open-air venues.
- Dano Festival: Dano is a traditional Korean holiday that falls on the 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar, usually in June. However, some celebrations may begin in late spring. The festival includes traditional rituals, folk games, and performances.
- Spring Fashion: As the weather warms up, people embrace lighter and more colourful clothing. Spring fashion trends emerge, and shopping districts buzz with people updating their wardrobes with seasonal styles.
Spring in Korea is not only visually stunning due to the blooming flowers but also culturally rich with various festivals and activities that celebrate the arrival of warmer weather and new beginnings.
Jeju
1. Get your adrenaline pumping and go go-karting at Jeju 9.81 Park
Make the most of the sunshine by going go-karting at Jeju 9.81 Park! This smart playground between Aewol Beach and Hallasan Mountain uses motorless vehicles and the power of gravity and downhill slopes for an eco-friendly experience. Each vehicle uses GPS and ICT technology so you can record your stats, lap speeds, times, and other racing data in an app. And while racing with your pals, you can enjoy the views of the Jeju seas and the surrounding green mountains. Before or after your go-karting adventure, you can also opt to enjoy indoor activities like laser tag, bumper cars, photo studio pictorials, and loads of fun games!
Klook Tip: If you prefer a cooler breeze, you can try go-karting in the morning before enjoying the indoor activities later in the afternoon!
2. Delight in the flora of spring: Jeju’s cherry blossoms and canola flowers
Photo Credit: Sung Hun Go on Unsplash
The best thing about spring is its flowers, so now’s your chance to check out Jeju’s cherry blossom and canola flowers! Jeju’s cherry blossoms are unique, as they have slightly larger petals and a peak blooming period of only 2-3 days a year. The canola flowers are also superstars of the island, covering the land in vibrant yellow petals, blossoming despite the barren soils—a reminder for us to flourish even through difficult times! This tour will take you to the best spots to see these flowers, such as Noksan Road.
Busan
3. Have a magical time at Lotte World Busan
On the Southern coast of Korea, over at the port city of Busan, is the newest attraction you can’t miss. Having only opened in March 2022, Lotte World Busan has already brought plenty of whimsy and magic to its guests! The theme park also offers fun shows, exhibitions, and rides for varying adrenaline levels. Must-try rides include the Giant Splash, a mix of a roller coaster and watery log flume ride that’s perfect for thrill-seekers, and the Giant Swing, a pendulum swing said to be even scarier than its Lotte World Seoul counterpart!
Klook Tip: Make sure to bring a change of clothes to dry up after a splashing wild ride! Befitting a port town, there are plenty of water rides at Lotte World Busan, so prepare to get wet.
4. Get sky-high city views of Haeundae and Busan at X the Sky
Nestled on the second highest tower in Korea (L City Landmark Tower in Haeundae, Busan) is an observatory called X the Sky. At 411.6 m high, you can see Haeundae, a bustling district in Busan, as well as the rest of the seaside city. Have the best vantage point in town to see the city skyline and the sea surrounding it, and enjoy the tower’s various amenities, such as restaurants, shows, exhibits, and more!
5. Visit Busan’s best attractions with one pass
A sunny spring day in Korea is perfect for exploring the best attractions in Busan! With Klook’s Visit Busan Pass, you can access over 30 attractions in the port city for 24 or 48 hours. To make your Busan trip even more accessible, this pass also includes transportation credits (worth KRW 4,500 for the 24-hour pass and KRW 6,000 for the 48-hour card). You can visit some of the attractions mentioned above, like X the Sky, Lotte and World Busan, as well as other can’t-miss ones like Trickeye Museum, Busan Museumof Art, and more.
Day Trips from Seoul
6. Go on a day tour of Nami Island, Petite France, and Garden of Morning Calm
Spring in Korea is the ideal time to walk along Nami Island’s famous tree-lined landscape, which is famous for being a filming spot for the beloved K-drama “Winter Sonata.” Aside from Nami Island, you can also visit several other attractions, such as the colorful houses of the whimsical village Petite France, the beautifully landscaped Garden of Morning Calm, and more! It’s perfect to include in your South Korea itinerary if you want to visit multiple places in one go.
Klook Tip: Make sure to bring snacks so you can munch on them on the 2-3 hour bus ride to Nami Island and the other destinations!
7. Feel the spring breeze on the Ganghwa Island luge ride, and see cherry blossoms
On the Ganghwa Island Cherry Blossom & Luge Ride Experience, you’ll be able to luge down a seaside resort with breathtaking seascape views. You can also watch the sea of pink cherry blossoms as you relish the spring breeze. Cap off the day with a romantic evening stroll at Goryeogung Palace, which is covered in cherry blossoms!
8. Explore Gwangyang Maehwa and Jeonju Hanok Village for a taste of culture and spring plum blossoms
If you’re up for another cultural immersion while still exploring scenic landscapes, then the Gwangyang Maehwa and Jeonju Hanok Village Tour is for you! You’ll visit Maehwa Village (maehwa means plum in Korean) and see with your own eyes its plum trees with plum blossoms that bloom in springtime—there’s even an annual Plum Blossom Festival that happens every March for this! You’ll also go to the Jeonju Hanok Village, which boasts 800 traditional Korean hanok houses and traditional food like bibimbap, duck galbi, noodles, and more!
Jinhae
9. Blossom into joy at Jinhae's Cherry Blossom Festival
When it comes to cherry blossoms in South Korea, the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival (March 25 - April 3, 2024) stands out as one of the country's most renowned sakura festivals. Attracting visitors from around the world, this sleepy town transforms into a vibrant hub, adorned with breathtaking pastel pink hues, during one of the nation's grandest celebrations.
Taean
10. Smell the spring breeze at Taean Tulip Festival
![[ANZ] Taean Tulip Festival](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_1000/v1655893419/blog/ht3v6wmmmskkm60cx7ib.jpg)
Experience Korea's premier flower festival, an annual extravaganza occurring from April to May. Just a 3-hour journey from Seoul, hop on the Seoul Station-bound KTX and alight at Cheonan-Asan Station (천안아산역). Transfer to a bus, and you'll arrive at Anmyeon Bus Terminal, ready to immerse yourself in the floral wonders.
Have you decided on where to go during the spring season in Korea? Whichever you decide, you’re guaranteed to have a memorable time!
