Spring in South Korea is a magical season, and cherry blossom season is one of the best times to visit the country! From Seoul, Busan, and Jeju to hidden gems with fewer crowds, this guide provides everything you need to plan your cherry blossom trip, including bloom dates, best viewing spots, transportation, nearby attractions, and local food recommendations.
If you're visiting South Korea in March or April 2025, don't miss the breathtaking cherry blossoms! πΈ✨
π 2025 South Korea Cherry Blossom Forecast
Cherry blossoms in Korea bloom from late March to mid-April, lasting about one week after peak bloom.
| City | Blooming Start Date | Full Bloom Date |
|---|---|---|
| Jeju Island | March 20 | March 27 |
| Busan | March 23 | March 30 |
| Daegu | March 25 | April 1 |
| Gwangju | March 26 | April 2 |
| Daejeon | March 28 | April 4 |
| Seoul | April 2 | April 9 |
| Gangneung | April 6 | April 13 |
π Pro Tip: Cherry blossoms are weather-dependent! Check bloom forecasts before your trip to avoid disappointment.
πΈ Best Cherry Blossom Spots in South Korea for Visitors
1️⃣ Seoul – Yeouido Cherry Blossom Road
- ✔ Most famous cherry blossom spot in Seoul
- ✔ 1.7km cherry blossom tunnel along the Han River
π Location: Yeouido, Seoul
π How to Get There: Take Seoul Subway Line 5 to Yeouinaru Station, then walk 5 minutes.
π‘ Things to Do Nearby:
- Take a Han River cruise π’
- Visit the 63 Building Observation Deck for city views π
π What to Eat:
- Convenience store ramen π (Cook it fresh at Han River convenience stores!)
- Korean street toast π₯ͺ
π Why Visit? Beautiful day & night! The nighttime cherry blossom illuminations make for a romantic stroll.
2️⃣ Busan – Dalmaji Hill & Samnak Ecological Park
- ✔ Stunning cherry blossoms with an ocean view
- ✔ Less crowded compared to Seoul
π Location: Haeundae District, Busan
π How to Get There: Take Busan Metro Line 2 to Haeundae Station, then take a short bus/taxi ride.
π‘ Things to Do Nearby:
- Visit Haeundae Beach π
- Ride the Sky Capsule on the Haeundae Blueline Park π
π What to Eat:
- Pork soup (Dwaeji Gukbap) π
- Seafood pancake (Haemul Pajeon) π¦π₯
π Why Visit? Enjoy cherry blossoms with a panoramic view of the ocean! π
3️⃣ Gyeongju – Bomun Lake & Historic Cherry Blossom Route
- ✔ Perfect blend of cherry blossoms & traditional Korean culture
- ✔ Fewer crowds compared to Seoul
π Location: Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do
π How to Get There:
- From Seoul: Take the KTX to Singyeongju Station (2 hours), then take a local bus/taxi.
- From Busan: Take a train (1.5 hours) or intercity bus.
π‘ Things to Do Nearby:
- Visit Cheomseongdae Observatory & Gyeongju Historic Sites π―
- Walk along the Bomun Lake Cherry Blossom Path πΈπΆ
- Explore Hwangridan Street’s trendy cafΓ©s ☕
π What to Eat:
- Gyeongju Hwangnam Bread π₯
- Gyeongju-style Kimbap (Gyerim Kimbap) π
- Bulgogi rice set π
π Why Visit? Cherry blossoms with ancient temples & historical sites make this a unique cultural experience.
4️⃣ Jeju Island – Jeonnong-ro & Halla Arboretum
- ✔ Home to Korea’s rare “King Cherry Blossoms” (larger & fluffier than other varieties!)
- ✔ Enjoy cherry blossoms with stunning ocean & mountain views
π Location: Jeju City, Jeju Island
✈ How to Get There: Take a direct flight to Jeju International Airport, then rent a car or take a bus.
π‘ Things to Do Nearby:
- Drive through Jeonnong-ro Cherry Blossom Street π
- Hike at Halla Arboretum πΏ
- Relax at Aewol CafΓ© Street ☕
π What to Eat:
- Jeju Black Pork BBQ π₯©π₯
- Korean-style seafood stew (Haemultang) π¦π²
- Hallabong (Jeju tangerine) juice π
π Why Visit? Jeju’s cherry blossoms are the biggest & most vibrant in Korea! πΈ✨
π Essential Cherry Blossom Travel Tips for Foreign Visitors
- ✅ Use Public Transportation π
- Seoul & Busan: Subway & buses are the easiest way to get around.
- Gyeongju & Jeju: Rent a car or use intercity buses for easy access to scenic spots.
- ✅ Check the Cherry Blossom Forecast Before Visiting π¦
- Blooming dates change yearly, so always check an updated forecast before your trip.
- ✅ Visit Early Morning for the Best Experience π
- Crowds increase by noon, so visit cherry blossom spots between 8 AM - 10 AM for fewer people.
- ✅ Don’t Miss Nighttime Cherry Blossoms! ✨
- Many places, especially Seoul & Busan, have night illuminations for a stunning cherry blossom experience.
- ✅ Plan Your CafΓ© & Food Stops ☕π
- Enjoy local street food or relax in a scenic cherry blossom cafΓ© along the way!
πΈ Conclusion: The Best Time to Visit South Korea in Spring!
Spring is the best time to visit South Korea, and cherry blossoms make it even more magical! Whether you're exploring Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju, or Jeju, this guide will help you plan the perfect cherry blossom trip.π✨
π Save & share this guide for your 2025 Korea spring trip! πΈπ
