Spring is arguably the best time to visit Korea! A variety of colorful blossoms brighten the landscape while the air is filled with their perfume. Whether your itinerary is focused on the Seoul area or you have time to travel out of the city, you’re sure to get your fill of blossoms at these top attractions.
Day trips around the Seoul metropolitan area
Namsan Park Circuit Road
Namsan Park’s circuit road, which connects Namsan Library, Namsan Octagonal Pavilion and the National Theater of Korea in Jangchung-dong, is a beautiful scenic route lined with forsythias, azaleas, and cherry blossoms. Although it stands at 262 meters above sea level, Namsan Mountain is a fairly easy walk and the blossoms make it that much more enjoyable. The walk begins from Namsan Library and takes about 40 minutes to reach Namsan Octagonal Pavilion located at the top of the mountain.
Address (Namsan Library): 109, Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 용산구 소월로 109)
Seokchon Lake
The Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival is held every spring at Songpa Naru Park, a peaceful lake park that surrounds Lotte World. Seokchon Lake boasts approximately 1,000 mesmerizing cherry blossom trees that form a tunnel of flowers around the lake, creating a fascinating scene in spring. Lotte World’s Magic Island appears to float in the middle of the lake. The festival offers events and family-fun activities for a perfect day out at Seokchon Lake. Nearby attractions include Lotte World Tower & Mall and Seoul Sky, Korea’s highest observation deck.
Address: 136, Samhaksa-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 송파구삼학사로 136)
Ilsan Lake Park
Ilsan Lake Park is home to a large number of flowering shrubs and trees, including thousands of cherry blossom trees surrounding the lake. After the sun sets, lights strung around the trees create a romantic atmosphere as the cherry blossoms and lights reflect on the lake. Daytime visitors can enjoy a picnic on the large lawn carpeted with soft green grass.
Address: 595, Hosu-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 고양시 일산동구 호수로 595)
Icheon Sansuyu Village
Icheon is home to a huge number of sansuyu trees. These wild trees, many over 100 years old, are spread all over the city and found most abundantly in the Baeksa-myeon area, which is referred to as Sansuyu Village. The Icheon Baeksa Sansuyu Flower Festival is held there every spring when the flowers bloom, coloring the village in a vibrant yellow. The village has various walking paths that showcase the beautiful flowers.
Address: 17, Wonjeok-ro 775beon-gil, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 이천시 백사면 원적로775번길 17)
Regional hot spots
Jinhae - Yeojwacheon Stream
The city of Jinhae comes alive in spring when Jinhae Gunhangjae Festival takes place and approximately 360,000 cherry blossom trees begin to bloom. Although the entire city is considered one of the top cherry blossom destinations, the most popular flower viewing areas are Anmingogae Hill, Jehwangsan Park, and Yeojwacheon Stream. In particular, an approximately 1.5-kilometer-long section of Yeojwacheon Stream is lined with cherry blossom trees, creating a tunnel of white petals. The sweet scent of canola flowers under the cherry blossom trees will accompany visitors as they walk through the floral tunnel.
Address: Area of Yeojwa-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (경상남도 창원시 진해구 여좌동)
Wando - Cheongsando Island
Cheongsando Island, part of Dadohaehaesang National Park, is located about 19 kilometers south of Wando in Jeollanam-do. Cheongsando Island was designated as the first Asian "Slow City" and is home to the world’s first “Slow Road” as recognized by Cittaslow International, an organization aimed at promoting cities that preserve traditions and culture within a natural environment. With the arrival of spring, yellow canola flowers grow abundantly on the island and their fragrance fills the air. With clear blue skies, turquoise sea, and bright yellow flowers, the island remains a favorite springtime filming location for movies, dramas and TV commercials.
Address: Area of Cheongsan-myeon, Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 완도군 청산면)
Jeju - Seopjikoji
As Korea's southernmost land, Jeju Island is the first to see the blooming of spring flowers, drawing in many tourists with the start of spring. Yellow canola flowers spring up far and wide on the island, creating picture perfect scenery in places like Seopjikoji. The view of natural fields of canola flowers set before the deep blue ocean is amazing. Visitors will be pleased to find uniquely shaped sculptures set in the fields of canola flowers for photos of their trip. Furthermore, pony rides are also available, an activity especially popular among families with children.
Address: 107, Seopjikoji-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do (제주특별자치도 서귀포시 성산읍 섭지코지로 107)
More info: english.visitkorea.or.kr
