Plum blossoms, canola flowers, forsythias, cherry blossoms, daffodils, azaleas, and so on – there’s nothing better that announces the arrival of spring than flowers. Spring in Korea begins with vibrant magenta and yellow flowers, and ends with lovely pink blossoms. People travel far and wide, from the southernmost of the peninsula to even across the sea, to relish the delicate spring blossoms that can only be seen once a year. Here is a compilation of top seven spring blossom attractions that are a must-visit!
Forsythias of Eungbongsan Mountain, Seoul
The sight of forsythias spread across Eungbongsan Mountain is a sign that spring has arrived. Once this charming rocky mountain becomes blanketed with forsythias, its picturesque scenery looks as if it’s a painting. The walking trail leading to the mountain can be found by following the alleyway in front of the public parking lot by Eungbong Station (Gyeongui Jungang Line), Exit 1. Forsythia’s peak bloom is between late March and April. Eungbongsan Forsythia Festival takes place annually to celebrate the occasion; this year’s festival is planned to take place from March 23 to 25.
Eungbongsan Mountain
- Address: 1540, Geumho-dong 4-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 성동구 금호동4가 1540)
- Eungbongsan Forsythia Festival: March 23–25, 2023
* The dates were moved up from the originally planned schedule (March 30 - April 1) due to the warm weather
Plum blossoms of Gwangyang Maehwa Village, Jeollanam-do
Plum blossoms are one of the first flowers to bloom, thus often referred to as “the chief of flowers.” When the blossoms reach their peak, the whole village becomes colored with shades of soft pink and white. The beauty of the plum blossoms has defined the village, giving it a reputation of the “Plum Village.” A festival celebrating the blossoms will be held this year from March 10 to 19, filled with a variety of events, performances, and activities. Although the plum blossoms are lovely to look upon during their peak, walking through the road when the flower petals start to fall like rain drops is truly enchanting.
Gwangyang Maehwa Village
- Address: 1563-1, Seomjingangmaehwa-ro, Daap-myeon, Gwangyang-si, Jeollanan-do (전라남도 광양시 다압면 섬진강매화로 1563-1)
- Gwangyang Maehwa Festival: March 10-19, 2023
Red plum blossoms of Nakseonjae Hall, Cheongdeokgung Pavilion
Changdeokgung Palace is one of the most favored spring outing destinations due to its well-preserved authentic beauty and gorgeous flowers. Among the many attractive traits of Changdeokgung Palace, the double flowering red plum blossom trees are the most outstanding of them all. Blooming from trees that were sent as a gift from China about 400 years ago, the blossoms boast flamboyant pink petals layered on top of one another. Visitors are advised to visit in mid-March to see the flowers at their peak.
Changdeokgung Palace
- Address: 99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 율곡로 99)
Canola flowers and cherry blossoms of Noksan-ro Canola Flower Road, Jeju Island
The number one spring blossom that represents Jeju is the canola flower. Picked as one of the “100 Beautiful Roads of Korea,” Noksan-ro Canola Flower Road stretches for 10 kilometers escorted by a carpet of charming canola flowers on both sides. A festival is planned to take place from March 31 to April 2, 2023, while the village plans to carry the festive atmosphere from March 25 to April 15.
Noksan-ro Canola Flower Road
- Address: 381-17, Noksan-ro, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do (제주특별자치도 서귀포시 표선면 녹산로 381-17)
- Jeju Canola Flower Festival: March 31 – April 2, 2023
