As spring approaches, South Korea transforms into a sea of pink and white with the arrival of cherry blossom season. The blooming of cherry blossoms, or beotkkot in Korean, is a symbol of renewal and hope, and attracts visitors from all over the world. In this blog post, we’ll explore the 10 best places to see cherry blossoms in South Korea.
1. Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, Jinhae
Jinhae Gunhangje Festival is one of the largest cherry blossom festivals in South Korea and attracts millions of visitors every year. The festival takes place in Jinhae, a city located in the southern part of South Korea, and features over 360,000 cherry blossom trees. Visitors can enjoy a variety of events and performances, including parades, fireworks, and street food vendors.
2. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the most famous palaces in South Korea and is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season. The palace grounds are lined with cherry blossom trees, creating a picturesque backdrop for visitors. There are also many traditional Korean buildings and museums to explore within the palace grounds.
3. Yeouido Spring Flower Festival, Seoul
Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is an annual festival that takes place in Yeouido, a popular park located in the heart of Seoul. The festival features over 1,800 cherry blossom trees, and visitors can enjoy a variety of cultural events, performances, and food vendors.
4. Gyeonghwa Station, Jinhae
Gyeonghwa Station is a small train station located in Jinhae that has become famous for its cherry blossom trees. The station is surrounded by over 4,000 cherry blossom trees, creating a beautiful pink tunnel that visitors can walk through. It’s a popular spot for taking photos and enjoying the beauty of the cherry blossoms.
5. Seokchon Lake, Seoul
Seokchon Lake is a man-made lake located in the southeastern part of Seoul. The lake is surrounded by cherry blossom trees, and visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk or rent a paddleboat to enjoy the view from the water. There are also many cafes and restaurants in the area to enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee.
6. Hwagae Cherry Blossom Road, Hadong
Hwagae Cherry Blossom Road is a scenic road located in Hadong, a county in the southern part of South Korea. The road is lined with over 1,500 cherry blossom trees, and visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll while taking in the beautiful scenery. There are also many food vendors and traditional Korean houses along the road to explore.
7. Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival, Jeju Island
Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual festival that takes place on Jeju Island, a popular tourist destination in South Korea. The festival features over 800 cherry blossom trees, and visitors can enjoy a variety of cultural events, food vendors, and performances.
8. Namsan Park, Seoul
Namsan Park is a popular park located in the center of Seoul. The park is known for its beautiful views of the city, and during cherry blossom season, the park is transformed into a sea of pink and white. Visitors can take a cable car to the top of Namsan Mountain for a panoramic view of the city.
9. Seorak Mountain, Gangwon Province
Seorak Mountain is one of the most famous mountains in South Korea, known for its stunning natural scenery and hiking trails. During cherry blossom season, the mountain is also known for its beautiful cherry blossom trees. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk or a more challenging hike while taking in the beautiful.
10. Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival, Gyeongju
Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival takes place in the historic city of Gyeongju, which was once the capital of the Silla Kingdom. The festival features over 1,000 cherry blossom trees, and visitors can enjoy a variety of cultural events, food vendors, and performances. The festival is held in various locations throughout the city, including the famous Bulguksa Temple, which is also known for its beautiful cherry blossom trees.
These are just a few of the many beautiful places to see cherry blossoms in South Korea. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor from afar, experiencing the beauty of cherry blossoms is a must-do activity during the spring season. Be sure to check the bloom forecast before planning your trip and prepare for crowds as cherry blossom season is a popular time for tourists. Don’t forget your camera to capture the memories of these stunning sights!
