UPDATE. Unfortunately, due some late-March cold snaps, the dates of full-blooms for cherry blossoms has been pushed back. So far, the dates of the actual festivals themselves haven’t been changed.
Cherry blossom season in Korea is a magical time. The weather warms up and everyone heads outside to enjoy the weather and sight of hundreds of thousands of cherry blossoms in bloom. Thanks to their popularity, cherry blossoms have been planted across the country making for scenic vistas just about everywhere.
But if you really want to get the most out of the spring season, you’ll want to visit one of the many cherry blossom festivals held in Korea.
When is Cherry Blossom Season in Korea?
The dates for the full-bloom of cherry blossoms throughout Korea have been announced. In addition, there are several festivals throughout the country that usually (but not always) coincide with the dates of peak cherry blossom season.
This year, cherry blossom season starts just after mid-March and stretches into early-April with most of Seoul’s cherry blossom festivals taking place in the last week of March. So, without further ado, here is an our extensive list of cherry blossom festivals in Korea.
Seoul Cherry Blossom Festivals
Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival (Spring Flower Festival)
When: March 29 – April 2, 2024
Where: Yeouiseo-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Google Maps, Naver Map)
The Yeoudio festival is the most popular one in Seoul and therefore one of the most crowded on weekends. While the quality hasn’t been the best in recent years, the festival is a mainstay for Seoul locals looking to partake in the festivities every spring season. Check out our post on the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival for more details.
Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival
When: March 27 – 31, 2024
Where: Seokchon Lake (Google Maps, Naver Map)
As if Lotte World wasn’t enough of a draw, Jamsil Station also has Seokchon Lake to draw in visitors from all over any time of the year. However, the lake is especially beautiful during the spring when the cherry blossoms that line the lake draw into full-bloom. The festival is one of the shortest, but there are plenty of performances, shops, and foods at the festival to make it worth a visit. Check out our post on the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival for tips on your visit.
N Seoul Tower Cherry Blossom Festival
When: March 22 – April 14, 2024
Where: Namsan Mountain, N Seoul Tower (Google Maps, Naver Map)
Along with forests of asian pine trees and groves of flowers, Namsan Mountain is home to hundreds of cherry blossom trees. While the tower is the main attraction for most visitors, it’s worth noting that the hike up Namsan is absolutely worth the effort. Also, it’s not a difficult hike by any means, so feel free to take it on if you have an hour or two to spare.
Seoul Grand Park Cherry Blossom Festival
When: April 5 – 7, 2024
Where: Seoul Grand Park (Google Maps, Naver Map)
With over 2000 cherry blossom trees lining the shores of Seoul Grand Park’s lake, this festival is just outside the Seoul city limits. The trees also grow in a way that creates an 800 m tunnel of cherry blossom trees to walk through during the day (or at night).
Festivals Outside of Seoul
Incheon Grand Park Cherry Blossom Festival
When: April 6 – 7, 2024
Where: Incheon Grand Park (Google Maps, Naver Map)
This year’s festival at Incheon Grand Park has been scheduled for April 6 – 7 with shops, food and events planned for the weekend event. On its own, Incheon Grand Park is one of the nicest public parks in Seoul, and this cherry blossom festival is the biggest in the Incheon area.
Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival
When: March 22 – 24, 2024 (Jeonnong-ro)
Where: Jeonnong-ro Cherry Blossom Road (Google Maps, Naver Map)
The Jeju Cherry Blossom festival on Jeju Island takes place every year in three locations: Jeonnong-ro, Jeju City, and at the entrance to Jeju National University. The streets are lined in lanterns and the covered in cherry blossoms during the festival. There are arts and crafts for kids as well as performances for everyone who attends.
Gurye 300-Ri Cherry Blossom Festival
When: March 22 – 24, 2024
Where: Seoshicheon Park (Google Maps, Naver Map)
Gurye will be hosting their annual festival with over 2.5 km of cherry blossom trees free of cars so that pedestrians can freely enjoy the foliage. In addition, they will be hosting a concert on the 22nd at Seoshicheon park featuring Gummy, Kim Churi and Kassy.
Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival
When: March 22 – April 1, 2024
Where: Yeojwacheon River (Google Maps, Naver Map)
The Jinhae Cherry Blossom festival is one of the most picturesque in all of Korea and a mecca for local photographers who flock there every year. If you’ve seen photos of a KTX train surrounded by bright, pink cherry blossoms, you’re most likely looking at pictures of Jinhae. Having been there, we can say it is one of the most beautiful festivals in all of Korea. Check out one of our past trips if you need help planning your own.
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Where to See the Best Cherry Blossoms in Korea
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E-World Blossom Picnic
When: March 16 – April 7, 2024
Where: E-World (Google Maps, Naver Map)
Admission (full-admission): 49,000 KRW (aduts), 44,000 KRW (14 – 19 yrs), 39,000 KRW (36 months – 13 yrs)
E-World is the site of the earliest cherry blossom blooms with 3 times as many cherry blossom trees as the Yeouido festival. This event actually isn’t a festival, it’s a theme park so visitors will have to pay admission in order to enter the park and take advantage of the spring season. Discounted tickets are available at KKDay for as low as 25,000 KRW for adults.
Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival
When: March 22 – 24, 2024
Where: Daeruengwon Doldam-gil (Google Maps, Naver Map)
The Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival is a local festival with plenty of events for visitors. Past years have included clean-up events and street art along with festival mainstays like fun games and festival food.
