Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival, Everything You Need to Know

Every spring, hordes of Seoulites and out-of-towners flock to scenic and picturesque groves of cherry blossoms located throughout Seoul. And while there are many places to visit, Seokchon Lake’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the best ones around.

So here’s our complete guide to the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival in Seoul.

What is the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival?

The Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the biggest spring festivals in Seoul and one absolutely worth going to. Cherry blossoms can be found across the city, along the Han River, and even down neighborhood streets. But seeing rows of cherry blossom trees lining Seokchon Lake is an amazing view.

Every spring when the blossoms are at their fullest, the park puts on its annual cherry blossom festival just behind the Lotte World Mall. There are buskers, craft vendors and of course snack stalls. It’s worth visiting during the day when the festival is at it’s peak, but the entire lake is also lit up at night making for an entirely different and magical viewing experience.

What is there to do at the festival?

There are always activities and small shops selling everything from food to accessories. One thing that everyone buys at festivals like these is the hair pin with a felt or cloth cherry blossom flower attached to it. It’s a cute little memento of your visit and something small you can pin on the wall or onto a stuffed animal when you take it home.

Otherwise, the main activity is simply walking around Seokchon lake and enjoying the beautiful flower petals that cover the trees. Expect large crowds and lots of people stopping to take photos and videos.

When is the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival?

The Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival will be taking place in early-April due to the long winter this year. The festival dates have been announced to be April 2nd to the 6th.

If you’re going for the festivities, expect large crowds and tightly controlled walkways to prevent overcrowding. Otherwise, feel free to visit either early in the morning or on the weekdays before and after the festival to get a calmer view of the blooms.

Where is the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival?

Seokchon Lake is located just behind the Lotte World Mall in Jamsil-dong which is located in the southeastern edge of Seoul. It’s easily accessible by the no. 2 line (Green) and is only a few minutes away from the subway station.

Address:

• 서울 송파구 잠실동 (Naver Map)
• Seoul Songpa-gu Jamsil 6-dong (Google Maps)

How do I get to the festival?

The easiest way to the festival is to go to Jamsil Station on line no. 2 and line. 8. From there, go through exit no. 1 and pass straight through the mall to the back entrance facing the lake. It’ll be impossible to miss the festival tents and make your way to the cherry blossoms.