10 Wonderful Places To See The Cherry Blossoms In Korea

Spring is an eagerly awaited and popular time in Korea, for the simple reason that it’s a time of renewal and the weather is finally starting to warm up. But it’s also the time when the beautiful and ephemeral cherry blossom trees (or beot-kkot 벗꽃) start to bloom. So here are my top 10 places to see these symbols of purity and beauty!

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When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms in Korea?

In Korea, each region has a different blossom season, with Seoul and Chuncheon generally being last due to their northern location. If you don’t want to miss the chance to see the cherry blossoms, you should come in late March or early April.

1. Namcheon-dong, Busan (남천동벗꽃거리)

Address: 36 Gwangil-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan
How to get there: you can take the subway (line 2, green) and stop at Namcheon station, then walk for 20mn before reaching the street

Busan has no shortage of cherry blossom viewing spots, and this street near one of my favorite neighborhoods (namely Gwangalli) is one of the city’s most famous. You can start your day here by admiring the pink blossoms before heading to the beach and enjoying the various activities that take place there.

> Please note that the cherry blossom trees surrounding the area may disappear in the coming years, as reconstruction of the neighboring apartments is planned. Don’t worry, though, as the city plans to plant hundreds of cherry trees in the vicinity of the newly redeveloped area.

2. Dakbatgol Mural Village, Busan (닥밭골벽화마을)

Address: Mangyang-ro 170beon-gil, Dongdaesin2 Seo-gu, Busan
How to get there: you can take the subway (line 1, orange) and stop at Dongdaesin station. Walk for about 20 minutes until you reach the stairs leading up to the village.

It’s a little-frequented spot, as few people tend to go there to admire the cherry blossoms, but it’s a pity, as the magnificent colorful trees combined with the pretty mosaics make for a unique setting.

Climb the Staircase of Wishes in the hope of making your own wish come true, or hop on the free monorail for a pleasant, relaxing ride. Don’t forget to take a tour of the village to discover its many murals and art installations!

3. Wansan Park, Jeonju (완산공원)

Address: 35-29 Maegok-ro, Seoseohak-dong, Wansan-gu, Jeonju
How to get there: you can walk there as it is only 33mn away from Jeonju Hanok Village

There’s more to the beautiful city of Jeonju (see my post about it here) than the gastronomic center and 1,000-year history that everyone knows. Jeonju’s scenery is pleasant at any time of year, but for me, nothing can beat the magnificent spring season.
If you’re in the area at this time, be sure to visit Wansan Park, where you’ll see not only the famous cherry blossom trees, but also azaleas and many other varieties that adorn this magnificent floral park.

Pro tip: you can also head to Maisan Provincial Park (마이산도립공원) for its Cherry Blossom Festival, where you can see a three-kilometer-long tunnel filled with the famous trees.

4. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon (수원 화성)

Address: 320-2 Yeonghwa-dong, Jangan-gu, Suwon
How to get there: take the subway (line 1, dark blue) from Seoul station towards Seodongtan or Sinchang and stop at Suwon station

You’re in Seoul, but want to get away from it all and immerse yourself in Korean heritage? Then you should visit Suwon! The city is easy to explore, boasts superb scenery and is even a great place to watch the cherry blossoms, so why not include it in your itinerary right now?!?

Pro tip: stay here until sunset and stroll along the walls at night under the cherry blossom trees for an even more memorable and charming experience.

5. Seokchon Lake, Seoul (석촌호수)

Address: Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul
How to get there: from Jamsil station (by subway: line 2, green), you’ll have to walk 8mn to get to the lake

Views of the Lotte World Tower and the screams of the nearby amusement park are just a small part of what awaits you in the park. In spring, the entire area is surrounded by over 1,000 cherry trees. In early April, there’s even a festival where practically the whole of Seoul gathers to enjoy the breathtaking scenery, live entertainment and much more.

Admire the breathtaking scenery and enjoy the magical reflections of the cherry blossoms in the water!

Pro tip: go inside the Lotte World Tower (ARC·N·BOOK store) for another pretty free view of the lake.

6. Yeouido Spring Flower Festival, Seoul (여의도 봄꽃축제)

Address: Yeouiseo-ro, Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
How to get there: the best is to start your journey from Yeouinaru station (line 5, purple) and stroll along the Han River before arriving to Yeouiseo-ro

Celebrating spring, this annual festival is one of the best places in town to admire the superb, fragrant trees while escaping the bustling city. What makes it even more enjoyable is that the road is closed during the event, so you can take your time and not rush to take photos in the middle of traffic.

Pro tip: if you’re interested in another beautiful spot, and since it’s close to this one, I recommend you also visit the Anyangcheon Stream Bridge!

7. Bomunho Lake, Gyeongju (보문호)

Address: 446 Bomun-ro, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongju
How to get there: take the bus 16 across the observatory for 27mn and walk 10mn

Gyeongju is a must if you’re traveling in Korea, thanks to its many festivals, ancient history and breathtaking nature. So it makes sense that the city has its own cherry blossom festival, which gives the whole town vibrant pink hues.

One of the best places to see the trees in full bloom is Lake Bomunho (which is actually a man-made lake)! Have a picnic, sit on one of the benches and enjoy the atmosphere and the view.

8. Duryu Park, Daegu (두류공원)

Address: 36, Park Circulation-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu
How to get there: from Duryu station (by subway: line2, green), walk around 20mn to get to the park

Daegu (read my article on the subject here), often overlooked in favor of the big cities, is in fact the perfect place to relax and discover the country’s natural beauty and local flavors. Duryu Park is where locals like to spend time chatting and relaxing, while others jog or walk their dogs. But it’s also the ideal place to admire the cherry blossoms.
Take a stroll around Seongdang Lake and sit under one of the cherry trees, with the majestic E-World 83 tower in the background!

Pro tip: visit the Chimsanjeong pavilion for another unique and stunning place to admire cherry trees and a lovely sunset over Daegu!

9. Gyeryongsan National Park, Gongju (계룡산국립공원)

Address: 474, Donghaksa 1-ro, Gongju
How to get there: you can take the bus 107 at Daejeon station and stop at Donghaksa temple (~1h)

Want to combine a bit of exercise with an incredible panorama? In that case, you should head to Gongju and its Gyeryongsan cherry blossom festival. The national park, incredible in autumn, is a real spectacle in spring. Start by exploring the area around Donghaksa temple to see the cherry blossom tunnel, and continue your adventure with a hike up the sacred mountain.

10. Noksan-ro Canola Flower Road, Jeju Island (녹산로유채꽃길)

Address: Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo, Jeju-do
How to get there: the best is to rent a car as public buses don’t go there

Last but not least, Jeju Island is THE place to visit if you want to see cherry blossoms, especially considering that the royal cherry, a rare and different plant from its Japanese counterpart, is native to Jeju.

Noksan-ro is famous for the cherry blossoms and canola flowers that bloom along the roadside in spring. It’s even been named one of Korea’s most beautiful roads, and no wonder, as the picturesque, rural route is sure to delight.

Pro tip: Jeju also has its own cherry blossom festival, during which you can enjoy a variety of activities in different parts of the island.

In conclusion

Korean spring is one of the best, as temperatures warm up and you can finally enjoy the outdoors again. The season is also famous for its cherry blossoms, which give off vibrant colors and transform the country into a magical place. The ephemeral life of these magnificent flowers, which usually last just two weeks, reminds us that it’s best to appreciate the moment, because nothing lasts forever.

Looking for the best places to admire the cherry blossoms in Busan? 8 Places To See The Beautiful Cherry Blossoms In Busan!

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