Come spring in Korea, what’s an introvert to do? Hiding at home simply isn’t an option when the cherry blossoms in Seoul are bursting spectacularly into life.
Don’t miss the cherry blossoms in Seoul, fellow introvert!
Don’t fret though, quiet soul. I’ve got you covered. Here are 10 secret spots to check out Seoul’s cherry blossoms with the peace and serenity you (and they) deserve.
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In this guide
Major Cherry blossom Festivals in Seoul
Every year, there are a few major cherry blossom festivals in Seoul. I’m not gonna lie. These festivals are packed with people, public transit getting there is a nightmare, and the vibe is not exactly what you’d call peaceful.
Is it worth leaving the house for these? Yeah, probably.
However, it IS still possible to visit these sights without the crowds. These are some of the most popular places to see cherry blossoms in Seoul for good reason. They’re totally worth checking out, introvert be dammed.
My advice – visit as early in the morning as you can – preferably on a weekday. Sunday morning is also good!
Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival | 영등포 여의도 봄꽃축제
Festival Dates: March 27th – 31st, 2024
Address: Yeouiseo-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 영등포구 여의서로
The Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Cherry Blossom and Spring Flower Festival just might be the best, but most crowded place to see cherry blossoms in Seoul. With nearly 1,800 incredibly gorgeous cherry blossom trees lining the circular Yunjung-ro, this is a must-visit place in Korea in March.
New, old and pretty pink flowers in Yeouido © twobrownfeet.com
Be sure not to miss the 90,000 azaleas, forsythia, and other spring flowers that are also in full bloom all around Yeouido Hangang Park.
Avoid crowds by taking a Han River Cruise during cherry blossom season in Seoul. Yeouido is the starting dock for many of these boat rides, and the cruise will take you right past all those gorgeous spring flowers.
Cherry blossoms in Yeouido are also stunning at night © Lee Beomsu, Korea Tourism Organization
Directions: The closest subway station is the National Assembly Station on Line 9. Take Exit 1 or 6 and walk for 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can get off at Yeouinaru Station on Line 5, take Exit 1 and walk for 20 minutes.
Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival | 석촌호수 벚꽃축제
Festival Dates: March 27th – 31st, 2024
Address: 47 Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 송파구 잠실동 47
The Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival is an incredibly gorgeous place to see cherry blossoms in Seoul. A figure-8 pedestrian path guides you around 2 separate lakes that are lined with pink tree, after pink tree. It’s a calm oasis smack dab in the middle of the hectic city.
Seokchon Lake Park has a figure 8 walking path surrounded by cherry blossoms in Seoul.
It’s easy to make a whole day out of seeing these cherry blossoms in Seoul, since Seokchon Lake Park is also home to Lotte World Mall, Seoul Sky Observatory, Seoul Norimadang, Lotte World Aquarium, and Lotte World Adventure.
Don’t miss Korea’s version of a Disney castle on Magic Island in the middle of the lake.
Directions: Jamsil subway, Exit 1, 2, 3, or 4. Seokchon Lake is directly behind Lotte Mall and Lotte World Mall.
Korea’s magic castle is perfection with cherry blossoms.
South Korea Cherry Blossom Forecast 2024
Secluded Spots to See Cherry Blossoms in Seoul
I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. If you really can’t stomach the thought of ALL the humanity around you, while gazing at cherry blossoms in Seoul, here are 10 places where you can see them in relative peace.
It’s easy to find secluded places to see cherry blossoms in Seoul.
CHASING CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN SEOUL | There are a billion places to see cherry blossoms in Seoul. This tour picks 3 viewing locations in Seoul on the day of your trip, so you’ll see the best of the best. Get more details here.
Changgyeonggung Palace | 창경궁
Address: 185, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 185
Sure, Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung are more famous, but during cherry blossom season in Seoul, the Joseon Dynasty palace you need to visit is Changgyeonggung.
Changgyeonggung is one of the least visited Joseon Era palaces in Seoul ⓒ Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization
Changgyeonggung has the highest concentration of cherry blossoms in Seoul at a palace, due to the huge number of sakura trees that were planted all over the complex during Japanese Colonial times.
It also happens to be the least visited of Seoul’s palaces, so it’s the ideal place to rent a hanbok and get a gorgeous spring pic with pink petals.
Directions: Take subway Line 4 to Hyehwa Station, Exit 4.
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Seoul National Cemetery | 국립서울현충원
Address: 210, Hyeonchung-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 동작구 현충로 210
At the Seoul National Cemetery, you’ll find super unique cherry blossom trees known as “suyang.” These gorgeous cherry blossoms in Seoul hang down like weeping willows, in perfect harmony with their home. You can count on seeing them in near solitude here.
Seoul National Cemetery has unique weeping willow cherry blossoms © Two Brown Feet
Be sure to respect the location. It’s reserved for Korean veterans, who gave their lives fighting heroically in the Korean Independence Movement, Korean War, and Vietnam War.
Directions: Get off at Dongjak Station, which intersects on subway lines 4, and 9. Take exits 2 or 4. The Cemetery is about a 5 min walk away.
Bongeunsa Temple | 봉은사
Address: 531, Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 강남구 봉은사로 531
Bongeunsa Temple is the perfect place to see cherry blossoms in Seoul, if the thought of crowds of people makes you want to run as far and as fast from a festival as you can. Add in the historic temple, and giant Buddha statue and it’s literally a scene from introvert heaven.
See gorgeous cherry blossoms in Seoul at Bongeunsa Temple in Gangnam
It can get busy on weekends though, so limit your visit to a weekday morning for the most serenity.
You can also check out the nearby Starfield Coex Mall, and the iconic Starfield Library across the street. I warn you though – there WILL be a lot of people there. It’s just too insta-friendly.
Directions: Take the subway to Bongeunsa Station on Line 9, Exit 1 or 2.
FEVER UP! | From candlelight concerts to immersive art experience to interesting workshops, Fever offers some of the most unique things to do in Seoul. Check out the options here.
Seoul Forest | 서울숲
Address: 273, Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 성동구 뚝섬로 273 (성수동1가)
Seoul Forest is a massive green space in the middle of Seoul, near the Hangang River and Eunbongsan Mountain. It’s actually made up of 5 separate, but attached parks that span a whopping 595,000 ㎡ of land.
Walk in solitude under cherry blossoms in Seoul at Seoul Forest.
The vastness of Seoul Forest means one thing – more space to enjoy the cherry blossoms in Seoul on your own. Head to the Culture and Art Park for a picnic under pink petals, or visit the Eco Forest to walk in quiet contemplation under towering trees.
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Jamsil 5-Danji | 잠실 오단지
Address: 567 Songpa-daero, Songpa-gu, Seoul
The Jamsil 5-danji, is the 5th block of a series of huge apartment complexes near Jamsil and Jamsilsaenae Station on Line 2. It’s located right across the street from the old Lotte Mall, and in desperate need of modernization (the first 4 blocks were torn down and renovated approximately 12 years ago).
There’s a big bonus to the block’s late upgrade though. The original cherry blossom trees from the 80s haven’t been uprooted, and when in full bloom, they’re truly a sight to behold.
I lived 3 blocks away from these cherry blossoms in Seoul for 5 years before I found out about them.
The best part? Nobody goes there, except for locals in the know. I literally lived right next to these cherry blossoms in Seoul for 5 years and had NO IDEA they were there, until a friend filled me in.
Directions: Head to Jamsil Station on Line 2, and use exit 4. Cross the street and walk in behind the apartment buildings.
KING CHERRY BLOSSOMS | Arriving in late April, and feel like you missed all the pink? You didn’t! King cherry blossoms bloom after mid-April and are lush and gorgeous. Join a King Cherry Blossom tour here.
Kyung Hee University | 경희대학교
Address: 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 동대문구 경희대로 26
Kyung Hee University has gothic-styled architecture that’s rare in Seoul. With gorgeous gardens and over 200 cherry blossoms trees greeting visitors at the main gate, it’s considered one of the most beautiful campuses in Korea.
Kyung Hee University has surprising architecture surrounded by cherry blossoms © វ័ណថារិទ្ធ (CC BY-SA 3.0)
This is definitely NOT where the hordes of humanity head to see cherry blossoms in Seoul. You’ll be safe here.
Directions: Go to Hoegi Station on Line 1, Exit 1. It’s about a 10-12 minute walk to Kyung Hee University.
Limited Edition Spring Tours in Korea
Plum blossoms in Gwangyang Maehwa Village are usually the first sign of spring in Korea, with petals bursting into bloom at the end of March. Like cherry blossom season in Korea, the dates for most of these tours is incredibly limited. Most run for just a few short weeks!
Cherry blossoms in Hadong, South Korea
Best Spring Tours from Seoul
- Seoul Seasonal Hot Attractions Tour | March 2nd – May 14th, 2024
- Gwangyang Maehwa & Jeonju Hanok Village Tour | March 8th – 20th, 2024
- Spring Flowers + Cherry Blossoms at Hwaseong Fortress | March 18th – April 29th, 2024
- Spring Flower Festivals at Jeonju Hanok Village | March 18th – May 31st, 2024
- Pocheon Art Valley + Strawberry Farm Experience | March 18th – June 30th, 2024
- Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Tour | March 25th – April 5th, 2024
- Hwadam Forest Cherry Blossoms + Spring Flowers | March 27th – April 26th, 2024
- Incheon Cherry Blossom + Wonmisan Azalea Festival | April 3rd – 10th, 2024
- Ganghwa Island Cherry Blossom & Luge Ride Experience | April 4th – 13th, 2024
- Cherry Blossom Hunting in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do | April 5th – 14th, 2024
- Taean Tulip Festival + Strawberry Picking Experience | April 12th – May 7th, 2024
- King Cherry Blossom Tour from Seoul | April 18th – 25th, 2024
Best Spring Tours from Busan
- Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Tour | March 25th – April 5th, 2024
- Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival from Busan | March 25th – April 7th, 2024
- Hadong Cherry Blossom Road + Ssanggyesa + Cable Car | March 25th – April 5th, 2024
- Chasing Cherry Blossoms in Busan + Blueline Sky Capsule | March 25th – April 7th, 2024
- King Cherry Blossom Hunting Tour from Busan | April 12th – 21st, 2024
King cherry blossoms bloom AFTER regular cherry blossoms © KTO Kim Jiho
Yangjaecheon Stream | 양재천 벚꽃길
Address: 504-11 Daechi 1-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 강남구 대치1동 504-11
Yangjaecheon Stream is so beautifully blessed with cherry blossom trees, that its lack of crowds seems impossible. The banks of the stream are lined with mature cherry trees, which shimmer gloriously at sunset.
The cherry blossoms at Yangjaecheon Stream are simply stunning
Run. Don’t walk to one of the most magnificent places to see cherry blossoms in Seoul.
Directions: Take the Shinbundang train line to Yangjae Citizen’s Forest station, Exit 2. Walk straight for approximately 15 minutes.
Jeongdok Library | 정독도서관
Address: 48, Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 북촌로5길 48
The Jeongdok Public Library is a real hidden gem location to see cherry blossoms in Seoul, near Bukchon Hanok Village in atmospheric Samcheong-dong. This municipal library features 500,000 books inside and cute benches surrounded by gorgeous cherry blossom trees outside.
Pretty, pretty, pretty.
I mean really though, books and cherry blossoms together? You can’t go wrong.
Directions: Get off at Anguk Station on Line 3, Exit 2. Walk for about 15 minutes to reach Jeongdok Library.
Children’s Grand Park | 서울 어린이대공원
Address:216, Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 광진구 능동로 216 (능동)
Screaming children. Amusement park rides. Musical fountains. Children’s Grand Park in Seoul (not to be confused with Seoul Grand Park in Gwacheon) seems like an unlikely place to see cherry blossoms in peace, right?
Kids and cherry blossoms are not a bad mix.
However, this park is absolutely massive with an area over 535,000 square metres. Better still? 62% of this is green space, with trees, grass, and other outdoor facilities, that are mostly available to the public for free.
While I don’t recommend visiting on weekends – time your trip for when all the kids are in school, and you’ll get your own private playground full of cherry blossoms in Seoul – minus the screaming children.
Directions: Go to either Children’s Grand Park Station on Line 7, Exit 1 or Achasan Station on Line 5, Exits 3, 4, or 5.
Banpocheon Cherry Blossom Trail | 반포천 벚꽃길
Address: Banpo 1(il)-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
You’ll only find residents strolling along this quiet cherry blossom trail, next to Banpocheon Stream. This is an easy path to access for cherry blossoms in Seoul, because it’s connected end to end by subway stations.
The Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain is the longest bridge fountain in the world.
You can also check out the Guinness World record holding Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain at the same time.
Directions: Head to Express Bus Terminal Station, which intersects on subway lines 3, 7, and 9, Exit 5, and walk towards Dongjak Station. Or vice versa.
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Cherry Blossoms in Seoul: Essential Info and FAQs
There you have it, introverted friend – all the best secret spots to see cherry blossoms in Seoul! Which one will you visit?
