25 Magical Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Korea 2023 | Forecast and Best Festivals

The annual appearance of cherry blossoms in Korea is the most eagerly anticipated spring event of the year. It’s something you absolutely don’t want to miss.

Cherry blossom season in Korea is peak travel time.

This wave of fairy tale gorgeousness sweeps its way up the Peninsula south to north, transforming the mundane greys of winter into a silvery pink wonderland, along the way. Cherry blossoms in Korea make the whole season feel fresh, optimistic and ripe with possibility.

*Cue romantic sigh of relief.

Seeing the cherry blossoms in Korea is a must-do spring activity

In this post, you’ll find out:

• the cherry blossom forecast in Korea for 2023
• when Korea’s cherry blossoms usually peak
• the best places to see cherry blossoms all over Korea
• about different cherry blossoms festivals around the country

Cherry blossoms in Korea | 벚꽃

Seeing the cherry blossoms in Korea is an occasion that absolutely everyone in the country looks forward to. No one can pinpoint exactly what makes this yearly blushing of the trees such a special event, but I’d guess it has something to do with its temporal nature.

After all, what could be more poetic than the falling of an infinite number of frail pink petals, as they drift peacefully to their deaths, just a few days or weeks after flowering?

Bloom, bloom, bloom beautiful cherry blossom!

But when does Korea’s cherry blossom season actually begin? Well, it’s a little complicated…

If spring decides to makes an early appearance in Korea, cherry blossoms in Korea might bless us with their beauty starting at the end of March. And they might stick around until the 3rd week of April. From bud to bloom to dramatic death, the whole season lasts a month at best.

In April, you can see cherry blossoms in Korea

The ephemeral cherry blossoms in Korea peak for about a week, before starting to drop to the ground. All bets are off though, if it rains or there’s a lot of wind. These factors will shorten their lifespan painfully. They’re fickle like that.

READ NEXT: Secluded Cherry Blossom Perfection at Yangjaecheon Stream

Cherry blossoms in Korea Forecast 2023

It’s impossible to predict EXACTLY when the cherry blossoms in South Korea will appear with 100% certainty, but it doesn’t stop people from trying! Here’s the Korea cherry blossom forecast for 2023. These dates are approximate dates for first bloom.

Cherry blossoms in Korea bloom first on Jeju Island, then in the warmer southern regions of the country. After that, they work their way up the Peninsula. Keep in mind that cherry blossoms usually reach full bloom about 1 week after their first flowering date.

The blooming dates for cherry blossom seem to be earlier and earlier every year. Based on current conditions, I’d say the ideal dates to visit Korea for cherry blossom season would be the last few days of March and the first week of April. Any earlier or later and you’ll likely miss the best of them.

The best time to see cherry blossoms in Korea

Cherry blossom forecasting is an inexact science at best. After all, nature doesn’t run on any real schedule and our weather patterns are seeing drastic changes.

So gorgeous © Park Seonggeun, Korea Tourism Organization

However, in my personal experience, the best time to see cherry blossoms in Korea at their absolute peak is in the last few days of March (in the south of the country) to the first 10 days of April (across most of the country). At this time, you’re guaranteed to find somewhere in the country to see these blush-y blooms at their best.

I’ve lived in Seoul for the last 13 years, and there hasn’t been a single one, where the first 10 days of April weren’t the peak of cherry blossom season in the capital.

This is impossibly romantic, wouldn’t you say? ⓒ Lim Bo-hyeok, Korea Tourism Organization

If you MUST stand under the cherry blossoms pictured above – book a tour to the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival. It’s my pick for the best place to see cherry blossoms in Korea at their absolute peak.

I personally haven’t seen a more stunning concentration of cherry blossom trees in Korea than at Gyeonghwa Station in Jinhae.

The concentration of cherry blossoms at Gyeonghwa Station is incredible.

There’s limited space AND limited dates offered for this tour, and it costs almost exactly the same as traveling to Jinhae independently using public transit, and it’s a whole lot more convenient – so I advise reserving a spot as soon as you can. It WILL sell out.

If you prefer to customize your own itinerary, you can book a private sightseeing tour to the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, for a group of 2- 10 people.

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Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Korea

Keep in mind that cherry blossoms in Korea will appear where it’s warmest first, so head to Jeju, Busan, or anywhere on the south end of the Peninsula, if you’re visiting near the end of March or very beginning of April. Any time after that, head north.

I dare you to resist falling in love with the cherry blossoms that take over Korea in April.

If you can’t make it to Korea in the first 10 days of April, head to the northeastern coastal regions, which are usually a lot cooler than the interior of the country. You could also pray, give offerings to the goddess, or bow before Mother Nature to increase your odds of seeing the cherry blossoms in Korea. You never know. It might help.

READ NEXT: Visiting Korea in April | Weather, Best Festivals + Packing List

Best Cherry Blossom Festivals in Korea 2023

Since we’re still in the depths of Korean winter, dates for cherry blossom festivals in Korea have mostly not been finalized. However, in 2023, most, if not all of these festivals will take place in the last days of March, and end by mid-April.

Cherry blossoms in Korea can be found all over © Jang Ha-na, Korea Tourism Organization

They have for every single year I’ve lived in Korea, so this will not change. The cherry blossom festivals in Korea usually run for a 3-10 day span, including at least 1 weekend to accommodate as many visitors as possible.

That doesn’t mean you can’t head to these locations outside of festival dates. Of course you can! It just means there won’t be extra activities on offer, and you’ll have to focus solely on the beauty of the cherry blossoms in Korea themselves… maybe even without the crowds.

There are cherry blossoms in Korea every which way you turn.

I’ve updated dates for 2023 wherever possible. Keep checking back though, as I’ll update this post with cherry blossom in Korea festival dates as soon as they’re released.

Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival | 진해군항제

Festival Dates: March 25th – April 3rd, 2023

Address: Gyeongsangnam-do, Changwon-si, Jinhae-gu, Tongsin-dong | 경상남도 창원시 진해구 통신동

After 4 years of cancellations, the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival is back in a big way. This is the largest, most famous cherry blossom festival in Korea, with over 4 million visitors expected to attend in 2023.

There’s good reason. Jinhae offers scenes of the most impossibly romantic cherry blossoms in Korea.

This is just ridiculously beautiful ⓒ Live Studio, Korea Tourism Organization

You can gaze at pale pink petals as they drift sentimentally down onto the train tracks of Gyeonghwa Station, or snap a pic at one of the most iconic spots to see cherry blossoms in Korea – the tunnel of cherry trees atop Jinhae’s Yeojwacheon Stream.

This spot in Jinhae is one of the most photographed cherry blossom locations in Korea © Park Seonggeun, Korea Tourism Organization

Expanded to include more experiences from Changwon’s defense industry this year, you can also expect a huge military parade, Black Eagles air show, multi-media fireworks, food markets, and musical entertainment during the festival.

Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival | 영등포 여의도 봄꽃축제

Cherry Blossom Festival Dates: April 4th – 9th, 2023

Address: Yeouiseo-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 영등포구 여의서로

Yeouido is perhaps the best, albeit most crowded place in Seoul to see not just cherry blossoms in Korea, but also azaleas, forsythia, and other spring flowers in full bloom. With 1,400 to 1,600 trees in the park, you’re guaranteed a stunning and dramatic sight.

New, old and pretty pink flowers in Yeouido (photo courtesy: twobrownfeet.com)

An alternative to avoid the crowds is to take a Han River Cruise during Korea’s cherry blossom season. Yeouido is the starting dock for these boat rides, and it’ll take you right past all those gorgeous spring flowers.

Cherry blossoms 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: April 5th – 9th, 2023

Address: 47 Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 송파구 잠실동 47

The Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival in Korea is near and dear to my heart, because it’s the one I never miss. Sure, part of it is because Seokchon Lake is walking distance from my house, but it’s also because it’s incredibly gorgeous.

The Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival takes place every April

Directions: Jamsil subway, Exit 1 or 2. Seokchon Lake is directly behind the Lotte World Mall.

Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival | 제주 왕벚꽃축제

Festival Dates: March 24th – 26th, 2023

Address: 24, Seogwang-ro 2-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

Cherry blossoms in Korea bloom earliest on Jeju Island, along with vibrant fields of yellow canola. The best places for cherry blossom viewing are spread all over the island, so it’s wise to book a private taxi or van tour, to avoid wasting time. Public transport can be pretty slow on Jeju Island.

Cherry blossoms bloom earliest in in Korea on Jeju Island. © Kim Gwang-je, Korea Tourism Organization

If you’re visiting Jeju a bit later in the season, you might be able to see grandest cherry blossoms of them all – the King Cherry blossoms.

Best seen all over Seogwipo’s downtown and around Jeju Sports Complex in late April, these cherry blossoms in Korea fully bloom for only 2 to 3 days. They are more fleeting than normal… it that’s even possible. You’ll have to be perfect with your timing to catch them!

Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon and Festival | 경주벚꽃마라톤

Marathon Date: April 1st, 2023 | Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival: March 27th – April 8th, 2023

Address: 593, Gyeonggam-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do | 경상북도 경주시 경감로 593

If you’d like to run under a sea of falling cherry blossom petals in Korea, you can take part in the Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon. Beginning at Gyeongju Culture Expo Square, the mostly flat course, can be run in 5km, 10km, half or full marathon distances.

The Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon takes place every April in Korea.

If you have time, I recommend you stay in Gyeongju for 2 or 3 days. I recently visited, and had a wonderful time exploring Korea’s Silla Dynasty History and eating as much ssambap as I could. This small city is considered Korea’s “museum without walls,” and it’s well worth a visit.

Ssambap is a must-eat when visiting Gyeongju, Korea

If you do decide to spend a couple of days exploring this chilled out city, I can’t recommend staying at the Apple House enough. I stayed in this little motel on my last visit there, and it’s definitely the best budget accommodation I’ve stayed in the country. Like most Korean motels, the interior design can be called interesting at best, but in terms of value and convenience, it really can’t be beat.

It’s walking distance to a ton of major tourist sites, as well as trendy cafe and restaurant street Hwangnidan-gil, plus you actually get big bath towels there. BIG bath towels. In Korea! Imagine.

Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival | 화개장터 벚꽃축제

Festival Dates: March 31st – April 2nd, 2023

Address: Maekjeon-gil, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do | 경상남도 하동군 화개면 맥전길

The “10ri Cherry Blossom Road’ in Hwagae consists of 200 peach trees and 1,200 cherry blossom trees, which were planted by villagers back in 1931. It’s believed that if you walk down this 4km cherry blossom lined road in Korea, with your partner, while holding hands, you’ll fall madly and deeply in love with each other forever.

Fall madly in love on the 10ri Cherry Blossom Road in Hwagae ⓒ Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization

At the festival, aside from seeing cherry blossoms in Korea, you can visit the historic Hwagae Market, and dine on traditional foods like Euneo-hoe (sliced raw sweetish) and Chamgetang (king crab broth). Yum!

Directions: Take an intercity bus from Seoul’s Nambu Bus Terminal, to Hadong (하동). Buses run at: 06:30, 08:00, 09:30, 11:30, 13:30, 15:30, 17:30, 19:30 and 22:00.

Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival | 경포대 벚꽃축제

Festival Dates: April 4th – 9th, 2023

Address: 365, Gyeongpo-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

A string of cherry blossom trees line the 4.3 kilometre path that surrounds gorgeous Gyeongpo Lake. Activities and flower exhibitions centre around Gyeongpodae Pavilion, one of Korea’s regional tangible cultural treasures, but there are blooms to be found all around the Lake.

Gyeongpodae is simply stunning ⓒ Gangwon Office, Korea Tourism Office

If, for some strange reason, you get overwhelmed by all the effervescent pinkness of cherry blossoms in Korea, you can take the short stroll over to Gyeongpo Beach, one of our very favourite escapes from Seoul. Drink in the view of the 4 kilometre stretch of sandy beach, and indulge in fresher than fresh seafood from one of the restaurants that lines the street facing the sea.

Directions: From Gangneung Intercity/Express Bus Terminal, take Bus 202 and get off at Gyeongpodae.

Cheongpung Lake Cherry Blossom Festival | 청풍호벚꽃축제

Festival Dates: TBA for 2023, but usually beginning of April

Address: 2048, Cheongpungho-ro, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do | 충청북도 제천시 청풍면 청풍호로 2048 (청풍면)

Taking place along the 13 kilometre Cheongpong Lake Road, at this festival, you can see thousands of cherry blossoms in Korea on mature trees, a street concert, magic show and parade. Medicinal teas and food made from wild herbs native to the area will be on offer, and if you’re really brave, you can even bunjee jump!

See thousands of cherry trees at Cheongpung Lake © Live Studio, Korea Tourism Organization

Directions: Take an intercity bus to Jecheon Terminal. From Dong Seoul Terminal, the bus leaves at 10 – 30 minute intervals, starting at 6:30 in the morning. The last bus leaves at 21:00.

Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex Cherry Blossom Festival | 수원시

Festival Dates: TBA for 2023, but usually mid-April

Address: 1, Hyowon-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Near Paldalsan Mountain and the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex in Suwon, you’ll find a flower tunnel formed by the petals of over 200 cherry trees. The festival is in its 37th year, and includes more than 60 musical shows, street art performances, and a food truck zone of 30 vendors.

Pink! Pink! Pink!

Cherry Blossoms in Korea | Seoul Capital Region

The Seoul Capital region is made up of the special city of Seoul, Gyeonggi-do Province, and Incheon. It’s a massive metropolis of around 25-million people that has such excellent transit connections – it’s possible to think of it as one giant connected city.

All of Seoul is covered in cherry blossoms in April.

These areas will likely be your home base for seeing cherry blossoms in Korea. While there are a few major cherry blossom festivals to attend, you don’t actually have to attend any of them. It’s easy to see gorgeous cherry blossoms in Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi-do, every which way you turn.

Lotte World Tower is Korea’s tallest building.

READ NEXT: The 7 Best Areas to Stay in Seoul + Hotel Recommendations and Things to Do

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Seoul

Aside from the major cherry blossoms festivals in Seoul, other spring flower hotspots include:

• Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Changgyeonggung Palace
• Seoul National Cemetery | 국립서울현충원
• Seoul Forest | 서울숲
• Seoul Children’s Grand Park | 서울어린이대공원
• Yonsei University | 연세대학교
• Kyung Hee University | 경희대학교
• Dream Forest | 북서울 꿈의숲
• Ansan Mountain | 안산
• Anyang Stream | 안양천

Cherry blossoms are beautiful at Gyeongbokgung Palace.

I’ve written extensively about the best places to see cherry blossoms in Seoul, so be sure to check that out for more details. Here are my other top picks in Seoul.

Yangjaecheon Stream Cherry Blossom Road | 양재천 벚꽃길

Address: 504-11 Daechi 1-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 강남구 대치1동 504-11

Yangjaecheon Stream is lined with magnificent cherry trees which are backlit by street lamps at night. The atmosphere is wonderfully romantic, and it’s common to see young couples walking hand in hand, admiring the cherry blossoms in Korea by moonlight.

The walking path next to Yangjaecheon Stream cherry blossom path is gorgeous both day and night

A short Yangjaecheon Stream cherry blossom and lantern festival is usually held over the first weekend in April.

Namsan Park | 남산공원

Address: 231, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 중구 삼일대로 231

This is the longest cherry blossom trail in Seoul. It winds from the base of the mountain, all the way up to the North Seoul Tower.

Cherry blossoms at Namsan Park ⓒ Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization

Seoul Palaces | Changgyeonggung

Address: Jongno area

Seoul’s palaces are lovely under any circumstances, but when they’re blooming with delicate pink petals during cherry blossom season in Korea, they’re beyond magnificent.

Changgyeonggung Palace is stunning in spring ⓒ Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization

Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung and its Secret Garden are the most visited palaces in Seoul, but Changgyeonggung has the highest concentration of cherry blossoms at a palace in the city.

If you rent a hanbok in Seoul for a romantic photo shoot under the cherry blossoms, you can enter all the palaces for free!

Bongeunsa Temple | 봉은사

Address: 531, Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 강남구 봉은사로 531

Bongeunsa is a wonderful place to see cherry blossoms in Korea. Located in Gangnam, right across the street from Starfield Coex Mall, Bongeunsa Temple is the perfect, peaceful respite from the frenetic pace of life in the big city.

See gorgeous cherry blossoms in Korea at Bongeunsa Temple in Gangnam

In spring, the temple buildings and surrounding hills are covered in pink beauty. Make sure you see the 23-metre high statue of Buddha that watches over the citizens of Seoul.

Jamsil Jugong 5-Danji | 잠실동 오단지

Address: 567 Songpa-daero, Songpa-gu, Seoul

The Jamsil 5-Danji is an old apartment complex located across the street from the Lotte World Tower and Mall in Jamsil. This eyesore of apartment buildings is set for demolition and major construction, but in the meantime, you can enjoy matured trees that form an incredible canopy of leaves that feels like a cathedral.

Check out these cherry blossoms in Korea from matured trees before this apartment block gets demolished!

READ NEXT: 10 Secret Spots to See Cherry Blossoms in Seoul in Total Peace

Limited Edition Spring Tours in Korea

When plum blossoms in Gwangyang Maehwa Village and Sansuyu in Gurye burst into bloom at the end of March, cherry blossoms in Korea are not far behind. Like cherry blossom season, the dates for most of these tours is incredibly limited. Most run for just a few short weeks!

Sansuyu are one of the first spring flowers to bloom in Korea.

Spring Tours from Seoul

• Gwangyang Maehwa & Jeonju Hanok Village Tour | March 13th – 24th, 2023
• Jeju Island Package: Flight, Private Tour + Hotel Option | March 20th – April 9th, 2023
• Jeju Island Cherry Blossoms and Canola Private Taxi or Van Tour | March 21st – April 10th, 2023
• Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Tour from Seoul or Busan | March 27th – April 6th, 2023
• Exclusive VIP Tour Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival | March 27th – April 7th, 2023
• Daegu E-WORLD Land & Spring Cherry Blossom Day Tour | March 28th – April 7th, 2023
• Chasing Cherry Blossoms in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do | April 5th – 16th, 2023
• Ganghwa Island Cherry Blossom & Luge Ride Experience | April 9th – 17th, 2023
• Eden Cherry Blossom Festival + Alpaca World + Nami Island | April 11th – 18th, 2023
• Taean Tulip Festival + Strawberry Picking Experience | April 14th – May 7th, 2023
• Pink King Cherry Blossom Tour from Seoul | April 15th – April 30th, 2023

Spring Tours from Busan

• Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Tour from Busan | March 24th – April 9th, 2023
• Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Tour from Seoul or Busan | March 27th – April 6th, 2023
• Chasing Cherry Blossoms in Busan | March 27th – April 12th, 2023
• Cherry Blossom Hunting Tour from Busan | March 24th – April 9th, 2023
• Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival from Busan | March 27th – April 8th, 2023
• KING Cherry Blossom Hunting Tour from Busan | April 17th – April 30th, 2023

Gyeonghwa Station in Jinhae is simply stunning.

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Gyeonggi-do and Incheon

Gyeonggi-do and Incheon are the areas connected to Seoul. Though they’re separate regions with unique governments, they’re all connected to each other by subway and buses, so it’s super easy to explore. There are a ton of incredible places to see cherry blossoms in Korea in this area.

Gyeonggi-do is easy to get to from Seoul.

Some of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Gyeonggi-do and Incheon are:

• Incheon Grand Park | 인천대공원
• Songdo Central Park | 송도센트럴파크
• Anyang Art Park | 안양예술공원
• SK Petrochemical Complex | SK석유화학단지
• Eden Cherry Blossom Road | 에덴벚꽃길
• Ho-am Museum Art Museum (inside Everland Theme Park) | 호암미술관
• Jayu Park | 자유공원

Seoul Grand Park | 서울대공원

Address: 102, Daegongwongwangjang-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 과천시 대공원광장로 102

Don’t confuse this with Seoul Children’s Grand Park, which is located north of the Hangang in Gwangjin-gu. THIS Seoul Grand Park has a huge zoo, amusement park, botanical garden, camping AND incredible cherry blossom trees in Korea to check out.

Cherry blossoms at Seoul Grand Park are stunning ⓒ Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization

Seoul Racing Park | 렛츠런파크 서울

Address: 107, Gyeongmagongwon-daero, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Let’s Run Park or the Seoul Racing Park, is actually located in Gyeonggi-do, just north of Seoul Grand Park. It’s an international-scale horse racing track, and thoroughbred horse races like the Korean Derby and Grand Prix are hosted here. You can also see cherry blossoms in Korea here.

Cherry blossoms and horses – an interesting combination © Lee Beomsu, Korea Tourism Organization

Namhansanseong Cherry Blossom Path | 남한산성

Address: 731, Namhansanseong-ro, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 광주시 남한산성면 남한산성로 731

Since 1997, Gwangju City (in Gyeonggi-do NOT Jeollanam-do) has planted over 3,000 cherry trees, along the road to the UNESCO listed Namhansanseong Fortress. These cherry blossoms in Korea are now over 25 years old, so you can just imagine how huge and beautiful they are.

Namhansanseong Fortress is UNESCO World Heritage © Kim Hakri, Live Studio, KTO

Namhansanseong Provincial Park is accessible from Seoul using public transit. It’s well worth a visit, especially during spring, and autumn in Korea, for hiking and enjoying the splendour of nature.

Dodang Mountain Park | 도당공원

Address: Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon-si, Wonmi-gu, Sosa-ro 593beon-gil, 124 | 경기도 부천시 원미구 소사로593번길 124

Dodang Park in Buchon is a spring in Korea hotspot, with 2000 mature cherry trees lining the 1.8-km road up to the peak of the mountain. You can also enjoy a sculpture and culture park, and the stunning sight of this gorgeous avenue of trees illuminated at nightfall.

After all the cherry blossoms in Korea have fallen to the ground, you can head to Dodang Park to see the One Million Rose Garden a bit later in the season.

Cherry Blossoms in Korea | Gyeongsang-do

Gyeongsangnam-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do make up the southeastern part of Korea. It’s famous for gorgeous beaches, fresh seafood, and the biggest cherry blossom festival in Korea. (That’s the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival in Changwon City, which hosts millions of visitors every year!)

Some of the best cherry blossoms in Korea are in Gyeongsang-do.

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Daegu

Daegu in Gyeongsangbuk-do surprised me with the unexpected gorgeousness of its cherry blossoms. It’s definitely worth a visit when cherry blossoms in Korea are in full bloom.

From cotton candy to cherry blossoms – pastel dreams in Daegu.

Chimsanjeong Pavilion | 침산정

Address: 1168-3, Chimsan-dong, Buk-gu, Daegu

My first sight of the cherry blossoms at Chimsanjeong Pavilion in Daegu left me literally breathless. With clouds of pink cherry blossoms hanging romantically over a long, steep set of stone stairs, it’s absolutely one of the most beautiful places to see cherry blossoms in Korea.

Chimsanjeong Pavilion in Daegu is beyond stunning.

A lot of people seem to agree. Make sure you get to Chimsanjeong early, otherwise you’ll be waiting in line for hours to get THAT pic. Is it worth it? Probably.

Kkotbora Dongsan | 꽃보라동산

Address: 1500-6, Sangyeok-dong, Buk-gu, Daegu Metropolitan City | 대구광역시 북구 산격동 1500-6

Flower Bora Hill is a small park in Daegu that’s filled with beautiful cherry blossoms, photo spots, and sunset views over the river.

Kkotbora Dongsan is a lovely city park full of cherry blossoms trees in Korea.

Kkotbora Dongsan is a great place to visit with kids, with bicycle paths, colourful cotton candy, and plenty of lovely photo zones to explore.

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Gyeongju

Full of UNESCO sites, and considered an open-air museum, Gyeongju is worth a visit at any time of the year. But when the cherry blossoms in Korea start to bloom, it’s extra special. Here’s where you can go for a shot of pretty pink.

Spectacular cherry blossoms in Gyeongju © Lee Bumsu, Korea Tourism Organization

• Bomun Lake Tourist Complex
• Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram
• Daereungwon Tombs
• Cheomseongdae
• Donggung and Wolji Complex

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Busan

Situated on the coast with gorgeous beaches, Busan is stunning all year-round. In spring though, it turns into a pink paradise like no other. Here’s where Korea’s cherry blossoms burst into glorious life in Busan.

Gorgeous cherry blossoms at Democracy Park in Busan © Lee Bumsu, Korea Tourism Organization

Here’s where to see cherry blossoms in Busan:

• Democracy Park
• Dalmaji Hill
• Oncheon Stream Park
• Samnak Ecological Park

Nammyeon Coastal Road in Namhae | 남면해안도로

Address: 1486-6, Danghang-ri, Nam-myeon, Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do | 경남 남해군 남면 당항리1486-6

The Nammyeon Coastal Road in Namhae is what cherry blossom in Korea dreams are made of. This 15-km stretch of road in Namhae, winds right next to the sea, and was designated as one of the most beautiful roads in Korea. It’s easy to see why.

The Nammyeong Coastal Road is simply magnificent ⓒ Lee Jeong-hun, Korea Tourism Organization

Cherry Blossoms in Korea | Gangwon-do

Gangwondo lies to the North and East of the capital region. It’s chockfull of natural beauty. Deep blue seas, sandy white beaches, and majestic mountains all compete for attention here.

Gangwondo has mountains, beaches AND cherry blossoms ⓒ Gangwon Office, Korea Tourism Organization

Nami Island is one of the most popular spots to see cherry blossoms in Korea, but here are some other spots in Gangwon-do Province:

• Chuncheon Dam
• Bangok Station in Wonju
• Samcheok Maengbang Cherry Blossom Road
• Mulan Village in Bugu-ri, Chuncheon
• Cheongcho Lake Park in Sokcho
• Gongjicheon Stream, Uiamho Lake, Chuncheon

Nami Island | 남이섬

Address: 1, Namiseom-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do | 경기도 가평군 가평읍 북한강변로 1024

Even though Nami Island is technically in Gangwon-do, it’s just on the border, and very close to Seoul. It’s one of the most popular day trips from the city, with good reason. In spring, this fairytale island in Chuncheon is covered with stunning cherry blossom trees.

Nami Island is one of the most popular day trips from Seoul © Jeon Hyeongjun, Korea Tourism Organization

READ NEXT: The Gangchon Rail Bike is a MUST-DO in Korea

Cherry Blossoms in Korea | Jeju Island

Jeju Island has a humid subtropical climate, so it’s usually the first place that cherry blossoms appear in Korea. You can also see the huge King Cherry Blossoms on Jeju island, which are totally endemic to Korea.

Cherry blossoms in Korea bloom first in Jeju © Lee Beomsu, Korea Tourism Organization

Here’s are some hotspots in Jeju to watch out for cherry blossoms in Korea:

• Hallim Park
• Samseonghyeol Shrine
• Jeju University and Cherry Blossom Street
• Noksan Road
• Seongeup Folk Village

Cherry Blossoms in Korea | Chungcheong-do

Chungcheongbuk-do and Chungcheongnam-do sit in the middle of Korea, with the coast on its West side. Most travellers rush past this region on their way south to Busan, but a stop in Gongju and Danyang are well worth your time.

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Gongju

Gongju is pretty off the radar for tourists visiting South Korea, but it’s so worth your time. As the former capital of the kingdom, during Korea’s Baekje Period, there’s a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, including an incredible ancient fortress, beautiful temples, and stunning natural landscapes.

Gongju is worth a visit for more than just cherry blossoms in Korea.

There are number of places in Gongju to find the pink blooms of your dreams during cherry blossom season in Korea.

Gyeryongsan Cherry Blossom Festival | 계룡산벚꽃축제

Festival Dates: TBA for 2023, but usually early April

Address: 327-6, Donghaksa 1-ro, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do | 충청남도 공주시 반포면 동학사1로 327-6

At the Gyeryongsan Cherry Blossom Festival, you can see stunning Yoshino cherry blossoms that are unique to the area. Check out the areas around Donghaksa, Sinwonsa, and Gapsa Temples, which are famous for their cherry tree colonies.

Sinwonsa Temple is stunning in spring © Yu Yu-sun, Korea Tourism Organization

Gongju Jungdong Cathedral | 공주 중동성당

Address: 6 Seongdang-gil, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do

The Gongju Jungdong Cathedral was built by Western missionaries in the Middle Ages, and retains its European-style architecture. The pretty combination of cherry blossoms in Korea and the century-old church is a special scene during springtime.

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The all too short season of cherry blossoms in Korea covers the entire country from top to bottom in pink petals. Which place is top of your list?