I’ve had the privilege of personally witnessing 15 magical Korean cherry blossom seasons. Each spring has been slightly different in timing and length, but the one thing that doesn’t change is that I’m always awestruck by their fragile beauty.
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Korean Cherry Blossoms Quick Guide
After 15 pink seasons in Seoul, here’s a quick guide to my top 5 places to see cherry blossom in South Korea. I’ll go into full detail about the when, why, how, and where further on in this guide.
City | Where | Why | Ideal Time to Go | Best Way to Go | Where to Stay |
Daegu | Chimsanjeong Pavilion | cherry blossom clouds and a steep, stone staircase | late March to early April | ||
Jinhae | Gyeonghwa Station | iconic cherry blossom festival with abandoned railroad tracks | late March to early April | ||
Hadong | 10-ri Cherry Blossom Road | 1,200 mature cherry trees of spectacular height | late March | ||
Gurye | Seomjingang Cherry Blossom Trail | one of Korea's "100 Most Beautiful Roads" | late March | ||
Seoul | Seokchon Lake | cherry blossom pedestrian path and fairytale castle | early April |
When to See Korean Cherry Blossoms?
While most people are familiar with Japan’s sakura and hanami, South Korean beot-kkot (벗꽃) and its cherry blossom festivals are less well-known. This has rapidly changed over the last few years though, and now millions of tourists from all over the globe, flock to Seoul every year to go Korean cherry blossom hunting.
Cherry blossom trees are closely related to peach, plum, and apricot trees, with flowers that look quite similar, but bloom a bit earlier. If you’re interested in checking those out, Maehwa Village in Gwangyang is one of the best places to see tens of thousands of plum blossoms in bloom during early spring in Korea.
All of these flowers start blooming in South Korea in March, so it can definitely get confusing!
One sure way to tell which flower you’re looking at, is to examine the petals. Peach, plum, and apricot blossoms have rounded petals, whereas cherry blossom petals have a small split at the end.
Cherry blossom trees are actually incredibly easy to see in Korea, because they’re literally everywhere. You can’t really miss them if you time your visit correctly. I know – easier said than done these days, especially with our drastically changing weather patterns.
Annnd… that’s where I come in. After 15 years living in Seoul, I’ve got a pretty good handle on the timing of cherry blossom season in Korea. If I had to choose the best dates for seeing Korean cherry blossoms, I’d personally aim for the last week of March and first week of April.
Be sure to check out my comprehensive cherry blossom guide and forecast for 2026 for tips on when to visit.
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Chimsanjeong Pavilion | 침산정
Address: 1344-1 Chimsan-dong, Buk-gu, Daegu | 대구 북구 침산동 1344-1
Daegu isn’t usually at the top of Korean cherry blossom bucket lists, but it’s at the top of mine – particularly at Chimsanjeong Pavilion. I literally gasped out loud, the first time I saw this spectacular cherry blossom scene in Daegu.
With massive clouds of fluffy pink cherry blossoms hanging romantically over a long, steep set of stone stairs, Chimsanjeong is absolutely one of the most unique and beautiful places to see cherry blossom in South Korea.
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When to Go to Daegu for Cherry Blossoms
I visited Daegu on April 2nd a few years ago, and the timing was pretty much perfect to catch the end of peak Korean cherry blossom bloom in the southern regions of Korea.
You’d be safe to head to Chimsanjeong a few days earlier too, but any later than April 4th or 5th, and I think you’d miss out on that fluffy pink cloud feeling (if that’s what you’re after).
There’s a seriously long line-up for pictures at this iconic cherry blossom spot in Daegu however, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning if you don’t want to wait too long.
We got there around 11:00, and it took hours in line (no lie) to get these cherry blossom pics in South Korea. Kinda worth it though, don’t you think?
How to Get to Chimsanjeong Pavilion
The easiest, fastest way to get to Daegu from Seoul is definitely on one of Korea’s high speed trains. If you’re staying in Myeongdong, or near Seoul Station, the KTX train to Dongdaegu Station is your best option.
If you’re staying south of the Han River, in Gangnam or Jamsil, check into the SRT that departs from Suseo Station.
From Dongdaegu Station, you can jump in a taxi or hop on local bus #101. Get off at Bukdaegu Tax Office Ap, walk 8 minutes to Chimsan Park, and wander around until you find the crowds oohing and ahhing at these epically gorgeous Korean cherry blossoms.
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Where to Stay in Daegu
Staying in the City Centre in Jung-gu District, near Banwoldang or Jungangno Subway Station would give you the most convenient access to Daegu’s other cherry blossom hotspots, like E-World, and Suseong Lake.
Traveler favourite, Rivertain Hotel has super-comfy beds, a delicious breakfast, and is in the middle of everything, with easy access to restaurants, cafes, and more. It’s affordable and a quick 5 minute walk from Jungangno Station too!
Daegu is Korea’s 4th largest city, so it has a very good public transit system that you can take advantage of to get around. If you have an integrated T-Money + SIM Card or Wowpass from earlier in your trip, you can use the same card to get around Daegu.
Limited Edition Spring Tours in Korea
When plum blossoms in Gwangyang Maehwa Village and Sansuyu in Gurye burst into bloom in mid-March, Korean cherry blossoms 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!
These are the updated dates for 2026.
- Gwangyang Maehwa & Jeonju Hanok Village Tour | March 13th – 27th
- Jeju Cherry Blossom Tour with Hotel Pick-up | March 15th – April 19th
- Spring Flowers + King Cherry Blossoms at Hwaseong Fortress | March 26th – April 18th
- Jeonju Hanok Village + Spring Flower Festivals | March 29th – April 29th
- Seoul Seasonal Hot Attractions Tour | March 18th – May 13th
- Jeju Island Cherry Blossoms and Canola Private Taxi or Van Tour | March 20th – April 10th
- Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Tour from Seoul or Busan | March 23rd – April 15th
- Haeundae Sky Capsule + Cherry Blossom Hunting in Busan | March 23rd – April 10th
- Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Tour from Busan | March 28th – April 10th
- Chasing Cherry Blossoms in Seoul | March 30th – April 17th
- Taean Tulip Festival + Strawberry Picking Experience | April 3rd – May 5th
- King Cherry Blossom Tour from Seoul | April 16th – 30th
Gyeonghwa Station Cherry Blossom Road | 경화역 벚꽃길
Jinhae Gungjangje Cherry Blossom Festival: March 29th – April 6th (2026 Dates TBC)
Gyeonghwa Station Address: 648, Jinhae-daero, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do | 경상남도 창원시 진해구 진해대로 648
If you’ve looked for pictures of South Korean cherry blossoms online, there’s a high chance you came across Gyeonghwa Station in Jinhae. With abandoned railroad tracks, a vintage Korail train, and more pink trees than you could ever possibly imagine, this is one of the most famous places to see Korea’s beautiful cherry blossoms in spring.
You might even recognise the wonderful Gyeonghwa Station from Korean dramas like, Boy Goes to Heaven or Spring Waltz.
Last year, more than 4 million people converged upon the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival to drink in the city’s 340,000 cherry blossom trees, at iconic spots like Gyeonghwa Station, Anmingogae Road, and Yeojwacheon Bridge. It’s Korea’s biggest spring time festival by far!
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When to Go to Jinhae for Cherry Blossoms
Korean cherry blossoms peak earlier in the southern regions, so you’ll want to aim for the last week of March for the best chances of seeing Gyeonghwa Station in all its pastel pink glory.
When I visited Jinhae on April 1st, the cherry blossoms were at full peak, but petals had definitely started their gentle descent to the ground.
If you’ve always dreamt of getting caught in a cherry blossom petal shower – you could head there in the first 5 days of April, but no later, or risk missing the whole thing.
How to Get to Gyeonghwa Station
The best way to get to Jinhae is undoubtedly on a day tour from Seoul or Busan. It costs practically the same as public transit, but it’s a whole lot faster and more comfortable. It’s also the best way to see Gyeonghwa Station and other Korean cherry blossom hotspots in Jinhae easily, without any stress or confusion.
Where to Stay in Jinhae
French Code Hotel is located between 2 of Jinhae’s most famous cherry blossom spots – Gyeonghwa Station and Yeojwacheon Stream. It’s a bit of a walk to get to both places from the hotel, but it’s one you’ll enjoy, since there are cherry blossom trees planted all over the naval city of Jinhae.
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Hadong 10-ri (Simri) Cherry Blossom Road | 십리벚꽃길
Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival Dates: March 28th – 30th (2026 Dates TBC)
Address: Maekjeon-gil, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do | 경상남도 하동군 화개면 맥전길
The 10-ri Cherry Blossom Road in Hadong is a never-ending line of peach and Korean cherry blossom trees that connects Ssanggyesa Temple to Hwagae Traditional Market. All 1,200 or so of these trees were planted by local villagers way back in 1931, and they’ve now grown to spectacular heights.
I checked out the 10-ri Cherry Blossom Road a few years ago, and all I can say is WOW. I first drove, then walked, through a tunnel of pink trees that just went on and on… and on. This is easily one of the best spots for cherry blossom in South Korea.
Legend says that if you walk down the Simni Cherry Blossom Road with your partner, you’ll fall madly and deeply in love with each other forever and ever. I’d believe it. I was ready to fall in love with pretty much anyone, after drinking in the incredible beauty of these delicate Korean cherry blossom trees.
Make sure to stop into historic Hwagae Market, and try out traditional foods like Euneo-hoe (sweetfish sushi) and Chamgyetang (king crab stew) before leaving Hadong.
SPRING HIGHLIGHTS PRIVATE TOUR | See thousands of plum blossoms at Gwangyang’s Maehwa Village, then marvel at green tea fields and cherry blossoms in Hadong on a private tour. Check details here.
When to Go to Hadong
A few years ago, we took a trip south, during the festival dates of March 31st to April 2nd, to try to catch the peak of cherry blossom in Hadong. There were already more pink trees in one place than I thought possible, but according to locals, the weekend BEFORE had been jam-packed with petals AND people.
I was not disappointed in the least, because we got to enjoy the Korean cherry blossoms without the crazy crowds and traffic. If you want the full experience however – head there a little earlier.
How to Get to Simni Cherry Blossom Trail
There’s no day tour from Seoul to Hadong, so your options are renting a car or public transit. I have mixed feelings about both options.
Parking and traffic down in Hadong during cherry blossom peak in South Korea isn’t something to take lightly, so driving could be stressful – especially if you’re not used to driving here. However, if you use public transit, you won’t get the opportunity to drive underneath an endless Korean cherry blossom tunnel.
Tough choice – but I veer towards having your own vehicle. Public transit is challenging in rural areas of Korea, and this would affect every part of your trip to Hadong – not just the cherry blossom viewing part.
If you’re doing it DIY, head to Nambu Bus Terminal in Seoul and hop on an intercity bus to Hwagae (화개). From there, you can walk for less than 30 minutes to the Hadong Simni Cherry Blossom Road, or jump in a taxi.
While there is a local bus from Hwagae bus stop to Simni Road, it only comes twice a day. Not really a viable option in my opinion, but you can check Naver Maps for exact details if you want to try.
If you’re staying in Busan, save yourself all the hassle, and jump on this day tour that includes stops at 10-ri Cherry Blossom Road, Ssangyesa Temple, and Geumosan Flyway Cable Car. You’ll be happy you did.
GYEONGJU CHERRY BLOSSOMS TOUR FROM BUSAN | Seat of the Silla Dynasty, Gyeongju is a gorgeous place full of UNESCO sites. See a few of the best Korean cherry blossom spots in the city on this easy day tour from Busan. Check details here.
Where to Stay in Hadong for Cherry Blossoms
During the peak of cherry blossom season in South Korea, traffic is at a literal standstill in Hadong. Ideally, you’d want to stay somewhere that’s walking distance to the 10-ri Cherry Blossom Road for the most ease – especially since public transit options are few and far between.
Unfortunately, it’s not overly easy to find these places available for booking online in english. Most are small pensions run by locals, who usually don’t market to international visitors. The best I can tell you, is to search on Naver Maps or Instagram for places near Hwagae Market or Ssanggyesa Temple.
When we went to the Simri Cherry Blossom Road, we stayed at a wonderful pension in Gurye, just across the border in Jeollanam-do Province. I’ve written up all the details in the next section, so you can check that out there, if you’re interested.
One small caveat though – it’d be hard to stay there, and get anywhere without your own vehicle.
Essential Day Tours from Seoul
Most places near Seoul can be visited very easily independently using public transit, and this is definitely what I recommend for the most part. There ARE a few places where it’s much easier, and actually necessary to take a day tour (DMZ). These are the day tours from Seoul that are worth taking for their ease, value, and included transport.
What | Where | Cost | Why Join this Tour | Full Details |
DMZ Tour | Demilitiarized Zone / Paju / Imjingak | from 72,100 won | Parts of the DMZ MUST be visited on a guided tour, due to security clearances. Optional add-ons like suspension bridge, or DMZ gondola available. | ; |
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress + Korean Folk Village | Suwon and Yongin | 78,500 won | Hwaseong is a majestic UNESCO Fortress. The Korean Folk Village is a vast living museum of the Joseon Dynasty. Both are south of Seoul in satellite cities. | ; |
Nami Island + Surrounding Region | Gapyeong / Chuncheon | from 38,000 won | Most popular day tour near Seoul, but spread far apart from each other, with few public transit options. Huge range of add ons to choose from, like Alpaca World to the Rail Bike to the Garden of Morning Calm. | ; |
Gurye Seomjingang Cherry Blossom Trail | 구례 섬진강 벚꽃길
Gurye 300-ri Cherry Blossom Festival: March 28th – 30th (2026 Dates TBC)
Address: Muncheok-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do | 전라남도 구례군 문척면
I bet you’d be surprised to learn that Gurye has the longest cherry blossom road in the whole country.
Stretching a whopping 300-ri or 129-km, it really has to be seen to be believed. These incredibly gorgeous avenues are lined with more Korean cherry blossom trees than you could ever possibly picture in one place. They are literally everywhere you turn!
The Seomjingang Cherry Blossom Trail is but just one tiny section of this 300-ri road. Drive (or stroll) along National Roads 17 and 19, and you’ll be treated to a 3-km avenue lined with mature cherry trees that were planted back in 1992.
No wonder this section of highway is considered one of the “100 Most Beautiful Roads in Korea.”
I’ve been lucky enough to experience these Korean cherry blossoms, a couple of years in a row now – and I can’t wait to go back for more… 300-ri more.
When to Go to Gurye for Cherry Blossoms
With both vibrant yellow sansuyu and pretty cherry blossoms, Gurye might be one of my all time favourite spring time destinations in Korea. Located at the base of Jirisan National Park, this lovely little town has mellow vibes to enjoy, and nutritious mountain vegetables to eat.
While yellow sansuyu colour Gurye as early as mid-month, you’ll have to wait until the last week of March to see Korean cherry blossoms begin to bloom.
As with most of the other cherry blossom destinations in this guide, when we visited Gurye on April 1st, cherry blossom petals were already starting to flutter gently to the ground.
SUWON UNESCO HWASEONG FORTRESS + SEASONAL FLOWERS TOUR | From azaleas to king cherry blossoms, there is a perfect flower festival in Korea for you. See the best seasonal events and the Hwaseong UNESCO Fortress on this lovely spring tour. Check details here.
How to Get to Seomjingang Cherry Blossom Trail
Gurye is small but spread out, so if you don’t have your own vehicle, it’s absolutely worth renting a car to explore this area of Korea easily. From Seoul, it takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours to get to the Seomjingang Cherry Blossom Trail.
To do it DIY, take an Intercity bus from Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal to Gurye Public Bus Terminal. Transfer to Local Bus #3-7, 3-2, 3-8, 3-5, or 3-10, get off at Jugyeon, then walk 1.2-km to the Seomjingang Cherry Blossom Walkway. If you prefer train travel, Gurye’s train station is called Guryegu Station.
Keep in mind that because this is a rural area, public transit frequency is sporadic, and a taxi or a significant amount of walking might be required to reach your final destination.
Where to stay in Gurye
Last year, I stayed at Gurye Supoolim Pension. With gorgeous views, K-bbq on huge slabs of stone atop a campfire, and a relaxed family vibe, it’s probably the best pension I’ve stayed at in Korea.
Supoolim has an ideal location 20 minutes drive from Seomjingang Cherry Blossom Trail in 1 direction, and 15 minutes drive to Hadong Simri Cherry Blossom Road in the other.
If you’re in the market for a hanok stay, the lovely Jukrokjungsa in Gurye, has traditional architecture, and all the comforts you need.
While Jukrokjungsa is a quick 13-minute drive away from Seomjingang Cherry Blossom Walkway, public transit is nearly impossible. I don’t recommend staying here unless you have a vehicle or REALLY like walking.
Seokchon Lake | 석촌호수
Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival Dates: April 2nd – 6th (2026 Dates TBC)
Address: 47 Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 송파구 잠실동 47
There are so many amazing places to see cherry blossom in Seoul, it’s hard to pick a favourite, but I’m gonna go with Seokchon Lake.
With a fairytale castle, a figure 8 pedestrian path, and easy access to every possible amenity you could think of, this is a perfect place to check out Korean cherry blossoms with ease.
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When to Go to Seoul for Cherry Blossoms
Seokchon Lake is a few blocks from my house, so it’s pretty easy for me to keep an eye on the blooming status there.
I’ve noticed that the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival tends to be on the back-end of peak blooming dates. In fact, the scheduled festival dates missed the blossoms completely a few years ago!
Last year was a bit of an outlier, with the cherry blossoms at Seokchon Lake and all over Seoul staying on trees for a really long time. It was one of the best Korean cherry blossom seasons I’ve experienced in years!
Still, for the best chances of seeing them, I’d aim to be in Seoul during the first few days of April.
How to Get to Seokchon Lake
This place is a zoo come cherry blossom season in South Korea, so it’s best to take public transit for the most stress-free viewing experience. Go to Jamsil Station on Line 2, take Exit 1, 2, 3 or 4, then follow the crowds to Seokchon Lake Park, which is directly behind Lotte World Mall.
It’s easy to spend an entire day exploring this part of Seoul, since there’s quite a few attractions in the immediate area. Lotte World Adventure, Seoul Sky Observatory, and Lotte World Aquarium are pretty much right next to the lake. Olympic Park, Songnidan-gil Food Street, and Bangi-dong Food Alley are all within easy walking distance.
EDEN CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL + NAMI ISLAND | Arriving in Seoul a bit later? The Chuncheon / Gapyeong area has some of the latest blooming Korean cherry blossoms in the country. Check details here.
Where to stay in Jamsil
Finding a place to stay near Lotte World Tower and Mall makes a visit to Seokchon Lake a piece of cake, since both are located right in front of it.
Lotte World Hotel (mid-range) or Signiel Seoul (luxury) are the best choices in Jamsil. Fortunately, both offer top-of-the-line customer service, luxurious rooms, and excellent facilities.
There aren’t a ton of budget options right in Jamsil (unless you want to stay in a love motel), but Lake Tourist Hotel, and Hotel Pharos are reasonably priced and well reviewed hotels that you could check into.
Wherever you end up staying in Seoul, you can be sure that you’ll be surrounded by the lovely pink cherry blossom of South Korea.
Korean Cherry Blossoms: FAQs
1. What month are Korean cherry blossoms?
Cherry blossoms start appearing in the southern regions of South Korea in the last week of March, and continue into the first few weeks of April in other parts of the country.
2. Where can I see cherry blossoms in Korea?
Some of Korea’s best cherry blossom viewing spots in Seoul are: Yeouido Hangang Park, Seokchon Lake, Seoul Forest, Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung. Outside of Seoul, head to: Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, Hadong 10ri Cherry Blossom Trail, and Chimsanjeong Pavilion in Daegu.
3. How long do Korea cherry blossom last?
Korean cherry blossoms usually last for about 3 weeks. It starts in the last week of March on Jeju Island and the southern regions, and extends into the first few weeks of April in Seoul and Gangwondo Province. However, weather can greatly impact the total length of cherry blossom season in Korea.
4. What does a cherry blossom symbolize in Korean?
While cherry blossoms are known as sakura in Japan (and much of the world), they are called BEOT-KKOT (벚꽃) in Korean. Beautiful pink Korean cherry blossoms symbolize spring, renewal, purity, and love.
Did you know about these breathtaking Korean cherry blossom spots? Which is your favourite?
