The Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival is near and dear to my heart, because it’s the one I never miss. Sure, it helps that it’s walking distance from my house, but the real draw is undoubtedly the dreamy pink cherry blossoms that transform the lake into a pastel coloured wonderland.
*Psst… this post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure.
Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival | 석촌호수 벚꽃축제
Seokchon Lake is one of the most popular places to see cherry blossoms in Seoul. It’s easily accessible via public transit, and there are a ton of other activities, attractions and things to do in the area at the same time.
Over 1000 stunning cherry blossom trees line the pathways surrounding both lakes. During the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom festival, you can saunter leisurely beneath a gorgeous canopy of pale pink blooms, while admiring Lotte World Magic Island and the massive Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Observatory in the background.
You’ll also find various music performances, a cherry blossom market, artists, and photo zones at the festival. Be sure to bring your camera and take pictures of the trees reflecting in the water!
When is the festival?
FESTIVAL DATES: April 3rd – 11th, 2026
The Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival takes place sometime during spring in Korea – historically, it’s been sometime in the first 2 weeks of April every year, and this year is no different.
That doesn’t mean you can’t visit outside of the festival. You totally can, because this is a public lake that’s fully accessible to the public. It’s free to enter at all times.
A few years ago, the cherry blossoms at Seokchon Lake pretty much fell to the ground BEFORE the festival even started.
Last year, the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival dates were earlier than ever, but proving once again that accurate cherry blossom forecasting is nearly impossible – the first buds were just starting to appear in select places around Korea as the festival started.
If you’re getting to Seoul in the first days of April, you’ve likely got perfect timing for the festival this year.
There’s a ton to see at Seokchon Lake Park anyway, like the Seoul Sky Observatory and Lotte World Adventure – so a visit to Jamsil is never a wasted trip.
Limited Edition Spring Tours in Korea
April in South Korea is wonderfully pink and alive with colour. Here are the spring tours to take advantage of in spring. Like cherry blossom season, the dates for most of these tours is incredibly limited. Most run for just a few short weeks, so catch them while you can.
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
How to get to the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival
Address: 47 Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 송파구 잠실동 47
Seokchon Lake is located on the east side of Seoul near Jamsil Station which intersects on Line 2 and Line 8. The lake is directly behind Lotte World, and the Lotte World Mall, so it’s easy to access from the subway station.
Once you reach the station, you can take exits 1 or 2 to reach the East Lake, and exits 3 or 4 to reach the West Lake. Both lakes are connected by pathways in a figure 8 pattern, so don’t stress too much about ending up in the wrong place.
There are also many buses that stop near Seokchon Lake. If you plan to take the bus to the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival, it’s best to check apps like Naver Maps for the exact routes and numbers.
Planning a trip to Korea?
Connect with other travellers | Ask and get answers to all your travel questions | Learn about all the best things to do in Korea | Join my Seoul and Beyond, South Korea Travel Planning Group on Facebook now.
Korea Travel Essentials
Don’t board that plane to Seoul until you’ve sorted out accommodation, transport from the airport, and your data on the ground.
Tips for Visiting the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival
This festival can get very busy because it’s right in the middle of a huge residential area, and easily accessible by subway. If you’d like peace and serenity in Seoul to admire the blooms, head there on a weekday morning. I’ve found that if you get anywhere in Seoul before 10AM, you can count on quite a bit of solitude.
On the other hand, if you don’t mind some crowds, sunset is an excellent time to see the cherry blossoms at Seokchon Lake. Lotte World Magic Island and the Lotte World Tower are brilliantly lit and the blooms take on an incandescent silvery sheen at night.
Usually, the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival dates have been on the back end of the blooming peak in recent years… but not last year. Last year, it was too early.
The festival is still always worth checking out, with special events and experiential activities even if the blooms aren’t at full peak. For 2026, I’d check the status of the blooms at Seokchon Lake, and maybe make a couple of trips to experience the festival AND see the cherry blossoms at their peak if required.
Where to Stay near the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival
If you’d like to stay close to the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival, the most convenient hotels to book are near Jamsil subway station or close to Starfield Coex Mall – 3 subway stops away.
Recommended Hotels in Jamsil
Jamsil is on the east end of Seoul. While this area is not super close to major tourist sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the N Seoul Tower, it’s literally right on top of popular attractions like Lotte World, the Seoul Sky Observatory, AND the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival.
If you’re traveling with family, or plan to spend time in Gangnam doing all the K-beauty things, this is an ideal area to stay in Seoul.
Signiel Seoul
Signiel Seoul is located at the top of the Lotte World Tower. This is the tallest building in Korea, with unmatched views of Seoul. Each of the 235 rooms at this luxurious hotel has a stunning view that literally can’t be found anywhere else in the city.
It also offers all the high end amenities you’d expect from a hotel of this calibre, including a champagne bar, Michelin-star restaurant, indoor swimming pool, and incredible fitness centre.
Lotte Hotel World
There are a billion and one Lotte hotels of varying calibers in Seoul, but Lotte Hotel World in Jamsil is one of the first and most beloved. It has modern rooms, excellent amenities, an incredible location steps from Seokchon Lake, and some of the best service in Seoul – you can’t go wrong at Lotte Hotel World.
Hotel Pharos
Hotel Pharos offers excellent value for money, with clean, spacious, and quiet rooms. It’s conveniently located halfway between Jamsil subway station and Coex Mall near Jamsilsaenae Station on Line 2. This is the area that I personally live in. It’s a great location with super easy access to Gangnam, Jamsil, and the Han River.
Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival: FAQs
1. How much does it cost to go to the festival?
It’s totally free to enter Seokchon Lake and the cherry blossom festival.
2. Is there a closing time for the festival?
Seokchon Lake is always open to the public, so you can go anytime you like – even in the middle of night!
3. Is there parking available?
There’s a small, kind of expensive parking lot near the lake by Hosoo Restaurant, but it’s much better to take public transit to the festival.
4. What amenities are available at the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival?
There are bathrooms, cafes and restaurants on the lake… but be aware that you might have to walk some distance to find a bathroom.
Do you plan on visiting the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival during spring?
