Editor’s Note: In recent years, forecasts have failed to accurately predict the cherry blossom blooming period, resulting in many cherry blossom festivals being held without cherry blossoms. This year, many festivals plan to announce their festival dates in March (after this paper was sent to print). If you plan on attending a festival, check websites for date changes as well as cherry blossom blooming conditions of the area you plan to visit.

As spring unfolds from March to May, Korea becomes a canvas of beautiful colors with blooming flowers under the warm sun. The highlight of this season is undoubtedly cherry blossom viewing!

These delicate blooms are captivating but disappear in the blink of an eye. So, planning ahead is crucial to seize this fleeting spectacle! Many best cherry blossom spots host festivals, adding more excitement to the viewing. Here are the top cherry blossom spots featuring festivals.

1. JINHAE - NAVAL PORT FESTIVAL (GUNHANGJE)

Jinhae is a district of Changwon City in the south, known for its famous Gunhangje cherry blossom festival. Crowds flock to witness Jinhae’s mesmerizing beauty embellished with around 360,000 cherry blossom trees.

The unique feature of the festival is its blend of military themes with cherry blossoms. The festival features captivating military airshows, parades, and the Military Band & Honor Guard Festival from both ROK and U.S. military branches. Of course, you can find a variety outdoor markets and activities, including food trucks, too!

✿ Date: Date: Fri., Mar. 28 – Sun., Apr. 6 (10 days)

✿ Festival locations: Jungwon Rotary, Gyeonghwa Station, Yeojwacheon Stream, Jinhae Tower, Jungang Market, Naval Academy, U.S. Naval Base CFAC, and more. Naver Map

✿Website

*Use the “translation feature” on your web browser.

2. JEJU CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVALS

Many wonder about the best time to visit Jeju, but March to April is undoubtedly the best as it is the blooming time for both canola flowers and cherry blossoms on the island! Cherry blossoms bloom from mid-March to early April in Jeju.

There are numerous magical cherry blossom spots including Jeju University, Jeonnong-ro Road, Aewol-eup Town, Samseonghyeol Shrine, and Noksandro Road. Notably, Noksandro Road offers a fantastic collaboration of canola flowers and cherry blossoms.

Two cherry blossom festivals are held in Jeju, featuring various event booths, flea markets, street food, performances and more.

Jeonnong-ro Road Cherry Blossom Festival

✿ Dates: Fri., Mar. 28 – Sun., Mar. 30

✿ Address: Samdo 1dong, Naver Map

Aewol-eup King Cherry Blossom Festival

✿ Date: Sat., Mar. 29 – Sun., Mar. 30

✿ Address: 1167-9 Jangjeon-ri, Aewol-eup, Naver Map

3. HAN RIVER PARK - YEOUIDO SPRING FLOWER FESTIVAL 

Enjoy a stunning view of the Han River and the magnificent cherry blossom path in Seoul while picnicking, cycling, taking a yacht or boat cruise and sampling all the delicious festival foods.

The Yeouido Spring Flower Festival takes place at Yunjung-ro Road near the National Assembly Building. In the festival, you can enjoy various food trucks, parades, performances, activities and photo zones.

✿ Date: 5 days during early April including the weekend

✿ Address: Line 9 National Assembly St. Exit 1 / Yeoui-ro 60-2, Naver Map

4. SEOKCHON LAKE CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

This beautiful urban lake in Seoul is painted with pink cherry blossoms while boasting harmonious blend of the national tallest skyscraper Lotte Tower, and Lotte World Adventure.

During the festival, various events full of youthful energy are held such as busking, event booths, flea markets, and more. Also, the neighborhood nearby the lake is Songridan-gil Street, where trendy cafes and restaurants with outdoor terraces line up.

✿ Date: Wed., Apr. 2 – Sun., Apr. 6

✿ Address: Line 2 & 8. Jamsil Station Exit 2, Naver Map

5. NAMI ISLAND CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

If you missed the cherry blossom viewing season in the south, head to Nami Island where a variety of blush blooms and other spring flowers arrive throughout April!

Nami Island’s festival spans from two to three weeks and features live performances on the weekends, activities and markets. 

✿ Date: About two weeks from early to late April

✿ Admission including round trip ferry: Adults 16,000 won / Teens 13,000 won / Children 10,000 won

✿ Naver Map

✿ Website

6. N SEOUL TOWER - BLOSSOM TOWER

N Seoul Tower, a romantic cherry blossom spot, offers panoramic views of the city and cherry blossom trails with the backdrop of N Seoul Tower. Couples can join special events inside the tower (about 50,000 won for entry and activities for two) or simply stroll along the beautiful paths for free. Cooler temperatures in the area prolong the blooms compared to other areas of Seoul.

✿ Date: 3 weeks from late March to mid-April

✿ Address: San 1-3, Yongsan-dong 2-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Naver Map

7. HADONG HWAGAE MARKET CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

In Hadong County, known for its blend of tradition and nature, the festival takes place along the Hwagae Sip Ri Cherry Blossom Path, a 6 km route from Hwagae Traditional Market to Ssanggyesa Temple. When over a thousand cherry blossom trees bloom, the path is called the “Wedding Road” as couples walking hand-in-hand here are said to have 100 years of happiness together. The festival features local delicacies, stunning sights and cultural events.

✿ Date: Fri., Mar. 28 – Sun., Mar. 30

✿ Address: Hwagae-myeon District Office or Sip Ri Cherry Blossom Path, Naver Map

8. ANDONG CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

Andong, a historical city known for its rich traditional heritage like Hahoe Village and traditional mask dances, hosts a unique cherry blossom festival that blends traditions with natural beauty. Enjoy traditional games, performances, exciting festival programs, and delicious street food!

✿ Date: Wed., Apr. 2 – Sun., Apr. 6

✿ Address: Talchum (Mask dance) park, Yuksa-ro 239, Andong-si, Gyeongbuk, Naver Map 

Camp Casey

USAG Yongsan

Osan Air Base

Camp Humphreys

USAG Daegu

Fleet Chinhae

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