Jeonnong-ro Road (Photo courtesy of Jeju City)
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 5 cherry blossom spots featuring festivals.
1. Jinhae - Naval Port Festival (Gunhangje)
(Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
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: Sat., Mar. 23 – Mon., Apr. 1 (10 days)
· Festival locations: Jungwon Rotary, Gyeonghwa Station, Yeojwacheon Stream, Jinhae Tower, Jungang Market, Naval Academy, U.S. Naval Base CFAC, and more.
2. Jeju Cherry Blossom Festivals
Noksandro Road (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
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 22. – Sun., Mar. 24
· Address: Samdo 1dong https://naver.me/5rsMMuFU
Aewol-eup King Cherry Blossom Festival
· Date: Sat., Mar. 23 – Sun., Mar. 24
· Address: 1167-9 Jangjeon-ri, Aewol-eup
3. Han River Park - Yeouido Spring Flower Festival
(Photo courtesy of Yeongdeungpo Cultural Foundation)
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: Wed., Mar. 27 – Sun., Mar. 31
· Address: Line 9 National Assembly St. Exit 1 / Yeoui-ro 60-2 https://naver.me/5lZCzHyH
4. Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival
(Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
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., Mar. 27 – Sun., Mar 31
· Address: Line 2 & 8. Jamsil Station Exit 2
5. Nami Island Cherry Blossom Festival
(Photo courtesy of Nami Island)
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: From early to late April (more info on the website)
· Website: https://www.namisum.com/
· Admission including round trip ferry: Adults 16,000 won / Teens 13,000 won / Children 10,000 won
Speaking Korean for spring
· Spring: Bom (봄)
· Warm weather: Tta-seu-han nalssi (따스한 날씨)
· Flower: Kkot (꽃)
· Cherry blossoms: Beot-kkot (벚꽃)
· These flowers are very beautiful: Kkot-deuri jeongmal areum-dawoyo (꽃들이 정말 아름다워요)
· To go flower viewing: Kkot gugyeong-hada (꽃구경하다)
· Let’s go to cherry blossom viewing: Beot-kkot gugyeong-gaja (벚꽃 구경가자)
