Cherry blossom viewing is probably one of the best ways to fully enjoy the spring in South Korea with your family and friends. Usually you’ll see the delicate pink flowers begin to appear the last week of March and into early April and peak a week later. This year, the forecast for Daegu shows the blooms will start to appear around March 21 through 25 and for Pyeongtaek, the blossoms will arrive around March 26 through 29.

Those cities have some amazing locations for enjoying the springtime views and a close look at these famous blossoms. Below are a few of the best, but to avoid crowds, make plans to visit on weekdays.

Pyeongtaek Region

Pyeongtaekho Tourist Complex

This artificial lake in western Pyeongtaek created by building a seawall for Asan-ho Lake, is another cherry blossom hot spot. Enjoy a walk under the blossoms along the decks that border the edge of the lake. If you’re lucky, you might catch some traditional music performances at the Soriter Art Center, see some local art at the Asan-ho Art Gallery and enjoy Moraetop Park, which all located inside the complex. Bring your blanket and some snacks for a scenic picnic on the grass near the art gallery.

ADDRESS: [한국 소리터주차장] 경기 평택시 현덕면 평택호길 159 (KOR), 159, Pyeongtaekho-gil, Hyeondeok-myeon, Pyeongtaek-si (ENG)

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Pyeongtaek University

This spot is about a 20-minute drive from Camp Humphreys. The campus itself is beautiful and the bell tower building which houses the school’s library make for a great backdrop to the season’s blush blooms. Pyeongtaek University is considered one of the most popular cherry blossoms viewing spots in Southern Gyeonggi-do and usually hosts a festival to herald the blossoms’ arrival. Every first weekend of April, the university holds a cherry blossom festival, featuring a variety of food trucks amidst the cherry blossoms and forsythia.

FESTIVAL: Saturday - Sunday, Apr. 6-7 (Can vary depending on the weather)

ADDRESS: 3825, Seodong-daero, Pyeongtaek-si (ENG)

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Kookje University (Eunhye-ro road)

Another go-to place to see the cherry blossoms in all their glory is at Kookje University near Osan Air Base. Every year in early April, the 1.2-km-long Eunhye-ro Road is lined with blush blossoms spanning from the entrance of the Ichung Cultural Center to Eunhye Middle and High School. Take a leisurely stroll under the cherry blossoms reminiscent of a wedding arch with a cup of coffee in hand and you’ll soon learn nothing can’t beat this view. I recommend you park your car in the Ichung Leports Park then walk towards Eunhye Middle School.

ADDRESS: 149, Janganut-gil, Pyeongtaek-si (ENG)

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Gakwonsa Temple

Enjoy the warm spring weather and king cherry trees with a trip to the beautiful temple. Gakwonsa Temple sits at the foot of Mt. Taejosan, which creates a relaxing, peaceful place to breathe in the fresh air, reflect and enjoy the picturesque scenery. What I like about this area is that there is more than just a beautiful temple and stone pagodas. There are also walking paths where you can stroll at your own pace and a street in front of the temple full of restaurants and stores. And, there’s a giant Buddha! If you have a penchant for traditional architecture and want to check out this well-known temple – you’re killing two birds with one stone!

ADDRESS: [각원사] 충남 천안시 동남구 각원사길 245 (KOR), 245, Gagwonsa-gil, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si (ENG)

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Tongbokcheon Stream

Tongbokcheon Stream runs 10 kilometers through Pyeongtaek City and is one of the most popular bike paths amongst cyclists and locals. In the spring, this path turns into a cherry blossom spot crowded with visitors who want to enjoy the pretty pink flowers lined up along the stream. Before you hit the path, rent a FREE bike from the Pyeongtaek Public Bike Rental Shop, which you can ride along Tongbokcheon Stream. Check out the this edition’s Korea Kid’s Corner for more details on how to rent the free bike. A little bit of exercise and a lot of cherry blossoms sounds like the perfect way to take in the spring air.

ADDRESS: [Pyeongtaek Public Bike Rental Shop at Tongbokcheon Stream] 174 Dongsak-ro, Pyeongtaek-si

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Daegu Region

Riverside of Geumhogang River

Well known for its beautiful river scenery and various spring flowers such as forsythias, the Geumhogang River Cherry blossom street is yet another fantastic spot to enjoy the warmer temperatures of spring. This spot also holds evening illuminations, so grab a sweater and head over for a magical evening walk surrounded by bright blossoms.

ADDRESS: 대구 동구 검사동 984-9 (KOR), 984-9, Geomsa-dong, Dong-gu, Daegu (ENG) Daegu Subway Metro Line 1 - get off Dongcheon Sta. – exit # 2 or 3 NAVEP MAP

Daegu E-World

This theme park features a 1.4-km-long road lined with cherry blossoms. Love taking photos to share on SNS? You’ll spot the more than 83 spots for snaps in the park where the delicate blooms become the perfect backdrop for your Instagram photoshoot. And, make plans to stay into the evening, as the pink neon lights go up and the cherry blossoms put on a vibrant glowing display.

ADDRESS: [이월드] 대구 달서구 두류공원로 200 (KOR), 20, Duryugongwon-ro 28-gil, Dalseo-gu, Daegu (ENG)

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Suseongmot Lake

Every year, the banks of Suseongmot Lake in southern Daegu are blanketed in faux snow. The lake had been developed for agriculture during the Japanese colonial era, now serves as a great place for leisure. The king cherry trees line the 2-km-long lakeside make it an ideal spot for a picnic or leisurely stroll. This area is host for many activities beyond flower-viewing like open-air concerts, exhibitions, and street performances. Grab a bite or a nice cup of coffee at the many outdoor cafés and restaurants by the lake. As a bonus, the nearby Suseongland, a small amusement park, is a great spot for kids!

ADDRESS: 대구 수성구 두산동 512 (KOR), 512, Dusan-dong, Suseong-gu, Daegu (ENG)

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Palgongsan Mountain

One of Daegu-area’s most popular provincial parks is Mt. Palgongsan. This place is a favorite for hiking and every year the mountain goes blush with pink flowers from the many cherry blossoms trees, drawing many from near and far for a peek. Here you’ll find Gatbawi, a giant stone buddha known for granting visitor’s earnest wish, housed at the Donghwasa Temple built in 1732. If, like me, you’re not a big fan of hiking, opt for a drive through the cherry blossom-lined road called “Palgongsan-ro” that circles around the mountain.

ADDRESS: [수태골 공영 주차장-Parking lot] 대구 동구 신무동 13 (KOR), 13, Sinmu-dong, Dong-gu, Daegu (ENG)

NAVEP MAP: 대구 동구 신무동13

Yeungnam University

Yeungnam University, which boasts the second-largest campus size on the Korean Peninsula, is a wonderful place to visit in spring when it is covered in cherry blossoms. Make a plan to spend a half-day walking along the cherry tree-lined paths and picnicking in its open knoll behind the university. As a bonus, there is a folk village where you can take in the charm of the architecture. The highlight of the place is “Love Road,” a romantic, a tunnel created by the cherry blossoms. It is said that couples who are interested in each other can fall in love together if they walk down the road without looking back until they’ve reached the end.

ADDRESS: 경북 경산시 대학로 280 (KOR), 280, Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (ENG) Take Daegu Metro Line 2 (green) - get off Yeongnam University Station – exit3 or 4

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Osan Region

Osancheon Cherry Blossom Road

Considered as one of the prettiest spots for cherry-blossom viewing in Osan, Osancheon (오산천 벚꽃길) that runs across the city is an ecological park, a home to resident birds such as mandarin duck, kestrel, white heron and more.

Take a relaxing stroll along the riverside promenades and gardens with thousands of cherry trees planted along the stream. When you go there, don’t forget to swing by octagonal pavilion(팔각정), a beautiful photoshoot location. Spring is not just a great time to visit the road for its popular cherry blossoms. Every spring, beautiful orsythia in full bloom also greet visitors here.

Another good way to see cherry blossom at this place is from the seat of your bike. Here you’ll find a path that will take about a 20-minute bike ride where you’ll be surrounded by cherry blossom trees and a shower of petals. Too short to ride a bike? Don’t worry, the road is connected with Sinricheon and Dongtan Lake Park which great spots for cherry blossom viewing and longer rides.

ADDRESS: 경기 화성시 노작로 10 (KOR), 10, Nojak-ro, Hwaseong-si (ENG)

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Osan Mal-geum-teo Park

Situated in the southern region of Osan, the Mal-geum-teo Park (오산맑음터공원) is primarily a cherry blossom viewing spot during the spring season. This park originally a home to a sewage treatment plant serving Osan, turned into a great park that features sculptures, attractions and open space in 2005.

The park is gorgeous at any time of year. But in the spring, several sections light up with pink blossoms, plum blossoms, forsythia and rape. Look for a pink weeping cherry trees put on a breathtaking, pastel show, when their elegantly arched branches bloom pale pink flowers.

Inside the park, Osan Ecorium allows visitors a glimpse of the process of recycling. The museum has a 76-meter-high observatory offering stunning views of the whole city including the park full of cherry blossoms. This kids-friendly park has swimming pool, fountain square, eco pond and even rabbit hutch where you can feed bunnies.

ADDRESS: 경기 오산시 누읍동 115-1 (KOR)

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Entry: Free (Open throughout the year)

Mulhyanggi Arboretum

With 19 different themed gardens with over 1,920 different plants and flowers, the Mulhyahgii Arboretum (물향기 수목원) is the perfect spot for a walk in all seasons. Spring is an especially glorious time to enjoy cherry blossoms along with other flowers.

The path in the garden is a mixture of level walkways and challenging hills. The garden features many unique themed sections to explore, including Mankyungwon, which is comprised of vines and creepers, Yousilsoowon where trees that bear edible fruit are planted, and Korea’s Pine Exhibit.

It’s only 30-minute drive from Osan Air Base or it is also accessible via the subway. Take the subway from Songtan Station to Osan College Station. From there it’s only a short five-minute walk to the arboretum. Make sure to pick up a map at the front entrance or it would be easy to find yourself wandering around all afternoon!

ADDRESS: 경기 오산시 청학로 211 (KOR) 211, Cheonghak-ro, Osan-si (ENG)

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Entrance ticket Adults: 1500 won/ Teenagers (Ages 13 - 18): 1000 won/ Children (Ages 12 and under): 700 won

*Free admission: Preschoolers, senior citizens (ages 65 & older)

HOURS: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Mar. – Oct.), 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Jun. – Aug), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Nov. – Feb.)

* Last admission is one hour before closing. * Closed on every Monday

Parking Fees: Compact cars 1,500 won / Small & medium cars 3,000 won / Large cars 5,000 won

USAG Yongsan

USAG Daegu

Osan Air Base

Camp Humphreys

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