Editor’s Note: These are uncertain times, so please follow base guidelines on non-essential travel and which locations are off-limits. Wear a face mask, practice social-distancing, proper handwashing and safety measures.

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. This year, the forecast for Daegu shows the blooms will reach peak on March 31 and for Pyeontaek expect peak around a week later on April 7.

Both 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.

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) NAVEP MAP: http://naver.me/xnEK5Nxf

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. Though the festival is postponed again this year, this is still a good spot to get your cherry blossom fix! ADDRESS: [평택대학교] 경기도 평택시 서동대로 3825 (KOR), 3825, Seodong-daero, Pyeongtaek-si (ENG) NAVEP MAP: http://naver.me/5SvuPzsk

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: [이충문화체육센터] 경기 평택시 장안웃길 149 (KOR), 149, Janganut-gil, Pyeongtaek-si (ENG) NAVEP MAP: http://naver.me/FA6PdwvX

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) NAVEP MAP: http://naver.me/G8aJq2Ds

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 bike from the Pyeongtaek Public Bike Rental Shop across from the Boo-Young Apartment building near Tongbokcheon Stream. A little bit of exercise and a lot of cherry blossoms sounds like the perfect way to take in the spring air. ADDRESS: [두바퀴의행복 공공자전거무료대여소] 경기도 평택시 동삭로 174 (KOR), 174, Dongsak-ro, Pyeongtaek-si (ENG) NAVEP MAP: http://naver.me/F6mzcEIA

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: http://naver.me/GPwnxQCX

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) NAVEP MAP: http://naver.me/FAZo7AqL WEBSITE: http://www.eworld.kr/

Evvery 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) NAVEP MAP: http://naver.me/xRQC8yK4

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 http://naver.me/xewZNYDb

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 NAVEP MAP: http://naver.me/xxXOEJs0