As the chill of winter fades and spring ushers in warmth, South Korea transforms into a stunning, pink-hued wonderland. The cherry blossom season, one of the most anticipated events of the year, begins in late March and peaks in early April. Whether you’re planning a leisurely stroll through Seoul, a romantic getaway to Jeju Island, or an adventurous trip to Busan, the cherry blossoms in Korea offer a picturesque experience like no other.
Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Korea
South Korea is home to some of the most breathtaking cherry blossom spots. Here are a few must-visit locations for 2025:
Seoul: The Heart of the Blossoms
- Yeouido Island: Known for its iconic cherry blossom tunnel, Yeouido Island is the go-to spot for a romantic walk amidst 1,800 cherry trees, perfectly framing the National Assembly building. The cherry blossoms here, combined with the vibrant city skyline, create a mesmerizing contrast. Visit during the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival for an unforgettable experience.
- Seokchon Lake: With over 1,000 cherry trees lining the banks, Seokchon Lake becomes a serene paradise during cherry blossom season. Enjoy the views while sipping coffee at one of the nearby cafés, or simply wander along the lakeside paths.
- Namsan Seoul Tower: For a mix of natural beauty and city views, Namsan offers both cherry blossoms and panoramic views of the sprawling metropolis. The walk up the mountain is as scenic as it is invigorating.
Busan: The Coastal Cherry Blossoms
- Jungang Park: Famous for its cherry blossom-lined paths, Jungang Park in Busan is perfect for an afternoon stroll. The park’s central location and scenic views make it a prime cherry blossom spot.
- Dalmaji Hill: For a more unique experience, head to Dalmaji Hill. This hidden gem offers not just beautiful blossoms, but also a chance to enjoy Busan's coastal breeze and stunning ocean views. It's the perfect mix of nature and serenity.
Jeju Island: Blossoms in Paradise
- Jeju’s Cherry Blossom Road: Located near the Hallasan Mountain, Jeju Island offers a stunning cherry blossom experience with blossoms set against the backdrop of volcanic landscapes and coastlines. The area’s quiet beauty makes it an ideal place for reflection and relaxation.
- Jeju University: For those wanting to experience cherry blossoms in a more academic setting, Jeju University’s campus is lined with trees that bloom beautifully during the season. It’s perfect for a peaceful walk or a quiet moment under the blossoms.
2025 Korean Cherry Blossoms: Blooming Time Comparison
Cherry blossom season in Korea varies slightly depending on the region, but generally, it starts in late March and peaks in early April. Below is a comparison of blooming times in major regions across Korea for 2025.
| Region | Expected Blooming Time | Peak Blooming Period | Best Time to Visit |
| Seoul | Late March - Early April | April 1-10 | April 3-7 |
| Busan | Late March - Early April | March 28 - April 5 | April 1-5 |
| Jeju Island | Late March - Early April | March 25 - April 2 | March 28 - April 1 |
| Gyeongju | Late March - Early April | April 1-10 | April 3-7 |
| Jinhae | Late March - Early April | March 28 - April 4 | March 30 - April 3 |
| Incheon | Late March - Early April | April 1-5 | April 3-5 |
- Seoul: The cherry blossoms in the capital usually begin blooming in late March, with the peak bloom around April 1-10.
- Busan: The southern coast experiences an early bloom, reaching its peak around March 28-April 5.
- Jeju Island: Due to its warmer climate, Jeju's cherry blossoms bloom earlier than mainland Korea, typically between March 25-April 2.
- Gyeongju: The historical city’s blossoms reach peak bloom from April 1-10, making it a fantastic location for cherry blossom viewing and cultural exploration.
- Jinhae: Known for its stunning cherry blossom festivals, Jinhae’s peak bloom happens from March 28-April 4.
- Incheon: A bit further north, Incheon’s cherry blossoms peak around April 1-5, making it a great option for those visiting the Seoul area.
2025 Korean Cherry Blossoms: Opening Hours
Different parks, locations, and cherry blossom festivals in Korea have varying opening hours. Here’s a quick guide to some of the major cherry blossom spots and their 2025 opening hours:
| Location | Opening Hours (2025) | Additional Notes |
| Yeouido Park (Seoul) | 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM | Free entry, but get there early to avoid crowds. |
| Namsan Seoul Tower (Seoul) | 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM | Open daily, with extended hours during peak season. |
| Jungang Park (Busan) | 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM | Entry free; nighttime views are spectacular. |
| Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Park | 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM | Free entry, festivals might extend hours. |
| Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival | 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM | Event timings may vary, with night events and performances. |
| Jeju Cherry Blossom Road | Open 24 hours (Best visited daytime) | The road itself is open, but local parks like Hallasan close at 6:00 PM. |
| Seokchon Lake (Seoul) | 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM | Great spot for early morning or evening walks. |
Key Notes:
- Opening hours for cherry blossom viewing locations typically depend on the park or festival. Many public parks and nature areas allow access from early morning (around 5:00-6:00 AM) and close around 9:00-10:00 PM.
- For festivals like the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, there may be extended hours for evening events, including performances, food stalls, and night-time illuminations.
- Some spots, especially those located within national parks or nature reserves (like Hallasan in Jeju), may have earlier closures in the evening (typically by 6:00 PM).
It’s a good idea to check local schedules closer to your visit to ensure you don’t miss any special events or closing times!
Top Cherry Blossom Festivals You Can’t Miss
Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival (진해군항제)
Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival One Day Tour【Depart from Seoul/Busan • 2025 Spring • Yeojwacheon Stream • Gyeonghwa Station】
Departs from Seoul & other locations
Printed Voucher/E-Voucher
Mandarin / English |
Duration:8 - 10hrs
from US$46.26
Book Now >
- Location: Jinhae, Gyeongsangnam-do
- Dates: March 28 – April 4, 2025 (tentative)
- Highlight:
The Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival is arguably the most famous cherry blossom festival in Korea. Located in the southern part of the country, Jinhae is home to over 340,000 cherry trees that create a breathtaking canopy of flowers. The festival is known for its lively atmosphere, colorful parades, traditional performances, and night-time illuminations. - Must-see spots:
Namiseom Island Cherry Blossom Festival
Nami Island + Gangchon Railway Theme Park + Tangjinri Cherry Blossom Road One-Day Tour in Seoul, South Korea [Spring Cherry Blossom Viewing Tour + Chinese VIP Chartered Vehicle+ 1 Single 1 Group]
Departs from Seoul & other locations
Printed Voucher/E-Voucher
Mandarin / English |
Duration:8 - 10hrs
- Location: Namiseom Island, Gapyeong
- Dates: Early April 2025 (tentative)
- Highlight:
Namiseom Island, located just outside of Seoul, is a popular destination for cherry blossom viewing. The island is known for its tree-lined paths and scenic landscapes. During the cherry blossom season, the island becomes a romantic getaway with a gentle breeze and a beautiful view of the blossoms over the Han River. - Must-see spots:
Travel Essentials
Flights to Korea:
Booking flights early can help you score the best deals. Whether you're flying into Seoul, Busan, or Jeju, there are plenty of direct flights available. Trip.com offers competitive prices and convenient booking options.
Flights to Korea:
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EWR01:0014h 55mNonstopICN04:55New York - Seoul|Wed, Apr 15|Air Premia€470€56016% off16% off€560€470 - EWR01:0014h 55mNonstopICN04:55New York - Seoul|Thu, May 7|Air Premia€470€56016% off16% off€560€470
LGA12:3040h 5m2 stopsICN18:35New York - Seoul|Tue, Mar 3|Frontier Airlines€343€56039% off39% off€560€343
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Accommodation:
From luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses, you’ll find a wide variety of accommodations to suit your needs. Whether you want to stay in the heart of the city or closer to nature, Trip.com offers great options.
Where to stay in Seoul
5 star
Great543 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.3km from city center
Our family booked two large rooms on the 18th floor, each 55 square meters. We were traveling with children and had two 30-inch suitcases, which we could fully open in the room with no problem. The bathroom was also quite spacious with a wet and dry separation, and there was a bathtub, which was perfect after a tiring day of sightseeing and shopping. Every evening, there would be a thermos of hot red date and ginseng tea on the coffee table, and they even prepared a little surprise for the kids. Turndown service included placing slippers, water bottles, and glasses by the bedside. What touched me the most is that I'm a bit of a germaphobe and usually put a small towel under my jewelry and makeup bag. To my surprise, the hotel staff provided several neatly ironed and clean cloths for me to place my items on. I was genuinely moved; in over 20 years of staying at high-end luxury hotels, very few have demonstrated such meticulous attention to detail. This level of thoughtfulness from the Westin Chosun Seoul was truly exceptional! Thank you so much! The Executive Lounge breakfast was small but exquisite, and our whole family found it to be excellent. The ingredients were fresh and clean, and the taste was fantastic! 👍👍👍From€258
Amazing287 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.21km from city center
Excellent service and room is clean.Good location , train accessible.The gym is slightly away and inconvenient. The breakfast is too expensive, not worth for small eater like me.
Overall,I would recommend a stay here for the great location.From€157
Very Good363 Reviews
Hannam-dong/Itaewon Seoul|3.44km from city center
The room's color scheme is very harmonious, and the location in Seoul is excellent! The lobby had a fantastic Christmas🎄 atmosphere, and even though there was a language barrier, the staff were incredibly patient and attentive in helping me with translations!From€157
Very Good373 Reviews
Hannam-dong/Itaewon Seoul|4.43km from city center
The front desk service attitude was decent, but it took a very, very long time. This was because the room type I booked wasn't available. They immediately suggested switching us to a lower-priced room, which we didn't agree to. The staff then kept typing away on their computer or phone, communicating with someone, until we called Ctrip ourselves. Coincidentally, they then said a room was available, claiming someone had canceled their reservation. This whole ordeal caused us to miss out on eating at the restaurant we wanted to go to that night. Plus, the shower in the room leaked severely, all the way to under the sink, making it very inconvenient to get ready.From€139
Amazing982 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.68km from city center
This is a great hotel, although the rooms are a bit small. The front desk was a little cold during check-in and didn't offer much information. However, during our two-day stay, the service was impeccable and thought-out. For example, at 9:30 PM, when we were buying snacks at the convenience store by the main entrance, the shuttle bus driver proactively asked if we wanted a ride up (we didn't even know there was a shuttle, as the front desk hadn't mentioned it). And you absolutely *must* try the bakery on the first floor – it's Seoul's number one French patisserie.From€245
Gym
Great1030 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.9km from city center
I booked this hotel because it's convenient for Seoul Station, as I was taking the KTX to Busan the next day. I'm not sure if it was because I booked with points, but when I arrived at the hotel around 7 PM, the front desk staff were completely unenthusiastic, or rather, provided no service at all. When checking in, I asked if I could get a higher floor, but after checking in, I found I was given the lowest fifth floor. It really felt deliberate, and it was too late for me to ask for a change. When I got to the room, the AC didn't work, the room was really cold, and it faced the road, so it was incredibly noisy at night. I had originally booked a mountain view room for the last two nights of my trip back to Seoul from Busan, but with this kind of service, I immediately canceled and booked another hotel. Honestly, after staying in so many hotels, this is the first time I've ever felt like checking out the moment I checked in.From€166
Very Good1294 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.61km from city center
We really loved our stay here.. walking distance to myeongdong. You can also leave your luggage here if you are going to other parts of koreA. The staff are very entertaining and accommodating. The is also a convenience store at the 1st floor and pharmacy. Highly recommend this!From€67
Very Good1349 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.05km from city center
Environment: The location is excellent. It's just 20 meters straight ahead from Myeongdong Subway Exit 10. The airport bus stop is only 50 meters away, Myeongdong is right behind the hotel, and the North Face building and Daiso are across the street.
Service: It was just average, I didn't really experience any special service. The hotel requires check-in at 3 PM, and they stored my luggage for me. There's a self-check-in machine at the front desk, which was quite convenient and available in Chinese.
Facilities: It's definitely an older hotel. You absolutely need to bring your own toothbrush and toothpaste, as the hotel doesn't provide them. They cost ₩1000 if you need to buy them.From€63
Great1204 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.22km from city center
Location of the hotel is superb! It's very convenient if you take k-limuisine bus 6701 from the airport, the bus stop is just in front of the hotel. All sights of the city center are walkable, but subway and bus stops are also 5 min away, so you can discover all areas of this beautiful city. The staff were friendly and hospitable, don't expect checking in earlier than 15.00 through. Amenities of the hotel are quite old, but mostly okay. The breakfast is just perfect! So tasty and various, highly recommend to add them to your booking.
The only thing that disappointed us was the lighting system of the first room. It was turning on and off automatically and randomly during the night, we've experienced a pure torture. Reception sent us an electrician few times, but he couldn't fix it, so we requested changing the room. Thanks to the staff, they found a new room quickly and made a little upgrade, so we finally could have a couple of hours of sleep.
Overall it was a good experience, so I can recommend the hotel Koreans for your trip to Seoul!From€43
Very Good2855 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.57km from city center
As always, I love it. This is my sixth time visiting Seoul and my sixth stay at PJ Hotel. The transportation is incredibly convenient, with subway stations, bus stops, and airport limousine bus stops all nearby. Convenience stores are everywhere, too. There was also a pleasant surprise: the hotel has been renovated! The hallways are now spacious and bright, which is lovely. My room also had a new clothes dryer, which is very thoughtful and practical. The mini-fridge was also stocked with complimentary drinks and snacks. These little details, showing such great service, truly make you feel comfortable. The entire stay experience was fantastic – it's convenient, easy, and offers excellent value for money. There's no reason not to choose PJ Hotel.From€81
Swimming pool
Very Good869 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.72km from city center
The biggest pros:
Strategically located in the heart of Myeongdong, you step right out into a bustling shopping street and night market. The Olive Young flagship store is downstairs, and there's a Starbucks right at the entrance. The subway station is a convenient 7-minute walk away, making it easy to get around.
The cons:
The room size is surprisingly small, making it a bit cramped when opening luggage. Soundproofing is also just average. Plus, showering inside the bathtub is quite inconvenient.
They don't provide complimentary disposable toothbrushes and toothpaste; they cost about 6,000 KRW each. However, they do offer shampoo, hand soap, shower gel, and body lotion, which all smell pretty good.
Overall, this is a typical hotel that excels in location. If your main focus is shopping and food, and you plan to spend most of your time outside the hotel, then it's quite suitable.From€137
Very Good688 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.73km from city center
Second stay here, definitely our top choice in Myeongdong!
The location is excellent; you step right out into Shinsegae Department Store, and it's super close to Myeongdong Shopping Street and Lotte. There's a subway station right outside, making it incredibly convenient for eating and exploring.
More importantly, the facilities and cleanliness are superior to other older hotels in Myeongdong. When you're traveling, a comfortable stay is really important!From€187
Very Good328 Reviews
Hannam-dong/Itaewon Seoul|3.79km from city center
This hotel next to Itaewon has small rooms and average facilities – nothing special, but clean. During the day, the location felt great; it was convenient to get everywhere since the subway entrance is right outside. But at night, it's a different story. Unless you're someone who can fall asleep instantly the moment your head hits the pillow, you're pretty much guaranteed a bad night's sleep. The clubs in Itaewon thump and boom until dawn, and even with earplugs in, that low-frequency vibrating 'thump-thump' sound will constantly get on your nerves.From€59
Great621 Reviews
Seoul|12.73km from city center
Located in Lotte Jamsil, it's a 5-minute walk to the shopping mall and duty-free shop, and 15 minutes to Lotte World. The room offers panoramic views of Seokchon Lake and is equipped with a state-of-the-art coffee machine, phone charging cables, and a complimentary welcome kit. The bedding is comfortable, there's a bathtub, and the toiletries are by Diptyque. The hotel's public areas are visually appealing, and the pool and gym facilities are modern.From€250
Great245 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.75km from city center
The hotel is clean and the location is great. The airport shuttle goes directly there, there's a lot of good food nearby, and it's very convenient to get to Dongdaemun.From€240
Breakfast
Great2282 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.16km from city center
The Sky Room's layout made the room feel a bit small, and I couldn't see N Seoul Tower from the window. I think a double room would have made it easier to unpack my luggage. The location, however, is very convenient. It's about a five-minute walk from Euljiro 3-ga Station (Line 2), Exit 12, and about a 10-minute walk to Myeongdong. There's also a convenience store right in the hotel lobby, which is super handy, especially in the middle of winter when you don't want to go outside.From€89
Great666 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.58km from city center
For my recent Seoul trip, I stayed at the Aloft Myeongdong, and to my surprise, it was the building I always used to walk past! The location is absolutely fantastic – right in the Myeongdong shopping district, with Lotte and Shinsegae department stores just across the street, directly accessible via an underground pass. Plus, the Line 2 subway station is only a 5-minute walk away, making it incredibly convenient for both shopping and getting around.
What truly impressed me was the thoughtful touch: every time I came back from the cold outdoors, the lobby had hot coffee and popcorn ready, which was an instant pick-me-up. This first-time stay at a new hotel was a huge success, and I highly recommend it to anyone planning a shopping spree in Myeongdong.
Oh, and a tip: the airport bus stops at Ibis Hotel, and it’s just a few minutes' walk back from there!From€176
Great890 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.48km from city center
Service staff are friendly and approachable. Location excellent to walkable places liked Shinsegae Dept Store, Lotte Mall, Insadong Cultural Street and Gyeongbokgung Palace. Laundry room available and complimentary lockers to keep luggages after check-out before heading to airport.From€125
Great1451 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.2km from city center
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/5 Stars — Absolutely Exceptional!
My stay at Nine Tree by Parnas Dongdaemun was nothing short of amazing! From the moment I arrived, the staff made me feel genuinely welcomed with warm smiles and top-tier service. The room was spotless, modern, and incredibly comfortable — the kind of space you instantly relax in after a long day of exploring Seoul.
The location is perfect, just steps away from Dongdaemun’s shopping, food, and cultural sights. Whether I needed directions, recommendations, or assistance, the team went above and beyond every single time. The little touches — thoughtful amenities, attention to detail, and impeccable cleanliness — truly made this stay stand out.
I’ve stayed at many hotels, but this experience easily deserves 10 out of 5 stars. I can’t recommend Nine Tree by Parnas Dongdaemun enough, and I’ll absolutely be returning on my next trip to Seoul.
An unforgettable stay! 🙌✨From€53
Very Good947 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.02km from city center
Staff at reception and housekeeping were friendly and helpful, in particular this lady called June.
Room was spacious enough to open up two big luggages and still have room to walk.
TV channel options were plentiful, and the bed was comfortable.
Location was superb, with the entrance to exit 12 of Euljiro sam ga station just right in front of the station, a short 10 min walk to the main myeongdong shopping area, and the airport limousine bus stop just less than a 5 min walk away. Bakeries, convenience stores and cafes are also in the vicinity.
Unfortunately, our bathroom had a drain fly infestation with flies on the ceiling, on the shower walls, and some which made their way to the bedroom. The TV remote control wasn’t working well despite a change of batteries, which could mean that the remote control itself was faulty itself - we had difficulties using the arrow buttons to search on YouTube. Elevators could take up to 10-15 mins to arrive during peak morning hours, and you may not get to board even when it does as it will signal a weight capacity issue and will not close the door unless you come out - this is especially so when there’s passengers with luggages. Room 1701 btw.
Nonetheless, the pros outweigh the cons and I would choose to stay here again.From€94
Tips for a Memorable Cherry Blossom Trip
- Plan Your Trip Early: Since cherry blossom season is short, booking your flights and accommodation early ensures you don’t miss out on prime spots.
- Rent a Car for Flexibility: Renting a car or using private transportation can help you reach off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots that might be less crowded.
- Dress Comfortably: While it’s springtime, the weather can still be chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings. Dress in layers to stay comfortable as you explore.
- Capture the Moment: The cherry blossoms create a stunning backdrop for photos, so don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the fleeting beauty.
Korea’s cherry blossom season is one of the country’s most enchanting events, attracting visitors from all over the world. Whether you're exploring the lively streets of Seoul, the tranquil parks of Jeju, or the coastal beauty of Busan, the cherry blossoms offer a breathtaking sight that will stay with you long after the season ends.
Book Your 2025 Cherry Blossom Trip with Trip.com and immerse yourself in the beauty of Korea’s springtime spectacle. Whether it's flights, hotels, car rentals, or tour packages, Trip.com makes it easy to plan your cherry blossom adventure.
Happy travels and happy cherry blossom viewing!
FAQs about cherry blossom korea
When is the best time to visit Korea for cherry blossoms?
The best time to visit Korea for cherry blossoms is typically from late March to early April. However, the exact bloom dates vary each year depending on weather conditions. Seoul usually sees blossoms from April 1-10, while Jeju Island often blooms earlier, from late March.Where are the best places to see cherry blossoms in Korea?
Some of the top cherry blossom spots in Korea include: Yeouido Park (Seoul) Jinhae (Gyeongsangnam-do) Gyeongju (Gyeongsangbuk-do) Jeju Island Namiseom Island (Gapyeong) Seokchon Lake (Seoul) Boramae Park (Seoul)How long do the cherry blossoms last in Korea?
Cherry blossoms in Korea typically last for 1-2 weeks. The full bloom period, when the trees are in their peak, usually lasts around 5-7 days. After the peak, the blossoms gradually fall, making way for the leaves to grow.Are there any cherry blossom festivals in Korea?
Yes! Korea hosts several cherry blossom festivals, including: Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival (one of the largest and most famous) Yeouido Spring Flower Festival (Seoul) Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival These festivals offer a variety of activities, including parades, performances, food stalls, and more!How do I get to cherry blossom viewing spots in Korea?
Public Transportation: Major cherry blossom spots in Seoul, like Yeouido Park, can easily be reached by subway. For destinations like Gyeongju or Jeju, you can take the KTX (high-speed train) or domestic flights. Guided Tours: You can also join guided tours for a hassle-free experience, where transport, meals, and visits to multiple cherry blossom sites are arranged.