The magical cherry blossom season in Seoul, South Korea, is a sight to behold. Every spring, the Korean capital is transformed into a beautiful sea of white and pink as thousands of cherry blossoms bloom throughout the region. From the ancient Gyeongbokgung Palace to Yeouido Park, tourists and locals alike flock to these popular spots to revel in the beauty of the blooming cherry trees. This year, visitors can expect an even more dazzling display of nature’s spectacle with warmer temperatures due to climate change. Get ready for an unforgettable experience, and join us as we explore the captivating cherry blossoms in Seoul!
When is cherry blossom season in Seoul in 2024?
Cherry blossom season in Seoul generally begins in the first week of April, with full bloom hitting about 4 to 7 days later. In 2023, Seoul’s cherry blossoms first flowered on March 28th. This was over a week earlier than the average start date of April 10th.
The official forecast for Seoul’s prime cherry blossom season in 2024 isn’t available yet. The Korean Meteorological Administration usually releases the full forecast for the whole country in early March every year.
QUICK TIP: If checking out the cherry blossoms is important for your trip plans, the best time to go to Seoul is around the first week or two of April. This is when the flowers usually start blossoming. Full bloom usually hits in the second week of April.
Where to see cherry blossoms in Seoul
Start your cherry blossom tour in Yeouido
One of the most spectacular cherry blossom sites in Seoul is also one of the busiest. The Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival attracts thousands of tourists who come to see about 1,400 cherry trees lining the streets and parks.
The mass arrival of tourists also brings food vendors, street performances, and a lot of outdoor entertainment. It’s a grand time for everyone, but it can get crowded.
You may want to arrive early and leave early so that you can check out some of the other destinations and not get lost in the traffic.
Enjoy amusement park rides at Seokchon Lake
Seokchon Lake is in the eastern part of the city and is easy to get to from the main commercial districts. It’s beautiful year-round but is extra special in spring when it becomes one of the most beautiful spots for cherry blossom viewing in Seoul.
Seokchon Lake holds a large cherry blossom festival each year. The lake is also right next to Lotte World, a major amusement park. The blue-roofed fairytale castles blend strikingly with the light pink cherry blossoms. It’ll transport you into an unforgettable fantasy world.
Watch zoo animals at Seoul Grand Park
Like Seokchon Lake, Seoul Grand Park provides access to both blossom viewing and an amusement park. On top of that, it features a zoo & botanical garden. You could spend the whole day here—whether in cherry blossom season or not!
Seoul Grand Park also holds a large cherry blossom festival, which usually starts around the eighth of April. There are live performances, cherry blossom busking, and plenty of spots for romantic photos.
While there’s plenty to do at the park, it’s rarely crowded. You can enjoy a stroll through the zoo and check out the cherry blossoms without jostling with tourists and locals.
Relax and have a picnic at Seoul Forest
Seoul Forest is a great destination any time of the year and one of the top attractions in Seoul. During cherry blossom season, it explodes with color.
Admission to the park is free. It’s another top choice for those who want to avoid the crowds. Bring a picnic basket and a blanket to enjoy a relaxing lunch in the forest, eating under the cherry trees.
If you want a better view of your surroundings, there’s a large bridge in the middle of the forest. You can see the tops of the lavender-colored blossoms and get some amazing photos.
Be aware (and this is a good thing): Getting lost in the beauty of the forest might make you forget that you’re still in the middle of Seoul!
View miles of cherry trees at Kyung Hee University
Kyung Hee University has a beautiful campus that’s made even more gorgeous during the cherry blossom season. The campus architecture is a cool-looking backdrop for the light pink cherry blossoms.
If you’re lucky, the College of Fine Arts building will be open. From the rooftop of the building, you can get a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. You can see the tops of the trees and buildings dotting the landscape as far as your eyes can see.
There are also many places around the campus to rest. You can stroll through parks, sit near a pond, and even enjoy a picnic on the campus grounds.
Celebrate life at the Seoul National Cemetery
While a cemetery may seem like a downer for a fun-filled cherry blossom tour, Seoul National Cemetery might change your tune.
During cherry blossom season, the cemetery is a colorful place with various outdoor activities. You can view the trees, watch a changing of the guard, and enjoy the sounds of the military band.
The Seoul National Cemetery houses weeping cherry trees. The foliage droops downward, just as willow trees do. It’s an interesting spot that stands out from the other destinations.
Discover history at the Five Royal Palaces
Besides these destinations, there are five more places for prime cherry blossom viewing: the royal palaces.
There are five royal palaces in the city. No matter which palace you visit, you’ll see beautiful cherry trees in full bloom against a backdrop of historic architecture. You don’t need to visit them all but carve out time to check out at least one.
If you want to avoid the crowds, visit Changgyeonggung Palace. It’s not the most popular of the five palaces but offers the best blossom viewing. It’ll have fewer people and more trees.
