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Korea Cherry Blossom Forecast 2026: Bloom Dates and Best Viewing Spots

Last Updated on March 6, 2026

Spring in Korea doesn’t really feel like spring for many locals and visitors until those beautiful light pink cherry blossoms bloom. One minute the trees are bare, and the next the streets, rivers, and parks turn soft pink, and then it’s gone again in what feels like the blink of an eye (some years it really is that fast if it rains).

There are numerous places to see cherry blossoms in Seoul and around Korea with some being more popular than others. You could really walk down the most mundane neighborhood and see cherry blossoms, so while you should and probably will seek to find some of the touted best places to see cherry blossoms in Korea, also just keep your eyes peeled for trees along the way.

Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival, Seoul, Korea

There’s lots of info here so feel free to skip around. Here’s what you’ll find in this post:

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Cherry Blossom Quick Answers

  • First blooms in Korea: Jeju and Busan
  • Best time for Seoul: Usually early April
  • Best famous festival: Yeouido in Seoul or Jinhae in the south
  • Best quieter spots in Seoul: Dream Forest, Anyang Stream, Bulgwang Stream
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Cherry Blossoms, Ansan Mountain, Seoul, Korea

Korea Cherry Blossom Forecast 2026

Cherry blossoms in South Korea bloom from the end of March into April usually and they are rather fleeting so you want to try and plan ahead as best you can then jump as soon as you get confirmation that they are blooming.

The cherry blossoms in Korea 2026 are predicted to begin blooming:

LocationPredicted Blooming DateBest Viewing Estimate
Jeju IslandMarch 25March 30 ~ April 1
BusanMarch 25March 30 ~ April 1
GwangjuMarch 27April 1 ~ 3
JeonjuMarch 28April 2 ~ 4
Yeosu / JinhaeMarch 29April 3 ~ 5
DaejeonMarch 31April 5 ~ 7
GangneungApril 1April 6 ~ 8
SeoulApril 3April 8 ~ 10
IncheonApril 7April 12 ~ 14
Chuncheon / Nami IslandApril 8 April 13 ~ 15

How long cherry blossoms last and peak timing

The dates above are when the blooms are predicted to begin. They usually peak a week after.

The blossoms start blooming in the southern parts and then work their way up over a week or so. If you plan to travel to see blooms, plan on going south for a weekend to see them down there and then move up.

Fun Fact: Called sakura in Japan and beot-kkot in Korean, cherry blossoms are often confused with other flowering trees including the peach blossoms and plum blossoms. Don’t worry if you confuse them, a flower is a flower and the point is to enjoy them.

What can ruin peak bloom

Watch the weather forecast closely because if there is a rain storm, it can often end the cherry blossom season early. We only get about two weeks of peak cherry blossom viewing so just go go go and rest later.

Local tip, if you love these iconic light pink cherry blossoms, you should also be on the lookout for the double cherry blossoms that are fluffier, pinker, and bloom a couple weeks after these beauties.


Where To See Cherry Blossoms In Seoul

There are cherry blossoms everywhere! There really are and I know I can’t say that enough. In this guide you’ll find a mix of the most popular and the hidden local favorites. Some are more easily accessible, and some hidden behind waterfalls. Which will you prefer?

Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival, Seoul, Korea

Yeouido (여의도)

One of the most popular places to see cherry blossoms in Seoul is Yeouido Island. There are 1,886 trees that line Yeouiseo-ro (여의서로), and there’s a park nearby that has even more. The Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival (영등포 여의도 봄꽃축제) is one of the most popular cherry blossom festivals in the city.

You can go whether the festival is on or not, so just hop on that subway when you’re free and head that way. The is one of the easiest parks to access so can get pretty busy in the spring.

  • Festival Dates: Dates not yet set this year
  • Address: Gukhoe-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 영등포구 국회대로)
  • How To Get There: You can access the area via National Assembly Subway Station, or Yeouinaru Subway Station.

Local Tip: Stay in the Conrad Hotel on Yeouido Island if you’re traveling to Seoul in the spring. It’s just a block away from the cherry blossoms. For other things to do, take a ride on the SEOULDAL to see the cherry blossoms from above, and then take a ride on an ELand Cruise to see them from the iconic Han River.

Dream Forest (북서울 꿈의숲)

Dream Forest is absolutely gorgeous in the spring, sprawling and spacious, and overlooked by most tourists. Get there early because can start getting busy with locals by noon when the flowers are in peak bloom. Previously known as Odong Neighborhood Park, Dream Park is the fourth largest park in Seoul and beautiful in the spring, it’s also beautiful throughout the year, so just go!

  • Address: 173 Wolgye-ro, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul (서울 강북구 월계로 173)
  • How To Get There: Head to Miasageori Subway Station and go out of exit 1. Walk north to the first intersection and turn right. The road will take you right into the park.
Klook.com
Klook.com

Ansan Mountain (안산)

Ansan mountain used to be a local best kept secret. I lived nearby for almost 10 years and we’d get the occasional hiker, but the waterfall and cherry blossoms that were tucked behind the waterfall were just for those of us in the area. And then the waterfall went viral. Yes, there is a waterfall in Seoul.

The mountain is stunning to be sure. Walk across stepping stones near the waterfall to start your walk up through the flowering trees. Go left and you’ll be on top of the waterfall. Go right and you’ll find the cherry blossom trees shift into metasequoia trees and then you can walk down to find Bongwonsa Temple.

  • Address: 170-181 Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (서울시 서대문구 연희동 170-181)
  • How To Get There: I’ve put the address to the waterfall on the mountain which is a great place to start because you can see the waterfall too! Lots of buses go nearby then you just have to walk back to the stream to find the mountain. Buses that go here include: 110A, 110B, 153, 7713, 7017, 7720, 7738, 567

Local Tip: If you’re taking kids, head to the Seodaemun Natural History Museum which is on the mountain as well. It’s fantastic and will be a good day of fun for the family.

Anyang Stream (안양천)

Over in Mokdong, this stream is lined with cherry blossom trees that are just gorgeous and provide a great canopy to walk beneath. The path lined with trees is pretty long so you can spread out from the crowds and get some great photos. This is definitely a spot more for locals and not tourists so if you want a quieter spot, check it out.

  • Address: 52 Mullae-dong 6-ga, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (서울시 영등포구 문래동 6가 52) (NOTE: This address is for the bathroom on the stream because it’s the only spot with an address so you don’t have to go exactly to this address… just in the vicinity.)
  • How To Get There: Go to Omokgyo Subway Station and go out of exit 5. You’ll want to walk that direction toward the stream but you’ll need to go over the highway/busy road in the area.
Namsan Tower and Cherry blossoms, N Seoul Tower, Seoul, Korea
Photo by Seoul Metropolitan Government/Penta Press

Namsan Mountain (남산)

A popular spot throughout the year because of N Seoul Tower sitting at the top, Namsan Mountain in the spring is gorgeous and rather than taking the gondola up to the top, many people opt to walk just to enjoy the numerous cherry blossom trees.

If huffing your way up doesn’t sound appealing, take the gondola up anyway and then walk beneath the trees on the way down. Either way, enjoy the flowers in this easy to get to centrally located spot. This mountain also features yellow forsythias and purple azaleas too. Win win win!

  • Address: 109 Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 용산구 소월로 109)
  • How To Get There: Myeongdong Subway Station, exit 2 or 3 and then you’ll want to follow signs up to the cable car or hop in a taxi and ask them to take you up.
Klook.com
Klook.com
Cherry Blossoms, Ansan Mountain, Seoul, Korea

Seoul Children’s Grand Park (서울어린이대공원)

Children’s Grand Park is actually popular for having more than just cherry blossoms. Enter to find azaleas and tulips too. Walk through the massive park to see the flowers in numerous shades from yellows and purples to the cherry blossom pinks. The park is a great place to spend the day as there’s also a botanical garden and a zoo too.

  • Address: 216 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 광진구 능동로 216)
  • How To Get There: Children’s Grand Park Subway Station, exit 1 or 2.
Seokchon lake cherry blossom trees, Jamsil, Songpa, Seoul, Korea
Photo by Seoul Metropolitan Government/Penta Press

Seokchon Lake (석촌호수)

Another easily accessible location to see cherry blossoms in Seoul is Seokchon Lake. The area also becomes home to the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival (석촌호수 벚꽃축제) when the trees in are in full bloom. The beautiful manmade lakes surround the popular and fun Lotte World Amusement Park which is a great bonus to visiting these flowers in the spring.

Don’t go expecting a nice leisurely quiet walk though. This lakeside cherry blossom-lined trail is extremely popular in the spring.

  • Festival: Dates not announced yet.
  • Address: 148 Jamsil-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 송파구 잠실로 148)
  • How To Get There: Jamsil Subway Station, exit 2 or 3 and walk straight.

Local Tip: This park is also near Seoul Sky Tower which features the tallest observatory in Korea and the tallest hotel, Signiel Hotel. Spend the whole day or weekend in the area while enjoying the light pink hues of the cherry blossoms.

Changgyeonggung Palace, Seoul, Korea

Seoul Palaces

There’s something about taking pictures of blooms with traditional Korean eaves in the background. The grounds of all of the five palaces in Seoul feature cherry blossoms so you really can’t go wrong choosing one.

While Gyeongbokgung Palace is the most popular, Changdeokgung Palace is also widely known as featuring the gorgeous Secret Garden and the natural views there. Want to get away from the crowds, visit the more hidden Changgyeonggung Palace which actually features the most cherry blossoms of them all or Unhyeongung Palace and if you want to see a changing of the guard ceremony and visit an art museum within a palace, don’t miss Deoksugung Palace. They’re all beautiful and even more so in the spring with the flowers.

Seoul Forest (서울숲)

Near the Brooklyn of Seoul, Seongsu-dong, Seoul Forest is pretty massive which means you can get some space and spread out within the park and see plenty of blooms. There are even deer you can feed too! Many locals will take a mat and food and enjoy a picnic in this park on spring days so why not do the same?

  • Address: 273 Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 성동구 뚝섬로 273)
  • How To Get There: Seoul Forest Subway Station and take exit 3 or 4.

Local Tip: Head to Seongsu-dong after seeing the flowers and enjoy the many pop-ups starting in the largest Olive Young in Korea. Don’t miss Amore Seongsu, the WHIPPED store and whipping experience, and finding the best pens at the Monami Concept Store.


Best Cherry Blossom Spots Outside Of Seoul

Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival, Seoul, Korea

Jinhae

The Jinhae Gunhangje Festival (진해군항제) is one of the, if not THE most popular cherry blossom festivals in Korea. 360,000 cherry blossom trees burst into bloom across the city but the most popular places to take in the spring vibes are Anmingogae Hill, Jehwangsan Park, and Yeojwacheon Stream.

Yeojwacheon stream is 1.5 kilometers long and people flock here to feel as though they’re walking through a tunnel of cherry blossoms. This festival attracts more than two million visitors each year so if you’re okay with the crowds, this is definitely the place to be.

  • Address: Area of Yeojwa-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (경상남도 창원시 진해구 여좌동)
  • Join A Tour: Jinhae gets pretty popular in the spring so it can be difficult to find a place to stay. One of the best options is to join a day trip (a long day trip). Book a tour with Klook.
  • How To Get There: Take a bus from Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal directly to Jinhae. The trip takes around four hours and costs around W25,000.
Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival, Seoul, Korea

Anyang Art Park

The Anyang Art Park is gorgeous in the spring and is awash with cherry blossoms along the stream that sits in front of the mountain that is home to numerous beautiful artistic installations. It’s a hidden gem for most people but a great area to explore accessible via the Seoul subway system.

  •  
  • By Subway: Go to Gwanak Subway Station. Go out exit 2 and walk toward the main road where you can see a bus stop outside near Paris Baguette. Take bus 900 just two stops. Get off and cross the street to find another bus stop. Take bus 2-1 which will go just three stops and drop you off right at Anyang Art Park’s parking lot and starting point. The buses take a total of 12 minutes but if you don’t want to switch twice and wait, getting a taxi from Gwanak Subway Station is easiest and it takes just 5 minutes and costs about W4,000.
Gangjin, Korea: Cherry blossoms, Hallie Bradley

Gyeongju

Gyeongju is a gorgeous and historic city with so much to see and in the spring it is just so so much better. The city is gorgeous in the spring with cherry blossoms but for some extra fun, the city is also hosts the Gyeongju Cherry Marathon. If you’re into running, then see the flowers as you whiz by.

  • Address: Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do
  • How To Get There: Take a train from Seoul Station to right down to Gyeongju for the easily and most convenient way to travel.

Jeju

Jeju Island is the first place in the country to burst into bloom thanks to being the southernmost. Spots to check out flowers on Jeju include the Jeju Sports Complex and in downtown Seogwipo, which is also where you can see the King Cherry Tree which has the largest petals of all the cherry trees. The Jeju King Cherry Blossom Festival (제주 왕벚꽃축제) might just be the most beautiful thing to see in the spring.

  • Address: Jeju, Korea
  • How To Get There: To get to Jeju Island, you’ll likely fly in from Gimpo Airport or Incheon Airport on mainland Korea down to Jeju International Airport. From there, you can take a taxi, bus, or like most people, opt for renting a car to make traveling around the island easier and at your own pace.

Local Tip: If you’ll be headed to Jeju, make sure you book where you want to stay before you get there. Here’s a guide to where to stay on Jeju Island.

Nami Island (남이섬)

Nami Island is easily accessible from Seoul with buses that go there daily. It’s a fun place for families, a romantic spot for couples, and even has ziplines and other fun activities for the adventurer. From season to season the island is gorgeous and spring is no different. Cherry blossoms burst into bloom and the island that was built to celebrate nature, really does just that. You can also see nearby Petite France or Garden of the Morning Calm.

  • Address: 1 Namisum-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 춘천시 남산면 남이섬길 1)
  • How To Get There: There are shuttle buses that make the trip back and forth between Nami Island for the day as well as other buses. Check out that guide linked above for more transportation options.
  • Join a Tour: Book a tour with Klook to see cherry blossoms, alpacas, and take a ride on a rail bike this spring.

Gyeongpo in Gangneung

Gyeongpo, which people flock to in the summer for the gorgeous beach there, is also home to a lovely lake that is surrounded by 4.3 kilometers of cherry blossom trees. Take a trip to Gangneung this spring to see some beautiful flowering trees AND take in those ocean views. The white sand and blue waters are gorgeous and made even more appealing with the flowers in the background. The area is also home to a few popular Kdrama photo-ops, so take your time and enjoy the views.

  • Address: 514 Changhae-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 강릉시 창해로 514)
  • How To Get There: You can take a train from Seoul out to Gyeongpo and then make your way around on your own or hire a local taxi to take you around for a few hours. Do the further away spots with the taxi and then see the lake before you jump back onto the train.
Gangjin, Korea: Cherry blossoms, Hallie Bradley

Gangjin

This is definitely a hidden gem. I happened to be in Gangjin in the spring one year and was just stunned by roads and roads lined with cherry blossoms. There were fields of gorgeous flowering trees and NO people in sight. It was really just amazing to see cherry blossoms without the hordes of people. You really can find cherry blossoms all over the country in the spring so just keep an eye out.

  • Address: Gangjin, Korea
  • How To Get There: Take a bus from Central City Bus Terminal down to Gangjin. It’ll take approximately 4.5 hours.

Local Tip: If you’ll be in Gangjin, look into adding Nammireuksa Temple to your itinerary. It will stun you with lanes of amazingly vivid azaleas and a huge Buddha statue.

Imcheonggakgun jajeong (임청각군자정), Andong, Korea: pink Cherry Blossom trees

Andong

The Andong Hahoe Village is surrounded by cherry blossoms of the white fluffy sort but there are also king cherry blossoms like the pink ones pictured above which are just stunning. These are my personal favorites. Make plans to head to Andong Hahoe Village this spring!

  • Address: Andong, Korea
  • How To Get There: Express buses depart from both the Gangnam Express Bus Terminal and the Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (also called the East Express Bus Terminal when translated). The trip is about three hours and buses run every 30 minutes to an hour so visitors can fairly easily rock up to the terminal and hop on the next bus without an issue.

Hwagae

Gyeongsangnam-do is blanketed in beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring and the most popular spot is the 10-ri Cherry Blossom Road which is also known as “marriage road”. A legend says that if lovers walk down this road holding hands when the flowers bloom, they will get married and live happily ever after.

  • Address: 58 Ssanggye-ro Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (경상남도 하동군 화개면 쌍계로 58)
  • How To Get There: Take a train down to Yeosu and then you’ll need to catch a taxi for the last 20 kilometers.
Incheon Chinatown, Jayu Park, Incheon, Korea; cherry blossoms

Incheon Chinatown

Jayu Park that sits just above Incheon’s Chinatown, the only official Chinatown in Korea, has some gorgeous cherry blossoms trees in the spring and it’s an ideal location if you want to see flowers and plenty more.

  • Address: 14 Chinatown-ro 52beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon (인천광역시 중구 차이나타운로52번길 14)
  • How To Get There: Incheon Subway Station, exit 1. Cross the street and you’ll see Chinatown.

Local Tip: Walk through nearby Songwol-dong Fairytale Village if you’re taking kids. They’ll love to find the characters. Or, hop onto the above ground tram to find the largest mural in the world and explore nearby Wolmi Island.


Cherry Blossom FAQ

When do cherry blossoms blooms in Korea?

Cherry blossoms in Korea usually bloom in late March to early April starting with the earliest blooms n Jeju and Busan and moving north into Seoul by early April.

Where is the best place to see cherry blossoms in Seoul?

That depends on your personality. Yeouido is the most famous, but Seokchon Lake, Namsan, Seoul Forest, and Dream Forest are all beautiful options.

How long do cherry blossoms last in Korea?

Cherry blossoms usually peak about a week after first bloom and often last around one to two weeks, depending on the weather.


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2 Comments

  • Ms Ching

    Hello, I am Ching here, I would like to see cherry blossom in Seoul next year 2024,

    Should i go during March month end to early April 2024. I have never been

    to South Korea before. Please advise and thank you

    Have a great day

    regards
    ching

    • Hallie Bradley

      That is usually a good time to see the cherry blossoms but the exact blooming dates won’t be released until spring next year.

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