Korea Cherry Blossom Season 2026: When, Where, and How to See the Best Blooms
Photo by Pexels
Every spring, South Korea transforms into a sea of soft pink petals. Cherry blossom season (벚꽃 시즌) is one of the most anticipated events of the year — and for good reason. It's beautiful, it's free, and it happens everywhere across the country.
If you're planning to visit Korea in spring 2026, here's everything you need to know to catch the blooms at their peak.
When Do Cherry Blossoms Bloom in Korea in 2026?
Cherry blossoms in Korea typically bloom from late March to mid-April, starting from the south and moving northward. Here are the expected dates for 2026:
| Region | Expected Bloom Start | Peak Period |
| Jeju Island | Late March (~Mar 20) | Mar 25 – Apr 2 |
| Busan / Jinhae | Late March (~Mar 25) | Mar 28 – Apr 5 |
| Gyeongju | Late March (~Mar 28) | Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Seoul | Early April (~Apr 3) | Apr 5 – Apr 12 |
| Gangwon-do (Chuncheon) | Early–Mid April (~Apr 8) | Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
Note: These are approximate dates based on historical averages. Actual bloom times vary each year depending on temperature. Check the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) forecasts closer to the date.
Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Korea
1. Jinhae (진해) — The Biggest Cherry Blossom Festival in Korea
Jinhae, near Busan, hosts the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival — Korea's largest and most famous cherry blossom festival. Over 360,000 cherry trees line the streets, creating a tunnel of pink that stretches for kilometers.
Must-see spots in Jinhae:
- Yeojwacheon Stream — cherry blossoms hanging over the water, especially beautiful at night with lights
- Gyeonghwa Station — an abandoned train station surrounded by cherry trees (iconic photo spot)
- Romance Bridge — a pedestrian bridge covered in petals
Tip: Jinhae gets extremely crowded. Go on a weekday morning or visit during the evening light-up for a less hectic experience.
2. Yeouido (여의도), Seoul — The Most Accessible Spot
If you're staying in Seoul, Yeouido Hangang Park is the easiest place to see cherry blossoms. The Yeouido Spring Flower Festival takes over the area around the National Assembly building, with a 1.7km-long cherry blossom tunnel along the main road.
How to get there: Yeouinaru Station (Line 5) or National Assembly Station (Line 9)
Tip: Bring a picnic mat and snacks. Koreans love to sit under the trees with fried chicken and beer — it's called "치맥" (chimaek) and it's basically a spring tradition.
3. Seokchon Lake (석촌호수), Seoul — The Lotte Tower View
Located right next to Lotte World Tower in Jamsil, Seokchon Lake is lined with over 1,000 cherry trees. The combination of pink blossoms with the 555-meter skyscraper in the background makes for a uniquely Seoul photo.
How to get there: Jamsil Station (Line 2/8)
4. Gyeongju (경주) — Cherry Blossoms with Ancient History
Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty, is stunning in spring. Bomun Lake and the roads around Bulguksa Temple are lined with cherry trees. Walking among blooming trees with thousand-year-old temples and royal tombs in the background is an experience you can only get in Korea.
5. Jeju Island (제주도) — The Earliest Blooms
Jeju gets cherry blossoms first, usually in late March. The Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival takes place along Jeonnong-ro, a street in Jeju City known as "Cherry Blossom Road." Jeju's canola flowers (유채꽃) bloom at the same time, creating a pink-and-yellow landscape that's absolutely unique.
Cherry Blossom Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Book accommodation early — cherry blossom season is peak tourism. Hotels in Seoul and Jinhae sell out fast.
- Check the weather forecast — one heavy rain can knock all the petals off in a day. Monitor forecasts and plan flexibly.
- Peak bloom lasts only 7–10 days — timing is everything. If possible, plan your trip during the first week of April for the best chance in Seoul.
- Go early in the morning — popular spots like Yeouido get packed by noon. Arriving before 9 AM gives you the best photos and the least crowds.
- Night viewing is magical — many cherry blossom spots have evening illuminations. Jinhae's Yeojwacheon Stream at night is especially beautiful.
- Wear layers — spring weather in Korea is unpredictable. Mornings can be cold (5–10°C) while afternoons warm up (15–20°C).
Combining Cherry Blossoms with Other Spring Activities
Spring is the best time to visit Korea, period. While you're chasing cherry blossoms, consider adding these to your itinerary:
- Bukchon Hanok Village — traditional Korean houses look stunning surrounded by spring flowers
- Changdeokgung Secret Garden — the palace garden comes alive with spring greenery
- Namsan Tower — the hike up through the forest is perfect in spring weather
- Korean temple stays — many Buddhist temples offer overnight stays, and spring is the most peaceful season to experience one
How to Get Around During Cherry Blossom Season
If you're in Seoul, the Climate Card (기후동행카드) gives you unlimited subway and bus rides for a flat daily fee — perfect for hopping between cherry blossom spots without worrying about transport costs.
For Jinhae, there are direct shuttle buses from Busan during the festival period. Day tours from Seoul are also available through platforms like Klook and KKday.
Photo by Pexels
Final Thoughts
Korea's cherry blossom season is one of those rare travel experiences that lives up to the hype. The entire country turns pink for just a few short weeks, and there's something deeply special about walking under a canopy of falling petals.
Start planning now, book your accommodation early, and keep an eye on the bloom forecasts. Spring 2026 in Korea is going to be unforgettable.
Useful links:
Korea Tourism Organization
Visit Seoul Official Site
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