Spring is one of the most beautiful times of year to visit Korea. The cherry blossoms are blooming everywhere, and the weather is warm and pleasant with beautiful blue skies filled with stunning pink cherry blossoms. If you’re looking for a great travel destination this season, Korea should be at the top of your list! In this blog post, we’ll give you a guide to everything that Spring has to offer in Korea. From festivals to food, we’ve got you covered! So read on and start planning your Spring in Korea vacation today!
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A Guide to Spring in Korea: The Best Time of Year to Visit Korea
Table of Contents
Spring in Korea is a beautiful time of year to explore all that South Korea has to offer, from its stunning landscapes to its vibrant culture and the many cherry blossoms. Spring is one of the most important times of the year to visit. There are also a number of festivals and events that take place during Spring, so you can experience everything Korea has to offer! If you’re looking for an amazing time to visit South Korea, springtime should be at the top of your list.
TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES
Spring Season in Korea
During Spring, the weather is warm and pleasant with beautiful blue skies. The weather may consist of cool nights and warm days where you will need to wear layers.
Spring in Korea Month-by-Month Breakdown – Spring Months in Korea
Spring Weather in South Korea in March
The average Spring temperature in South Korea in March is about 59 degrees Fahrenheit. The Spring months in Korea can be quite variable, so it’s important to pack clothes for a range of temperatures. You may need light jackets and sweaters as well as shorts and t-shirts.
Spring Weather in South Korea in April
The average Spring temperature in South Korea in April is about 66 degrees Fahrenheit. The Spring months in Korea can change quite dramatically. It can be warm at one moment and cool at the next. The skies are typically blue, however, during spring there can be quite a bit of fine dust which makes the skies look a bit hazy.
Spring Weather in South Korea in May
The average Spring temperature in South Korea in may is about 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The weather can get quite humid and hot during May. It can be quite uncomfortable especially when we get closer to June and the summer months in South Korea.
When is spring in Korea? When do Cherry Blossoms begin to bloom in South Korea?
Spring typically lasts from March to May, although I would say the peak season is in April. The Spring season in Korea is most famous for its cherry blossoms, which can be found blooming everywhere. May is when most of these flowers are done and no longer bloom and April is the peak Cherry Blossom season. By mid-april most of the cherry blossoms will be gone.
South Korea in Spring Travel Tips
Why Visit Korea During Spring? Should I visit South Korea During Spring?
Spring is a magical place that most people have on their bucket lists. Most people may think of Japan when it comes to Cherry Blossom season, but South Korea celebrates this season just as much as Japan does. It’s a beautiful time to visit with nearly perfect weather that is comfortable to enjoy. Spring in Korea spreads beautiful colors and warmth across the entire country.
Korea National Parks to Visit During Spring
Bukhansan National Park
Bukhansan National Park is a mountain range forming the eastern boundary of Seoul, South Korea. The park was founded on October 15, 1983. The mountain range has an area of 84.5 km² and contains three peaks: Baegundae, Insubong, and Dobong. Bukhansan is also well known for its historical relics, temples, and rock cliffs. Spring in Korea is the perfect time to visit Bukhansan National Park to enjoy the many Cherry Blossom trees that bloom during this season.
Seoraksan National Park
Seoraksan National Park is a mountain located in the northeast of the Republic of Korea. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, and Spring is the perfect time to visit. The park was designated as a national park on August 25, 1970, and spans an area of 702 km². The park is well known for its many granite peaks, including Mt. Seorak (1,708 m), which gives the park its name. Spring in Korea is especially beautiful in Seoraksan National Park, as many Cherry Blossom trees bloom throughout the park. The park also offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and fishing, making it the perfect destination for Spring in Korea.
Deogyusan National Park
Located in the province of Gyeongsangbuk-do, Deogyusan National Park is a mountain located in the northeast of the Republic of Korea. The park was designated as a national park on August 25, 1970, and spans an area of 702 km². The park is well known for its many granite peaks, including Mt. Seorak (1,708 m), which gives the park its name.
Naejangsan National Park
Naejangsan National Park is a mountain located in the province of Jeolla, South Korea. The park was designated as a national park on November 12, 1971, and spans an area of 318 km². The park is well known for its many Buddhist temples, including Jogyesa Temple, and its fine scenery. Spring is the perfect time to visit Naejangsan National Park to enjoy the many Cherry Blossom trees that bloom during spring in Korea.
Gyeongju National Park
Gyeongju National Park was designated as a national park on November 12, 1971. The park is well known for its many Buddhist temples, including Jogyesa Temple, and its fine scenery. Spring is the perfect time to visit the Gyeongju Cherry blossom festival to enjoy the many Cherry Blossom trees that bloom during this season. Gyeongju is one of the places with a different variety of cherry blossoms that are much larger than the small ones all over Korea. It’s worth visiting to see these beautiful full cherry blossoms.
Best Places to Visit Korea in Spring
Taean Tulip Festival (태안 세계튤립공원)
The Taean Tulip Festival is an annual spring in Korea event that celebrates the arrival of Spring and the blooming of tulips in Taean, South Korea. The festival was first held in 2006 and has been held every year since then. The festival is held at the Taean World Tulip Park, which is the largest tulip park in South Korea. The park features over 4 million tulips of more than 400 different varieties. The festival attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and offers a wide variety of activities, including a tulip parade, a tulip photography contest, and a tulip exhibition.
Boseong Green Tea Plantation
Boseong Green Tea Plantation is a plantation located in the province of Jeollanam-do, South Korea. The plantation was founded in 1937 and is the largest green tea plantation in South Korea. The plantation produces over 2,000 tons of green tea each year and is a major tourist attraction in South Korea. Spring in Korea, especially in May is the best time to visit this plantation to see the beautiful green scenery.
Go Strawberry Picking
There are many strawberry-picking farms all over South Korea. Spring is the best time to go strawberry picking in Korea because the strawberries are at their peak season. The farms usually have a wide variety of strawberries, including both sweet and sour varieties. Strawberry picking is a fun family activity that everyone can enjoy.
Some strawberry farms you can visit during Spring in Korea
- Yongmun Yeram Strawberry Farm
- Yangpyeong Flower Garden Strawberry Farm
- Yangpyeong Dumulnaru Strawberry Farm
- Insan Strawberry Farm
- Yangpyeong Echo Strawberry Farm
- Yangpyeong Young Farmer Strawberry Farm
Ride a bike in Yeouido Hangang Park
Riding a bike in Yeouido Hangang Park is a great way to enjoy Spring in Korea. The park is located in the heart of Seoul and is a popular spot for picnicking, jogging, and cycling. The park has over 20 kilometers of bike paths that wind through the park’s many forests and gardens. Spring is the perfect time to visit the park to enjoy the beautiful Cherry Blossoms that bloom during this season.
Spring Festivals in Korea | Cherry Blossom Festivals in Korea
Flower festivals in Korea are a great way to enjoy the arrival of Spring in Korea and the beautiful Cherry Blossoms that bloom during this season. The flower festivals offer a wide variety of activities, including music concerts, food vendors, and carnival games that are perfect for kids, families, and adults. They are a great opportunity to experience Korean culture and meet new people. Some of the most popular spring festivals in Korea include the Taean Tulip Festival, the Boseong Green Tea Plantation, and the Yeouido Hangang Park Bicycle Festival.
Jeju Fire Festival
The Jeju Fire Festival is a yearly festival that celebrates the arrival of Spring. The festival was first held in 2006 and has been held every year since then. The Jeju Fire Festival is a major tourist attraction in South Korea and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The festival features a variety of activities, including a fire parade, fireworks, and a food fair.
Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival
The Jinhae Gunhangje Festival is a yearly festival held every spring that celebrates the arrival of Spring in Korea. The festival was first held in 1910 and has been held every year since then with the exception of during the Korean War. The Jinhae Gunhangje Festival is a major tourist attraction in South Korea and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The festival features a variety of activities, including a naval parade, a food fair, and a music concert. Book a private tour to Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival here.
Gwangyang Maehwa Festival
The Gwangyang Maehwa Festival is a yearly festival that celebrates the arrival of Spring. This festival is one of the ones that starts earliest in March because they are filled with plum blossoms. Plum blossoms are similar but also different than cherry blossoms. Plum blossoms have small purple leaves and don’t have any split at the end of the petals like cherry blossoms do.
The plum blossoms festival was first held in 1957 and has been held every year since then. The Gwangyang Maehwa Festival is a major tourist attraction in South Korea and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The festival features a variety of activities, including a beauty pageant, a food fair, and a music concert.
Gurye Sansuyu Festival
The Gurye Sansuyu Festival is a yearly festival that celebrates the arrival of Spring. The festival is filled with the sansuyu tree which is a type of dogwood tree used in Oriental medicine. You can only really see the yellow blossoms in March. The Gurye Sansuyu Festival is a major tourist attraction in South Korea and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Since Gurye is more remote, it’s best to combine this tour with the Maehwa blossoms in Gwangyang as well.
Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival
Jeju Island is probably one of the most important places to see flowers around the country. Jeju Island is filled with beautiful flowers and gardens that have made it one of the most popular attractions during the spring months. The Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival includes a lot of arts and crafts for kids, a concert, light installations, beautiful cherry blossoms, and more. Be sure to also stay and see the canola flowers at the Jeju Canola Flowers Festival. Want a private driver and tour of Jeju? Design your own Jeju island tour with a guide on a customizable full-day private tour.
Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival
The cherry blossom season started as soon as late March. This cherry blossom festival has a long road of cherry blossoms with many stops along the way. You can visit many cafes like Café Bridge 130 and Road 101 along with many temples within the area. This cherry blossoms festival will be hard to get to without a tour or car.
Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival
The Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is a yearly festival that celebrates the arrival of Spring. The festival is in mid-April when the azalea and other spring flowers are in full bloom. The festival features a variety of activities, including a food fair and a music concert. The festival is famous for its beautiful Korean cherry trees, 1,886 of them to be exact.
You can register online and a maximum of 99 people per hour are picked at random.
Icheon Baeksa Sansuyu Flower Festival
The Baeksa Village in Icheon has Japanese cornel trees that are hundreds of years old making them quite the site. Icheon is only a day trip from Seoul if you want to see some beautiful cherry blossom trees. The festival features a variety of activities, including traditional Korean games. Icheon is well-known for its pottery and art, so don’t be surprised to find some of these activities incorporated into their festival.
Jecheon Cheongpungho Cherry Blossom Festival
A popular cherry blossom festival to see the forsythias. This cherry blossom festival has been held every year since 1997. You can check out activities like riding on the monorail, checking out the small fold village, and bungee jumping which makes this area different than others.
Damyang Bamboo Forest Festival
This festival was first held in 1963 and focuses mostly on the green scenery of the Damyang Bamboo forest. The bamboo forest provides healing powers such as rest, relaxation, and mind-soothing meditation, which is an important aspect to spring. Spring oftentimes means new beginnings and renewal.
Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival
Spring in Korea should include going to Gyeongju to see its beautiful cherry blossoms. As I’ve mentioned before their cherry blossoms are quite different than the rest of the cherry blossoms in Korea. Many of the cherry blossoms in Korea are small, and Gyeongju has these large blossoms bloom earlier than in Seoul but later than in Jeju.
Busan (Daejeo Ecological Park)
Busan’s Ecological Park is one of the most popular nature parks in South Korea. It’s filled with beautiful scenery that is covered in yellow yuchae fields. You will find thousands of canola flowers and an accessible path that allow you to walk through the fields.
Spring in Seoul – Places to visit during Spring in Seoul South Korea
Spring in Seoul is a magical time filled with flowers, people, and delicious food.
Yeouido Park
Yeouido Park is a large park located in Seoul, South Korea. The park is best known for its Spring Cherry Blossom Festival, which attracts many visitors every year. At this park, you find many cherry blossoms, azaleas, forsythias, and spireas with up to over 90,000 flowers. The best place to see the cherry blossoms in this park is near the KBS Annex Building.
Namsan Park
Namsan Park is a great location to see some of the most beautiful cherry blossoms in South Korea. This beautiful hike up or down the mountain will leave you with cherry blossoms falling on the ground like snow. These trees are quite mature and provide for a beautiful landscape with the stunning cityscape in the background. Book your ticket to Namsan tower.
Seokchon Lake Park
At Seokchon lake, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom from late March to early April. The Seokchon lake cherry blossom trees are located near the bridge and provide a beautiful backdrop for photos. Seokchon lake is a great location to see some of the most beautiful cherry blossoms in Seoul. In the background, you can see Lotte Tower and Lotte World. It’s a beautiful park where you can relax, walk along the lake and get beautiful views of Seokchon lake cherry blossom trees.
Seoul Forest
Probably one of my favorite and one of the most popular places to see cherry blossoms in Seoul. It’s a stunning cherry blossom road that is popular among locals. Many news crews will film in this location because of how beautifully landscaped the area is.
Yangjaecheon Stream
Here you will see beautiful cherry blossoms along the river. It’s a beautiful location to take photos, take a stroll, or ride your bike. Yangjaecheon Stream is 15.6-km long. Nearby you will find a park that is filled with families and you will find a variety of different areas to relax, have a picnic, or spend time with your loved ones. This is one of my favorites places to see the cherry blossoms because it’s less crowded than most and often forgotten about.
Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul
You will see some of the beautiful hanging cherry blossoms at the palace during Spring in Korea. They hang beautifully with the palace buildings in the background. It’s a great place to rent a hanbok and take pictures with the first cherry blossoms. In this location, you will see many photographers and hobby photographers trying to capture the first day of spring. If you are lucky, they might even photograph you in your hanbok.
Everland Tulip Festival
Cherry blossoms aren’t the only flowers to check out in South Korea, tulips are also a popular flower during spring. The Everland Tulip Festival is a popular tourist destination for people in South Korea. The festival has been running since 2006 and is known for its beautiful tulips. The festival takes place in the month of April and is one of the most popular events in South Korea. The festival has different attractions each year, such as concert stages, parades, and a petting zoo. Book your tickets here.
Lotus Lantern Festival
The Lotus Lantern Festival is an annual event that celebrates the first full moon of the lunar year. It is one of the most important festivals in Korea, and it is celebrated in many different ways throughout the country. The festival originated as a Buddhist celebration, but it has since grown to include aspects of Korean culture and tradition as well. One of the most iconic aspects of the Lotus Lantern Festival is the procession of lanterns that takes place throughout the city.
Yongsan Family Park
Spring in Korea includes visiting one of the most popular parks for cherry blossoms in Seoul. Yongsan Family park is well known to locals for its beautiful cherry blossom trees. This park is quite large and filled with beautiful pond areas, bridges, beautiful trees, clean and safe walking paths, and so much more. It’s a great location for a photoshoot as well.
What to eat during Spring in Korea
There are a lot of food you can eat during Spring in Korea, however, if you are looking for more traditional Korean street food this post will help you. Food during Spring in Korea are often fresh vegetables from the new season.
Jukkumi or Octopus
Seafood is a popular staple in Korean food from shrimp and fish to crab and octopus, you can grab some of the freshest seafood in South Korea. Octopus can be found at many restaurants including the popular Busan Jalgachi Market where you can eat it so fresh that it’s still moving on the plate.
Fresh Crab
Marinated Crab is quite popular to eat in South Korea and one of my favorite dishes to have. They have a marinated soy crab and a spicy crab which are both raw and served cold. They are absolutely delicious and worth trying if it’s your first time. However, these crabs are typically small in size, so they can be a bit more difficult to eat if you are not familiar with eating them.
Fresh Spring Vegetables and Tomatoes
As I mentioned before, spring brings on the freshest vegetables. It’s popular to eat foods like bibimbap filled with fresh veggies, meat, rice, and a spicy pepper sauce. Tomatoes are also a popular vegetable or fruit to eat in South Korea during this time. They are absolutely delicious and some of the sweetest tomatoes I have had.
Sweet Strawberries
Strawberries in Korea during the spring are quite different than strawberries I have had anywhere else in the world. They are the sweetest strawberries and they can be quite expensive depending on the farm and location you are going to. If you plan to pick them yourself, they might be a tad cheaper than buying them at the supermarket.
What to Pack for Spring in Korea – Things to bring to Korea in Spring
When packing for Spring in Korea, make sure to bring clothes that are comfortable and can be layered. It can still be chilly during the day, but it will start to warm up at night. Make sure to also pack sunscreen, as the sun can be very strong, and a hat or sunglasses to protect your eyes. You’ll also want to pack insect repellent, as Spring is when the mosquitoes come out. And don’t forget your camera! There will be many beautiful sights to capture during Spring in Korea.
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Insect Repellent
- Camera
- Layers – including a light coat and sweater
- Masks – There is a lot of fine dust pollution in Korea in Spring
Spring in Korea FAQS
What month is the cherry blossom in Korea? When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms in Seoul?
The cherry blossom is typically in full bloom around the beginning of April. This is usually the best time to see the cherry blossoms in Seoul. However, the cherry blossoms come and go fairly quickly so it’s a quick window and it can be difficult to plan. Be sure to check out the predicted forecasts before booking your trip.
Is March spring in Korea? Is May spring in Korea?
Yes, Spring in Korea generally runs from March to May.
What does spring mean in Korea?
Spring in Korea generally runs from March to May and is known as a time of new beginnings and renewal. Springtime in Korea is celebrated with festivals such as the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Lotus Lantern Festival. Spring is also a popular time to visit South Korea because of the blooming cherry blossoms.
What is so special about cherry blossoms?
Cherry blossoms are special because they are a sign that Spring has arrived. Cherry blossoms typically bloom in April and are a popular symbol of Springtime in Korea. The Cherry Blossom Festival is celebrated throughout the country and is one of the most important festivals in Korea. The festival celebrates the arrival of Spring and is a time for new beginnings, renewal, and growth.
Where do cherry blossoms grow?
Cherry blossoms grow all over the world. Some of the most popular locations for cherry blossoms are Japan, South Korea, China, and Washington D.C. in the United States.
Do cherry blossoms symbolize love?
No, Cherry blossoms do not symbolize love. While they are often associated with love and romance, this is not universally accepted. The meaning of cherry blossoms varies depending on the culture.
When is the peak season for cherry blossoms in South Korea?
Usually the end of March to early April. By Mid-April all the cherry blossoms will be more than likely be gone.
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