When spring hits Korea, all the talk is about cherry blossoms.
Where to see them, when to see them, and where to get the best photos with the beloved cherry blossom trees – especially in a busy city like Seoul.
Here’s my guide on where to see cherry blossoms in Seoul including a few hidden spots and other places you don’t want to miss.
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Cherry Blossoms in Korea: 2024 Forecast
The dates for Seoul’s cherry blossoms change every year. But for 2 weeks, between late March and early April, you can expect the streets to be lined with beautiful white and pink flowers.
The cherry blossoms appear as the weather heats up. This means you’ll first see them in Jeju Island, followed by Busan, and lastly, Seoul.
Here are the dates that the cherry blossoms are expected to bloom in Korea in 2024.
- Jeju Island: 19 March 2024
- Busan: 23 March 2024
- Seoul: 27 March 2024
How to see cherry blossoms in Seoul
Korea’s capital city, Seoul, is busy enough as it is. But come springtime, there are even more people heading outdoors.
If you’re planning your South Korea itinerary to coordinate with the blooming of the cherry blossoms, you’ll need to get your timing just right.
There’s only a small window of opportunity to see cherry blossoms in Seoul, so you need to be prepared for when they do start to bloom.
You’ll wake up one morning to gorgeous pink and white buds blossoming outside your window, and before you know it, the cherry blossom trees are bare.
8 Best places to see Cherry Blossoms in Seoul
I spent hours researching where to see cherry blossoms in Seoul.
The same few locations appeared in every search I did – and those were the ones I wanted to avoid as I knew they would be incredibly crowded.
The secret is that you don’t need to search far and wide for the best places to see cherry blossoms in Seoul. Just take a walk outside, and you’ll come across hidden gems that are far off the tourists’ path.
Here are some of the best spots.
1. Cherry blossoms at Seoul Children’s Grand Park
- Location: 216, Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 광진구 능동로 216 (능동) | Google Maps
Seoul Children’s Grand Park is more than just a park in the center of Seoul.
It has so much to offer, including an amusement park, children’s museum, music fountain, and lots of space for a picnic or slow stroll.
It’s one of the best places to visit in Seoul, especially during spring.
Although the park was busy on the Saturday afternoon I visited, it’s still big enough not to feel completely overcrowded. However, try to get here during the week as the weekends are busier.
To get to Seoul Children’s Park, you can take one of the below subway routes:
- Children’s Grand Park Station (Seoul Subway Line 7), Exit 1
- Achasan Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 3, 4, or 5
The park is open from 05:00 – 22:00 daily. There is no entrance fee to explore the park, but entering the amusement park does come at a small cost.
2. Boramae Park: Hidden gem for cherry blossoms
- Location: 33 Yeouidaebang-ro 20-gil, Dongjak-gu | Google Maps
Boramae Park is a hidden gem when it comes to finding cherry blossoms in Seoul. It’s located south of the Han River and is popular with locals rather than tourists.
The park’s centerpiece is its beautiful lake, and it’s an idyllic place for a relaxing stroll amongst the cherry blossom trees.
If you’re looking to get away from the massive crowds, Boramae Park is the best place to see cherry blossoms in Seoul.
3. Yeouido Hangang Park: Most popular place to see cherry blossoms in Seoul
- Location: 330 Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu | Google Maps
Yeouido Hangang Park is one of the most popular places for cherry blossoms in Seoul. And there’s no questioning why!
It’s absolutely stunning here.
Located alongside the Han River, it’s where you’ll find some of the best photo locations for cherry blossoms.
Yes, everyone goes here. Yes, it gets busy. But you’ll get a real feel for the excitement of cherry blossom season in Korea by stopping here.
4. Seokchon Lake
- Location:잠실6동 Songpa-gu | Google Maps
The cherry blossoms at Seokchon Lake are world-famous.
It’s seriously beautiful here and is considered one of the bucket list places for Seoul’s cherry blossom season. Seokchon Lake is also home to the annual cherry blossom festival.
The footpath circles the lake, with many places to stop and take photos along the way. However, it’s not as big as some other parks on this list, so the footpath can get crowded during cherry blossom season.
The famous Lotte World Amusement Park and Seoul Sky Tower are right next to Seokchon Lake, so I suggest coordinating your trip with these two attractions.
But yes, it will be busy! I recommend pre-booking your tickets to Lotte World here.
5. Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Location: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu | Google Maps
Visiting one of the many palaces in Seoul should be on every traveler’s bucket list. These include Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Unhyeongung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, and lastly, one of my favorite Seoul cherry blossom spots – Gyeongbokgung Palace.
What better way to experience these historical landmarks than by visiting when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom!
You can rent a hanbok here and explore the palace grounds, which have cherry blossom trees lining the walkways.
Note that Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
6. Seoul Forest
- Location: 273 Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu | Google Maps
Seoul Forest is a huge park that sits on the northern edge of the Han River. It’s a leafy park that turns into a cherry blossom wonderland in Spring.
While it is a popular place to see cherry blossoms in Seoul, it never feels too crowded due to its size.
There are many open spaces to explore and beautiful places to enjoy a picnic lunch. You can also rent bicycles and cycle through the park.
READ MORE: THE BEST DAY TRIPS FROM SEOUL
7. Namsan Tower
- Location: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu| Google Maps
If you’re visiting Seoul, Namsan Tower, also known as N Seoul Tower, should be on your itinerary.
The tower is famous for its sprawling views over the city, but it’s also home to a lush park that makes for spectacular cherry blossoms.
I recommend walking through the park up to the tower. Alternatively, you can book a cable car ticket here, which will take you to the top. You can then descend through the park to see cherry blossoms on your way down.
8. Naksan park
- Location: 41 Naksan-gil, Jongno-gu | Google Maps
Naksan Park is one of the lesser-known places to see cherry blossoms in Seoul. It has a local feel and isn’t as touristy as some of the other places.
It’s located north of the city, close to Bukchon Hanok Village, and offers beautiful views of the Seoul skyline at night.
Cherry blossom festivals in Seoul
- Seoul Yeouido Spring Flower Festival
- Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival
Other places to see cherry blossoms in Korea
There are numerous spots to see Seoul cherry blossoms, some busier than others. Here are a few alternative places to visit.
- Nami Island: It’s worth the trip here if you have time, but make sure you arrive when the cherry blossoms are blooming.
- Jinhae: The Jinhae Gunhangje Festival is one of the biggest spring festivals in Korea.
- Gyeongju: Gyeongju is one of the most fascinating cities in Korea. It’s got a rich history and is also a great place to see cherry blossoms. The town hosts an annual cherry blossom festival, and you can also join in on the festivities by taking part in the cherry blossom marathon.
Where to stay during the Seoul cherry blossom season 2024
The transportation network in Seoul is efficient and reliable, so it’s best to stay in a hotel or hostel near the subway.
The tourist areas of Myeongdong or Itaewon are great for foreigners and are my favorite areas in Seoul!
Here are a few accommodation options to suit any budget.
- Luxury: Lotte Hotel Seoul Executive Tower is one of the best hotels in Seoul and is perfect for any traveler looking for a more luxurious stay.
- Mid-range: Hotel28 Myeongdong is a luxury hotel in the heart of Seoul and a great place for families looking to explore the capital city.
- Budget: Seoulite Inn Myeongdong is ideally located right alongside the main shopping streets of Myeongdong.
- Backpackers: G Guesthouse Itaewon is a social hostel and a great place to meet people in the party district of Itaewon.
Seoul cherry blossom season FAQs
When can you see cherry blossoms in Seoul?
The timing changes every year, but cherry blossoms start blooming in the first week of April in Seoul.
Where is the best cherry blossom in Seoul?
Seokchon Lake and Yeouido Hangang Park are the two most popular cherry blossom spots in Seoul. But if you’re looking for somewhere less crowded, I recommend the cherry blossoms at Seoul Children’s Grand Park or Boramae Park.
Does South Korea have cherry blossoms?
Yes, South Korea is one of the most underrated destinations to see cherry blossoms. The country becomes a wonderland for 2 weeks (from the end of March) when the blossoms are in bloom.
Another reason why I love Seoul, Korea
Living in Korea for 14 months gave me the chance to fully entrench myself in the culture, eat the delicious food, explore the country, ski in winter and finally, see cherry blossoms for the first time.
If you’re on the fence about visiting Korea to see cherry blossoms, do it!
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Psst… Planning your trip to Korea? Check out my other posts of things to do!
- 29 Things I Wish I Knew About Backpacking Korea
- Jimjilbangs in Korea: 10 Things You Need To Know
- The Ultimate South Korea Packing List
- 17 Things I Love About Living in Korea
- Boryeong Mud Festival: 10 Things You Need To Know
- Why Gangchon Rail Bike Is A Must Do
