Top 5 Cities to See Cherry Blossoms in Korea during Sakura Season
One of the best times to visit Korea and get up close and personal with nature is during the Sakura Season every year. In 2018, the Sakura season starts around March 23 to April 15, and the exact period of the season differs by place and city. So, CheapTickets.sg has done the research and now presents you with our guide of where and when to see Cherry Blossoms in Korea during Sakura Season. To help you pick the right place for you, we’ve chosen the Top 5 spots where you can see cherry blossoms and the approximate dates of the season at every location. So what are you waiting for? With the season fast approaching, it’s time to plan your dream romantic getaway with your partner to see this wonderful natural phenomenon.
1. Seoul, South Korea (6 April to 13 April)
We start our guide in Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, a bustling metropolis, which is the hub of Korean popular culture, music, entertainment and industry. Gyeongbokgung Palace, a historical icon of Korea which was built in 1395, is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms during the Sakura season. Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest of the five main temples in Seoul, so if you only have time for one, you simply have to visit this temple. Both the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum is located close-by, so visiting this trio of attractions make for a great day of culture and historical learning. The Sakura Season in Seoul is forecasted to take place from 6 April to 13 April, so you’re in for a real treat if you can visit Seoul during this time.
Apart from visiting these national treasures, there will be a host of festivals celebrating this season with great pomp and festivity. The Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is a great example of a popular springtime festival that brings together nature lovers from all over Korea and all over the World to celebrate together and to admire the 1,886 cherry blossom trees that line the pathways, roads, streets and trails on this island. Admission is free and when night falls, the trees will be lit up with colorful lights and is truly a sight to behold. And of course, the festival attracts popular street vendors from all across Seoul to cater to hungry tourists and locals alike. There will also be a variety of cultural performance and art exhibitions on display during the festival, so you can be assured there’s lot to see and do here!
2. Jeju Island, South Korea (23 to 30 March)
Jeju Island plays hosts to the annual Cherry Blossom Festival during the Sakura Season, and legend has it that Jeju Island has the most beautiful sakuras in all of South Korea, due to its wonderful climate and natural landscape. This is a special festival as Jeju Island was the first place that the cherry blossom tree first was found in South Korea and became known as the King Cherry Tree. Visiting the festival, you’ll also be treated to cultural and musical performances to complement the stunning natural environment of pink petals blooming and you’ll be able to view special once-a-year exhibitions as well. Here on Jeju, the King Cherry Tree only comes into full bloom a few days every year, but if you are lucky enough to catch it, you’ll be treated to huge blooms of pink petals and the lovely aromas it produces during bloom-time.
3. Busan, South Korea (26 March to 2 April)
Busan is typically known to tourists as a port city, offering traveller access to beautiful beaches, gorgeous mountains, stunning temples and panoramic views of the sea. This city takes on an extra sparkle of beauty every year during the cherry blossom season, as the pink petals transform the city with their magical colour and sweet scents. Haeundae Beach is a popular tourist attraction in this city, and if you’re there at the right time, take a stroll along the road from the beach leading up to Dalmaji Hill for one of the most scenic views of the lovely Korean cherry blossom tree. The Haewoljung pavilion makes a great stop along the way for some epic photos for your Facebook and Instagram feed.
Another great location to visit during the cherry blossom season is the Igidae Coastal Promenade, a trail that allows you beautiful views of the sea as you walk along the cliffs that line the coast. As a bonus, along the way, you’ll get vantage points to see other tourist hotspots like Gwangan Bridge and the Haeundae APEC Nurimaru House. If you’re looking for somewhere quieter, Samnak Park provides a more relaxing and romantic atmosphere, where you’ll be treated to long stretches of cherry blossom trees that line the beautiful riverside.
4. Jinhae, South Korea (26 March to 2 April)
A short ride away from Busan, a 2D1N stay here is the perfect extension to complete your cherry blossom viewing itinerary. Typically a quiet residential town, the city of Jinhae comes to live during Spring as it entertains guests from all of the world coming to celebrate with the locals. The festival here is one of the longest in the country as it lasts for 10 days and features delicious street food and local delicacies. The highlight of this festival is the special parade performed by members of the Jinhae Military Band and Honorary Guard, combining special units from all branches of the Republic of Korea Military.
With so many great places to view the cherry blossoms in a wonderful setting, it’s hard to pick just one to suggest, but we have to feature Gyeonghwa Train Station as it has a special cherry blossom road where the tracks of the train run through where the trees form a lovely canopy of interlocking branches and full pinkish blooms, providing a perfect romantic setting for photos for a couple to share special memories. The trains at Gyeonghwa only operate during this season so make your trip here even more memorable by taking a ride on this special seasonal train.