Spring in Korea: Warm Weather & Flower Festivals Bloom

Spring in Korea is highlighted by layers of cherry blossoms and various flower festivals, paired with plenty of sunshine and warming temperatures - no wonder it's one of the best times to enjoy a trip to South Korea. Below is the Korean spring guide we have prepared for you, covering everything from the weather to the spring season festivals, as well as a sample itinerary to help you make the most of springtime in Korea.

Weather of Spring in Korea

From March to May, spring in Korea is generally warm and pleasant, usually considered a great time for first-time visitors to enjoy their spring break.

While the weather in early March can still be chilly and dry (with maximum temperatures of no more than 10°C), temperatures rise in the second half, averaging between 7°C to 18°C - enough to wake its stunning cherry blossoms, rivaling Japan.

You can enjoy the mild weather in lighter clothes, especially in southern coastal cities such as Busan and Jeju. However, packing a thermal or a jacket for evening strolls is still recommended, as night-time temperatures in the northern mountainous regions, such as Seorak and Seoul, can occasionally drop below zero.

Note: a little yellow dust is also a possibility during the spring season in Korea, so don't forget to pack some masks in your pocket for emergencies.

The Season of Cherry Blossoms & Flowers

Spring in Korea is ideal for most onshore activities (though sea temperature might still be low to soak in), but what makes springtime amazing here are the blossoms and the festivals derived, which are easy to join in with while strolling, hiking, or simply dropping by.

Featured by cherry blossoms from late March to early April, the Korean spring season is also considered a peak tourist season. You can follow the warm breezes to make your journey from the south (Jeju, Busan) to the north (Seoul), or pick the cherry blossom festivals below to enjoy the highlight of spring in Korea.

Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival, Seoul

• Date: Early April, 2026
• Location: Yeouido Island

Against the Hangang River, it is a culture and art event more than flower viewing, also with dance and mime performances, as well as food tents with beer and fried chicken to stop by during your leisurely stroll along the circular cherry blossom road. A nighttime visit here is also recommended when the colorful lights are set in the romantic glow.

Note: a weekday morning visit before 9 am is recommended for your best photos or video background.

Spring Cherry Blossoms in Seoul

Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival (Gunhangje)

• Date: from late March to early April, 2026
• Location: Jinhae

Also known as the Gunhangje (naval port) Festival, which combines a special military band parade, it is the biggest and most popular cherry blossom festival in South Korea. Imagine your romantic K-drama filling location stroll along the fairytale-like bank of Yeojwa Stream with falling petals, as well as the Gyeonghwa Station, where to capture its iconic train on Instagram.

Note: you can make an easy visit to Jinhae from Busan. It is a popular day trip destination, typically a 1-hour drive from Busan.

Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival

• Date: early April, 2026
• Location: Daereungwon Stone-walled Road

Gyeongju, the open-air museum, is a UNESCO site and a favourite with locals and cultural enthusiasts. Here, you can capture the well-balanced spring blossoms and historical buildings, as well as the contrast between modern buildings and traditional hanok. It is the perfect place to wear a hanbok and take photos of the flowers and sites against the tranquil riverbanks or white stone walls.

Springtime in Gyeongju With Cherry Blossoms

Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival

• Date: late March, 2026
• Location: Jeonnong Road

Highlighted by its early date and the local King Cherry species, the festival in Jeju Island offers a special visual feast with a larger variety of blossoms in brighter colors, colorful paper lanterns, and lively flea markets. Apart from those food stalls that offer cherry-shaped snacks, make your simple drop-by at the cafes and stores along the flower tunnel to enjoy your leisure afternoon with the sunshine and fancy pink hue.

More Spring Flower Festivals in Korea

Hangang Seoraeseom Canola Festival, Seoul

• Date: Mid-May, 2026
• Location: Hangang Seoraeseom Island

At the canola-themed festival, you can enjoy the sight of the island awash with yellow and green, set against the backdrop of the clear Hangang River and blue sky. There are also activities for families and couples to experience the fun of spring in nature, such as making flower crowns and straw hats.

Eungbongsan Mountain Forsythia Festival, Seoul

• Date: Early April, 2026
• Location: Eungbongsan Mountain

Eungbongsan Mountain is another place to enjoy the spring colors, with light gold forsythia flowers dotted across the whole mountain. It's perfect for a simple hike surrounded by vibrant colours. On the way to the Octagonal Pavilion at the peak, you can also enjoy panoramic views of the cherry blossoms around Seoul Forest.

Taean Tulip Festival, Taean

• Date: From early April to early May, 2026
• Location: Korea Flower Park

It is also known as one of the largest flower festivals in Korea, where you can soak in the beauty of spring with a simple stroll. Transform yourself into a butterfly, wander around the floral park and capture macro photos of the tulips and other themed flower displays. Food vendors are also available there to satisfy your appetite.

Beautiful Blooming Tulips in Various Colors

Gurye Sansuyu Festival, Gurye

• Date: From mid-March to late March, 2026
• Location: Jirisan Hot Springs

The festival at Jirisan Mountain is best for your special "cherry" seeking: sansuyu, or cornel dogwood, is a special type of cherry in yellow and early flower period, ideal for your early spring journey in March before the pink cherry blossom season. You can also enjoy the hot springs there after the mountain hike.

Gwangyang Maehwa Festival, Gwangyang

• Date: From mid-March to late March, 2026
• Location: Gwangyang Maehwa Village

It is a plum blossom festival to immerse yourself in pure white petals as well as the local plum-themed products, from maesil ice cream and tea to maesil bibimbap and wine. And the good news is that it is not very far from Gurye (about a 1-hour drive), making a great combination with the previous sansuyu festival in Jirisan to enjoy the early springtime in Korea.

Gwangyang Maehwa Festival

Best Places for Springtime in Korea

Seoul is always the top recommended place to capture the typical side of Korea, where you can make the most of your landmark collections from the five royal palaces to N Seoul Tower. Whether colorful nightlife or mountain hikes, it is the first destination to meet all your needs. It is also the home and hub for your convenient flower viewing in and around, ideal for a 3-day visit with 1 or 2 day trips beyond the capital city.

The warmer coastal city of Busan is also a good option, best for your seaside experiences and tranquil temple stay. Or, take it as your gateway to Gyeongju or Jeju Island for the next journey.

Finally, the spring-like Jeju Island for your relaxing holiday with beaches, or natural adventure through forests, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes.

Sample Springtime Korea Itinerary With Cherry Blossoms

To capture the spring colors of South Korea, a popular way is to make your late March journey from south to north, accompanied by the blooming blossoms from Jeju to Seoul. With this sample 10-day cherry blossom itinerary (also applies to off-flowering season), enjoy the best spring days in Korea.

Note: the reverse route (Seoul - Busan - Jeju) is also recommended during your springtime visit to Korea - a direct way to enjoy the peak cherry blossom in April.

Day 2 - 3 Jeju Island

Begin your lovely Korean spring break in Jeju, the subtropical island where you meet the first blooming cherry blossoms in layers.

Enjoy your round island journey from the east coast. Try a morning hike at Sunrise Peak (Seongsan Ilchulbong), and take a glimpse of Korean culture through the ancient folk village. Then, continue your lazy stroll in the warm breeze, or lie down at Weoljeongri Beach till the silver moon rises.

As for the second day, it is the exploration of the south coast of Jeju, where you can encounter lush Cheonjiyeon Waterfall and Jusangjeolli Cliff in the typical columnar jointing of rock formations.

Day 4 - 5 Busan

After the lively Dongmun Market sightseeing with goods and snacks, fly to Busan as an extension to your beach holiday - from the colorful painted village of Gamcheon, with cherry branches covering its labyrinth alleys, to the marine cable car or sky capsule ride against Busan's winding coastline. And most importantly, the fresh seafood feast at the Jagalchi Fish Market.

Day 6 Jinhae

Next, empty your day for a Jinhae day trip from Busan (about a 1-hour drive) to join its grand cherry blossom feast around early April. You can follow the train tracks through the flower tunnel, and sample the romantic atmosphere around the Yeojwacheon Stream, surrounded by fancy pink cherry blossoms.

Note: for the off-flowering season journey, Changwon Jinhae Marine Park sightseeing and Jinhae-ru cycling are also popular things to enjoy the spring days in Jinhae.

Day 7 Gyeongju

Northward to Gyeongju, the second day trip's destination, where the open-air museum offers some of the best immersive cultural experiences - whether the ancient stonewalls of Daereungwon Tomb Complex or the golden Hwangnyongwon pagoda, all dotted with a fancy pink. And the Woljeonggyo Bridge, one of my favorites, is the place to capture those stunning reflections.

Day 8 - 9 Seoul

Board the KTX train to Seoul, the final destination for your spring trip to Korea. You can explore the bustling capital city first, capture the flower-framed N Seoul Tower, take a hanbok stroll around the Gyeongbokgung Palace, join a traditional tea ceremony at Bukchon Hanok Village, as well as 1 or two flower festivals.

If there is enough time, make a few day trips from Seoul for further exploration, such as the Korean Demilitarized Zone and Sowon, favored by culture and history lovers, while Incheon and Lotte World are more family and couples-friendly choices.

Capture the Best Springtime of Korea With Odynovo

This is the spring in Korea, paired with blooming blossoms, gentle and mild enough for city sightseeing and most outdoor activities, so don't hesitate to take advantage of the stunning springtime for your Korea journey. Whether you are looking for cherry blossom viewing or Korean Wave experiences, feel free to contact us to enjoy the most time in Korea.