Tripbaa Funbaa ! Asia’s Free Travel Expert
Spring has arrived before you know it—have you gotten ready to go abroad and see the cherry blossoms? If you're looking to enjoy cherry blossoms in Asia, besides Japan, Korea also boasts many hidden cherry blossom gems. Not only do they offer dreamy “cherry blossom” scenery, but there are also grand cherry blossom festivals. From Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, Gyeongju, Busan, to Jeju Island, you’re guaranteed a delightful cherry blossom experience.
When it comes to cherry blossom spots in Korea, especially in Seoul, people often think of Yeouido, Namsan Tower, or Kyung Hee University. But actually, during the Korean cherry blossom season, you can enjoy vast cherry blossom displays even on the streets and in residential areas. For example, take Walkerhill (?? ??) in the Gwangjin District of Seoul. Just walk along Walkerhill Road within the community, and you’ll feel the romance of strolling through a cherry blossom tunnel.
Walkerhill also holds an annual “Cherry Blossom Festival,” featuring events like concerts, wine tastings, and art markets, inviting everyone to come together and share the beauty of Korea’s cherry blossoms.
■ Address:177 Walkerhill-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
Gyeonggi-do’s Eden Cherry Blossom Road (?? ????), located in Gapyeong County, is actually a lesser-known Korean cherry blossom spot because most travelers just pass through after visiting Petite France and Nami Island. In spring, the grand “Gapyeong Eden Cherry Blossom Festival” takes place, where the approximately 3-kilometer-long Eden Cherry Blossom Road bursts into bloom. Delicate pink cherry blossoms adorn the entire road, and when the breeze blows, you might even catch a glimpse of the dreamy “cherry blossom snow.”
■ Address:189 Eden Cherry Blossom Road, Cheongpyeong-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
Gyeonggi-do has become a super-popular destination for independent travel in Korea in recent years. In spring, you can admire the cherry blossom-lined roads, and as the breeze blows, you’ll witness the beautiful spectacle of petals falling like cherry blossom snow. It's not only a way to avoid the crowds in Seoul, but also offers rich historical and cultural heritage. Among the most famous spots is Suwon Hwaseong.
Korea’s Cherry Blossom Secret – Gyeonggi-do Cherry Blossom Road. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbaa ! Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
Suwon Hwaseong was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and served as a filming location for the Korean dramas “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” and the variety show “Ghost Market Night.” It has become one of the must-visit spots for overseas tourists in Korea. If you have time, you can also take a hot air balloon ride to overlook the ancient charm of Suwon Hwaseong from above.
Korea’s Cherry Blossom Secret – Suwon Hwaseong Hot Air Balloon Ride. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbaa ! Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
If you love history, culture, and historic sites, I recommend also visiting Gyeongju (??), one of Korea’s famous cherry blossom destinations. Popular spots include the Bulguksa Temple, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Daereungwon Royal Tombs, and the Bulguksa Lake Cherry Blossom Path. Feel the romance of spring flowers blooming all around ancient buildings, creating a wonderful atmosphere throughout Gyeongju.
In spring, when the wind blows, cherry blossom petals flutter down like snow, and even locals can't resist the charm of the blossoming season. Families often gather for picnics and cherry blossom viewing in Bulguksa Park—it’s truly a must-experience cherry blossom event for locals during the Gyeongju season.
Korea’s Cherry Blossom Secret – Cherry Blossoms in Gyeongju. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbaa ! Expert-Led Tours)
Speaking of cherry blossom viewing in Korea in 2019, Jinhae, not far from Busan, is actually the nearest and most popular cherry blossom destination. The “Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival” runs from late March to early April. In addition to the breathtaking views of cherry blossom forests, the festival coincides with the “Jinhae Naval Port Festival.” The local naval academy is also open for public tours. And of course, you can’t miss the magical scene when a slow train enters the station, and cherry blossom petals rain down from the trees on both sides, dancing along with the spring breeze.
Korea’s Cherry Blossom Secret – Jinhae Gyeonghwa Train Station. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbaa ! Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
Located in Busan, Dadaepo Eco Park (?? ??), like the famous Busan cherry blossom spot Suyeong Riverside Park, is an ecological park along the Nakdong River. However, Dadaepo Eco Park not only offers a dreamy cherry blossom tunnel, but in early April, you can also enjoy bright yellow rapeseed flowers. The two colors of petals spread across the park, making it feel like you’ve stepped into a flower festival in Busan.
■ Address:2314-11, Dadae 1-dong, Jung-gu, Busan
When visiting Daegu for cherry blossoms, you absolutely can’t miss the “Starlight Night Cherry Blossom Festival” at Daegu E-WORLD Theme Park, usually held from the end of March to April. You can admire the beautiful light installations and the park’s scenery. Whether you overlook the night blossoms from Daegu Tower or admire Daegu Tower framed by cherry blossoms, both views are incredibly beautiful and romantic. Even the Korean drama “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo” was filmed here—it’s definitely a cherry blossom secret spot in Korea worth visiting.
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In Jecheon, North Jeolla Province, the “Maebong Mountain Cherry Blossom Festival” is held every mid-April. From the entrance to the pagoda temple, you’ll walk through a 1.9-kilometer-long cherry blossom tunnel, as if you’re surrounded by a sea of pink blossoms. Maebong Mountain is also a filming site for Korean dramas such as “The Man Who Can't Get Married,” “Rooftop Prince,” and “49 Days.” Fans of these dramas will definitely want to see how magical the cherry blossom scenes are.
Korea’s Cherry Blossom Secret – Maebong Mountain. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbaa ! Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
Jeju National University (?? ??) is arguably the most famous cherry blossom spot on Jeju Island, which also means it tends to be more crowded. So it’s recommended that you get off two stops before the university and slowly walk along the cherry blossom road to enjoy the large, delicate “King Cherry Blossoms.”
Every year in March and April, the cherry blossom road at Jeju National University hosts the “Jeju King Cherry Blossom Festival.” Along the 1.5-kilometer-long tunnel, there are artistic installations and small stalls—it’s a fun and unmissable event of Jeju’s spring.
■ Address:66 Jeju National University Road, Jeju City, Jeju Island
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Unlike the cherry blossom paths along Jeju National University and Dianong Road, the cherry blossoms at Jeju Shinjeong Park (노을빛공원) are scattered throughout the park, featuring several cherry blossom groves and walking trails. You can take photos on the grass covered with fallen petals, and it’s also a popular spot for couples to shoot their wedding photos. In addition to cherry blossoms, the park also has camellias, making it a hidden Korean cherry blossom destination where you can fully enjoy spring.
■ Address:830, Ildo 2-dong, Jeju City, Jeju
Authorized reprint from [Tripbaa] Original source: [2019 Korea's Top 10 Cherry Blossom Spots Recommended!Korea Cherry Blossom Attractions Cheat Sheet]