As the new dawn breaks over the horizon of the land of the rising sun, a new wave of joyful festivals takes the stage. Life has begun to stir everywhere, With spring have come birds flocking together, the forests and meadows awake, and the earth has now come alive after a melancholic dullness. And so have people, as lively as ever. Springtimes are known for the ushering happiness of cherry blossoms, and in Korea, these are celebrated as festivals.
When the dawn of spring rises over the snow-crowned mountains in its last throes, a host of cherry blossom festivals comes alive all across the country. The spring, long held back by the cold, has now arrived bursting in all its beauty. Bringing people from all over the world to celebrate and cherish the fresh fragrance of this mystical event. Enjoy this ethereal event in all its charm by exploring some of the best-celebrated cherry blossom festivals in Korea.
Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival
It is a crime to miss a spectacle that happens very rarely. But it is a miss of a lifetime to skip the Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom festival while you are in Korea during spring. Jinhae is a picturesque city located in the southern part of the country. With more than three hundred thousand cherry blossom trees in full bloom, coloring the entire region in nature’s aura, this is one of the largest spring festivals in Korea.
The festival usually takes place during the period of late March till April first week. Set along the sides of Yeojwacheon Stream, lined with trees in all colors, this is a perfect place for a stroll. Another mesmerizing event here is the 800-meter-long railway line and the Gyeonghwa Station. The train here only runs during the festival period. There is a special light festival that comes alive during the night.
Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival
Gyeongju is not an unheard name for anyone planning a trip to Korea. It is perhaps the city with the most significance in the nation’s culture and history. There is no wonder that the city is even called the “museum without walls”. Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival takes place in the backdrop of such vibrant heritage. This event mostly takes place during the last week of March. The festival also holds many traditional and cultural performances.
The Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival offers one of the best cherry blossom viewing points in the country. It takes place in the historic district of Bomun Lake, where visitors can admire the cherry blossoms against the backdrop of ancient temples and pagodas. There is also a cherry tree-lined path around the lake to take a walk. Other attractions in the Bomun tourist complex include paddling around the lake in a specially-made boat.
Yeouido Spring Flower Festival
For a city that is well known all over the world for its extravagance, Seoul is no stranger to springtime celebrations. The bustling city is home to many cherry blossom festivals but the crown among them is the spectacular Yeouido Spring Flower Festival. Nestled on the banks of the Han River, Yeouido Island is home to over a thousand cherry blossom trees along with azaleas, forsythia, and many other spring flowers.
With the arrival of spring at the heart of Seoul, the streets and parks all adorn the vibrant festive mood. It is one of the most frequented and popular spring festivals in Korea. The festival also offers a wide variety of attractions such as musical performances, local food delights, and nighttime light shows. All of this makes this festival a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival
All of Korea’s charm, that is its mountains, beaches, and tradition, is confined together in the city of Gangneung. A major tourist attraction in this city is Gyeongpo, which is also home to one of the most popular Cherry Blossom Festivals in the country. Taking place towards the end of March the event comes alive along the shores of Gyeongpo Lake where the four-kilometer path is lined with hundreds of cherry trees.
Visitors can drop by the Gyeongpodae Pavillion at the end of the lake to catch some alluring pictures with their loved ones. Although not related to springtime celebrations, the Gyeonhgpo beach located adjacent to the lake is an all-time destination to enjoy the breathtaking ocean view of the East Sea. Nearby Ojukheon house, a historic residence dating back to the Joseon Dynasty, is also a popular tourist attraction.
Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival
Perhaps most readers have only heard about the stunning natural landscape and the blissful oceanic charm of Jeju Island. But what is less known is the fact that the Island is also home to many cultural events and festivals. During the peak of the blooming season in April, the curtains come down for one of the most alluring events to come alive. The Cherry Blossom Festival here is all about the diverse and unique traditions of the Island.
The festival takes place along many iconic locations of the Island. This includes scenic locations such as Hallim Park, Seogwipo, and Jeju City. A warm mild climate also adds to the charm of this festival. Visitors can also explore other major tourist attractions such as the Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak and Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, once they have finished marveling at the Cherry Blossom Festival.
Andong Cherry Blossom Festival
A history spanning thousands of years, a cultural heritage that hasn’t ebbed away to this day, and a vibrant local tradition that has garnered the world’s attention, if this is not enough, then there is the grand Andong Cherry Blossom Festival. Andong is a historic city located in the Gyeongsangbuk-do province. Towards the end of March, and the first week of April, the city celebrates the elegance of the spring season.
With an abundance of cherry blossom trees, this annual event brings out the breathtaking visuals of the city. Another major destination in the city that is famous for its well-preserved traditional architecture is the Andong Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nowhere else can one get this close to traditional Korean culture and traditions than in Andong.
Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival
For a city that is home to millions, Seoul has no lack of festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Seokchon Lake in the Songpa-gu District hosts an annual event during the last week of March. The Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival showcases the true beauty of spring with thousands of cherry blossom trees painting the lake in red and pink shades. Walk along the path during the night to get a glimpse of the evening light show.
The lake is a scenic reservoir located in the heart of the city. Surrounded by walking paths, green spaces, and flowering plants, the lake is a popular tourist destination that is easily accessible from anywhere in the city. The festival also provides a window of opportunity to get a glimpse of cultural and musical performances. Visitors can rent a paddle boat or rowboat to leisurely enjoy this spring festival with their loved ones.
Goryeosan Mountain Azalea Festival
With the spring season closing on its final chapter, we come to the final lap of celebrations & festivities. Goryeosan Mountain, also known as Goryeo Mountain, is located in Ganghwa County of Incheon. Throughout the second half of April, the mountain adorns the shades of pink, purple, and white. The Goryeosan Mountain Azalea Festival is a visual treat to be never missed. It is one of the most vividly beautiful spring festivals in Korea.
Renowned for its serene natural landscape, diverse flora, and fauna, the majestic Goryeosan mountain offers a panoramic view of the region. With the arrival of spring, the Azalea blooms blanket the rolling slopes of the mountain, creating a stunning backdrop for photography. Amidst the vibrant flowering bloom, the mountain also offers a variety of hiking trails.
Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival
Nestling in the secluded part of Hadong County in the Gyeongsangnam Province is the picture-perfect spot, Hwagae Valley, known for its cherry trees lined roads. Set in the valleys of Jirisan National Park, this village is renowned for its cherry blossom festival. Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival, which usually takes place at the end of March to April, is one of the most marvellous spring festivals in Korea.
Everywhere from riverbanks to long roads, the mood here is always pleasant. The most coveted of attractions in this festival is the elegant cherry blossom tunnels. Visitors get to stroll through these tunnels formed by the hundreds of cherry blossom trees lining the road. This canopy of the fragrance over the walking path is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations during the spring season.
