When the stillness in the air deters after a motionless winter, a gentle breeze of fragrance arrives, with the birds chirping the melodies of nature’s orchestra. The arrival of spring in Korea brings an air of excitement for the next three months. On the bare land where there was nothing but snow white now presents a picturesque landscape that captivates tourists from around the world.
Spring in Korea ushers a new hope, a new life and a new beginning with a plethora of exciting events. The surreal transformation of the stunning scenery with the vibrant colours of cherry blossoms is a once-in-a-lifetime visual treat. The springtime destinations in Korea are an escape to paradise. Here are 8 must-visit places to uncover the secrets of spring in South Korea.
Jinhae
The city of Jinhae is home to some 360,000 cherry blossom trees that paints the alleyways in the colours of white and pink. One of the most magnificent springtime attractions in Korea is the 1.5-kilometre-long section of the Yeojwacheon Stream. White petals and the sweet scents of flowering trees canopy this particular line.
The flamboyance of Jinhae stands out during the Jinhae Gunhangjae Festival celebrated in the month of April. Although the entire city offers a visual treat for cherry blossoms, the most popular flower-viewing areas include Anmingogae Hill, Jehwangsan Park, and the Yeojwacheon stream.
Namsan Park
Seoul–the capital city of South Korea–is the most happening place in this part of the world. But in mid-April, the heart of the city welcomes its visitors with some magnificent views to cherish. Namsan Park which is a thriving tourist destination in Seoul is home to the longest cherry tree trail in the city. A perfect spot for taking a peaceful walk along the fully bloomed pathways that lead up to the iconic N Seoul Tower.
Namsan circuit road is a beautiful scenic route covered with the many colours of forsythias, azaleas, and cherry blossoms. This road also connects many other popular attractions such as Namsan Library, Namsan Octagonal Pavilion, and the National Theater of Korea.
Changgyeonggung Palace
Almost all the destinations in Korea transform into many colours throughout the year. But among them, there is one such heavenly wonder that beholds the eyes of tourists around the world. The majestic Changgyeonggung Palace looks astonishing in the costumes of spring.
The cherry blossoms create a picturesque background for the grandiosity of Korean architecture. It’s not just cherry blossoms but all the other fragrances of spring such as plum blossoms, Korean bush cherry, sansuyu flowers, apricot blossoms and royal azaleas all dance to the rhythm of spring among these great monuments.
Yeosu
Yeosu is a popular spring destination in Korea famed for its surrounding blue sea and the beautiful islands. The vast fields of these islands get carpeted by the yellow Canola fields. A bright yellow blanket covers the entire valleys of farmland to make it visible from a mile away. There are many calm and quiet beaches that are perfect for a day out.
The enchanting Yeongchwisan Mountain at this time of the year will be scattered with the bushes of Azaleas in red and purple colours. In early April, Yeosu hosts the Yeongchwisan Azalea Festival to celebrate the arrival of spring. The entire ridges of Yeongchwisan mountain, painted in various colors against the backdrop of the blue ocean, will leave everyone in awe.
Cheongsando Island
Among the many islands of South Korea, the arrival of spring elevates the beauty of Cheongsando. The days are slow and easy on this island for a rejuvenating holiday. Cheongsando holds the distinction of being the first Asian destination to be labeled as a slow city. And the island hosts 11 slow paths with a combined length of 42 kilometres that pass through the sweeping vistas of unspoiled serenity.
The island celebrates the renowned Slow Walking Festival every April during the springtime. With flat rice fields that get covered in a yellow blanket of Canola flowers, rape flowers and the blue forage barley field, Cheongsando is a popular shooting location for Soap operas, TV shows and movies.
Gwangyang Maehwa Village
An ocean of pink and white transcends the Gwangyang Maehwa village into a mystical land in the months of March & April. The celestial beauty of plum blossoms transforms this village into what looks like a snow-covered winter wonderland. And to celebrate such a time of the year filled with splendours of nature, the village hosts the Gwangyang Maehwa Festival in March, attracting some 500,000 tourists every year.
Located in the province of Jeollanamdo, where the Soemjin river flows around the majestic Jirisan mountain, this tiny village is also one of the earliest places in South Korea that welcomes spring. Gwangyang Maehwa village is a popular springtime destination for the myriads of outdoor activities such as picking maesil(plum) and making maesil gangjeong (sweet plum puffs).
Jeju Island
The enchanting Jeju Island is scenic on its own. Its peaceful atmosphere and picturesque landscapes make it look like another universe. Sangbangsan, a lava dome located along Yengmori Coast is nothing less than a fairytale wonderland with its salient valley of canola flowers in different hues of yellow. Another popular adventure is the breathtaking Noksan-ro route, a dreamy 10km road lined with cherry blossoms and canola flowers in early spring.
As the southernmost province of South Korea, Jeju Island gets to witness the arrival of Spring earlier than many other places. Seopjikoji, which is located on the east coast of Jeju Island, is a beautiful coastline filled with canola flowers. Being a favored filming location, this coastal region boasts easy accessibility from popular tourist spots like Udo Island and Jeju Folk Village.
Yeouido
By mid-April, the cherry blossoms would unravel their beauty at its finest in Seoul. It is on Yeouido Island located in central Seoul where you can catch the prettiest otherworldly experience of cherry blossoms in South Korea. Take a long walk along Yunjungro street behind the National Assembly Building to see the city’s loveliest cherry blossom street, as well as azaleas, forsythia, and other spring flowers in full bloom.
The streets of Seoul burst open with colours in all pallets with the coming of spring. Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is one of the many celebrations that take over the streets of Seoul. With over 1,800 trees in full bloom, street performances, food vendors selling cherry blossom-themed snacks, and countless art exhibits, the festival is the perfect place to enjoy a great holiday.
