Spring in Korea begins with cherry blossoms. However, cherry blossoms bloom for a short period of time, so you need to know the exact time to enjoy the best scenery. In particular, the expected cherry blossom bloom period in Korea in 2025 is from March 27 to April 10, and you will not be able to see cherry blossoms after that. This article introduces the cherry blossom bloom period, recommended spots, and travel tips for foreign travelers to not miss the cherry blossom season.
1. Cherry blossom bloom period and characteristics in Korea in 2025
The cherry blossom season in Korea varies slightly depending on the region, but it is generally at its peak from late March to early April. In the central region including Seoul, the flowers begin blooming around March 27 and are in full bloom around 03~05 Apr. In the southern regions of Busan and Jinhae, the flowers begin blooming around March 20 and reach their peak by the end of March. However, Korean cherry blossoms fall off after about 7~10 days of blooming, so if you don’t get the timing right, you won’t be able to see them.
The characteristic of Korean cherry blossoms is that they ‘fall off within a short period of time once they bloom.’ Since the blooming period is shorter than that of Japanese cherry blossoms, you may miss the cherry blossoms if you don’t plan your travel schedule well. Also, if it rains or there are strong winds, the petals may fall earlier than expected. Therefore, if you are planning a trip during the cherry blossom season, it is important to carefully check the weather forecast.
2. Top 3 Cherry Blossom Spots You Must Visit in Korea
① Yunjung-ro, Yeouido, Seoul
One of the most famous cherry blossom spots in Seoul, the 1,800 king cherry blossom trees along the Han River create a spectacular view. When they are in full bloom in early April, you can walk through the cherry blossom tunnel and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Han River. In particular, the ‘Cherry Blossom Night View’ where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms with night lights is popular.
② Jinhae Gunhangje Festival
This is the largest cherry blossom festival in Korea, and it is held every year from late March to early April. The entire city of Jinhae is covered with cherry blossoms, and the Gyeonghwa Station railroad and Yeojwacheon Romantic Cherry Blossom Road are representative photo spots. During the Gunhangje Festival, you can also enjoy various performances and events.
③ Bulguksa Temple and Bomun Lake in Gyeongju
This is a place where you can enjoy a special landscape of historical sites and cherry blossoms. In particular, if you walk along Bomun Lake, you can enjoy the beautiful scene created by the cherry blossoms reflecting on the lake.
④ Gyeongbokgung Palace
As the most iconic palace of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung transforms into a breathtaking scene in spring when cherry blossoms bloom against the backdrop of traditional Korean architecture. The areas around Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pavilion offer particularly stunning views. Wearing a hanbok while strolling through the palace grounds adds a touch of elegance and makes for an unforgettable springtime memory.
⑤ Namsan Cherry blossom street and N Seoul tower
Namsan is one of Seoul’s best spots to enjoy cherry blossoms right in the heart of the city. When the cherry trees lining the Namsan Circular Road are in full bloom, visitors can experience the enchanting feeling of walking through a pink tunnel. For a truly spectacular view, head up to the N Seoul Tower, where the sight of cherry blossoms blending with Seoul’s skyline creates an unforgettable springtime panorama.
3. Travel tips to not miss the cherry blossom season
Check the exact blooming period: Since the blooming period of cherry blossoms may change slightly every year, it is important to check the cherry blossom blooming forecast of the Korea Meteorological Administration.
Avoid rainy days: Cherry blossoms fall easily when it rains, so refer to the weather forecast when deciding on your travel date. Book accommodations near cherry blossom spots: Accommodations fill up quickly during the cherry blossom season, so it is recommended to book in advance.
Use public transportation: Since traffic is congested around cherry blossom spots, it is convenient to use the subway or bus. Conclusion
The 2025 Korean cherry blossom season is expected to last from March 27 to April 10, during which time you can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms in Seoul, Jinhae, Gyeongju, etc. However, cherry blossoms fall within a short period of time after blooming, so it is important to check the exact blooming period when planning your trip. Plan the perfect trip to enjoy the cherry blossoms in Korea this spring!