Springtime in Seoul is a magical season when the city comes alive with the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms. These fleeting pink and white flowers bloom for only a couple of weeks each year, usually between late March and early April, transforming the city’s parks, streets, and riversides into stunning scenes straight out of a fairytale.
If you’re planning a trip to Seoul during this time, make sure you take the opportunity to experience the cherry blossom season. Here’s a guide to the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Seoul, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of spring and capture unforgettable memories.
1. Kyung Hee University: A Campus in Bloom
Kyung Hee University is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful university campuses in Seoul, and during cherry blossom season, it becomes even more enchanting. The campus features Gothic-style buildings and sprawling green lawns, with cherry trees scattered throughout the grounds.
Why Visit?: The blend of historical architecture and cherry blossoms makes Kyung Hee University a unique and peaceful spot to enjoy the season’s blooms. It’s also less crowded than some of the more well-known cherry blossom locations, making it ideal for a quieter, more relaxed experience.
Best Time to Visit: Late March to early April. The university is open to visitors, and the wide walkways and open spaces provide plenty of room to explore.
Tips: Bring a picnic and enjoy the cherry blossoms in a tranquil setting. The Peace Hall, a large Gothic-style building on campus, is a popular spot for photos with the cherry blossoms.
2. Yeouido Hangang Park: The Iconic Blossom Festival
Yeouido Hangang Park is perhaps the most famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Seoul, thanks to the annual Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Situated along the Han River, Yeouido Hangang Park offers a spectacular display of cherry blossoms, with over 1,600 trees lining the roads and walking paths.
Why Visit?: The park offers the perfect combination of urban views and natural beauty, with cherry trees framing the skyscrapers of Yeouido, Seoul’s financial district. The festival also features food vendors, street performances, and nighttime illuminations, allowing you to enjoy the cherry blossoms well into the evening.
Best Time to Visit: The festival typically runs from late March to mid-April, coinciding with the peak bloom of the cherry blossoms.
Tips: Arrive early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds. For the best photos, head to the Yunjunro Street section, where the cherry trees form a picturesque canopy over the road.
3. Seoul Forest: An Urban Oasis
Seoul Forest is a large park located in the Seongsu-dong area of Seoul and offers an abundance of cherry blossoms in a peaceful, natural setting. With walking paths, cycling trails, and open spaces, Seoul Forest is the perfect spot for a laid-back day of cherry blossom viewing.
Why Visit?: Seoul Forest is a lesser-known cherry blossom viewing spot, making it less crowded than places like Yeouido or Namsan. The park’s cherry trees are spread throughout its various sections, including the Cultural Art Park and the Ecological Forest. The park also features a deer enclosure, where you can feed and interact with deer while enjoying the blossoms.
Best Time to Visit: Late March to early April. The park is vast, so it’s easy to find a quiet corner to relax and take in the scenery.
Tips: Rent a bike to explore the park at your own pace. Seoul Forest is also known for its eco-friendly initiatives, so be sure to check out the Butterfly Conservatory and other nature-focused exhibits.
4. Seokchon Lake: Blossoms by the Water
Seokchon Lake is a stunning spot for cherry blossom viewing, particularly because of its picturesque setting around a tranquil lake. The lake is divided into two sections, the East and West Lakes, and both are surrounded by cherry blossom trees, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Why Visit?: The reflection of the cherry blossoms in the lake creates a mirror-like effect, making it one of the most photogenic cherry blossom spots in Seoul. Seokchon Lake is also home to Lotte World Tower, South Korea’s tallest building, offering a great contrast between modern architecture and natural beauty.
Best Time to Visit: Late March to early April. The area is also lit up at night, offering a peaceful evening experience.
Tips: Walk around both the East and West sections of the lake to fully appreciate the beauty of the blossoms from different angles. For a panoramic view of the lake and cherry blossoms, consider heading up to the Lotte World Tower observation deck.
5. Yangjae Citizens’ Forest: A Hidden Gem
Tucked away in the southern part of the city, Yangjae Citizens’ Forest is a peaceful park that features a stunning array of cherry blossoms in the spring. The park is known for its wide, tree-lined walking paths and its calm, serene atmosphere.
Why Visit?: Yangjae Citizens’ Forest is a bit off the beaten path, making it a great option for those looking to escape the crowds. The park’s cherry blossoms are especially beautiful when viewed from the park’s central fountain area, where the trees form a delicate canopy overhead.
Best Time to Visit: Late March to early April. The park is relatively large, so you’ll have plenty of space to enjoy the blossoms at your own pace.
Tips: This park is ideal for a leisurely picnic or a quiet walk. It’s also close to Yangjae Stream, another great spot for cherry blossom viewing and cycling.
6. Namsan Seoul Tower: Blossoms with a View
The area surrounding Namsan Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain is another prime spot for cherry blossom viewing. The winding roads that lead up to the tower are lined with cherry trees, offering breathtaking views of both the blossoms and the city skyline.
Why Visit?: Namsan offers one of the best panoramic views of Seoul, and during cherry blossom season, the combination of the cityscape and the pink flowers is unforgettable. You can either hike up to the top of Namsan or take the Namsan Cable Car for an even more scenic journey.
Best Time to Visit: Late March to early April. The cherry blossoms are especially beautiful during sunset, when the warm glow of the sky creates a stunning backdrop.
Tips: For a romantic experience, visit at dusk and watch the city light up as you walk through the cherry-lined paths. Don’t forget to stop at the N Seoul Tower to leave a love lock on the railings.
7. Seoul National Cemetery: Blossoms in a Peaceful Setting
While it may seem like an unconventional place to view cherry blossoms, the Seoul National Cemetery is home to hundreds of cherry trees that bloom beautifully in the spring. The cemetery’s serene and solemn atmosphere, combined with the soft pink blossoms, creates a tranquil and reflective experience.
Why Visit?: The cemetery is a peaceful and respectful place to enjoy the cherry blossoms without the hustle and bustle of larger parks. The long, tree-lined paths are ideal for a quiet stroll, and the sight of the blossoms surrounding the cemetery’s monuments and graves is both beautiful and poignant.
Best Time to Visit: Late March to early April.
Tips: Be mindful of the cemetery’s purpose and maintain a respectful demeanor while visiting. Photography is allowed, but avoid taking pictures of the graves or memorials.
8. Changgyeonggung Palace: Blossoms and History Combined
Changgyeonggung Palace is one of Seoul’s five grand palaces, and during cherry blossom season, it becomes a picturesque blend of historical architecture and blooming trees. The palace grounds are filled with cherry trees, especially around the palace’s large pond, Hamyangwon.
Why Visit?: The combination of cherry blossoms and the traditional Korean architecture of the palace makes this a must-visit spot during spring. The palace’s tranquil atmosphere and beautiful gardens provide a perfect setting for a peaceful afternoon of blossom viewing.
Best Time to Visit: Late March to early April. The palace offers a quieter and more intimate cherry blossom experience compared to larger parks.
Tips: Bring a camera to capture the stunning contrast between the delicate cherry blossoms and the sturdy palace structures. The entrance fee to the palace is affordable, making it a great option for those on a budget.
9. Ansan Jarak-gil: A Blossoming Mountain Path
Located on the slopes of Ansan Mountain, the Jarak-gil Trail offers a unique cherry blossom viewing experience away from the busy city streets. The trail is a popular spot for hiking, and in the spring, the cherry blossoms provide a stunning backdrop as you make your way up the mountain.
Why Visit?: The trail offers a blend of natural beauty and city views, with cherry blossoms lining the path as you hike. At the top of the mountain, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of Seoul, making this spot a perfect combination of outdoor adventure and blossom viewing.
Best Time to Visit: Late March to early April.
Tips: The hike is relatively easy and suitable for all skill levels. Bring comfortable shoes and a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.
10. Gyeongbokgung Palace: Royal Blossoms
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul’s most famous royal palace, is a prime spot for cherry blossom viewing. While the palace is a major tourist destination year-round, it takes on an extra layer of beauty in the spring when the cherry blossoms bloom against the backdrop of its grand pavilions and courtyards.
Why Visit?: Gyeongbokgung Palace is a stunning place to explore, and during cherry blossom season, it becomes even more magical. The palace’s large grounds mean that there are plenty of spots to admire the blossoms without feeling crowded.
Best Time to Visit: Late March to early April. Try to visit during one of the palace’s Royal Guard Changing Ceremonies for an added cultural experience.
Tips: Consider renting a hanbok (traditional Korean dress) from one of the nearby rental shops. Wearing a hanbok not only gives you free entry to the palace but also makes for beautiful photos among the cherry blossoms.
Conclusion
Seoul is a city of contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern innovations, and its cherry blossom season is the perfect reflection of this. Whether you’re exploring royal palaces, hiking up mountains, or strolling along the banks of the Han River, Seoul’s cherry blossom spots offer unforgettable experiences for locals and tourists alike. So if you’re planning to visit Seoul in the spring, make sure to check out these top cherry blossom viewing spots and witness the city bathed in the soft pink hues of springtime.
