When imagining peaceful parks dotted with flourishes of pastel pink and snow-white blossom, one’s mind so often wanders to Japan. However, South Korea’s cherry blossom season is a natural spectacle that dazzles in equal measure – but often with fewer visitors, and even better value accommodation. If you’re looking to experience the magic of cherry blossom season (known locally as Beotkkot), South Korea could be the ideal destination for you. Read our guide below to learn more about this spectacular occasion.
BEST TIME TO VISIT KOREA FOR CHERRY BLOSSOM
Cherry blossoms typically bloom from late March through mid-April, beginning in the warmer southern regions before moving up to the north. Jeju Island often sees the first blossoms, followed by Busan, Gyeongju, and finally Seoul.
WHERE TO SEE CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN SOUTH KOREA
Seoul’s Palaces
Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is the former royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Today, it is one of the Seoul’s most significant cultural sights – and is only made more arresting against a backdrop of fluffy blossoms. Meanwhile, the regal Deoksugung Palace plays host to a theatrical changing of the guard three times a day, making it perfect for enjoying the best of both Seoul’s rich culture and colourful blossoms during the Beotkkot.
Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival
With over 350,000 blossom trees in bloom, the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival is undoubtedly the best place to witness this annual spectacle. Be it at the city’s Gyeonghwa Station – where the blossoms line the tracks and create a mesmerising canopy of pastel pinks – or over the gentle Yeojwacheon Stream, the city boasts a plethora of distinct opportunities for viewing the cherry blossoms.
Jeju Island
Known for its native king cherry blossom trees, which boast the largest blossoms in Korea, Jeju Island is usually the first place in Korea to witness the emergence of cherry blossom. Home to hundreds of species of plant, Jeju Island’s Halla Arboretum is the perfect location to witness the Beotkkot. However, the pavements of Jeonnong Road in Jeju City are majestically lined with king cherry blossom trees during the spring, and are also a must-see when visiting the island during the spring.
Busan
The winding road to the top of Busan’s Hwangnyeongsan Mountain is punctuated with cherry blossoms, making the journey to the top truly magical – not to mention the panoramic views of the city at its summit. Alternatively, Samnak Ecological Park’s 3000 cherry blossom trees provide a delightful backdrop from which to enjoy the park’s cycling paths and walking trails. As a result, Busan is ideal for visitors seeking a little adventure during South Korea’s cherry blossom season.
Gyeongju
The ancient capital of Korea, Gyeongju is brimming with history. Whether visiting its UNESCO-recognised temples and pagodas, or the towering earthen mounds of the Daereungwon Royal Tomb Complex, Gyeongju transports visitors to a bygone era. The addition of pink cherry blossoms only adds to the immersion.
CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON
Unlike Japan, where sakura has been long embedded in national identity, South Korea’s cherry blossom season is relatively modern in celebration but rich in symbolism. The fleeting nature of the blossoms reflects the Buddhist aesthetic of mujo – the impermanence of beauty and life. Visiting Buddhist sites like Bulguska Temple (“Temple of the Buddha Land”) or Seokguram Grotto, with its 3.5-metre Buddha statue, is therefore a great way to spend your time here during the Beotkkot.
Local customs during the season include picnicking under the blossoms, attending street festivals, and indulging in seasonal delicacies such as cherry blossom tea and hwajeon – a South Korean rice cake infused with flower petals. In spring, the Beotkkot-hwajeon uses cherry blossom petals, and tends to be enjoyed during a ceremony known as hwajeon nori. Meaning “flower cake play”, hwajeon nori is the South Korean tradition of enjoying a picnic in the mountains while admiring the seasonal flowers.
BEST WAYS TO EXPERIENCE SOUTH KOREA’S CHERRY BLOSSOMS
Private Hanok Stays
Hanoks are traditional Korean houses that rose to prominence at the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty (14th century onwards). This style of house is now used across the country for those seeking the charm of traditional Korean accommodation. Better described as a guest house than a hotel, Hanoks offer minimal staff service, and usually provide just breakfast. While offering much more simplicity than a luxury hotel stay, the Hanok experience is undoubtedly one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the country’s fascinating heritage if you are happy to be a little more independent for a night or two. Most Hanoks have a beautiful private garden courtyard, which will only become more alluring during the cherry blossom season.
Bespoke Guided Walks
A private, guided walking tour through Seoul during the Beotkkot is one of the most intimate ways to experience the spring-time spectacle. Explore the city’s palaces, gaining fascinating insights as you go, before meandering along some of the quieter routes through the city. This is the ideal way to relish the tranquillity the cherry blossom season brings, and the perfect opportunity to take some postcard-worthy photographs away from the crowds.
Culinary Highlights
During the Beotkkot, cherry blossom flavours creep into South Korea’s culinary scene – allowing you to experience the Beotkkot from a different angle. Coffee and tea enthusiasts will relish the numerous blossom-infused lattes and herbal teas – often a striking pink colour – while cherry blossom sodas bring a seasonal theme to your morning or afternoon sugar fix. South Korea’s alcoholic speciality is its Soju, a clear liquor made from rice or grain, which gets its own cherry blossom variation during the spring. You’ll also want to try South Korea’s aromatic hwajeon – delicious flower-infused rice cakes. Some of the tastiest treats you can try during the Beotkkot are found at Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, where sweet cherry blossom bread – in the shape of a blossom petal – and blossom flavoured ice cream are certain to entice.
