Beyond Cherry Blossoms: Guide to Korea’s Most Beautiful Spring Flowers

Are you planning a trip to witness the breathtaking South Korea spring flower festivals in 2026? To see the best of the season, you should visit the Gwangyang Maehwa Festival in mid-March for plum blossoms and the iconic Jinhae Gunhangje Festival in late March for the country’s largest cherry blossom display. From the snowy white petals of the plum trees to the vibrant royal azaleas in May, South Korea offers a continuous floral relay that transforms the entire peninsula into a world-class travel destination.

1. The Early Heralds: Plum Blossoms and Sansuyu (March)
2. The Peak Season: Cherry Blossom Forecast and Top Spots (Late March – April)
3. Vibrant Mid-Spring: Tulips, Forsythia, and Pink Azaleas (April)
4. The Grand Finale: Royal Azaleas and Romantic Roses (May)
5. Local Insider Tips: Navigating Korea’s Spring Crowds

The Early Heralds: Plum Blossoms and Sansuyu (March)

While the world waits for April, local insiders know that the South Korea spring flower season actually begins in the southern provinces in early March. The Maehwa (Plum Blossom) is deeply respected in Korean culture, symbolizing the noble spirit of scholars because it blooms while the winter frost still lingers. Following closely is the Sansuyu (Cornelian Cherry), which blankets villages in a soft yellow glow.

• Gwangyang Maehwa Festival: This is the first major flower event of the year. Located along the Seomjin River, the village of Daap-myeon becomes covered in white and light pink plum blossoms that look like popcorn from a distance.
• Gurye Sansuyu Festival: Located at the foot of Jirisan Mountain, Gurye offers a nostalgic atmosphere with yellow flowers lining stone-wall paths. It’s a favorite for those seeking a more traditional, “slow-travel” vibe.
• Eungbongsan Forsythia (Seoul): If you are in Seoul early, Eungbongsan is the first place to turn yellow. It provides a stunning contrast against the blue Han River and is a popular spot for night photography.

💡 Local Note: If you want to experience more than just flowers, check out our comprehensive guide on the Top 20 Korean Festivals Every Traveler Should See to plan your cultural deep dive.

The Peak Season: Cherry Blossom Forecast and Top Spots (Late March – April)

The cherry blossom (Beot-kkot) is the undisputed star of the Korean spring. Because the bloom lasts only about 7 to 10 days, timing is critical. For the 2026 season, the blossoms are expected to start in Jeju around March 22, reaching Seoul by early April.

Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Korea

I highly recommend Gyeongju for travelers who want to combine history with nature. Walking through the Hwangridan-gil area with a cherry blossom-flavored ice cream is an experience you won’t forget. In Seoul, if Yeouido is too crowded, try Yangjaecheon Stream for a more relaxed, local atmosphere.

Vibrant Mid-Spring: Tulips, Forsythia, and Pink Azaleas (April)

Once the cherry blossoms start to fall—creating a beautiful “cherry blossom snow”—the colors of Korea shift to deeper pinks, purples, and oranges. This mid-spring period is perfect for visiting coastal parks and mountain foothills.

The Taean World Tulip Park in Chungcheongnam-do is recognized as one of the top five tulip festivals globally. With millions of tulips arranged in shapes like butterflies or even the Mona Lisa, it’s a photographer’s paradise. Nearby, you can enjoy fresh seafood on the Kkotji Beach sunset.

For hikers, Wonmisan Mountain in Bucheon is a must. The mountain is literally covered in magenta-colored azaleas (Jindallae). Since it’s accessible via Seoul Subway Line 7, it’s one of the easiest “mountain flower” experiences for international tourists.

The Grand Finale: Royal Azaleas and Romantic Roses (May)

As we transition into late spring, the Royal Azaleas (Cheoljjuk) and Roses take center stage. This is when the weather in Korea is at its absolute best—warm, breezy, and clear.

• Hwangmaesan Royal Azalea Festival: Located on a high plateau, this festival offers a “pink sea” that feels out of this world. It’s a popular filming site for historical K-dramas.
• Gokseong International Rose Festival: This festival is held in a charming “Train Village.” You can ride a vintage steam train while surrounded by tens of thousands of roses from around the world.
• Seoul Rose Festival (Jungnang-gu): Featuring a 5km rose tunnel, this is the longest rose walkway in Korea. It’s particularly beautiful at night when the LED lights illuminate the flowers.

Local Insider Tips: Navigating Korea’s Spring Crowds

Planning a trip during the Korea spring flower festivals requires some local strategy. Traffic can be heavy during peak weekends, so efficiency is key.

Spring Travel Essential Guide for 2026

FAQ

When is the best time to see cherry blossoms in 2026?

While dates fluctuate, the “sweet spot” is usually the last week of March for southern cities like Busan and Jinhae, and the first week of April for Seoul.

Is the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival worth the crowd?

Yes, but go on a weekday morning (before 9 AM) if possible. The sight of the cherry blossoms over the Yeojwa-cheon Stream is a once-in-a-lifetime view that justifies the effort.

How do I check the live flower forecast?

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) and various local tourism boards release official blooming dates in early March. Keep an eye on local news or KCulture.com for updates.

Korean Culture portal KCulture.com

Gi, Oh

Founder of Kculture.com and MA in Political Science. He shares deep academic and local insights to provide an authentic perspective on Korean history and society.