There’s a lot to look forward to during spring in Korea. The crazy cold temps of winter are beating a steady retreat, and fresh shoots begin to colour the streets with the most delicate of greens. The tea plantations around Boseong are ready for harvest, the sea magically parts in Jindo, flowers are bursting with colour, and seasonal fruits like tangerines and strawberries are available for the eating.
Undoubtedly though, the most eagerly anticipated event of them all is the blooming of Korea’s cherry blossoms. This wave of fairy tale gorgeousness sweeps its way up the Peninsula, transforming the mundane greys of winter into a silvery pink wonderland, along the way. It makes the whole season feel fresh, optimistic and ripe with possibility.
*Cue romantic sigh of relief.
When is Korea’s cherry blossom season?
The blooming of cherry blossoms in Korea is an occasion that absolutely everyone in the country looks forward to. No one can pinpoint exactly what makes this annual blushing of the trees such a special event, but I’d guess it has something to do with its temporal nature. After all, what could be more poetic than the falling of an infinite number of frail pink petals, as they drift peacefully to their deaths, just a few days or weeks after flowering?
But when does Korea’s cherry blossom season actually begin? Well, it’s a little complicated…
If spring decides to make an early appearance in Korea, cherry blossoms might bless us with their beauty starting at the end of March. And they might stick around until the 3rd week of April. From bud to bloom to dramatic death, the whole season lasts a month at best.
These ephemeral blooms usually hang onto their trees for about a week, before starting to drop to the ground. All bets are off though, if it rains or there’s a lot of wind. These factors will shorten their lifespan painfully. They’re fickle like that.
Keep in mind that cherry blossoms in Korea will appear where it’s warmest first, so head to Jeju, Busan, or anywhere on the south end of the Peninsula, if you’re visiting near the end of March or very beginning of April. Any time after that, head north.
If you can’t make it to Korea in the first 10 days of April, head to the northeastern coastal regions, which are usually a lot cooler than the interior of the country. You could also pray, give offerings to the goddess, or bow before Mother Nature to increase your odds. You never know. It might help.
The best time to see Korea’s cherry blossoms
Cherry blossom forecasting is an inexact science at best. After all, nature doesn’t run on any real schedule and our weather patterns are seeing drastic changes. However, in my personal experience, the best time to see Korea’s cherry blossoms at their absolute peak is in the first week to 10 days of April.
I’ve lived in Seoul for the last 10 years, and there hasn’t been a single one, where the first 10 days of April weren’t the peak of Korea’s cherry blossom season. At this time, you’re guaranteed to find somewhere in the country to see these blush-y blooms at their best.
If you MUST stand under the cherry blossoms pictured above, and I recommend you do – book a tour to Jinhae. It’s my pick for the best place in Korea to see cherry blossoms at their absolute peak. There’s limited space AND limited dates offered for this tour, so I advise reserving a spot as soon as you can.
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