Cherry blossoms in Seoul, also known as sakura, are a beloved seasonal event. The blooming period typically occurs in spring, usually from late March to early April, although this can vary slightly depending on weather conditions each year. Cherry blossoms transform the cityscape, turning parks, streets, and riversides into stunning displays of pink and white flowers.
We’ve tried to create a Seoul cherry blossom detailed guide highlighting the list of places to see sakura, best time to visit Seoul to enjoy cherry blossoms and best day tour options.
Best Time to Visit Seoul for Cherry Blossom 2024
The best time to visit Seoul to see cherry blossoms typically falls between late March and early April. However, the exact timing can vary from year to year due to factors such as weather conditions, temperature fluctuations, and the particular species of cherry trees. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and cherry blossom forecasts as spring approaches. Warmer temperatures can accelerate the blooming process, while cold snaps can delay it.
Seoul Day Trip to See Cherry Blossoms
Consider joining one of the following day tours to explore the best places to see cherry blossom in Seoul and its surroundings.
Join King Cherry Blossom Day Tour
Cherry Blossom Hunting from Seoul
Eden Cherry Blossom & Nami Island & Alpaca World
Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Seoul
Below you can find the list of the most popular places to see sakura in Seoul, consider visiting some of them for a great experience. Please also note that during peak bloom, popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Seoul can get crowded during the day. To beat the crowds, it’s a great idea to plan your visits early in the morning or late in the evening.
Yeouido Hangang Park
It is a popular public park located on Yeouido Island along the Han River in Seoul. Park is easily accessible by public transportation, including subway and bus.
Yeouido Hangang Park covers a vast area with beautifully landscaped gardens, wide open spaces, walking paths, and bike trails. The park is an especially popular place to see cherry blossoms in Seoul with many people coming to enjoy hanami (flower viewing) picnics and leisurely strolls under the blooming trees.
- Address: 330 Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Admission: Free
Seoul Forest
Situated in the Seongdong-gu district of Seoul, Seoul Forest spans approximately 1.16 million square meters (about 286 acres). Seoul Forest serves as a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling city, offering a tranquil escape.
Seoul Forest is a delightful place to enjoy cherry blossoms during the spring season. While not as renowned for its cherry blossoms as some other locations where you can see sakura in Seoul, the park does boast a significant number of cherry trees. Besides popular cherry blossoms, in spring you can enjoy colorful tulips that are also in bloom, see and feed deer.
- Address: 273 Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Admission: Free
- Join Spring Flower Tour
Seokchon Lake
Seokchon Lake, also known as Seokchonhosu Lake, is a scenic artificial lake located in the Songpa-gu district of Seoul. It is adjacent to popular attractions such as Lotte World and Lotte World Tower, making it a convenient destination for tourists.
This is probably one of the most popular spots to see cherry blossoms in Seoul, so no doubt it will be super crowded on your visit day. Anyway, pack a picnic basket with your favorite snacks and beverages, and find a cozy spot along the lakeside to enjoy your time surrounded by cherry blossoms.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace holds immense cultural significance as a symbol of Korea’s royal heritage and traditional architecture. It served as the primary royal residence and administrative center for centuries, witnessing important historical events and royal ceremonies. The palace features traditional Korean architectural design, characterized by its grand wooden structures, colorful paintwork, and intricate roof lines.
Cherry blossoms transform the palace grounds into a breathtaking scene of natural beauty. Many of the walking paths within Gyeongbokgung Palace are lined with cherry blossom trees. After exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace, take the opportunity to visit nearby attractions such as Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong.
- Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Opening hours: Wed-Mon – 9.00 am – 6.00 pm, closed on Tue
- Official website: https://royal.cha.go.kr/ROYAL/contents/menuInfo-gbg.do?grpCode=gbg
- Entrance ticket to Gyeongbokgung Palace with Hanbok rental experience
Seoul Grand Park
It is one of the largest parks in Seoul. While the cherry blossoms at Seoul Grand Park may not be as numerous or concentrated as those in dedicated cherry blossom viewing spots, such as Yeouido or Jinhae, visitors can still enjoy the beauty of sakura blooms while exploring the park.
Since Seoul Grand Park offers various attractions such as the zoo, botanical garden, and amusement park, consider combining your cherry blossom viewing with a visit to these other areas.
- Address: 102 Daegongwongwangjang-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
- Buy ticket to Seoul Zoo in Grand Park
Changgyeonggung Palace
Changgyeonggung Palace was primarily used as a residence for queens and concubines. It was also utilized as a venue for various state affairs, royal banquets, and ceremonial events. It is renowned for its beautiful gardens and landscapes, which were designed to complement the natural surroundings and provide tranquil spaces for relaxation and contemplation.
The palace grounds feature ponds, pavilions, and scenic walkways that offer visitors a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. Changgyeonggung Palace offers a serene and picturesque setting for cherry blossom viewing. Cherry blossoms adorn the palace grounds, adding a touch of natural beauty and elegance to the historic architecture.
- Address: 185 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Opening hours: Tue-Sun – 9.00 am – 9.00 pm, closed on Mon
- Changgyeonggung Palace Night Tour
Namsan Park
Namsan Park is located in the central part of Seoul, with Namsan Mountain rising to an elevation of 262 meters (860 feet) above sea level. It offers stunning panoramic views of the city skyline and surrounding areas. At the summit of Namsan Mountain stands Namsan Seoul Tower, one of Seoul’s most iconic landmarks.
In spring, Namsan Park becomes a very popular spot to see sakura in Seoul as it provides ample space for picnicking and relaxation under the cherry blossoms. While hiking trails in the park are pretty easy, for better views it is recommended to take a cable car ride that will take you to the top of the mountain where there is a tower, which offers panoramic observation decks, restaurants, and gift shops.
- Address: 231 Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Namsan Cable Car Round Trip Ticket
