Cherry blossom season is one of the busiest and most beautiful times to visit Korea. The flowers open in the south first and move north over about two weeks, and each place is at its best for only about a week. If you are planning a spring 2027 trip, here is when to expect the blossom, where to see it, and how to plan for the crowds.
When will the cherry blossom bloom in 2027?
Official forecasts for 2027 will only be published in February and March 2027, and the exact dates depend on the weather in late winter. Based on recent years, expect roughly:
- Jeju: late March
- Busan and the south coast, including Jinhae: late March to the very start of April
- Daegu and Gyeongju: late March to early April
- Seoul: early to mid April
For comparison, the 2026 forecasts put full bloom around 29 March in Jeju, 30 March in Busan and 10 April in Seoul. A warm March brings everything forward by several days; a cold one delays it. We will update this guide when the 2027 forecasts are published.
Where to see it
Seoul
- Yeouido: the road behind the National Assembly is lined with cherry trees, and a spring flower festival is usually held here. It is the most famous spot and the most crowded.
- Seokchon Lake: trees ring the lake beside Lotte World Tower, lovely in the evening when the tower lights up.
- Palaces and Namsan: Gyeongbokgung, Changgyeonggung and the Namsan walking paths have blossom with a historic backdrop.
Jinhae (Changwon)
The Jinhae Gunhangje festival is Korea's biggest cherry blossom festival, with hundreds of thousands of trees, a stream lined with blossom and a railway station framed by flowers. It is usually held in late March to early April. It is an easy day trip from Busan, but roads and buses are packed at weekends.
Gyeongju
Blossom around Bomun Lake and the old royal tombs makes Gyeongju one of the prettiest places in spring. See our one-day Gyeongju plan.
Jeju
Jeju blooms first, and its cherry trees often flower alongside yellow canola fields. See our 3-day Jeju itinerary.
How to plan around the blossom
- Stay flexible: if you can, plan a trip that covers both the south and Seoul, so you catch the bloom somewhere even if the dates shift.
- Go early in the day: famous spots are crowded by late morning, especially at weekends.
- Book early: hotels in Busan and Changwon fill up around the Jinhae festival, and KTX seats sell out at weekends.
- Bring layers: spring days can be warm, but mornings and evenings are still cool, and some days are hazy with fine dust.
For the rest of the year's weather, see our seasons guide.
FAQ
When is the best time to see cherry blossom in Seoul?
Usually in the first half of April. Check the forecasts published in February and March 2027 for the exact dates.
How long does cherry blossom last?
Each place is at its best for about a week. Rain or strong wind can bring the petals down sooner.
Is the Jinhae festival worth it?
Yes, if you do not mind crowds. Go on a weekday and arrive early, or stay in Busan and visit as a day trip.
