7 Spring Flower Festivals in Korea 2023

Spring in Korea is a time for new beginnings and a season of blooming flowers. Cherry blossoms, azaleas, and magnolias are just a few of the flowers that come to life during this time of year. Each spring, Korea celebrates the season with numerous flower festivals that attract locals and visitors alike. In this blog post, we will highlight seven of the best spring flower festivals in Korea that you should not miss.

Introduction to Spring Flower Festivals in Korea

Spring in Korea is a time for new beginnings and the blooming of various flowers. From late March to early May, the country is awash with vibrant cherry blossoms, azaleas, and magnolias. During this time, Koreans and tourists flock to the numerous spring flower festivals held across the country.

 

Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival

Gyeonghwa Station [ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-박성근]

The Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the most famous and popular spring flower festivals in Korea. Held in Jinhae, a small city located in the southern part of the country, the festival attracts millions of visitors each year. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms along the Yeojwacheon Stream, take part in various cultural events, and enjoy local food.

• Best time to visit: early to mid-April
• Location: Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
• How to get there: Take a train or bus from Seoul or Busan to Jinhae Station, and then take a shuttle bus or taxi to the festival venues.
• Tips: The festival can get very crowded, so it's best to visit on weekdays and early in the morning.

Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival

The Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival is another popular cherry blossom festival held in Gyeongju, a city located in the southeastern part of Korea. The festival takes place around the Bomun Lake area, where visitors can enjoy a stunning view of the cherry blossoms. The festival also features cultural events such as traditional performances, art exhibitions, and food stalls.

• Best time to visit: early to mid-April
• Location: Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• How to get there: Take a train or bus from Seoul or Busan to Gyeongju Station, and then take a shuttle bus or taxi to the festival venues.
• Tips: Don't miss the night-time illuminations of the cherry blossoms at the Bomun Lake area.

Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival

The Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival takes place in Hwagae, a small town located in the southern part of Korea. The festival is famous for its picturesque cherry blossom tunnels, where visitors can walk under a canopy of cherry blossoms. Visitors can also enjoy traditional performances, local food, and handicrafts.

• Best time to visit: early to mid-April
• Location: Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
• How to get there: Take a bus from Seoul or Busan to Hadong Bus Terminal, and then take a local bus or taxi to the festival venues.
• Tips: The festival is known for its "Cherry Blossom Road" a scenic 4-km stretch of road lined with cherry blossom trees.

Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival

The Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival is held in Gangneung, a city located on the east coast of Korea. The festival takes place around Gyeongpo Lake, where visitors can enjoy the cherry blossoms and take part in various activities such as boat rides, horseback riding, and biking. The festival also features cultural events such as concerts, fireworks, and traditional performances.

• Best time to visit: early to mid-April
• Location: Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
• How to get there: Take a train or bus from Seoul or Busan to Gangneung Station, and then take a local bus or taxi to the festival venues.
• Tips: Rent a bike and ride along the Gyeongpo Lake, which is surrounded by cherry blossom trees.

Goryeosan Azalea Festival

Goryeosan [ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-김지호]

The Goryeosan Azalea Festival is held in Ganghwa Island in Incheon. The festival takes place on the slopes of Goryeosan Mountain, where visitors can enjoy the blooming of millions of azaleas. The festival also features various cultural events such as traditional performances, a flower parade, and local food.

• Best time to visit: late April to early May
• Location: Ganghwa-gun, Incheon city
• How to get there: Take a train or bus from Seoul or Incheon to Ganghwa bus terminal, and then take a local bus or taxi to the festival venues.
• Tips: Explore the local foods and handcrafts at the traditional 5-day market (please check out the schedule in advance)

Taean Magnolia Festival

The Taean Magnolia Festival is held in Taean, a county located on the west coast of Korea. The festival celebrates the blooming of the magnolia flowers in the Taean Coastal National Park. Visitors can enjoy the stunning view of the magnolias, take part in various activities such as hiking and biking, and enjoy local food.

• Best time to visit: late March to early April
• Location: Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
• How to get there: Take a bus from Seoul or Daejeon to Taean Bus Terminal, and then take a local bus or taxi to the festival venues.
• Tips: Visit the Taeanhaean National Park, which is home to the largest magnolia forest in Korea.

Jindo Sea Parting Festival

The Jindo Sea Parting [ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-김지호]

The Jindo Sea Parting Festival is a unique festival held in Jindo, an island located off the southwestern coast of Korea. During the festival, visitors can witness the phenomenon of the "Moses Miracle", where the sea parts and a pathway appears for a short period, allowing visitors to walk from Jindo Island to Modo Island. The festival also features traditional performances, food stalls, and cultural experiences. Please note that this is not a flower-themed festival.

• Best time to visit: late April to early May (based on lunar calendar)
• Location: Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do
• How to get there: Take a bus from Seoul or Busan to Jindo Intercity Bus Terminal, and then take a local bus or taxi to the festival venues.
• Tips: The sea parting phenomenon only occurs for a short period, so make sure to check the schedule and arrive early.

Conclusion

Korea is a country that takes pride in its spring flower festivals. With the blooming of various flowers such as cherry blossoms, azaleas, and magnolias, visitors can experience the beauty and wonder of nature. From the famous Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival to the unique Jindo Sea Parting Festival, there are numerous flower festivals that visitors should not miss in Korea.