Planning a trip to South Korea to catch the magnificent cherry blossom blooms in 2023? Changi Recommends, a subsidiary of Changi Airport Group, has put together a guide to spotting cherry blossoms in South Korea. Here are the top viewing locations, festivals and other highlights to look out for.
1. Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival, Jeju Island
Expected blooming season: 23–30 March 2023
What: Set in Seogwipo’s downtown area which includes the Jeju Sports Complex and its scenic surroundings, this is where you can find the unique (and reportedly larger and more luxurious) petal variant of Jeju-exclusive King cherry trees. The elusive flowers only stay in full bloom for three days per year, so you’d need some luck to catch the beautiful flowers. The three-day festival will also feature local music and performances, and contests for members of the public in the evening.
Where: Jeju Sports Complex, Seogwipo
Other cherry blossom spots in Jeju Island: Jeonnong-ro cherry blossom street, Sinrye Village, Jeju National University entrance & rotary
2. Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival, near Busan
Expected blooming season: March 25–April 3 2023
What: Home to the largest cherry blossom festival in the country, this is where all the buzz is. The 10-day festival is packed with street food stalls, parades and more.
Where: Yeojwacheon Romance Bridge (just one hour away from Busan)
3. Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon, Gyeongju
Expected blooming season in Gyeongju: 29 March–April 5 2023
What: A popular annual marathon which sees runners comb through breathtaking stretches of blooming cherry blossom trees. Competitive or not, there are four courses to pick from: full (42.19km), half (21.09km),10km and 5km. If you’re looking to take this chance to just bask in the vibrant atmosphere — and have a light workout at the same time — we recommend 5km or 10km.
Where: Bodeok Dynasty Center
Other cherry blossom spots in Gyeongju: Bomun Lake in the Bomun Tourist Complex, Waterwheel Square, Silla Millennium Park
4. Seokchonhosu Lake Cherry Blossom Festival, Seoul
Expected blooming season: 6–13 April
What: A photographer’s dream come true, where you can capture pictures of the cherry blossoms reflected in the water. During the festival, check out the pop-up exhibits and other interactive activities to make the most of your time there.
Where: Seokchonhosu Lake area
Other cherry blossom spots in Seoul: Yeouido Spring Flower Festival, Seoul Forest, Seoul Grand Park, Kyung Hee University, the grand palaces including Deoksugung Palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changgyeonggung Palace.
Booked your flight to see the cherry blossoms in South Korea? Stay connected at all times with ChangiWiFi so you can share the beautiful photos with your loved ones.
PHOTOS: CHANGI RECOMMENDS
This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.
