This article is from National Geographic Traveler (U.K).
The end of South Korea's long and cold winter is announced by foam of pink and white. The cherry blossom season is important and celebrated with local festivals and flower-themed drinks – it is as beautiful as a brief one. The southern part of Jeju Island sees its first bloom in mid-March, while on the hills of the northern continent, the buds can last until the end of April. The bloom is usually peaking about a week after its first appearance, and soon after it lies in the pale mounds of the ground.
It is difficult to avoid comparisons at sea with neighboring Japan. There, the establishment of cherry blossom viewing (an experience known locally as Hanami) is more accomplished. However, South Korea is more affordable in both countries, especially in terms of transportation and accommodation, which means you can enjoy the attractions here for a longer time.
So, do it in spring, just like the locals: sit on a watermelon drink, sit in the park of dotjari (cushioning picnic mat), and watch the wind radiate the cherry petals spin in the pink rain.
The 15-meter-high Buddha statue in Gakwonsa Temple is a popular destination for the cherry blossom season. Photos of Sanga Park
Celebrate Carnival
Half a mile wide, crossing the city from north to south, Seoul's main river, is the most popular cherry viewing location in the capital. With the cherry trees paved mostly by the park’s bank, you can enjoy wonder in quiet places, vivid places, or anywhere in between. Yeouido Park is the busiest place – the National Assembly and the island home of high-rise buildings, and when the weather is clear, it is a major picnic area. It has its own Cherry Festival, during which you will receive performances of Korean music and dance. Dates change every year, but usually fall in the first or second week of April.
Salute to the blossom
There are cherry trees on the ground in a large number of Korean Buddhist temples, but the most popular in spring is the Gakwangta Temple. It is located at the foot of Mount Taejo, just east of Cheonan, 40 minutes from Seoul by high-speed train. The buildings in Gakwonsa are roofs with sloped roofs and huge roofs, typical eaves in Korean Buddhist architecture, and at the peak of the cherry blossom season, they are not as surrounded by pink. A 50-foot-tall 60-ton seated Buddha welcomes worshippers, and many hiking trails jagged along nearby peaks.
Appreciate general buds
Jeju Island is located south of the peninsula and has a mild climate, which means that cherry blossoms arrive here a week or two earlier than on the mainland. Let’s take a look at the varieties of flowers in Korea. Most of the country's cherry trees derived from Yoshino imports, which were planted during the 20th century's Japanese occupation. Meanwhile, this isolated island has rare local “king” trees. They celebrate with a festival, and a popular place is Jeonnong-Ro, a street in Jeju, the capital of the island. During the flowering season, its trees are colored on the lanterns, so consider visiting after sunset.
“Korea Guide” released in November 2024 National Geographic Traveler (U.K).
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