🌸Cherry Blossom Season in Korea🌸

As magical as it is, cherry blossom season in Seoul is also incredibly fleeting. The flowers bloom for just a week or so, often scattering overnight after a strong spring breeze or sudden rainfall. In fact as of 14 April 2025, most of the blossoms have already fallen in Seoul. This delicate beauty is part of what makes cherry blossom season so special—catching it is a matter of timing and luck.

If you’re planning a cherry blossom trip to Korea, be sure to follow forecasts in March and early April, and check Instagram or Korean sites like Naver for real-time updates. Also keep in mind that May in Korea is becoming warmer each year so if you want to experience the spring season regardless of the blossoms, it’s best to plan your visit in April.

Gyeongui Line Park (경의선공원)

From Mapo to Yongsan, the old Gyeongui railway has been transformed into a 6.3km-long urban forest. In spring, cherry blossoms line the walking and cycling paths that run alongside cafés, bookstores, and galleries. It’s a favorite among many locals and tourists, especially near Hongdae.

While the Yeonnam-dong section might be the most popular, I visited the quieter stretch of the park closer to Daeheung Station and Sogang University Station. This area feels more relaxed with fewer crowds and a slower pace, perfect for a peaceful afternoon walk under the cherry trees. Unlike Yeouido or Seokchon Lake where cherry blossoms bloom along the river, Gyeongui Line Forest Park has its own nostalgic charm thanks to the preserved railway tracks. It’s a lovely spot not only during the day but also at night, when the blossoms glow softly under the streetlights—offering a glimpse of Seoul’s serene spring evenings.

If you’re looking for a quick bite nearby, I recommend checking out Bored & Hungry Mapo, which I reviewed recently. It’s a cozy spot for burgers and snacks, ideal for a stopover after a stroll through the park.

Seongkok Art Museum Sculpture Garden (성곡미술관 조각정원)

Tucked between Gyeongbokgung and Gwanghwamun is a serene cultural escape that few tourists know about, Seongkok Art Museum. And Sculpture Garden is an open-air haven nestled inside the museum grounds. Unlike the formal galleries inside, the garden is a quiet park filled with green foliage and delicate cherry blossoms.

I visited the garden during my lunch break and picked up to-go sandwiches from LePul on the way. Sitting beneath the cherry trees and enjoying my sandwich with a view of falling petals felt like having a private picnic in the city. FYI if you’re looking for a to-go lunch nearby, I also recommend grabbing a bagel sandwich from I Am Bagel which is just around the corner from the gallery.

Seoul Museum of Art (서울시립미술관)

Another delightful yet lesser-known cherry blossom spot in central Seoul is the area around the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA). Located just a short walk from City Hall Station, this area is a favorite among local office workers seeking a short stroll during lunch breaks. That said while it can be bustling during peak lunch hours, visiting in the morning or evening offers a more serene atmosphere to enjoy the blossoms.​

Directly across from the museum, Paichai Children’s Park features a charming cherry blossom tunnel that, despite its modest size, provides a tranquil and picturesque setting. The park sits on the grounds of Paichai School(배재학당), one of Korea’s first modern schools founded in 1885 by American missionary Henry Appenzeller. The combination of the park’s open space and the cultural backdrop creates a unique ambiance, making it an ideal spot for those looking to experience cherry blossoms away from the crowds.​

Yeouido Yunjung-ro (여의도 윤중로)

Most visitors head straight to Yeouido Park, a famous spot for cherry blossom viewing. But this year, I walked the Yunjung-ro Trail (윤중로)—also known as the Autumn Foliage Path (가을단풍길)—which leads from Yeouido towards Saetgang Station. This scenic walkway offers beautiful views of blooming trees alongside Han River. If you arrive early in the morning, you may have the entire lane to yourself. It’s a perfect destination not only for pedestrians but also for those looking for a relaxing drive.

If you’re visiting during cherry blossom season, staying at nearby hotels like Marriott or Conrad Seoul could be ideal. The proximity to IFC Mall and The Hyundai Seoul also makes it a great area for both shopping and springtime strolls. And come autumn, this trail transforms into a path lined with vibrant fall foliage.

Yonsei University (연세대학교)

The Yonsei University campus is known for its ivy-covered buildings and romantic scenery, where the cherry trees also bloom with quiet dignity. Stone buildings and gently sloped paths are shaded by flowering branches, casting pink shadows over the historic architecture.

While the campus is expansive and uphill—making it less accessible for those who dislike long walks—its distance from traffic and subway also guarantees a peaceful, undisturbed cherry blossom experience. You won’t spot many flowers from the main gate, but venture deeper and you’ll find a few beautiful old cherry trees tucked into hidden corners. My personal favorite spots are the paths behind the Central Library and Underwood Hall. With a backdrop of historic buildings, it feels like a scene straight out of a movie.

Blue House (청와대)

Just beyond the tourist-filled alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village, you can explore the cherry blossom trails around Chunchugwan(춘추관) near the Blue House or Cheongwadae, Korea’s former presidential residence. Chunchugwan is a historical press center that was used for briefings and official announcements during presidential administrations.

While the nearby Jeongdok Library is also listed as a top cherry blossom spot in the area, I personally found the trees around the Blue House more beautiful. The cherry trees lining the stone walls are especially memorable, creating a tranquil and uniquely Korean scene you can’t find anywhere else. With nearby attractions like Bukchon Hanok Village and Samcheong-dong, this area is perfect for visitors looking to explore history, architecture, and nature all in one go.

Apgujeong Hyundai Mansion (압구정 현대맨션)

Apgujeong is known for its designer boutiques and trendy cafés, but few people realize that one of the most charming cherry blossom displays in the neighborhood comes from an unexpected place: the Hyundai Mansion Apartment complex. Between rows of tidy mid-rise apartments, broad cherry trees bloom in full glory. The pink petals contrast beautifully with the vintage apartment blocks, creating a cinematic blend of nature and city life.

Unlike parks or riverside paths, the vibe here is deeply local and authentic. If you’re looking for a taste of what spring in Seoul feels like for locals, this spot in Apgujeong is one of the most honest and intimate ways to experience it.