10 Best Spring Flower Destinations in Seoul, Korea

Global Team
15 Jul 2024 - 9 min read
Best Spring Flower Destinations in Seoul

Springtime in Seoul is a magical season marked by the arrival of vibrant blooms and the awakening of nature from its winter slumber. From late March to early May, the city transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors as cherry blossoms, azaleas, and other flowers blanket parks, gardens, and streetscapes.

If you're planning a visit to Seoul during this enchanting time of year, here are some must-visit flower destinations to add to your itinerary:

1. Yeouido Spring Flower Festival (Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Park)

Yeouido Spring Flower Festival (Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Park)

Yeouido Spring Flower Festival (Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Park)

Known for its spectacular cherry blossoms, this festival is one of Seoul's most famous and attracts visitors from all over the world. The Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is an annual event that celebrates the full blossoms of spring in the backdrop of the Han River at Yeouido Park, Seoul, South Korea.

The festival is famous for its 1,886 Korean cherry trees. More than 1,600 yedoensis (Yoshino cherry) trees of Jeju origin will bloom along the Han River. In addition to cherry blossoms, nearly 90,000 flowers including azaleas, forsythias, and spireas also bloom.

Visitors can follow the cherry trees along the circular Yunjung-ro (road), but the best place to enjoy the blossoms is from the southern edge of Yeouido Park to the KBS Annex Building. A sister festival, VIAF (Various Integrative Artistic Festival) presents performing acts and pieces including dance, theater, mime along the blossoms throughout the festival.

The festival is held on Yeouiseo Road (Yunjung-ro) in mid-April. It’s one of the most anticipated events in South Korea, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Please note that the exact event details are announced seasonally. The festival is free to attend.

2. Seokchon Lake Park

Seokchon Lake Park

Seokchon Lake Park, also known as Songpa Naru Park

Surrounding a beautiful lake, this park is ideal for viewing cherry blossoms and taking a leisurely walk or picnic under the trees. Seokchon Lake Park, also known as Songpa Naru Park, is a tranquil and picturesque attraction in Seoul, South Korea.

The park is located in the Songpa District, Seoul, South Korea2. It’s near Lotte World. Seokchon Lake was originally a part of the Han River. In April 1971, a construction project to connect Burido with the mainland began. It proceeded by enlarging the Songpa River and closing the Sincheon River. Due to this construction, the enclosed southern part of the Han River became Seokchon Lake.

The lake’s area is 217,850 m² (2,344,900 sq ft) and its average depth is about 4.5 meters (15 ft). Seokchon Lake is made up of an East Lake and a West Lake, separated by the 10 lane Songpadae-ro freeway. You can stand on either side of this road for a birds-eye view of both lakes.

Around the West Lake, there are Seoul Playground and Lotte World’s Magic Island. Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Observatory, Songpa Tourist Information Centre, an iSeoulu sign, and Historic Site 101 can be found near the East Lake.

The park hosts various festivals such as the Cherry Blossom Festival, Deciduous Street Festival, Seokchon Lake Music Concert, and Seokchon Lake Café Street. The park offers stunning views, outdoor activities, and a much-needed escape from the bustling city. It’s one of the best parks in South Korea and a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

3. Namsan Seoul Tower (Namsan Park)

Namsan Seoul Tower

Namsan Seoul Tower, also known as N Seoul Tower

Not only can you see a variety of spring flowers, but here you also get a panoramic view of Seoul city, making it a picturesque destination. Namsan Seoul Tower, also known as N Seoul Tower, is a prominent landmark and tourist attraction in Seoul, South Korea.

The tower is located on top of Namsan Mountain, in the Yongsan-gu district of Seoul. The tower was built in 1969 and opened to the public 11 years later. It was originally a communication tower. The tower is approximately 237 meters tall, reaching a half-kilometer above sea level.

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Namsan Park, also known as Songpa Naru Park, is the largest park in Seoul and attracts over 20,000 people a day. The park is popular for its hiking trails, tourist attractions, and panoramic views of downtown Seoul. Some of the most spectacular views of downtown Seoul and the surrounding area can be had at the peak of Namsan at 262 meters (860 feet) and at the top of N Seoul Tower.

The park also hosts various attractions such as the Mongmyeoksan Beacon Hill Site (Bongsudae), a set of beacons constructed to warn the city of incoming enemy invasions, an octagonal pavilion known as Palgakjeong, and Locks of Love, a wall of locks that symbolize endless love for those who hang them.

Namsan Seoul Tower and Namsan Park offer a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and modernity, making them must-visit destinations in Seoul.

4. Changdeokgung Palace

Changdeokgung Palace

Changdeokgung Palace

Changdeokgung Palace, also known as Changdeok Palace, is a significant historical site in Seoul, South Korea. The palace is set within a large park in the Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea.

Changdeokgung Palace was the second palace built after Gyeongbokgung Palace. It was constructed in 1405 and completed in 14121. The palace was burnt to the ground during the Japanese invasion in 1592 and reconstructed in 16091. It was again burnt down in 1623 due to a political revolt.

Unlike other palaces, the buildings of Changdeokgung Palace blend with the natural topography of the site instead of imposing themselves upon it. This is one of the reasons why it was built as a detached palace.

The palace complex includes several notable structures such as the Donhwamun Gate, the main entrance to the palace, and the Geumcheongyo Bridge, one of the oldest stone bridges remaining in Seoul. Changdeokgung Palace was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 19971.

The palace is open to the public, and the admission fee and operating hours can be found on its official website. Changdeokgung Palace is a beautiful blend of history, culture, and nature, making it a must-visit destination in Seoul.

5. Jongmyo Shrine

 Jongmyo Shrine

Jongmyo Shrine

Beside its historical significance, the area around Jongmyo is known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful spring blossoms. Jongmyo Shrine, located in the Jongno District of Seoul, South Korea, is a Confucian royal ancestral shrine.

Jongmyo Shrine was originally built during the Joseon period (1392–1897) for memorial services for deceased kings and queens. It was constructed in 1394 when Taejo, the founder and first king of Joseon, moved the capital to Hanseong (present-day Seoul). The shrine was destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598), then rebuilt in the early 1600s.

Jongmyo Shrine

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The shrine is the oldest and most authentic of the Confucian royal shrines preserved and its unique spatial layout has been preserved in its entirety. The main features of Jongmyo are Jeongjeon (the main shrine), and Yeongnyeongjeon (the Hall of Eternal Peace, an auxiliary shrine).

The shrine continues to be the venue for the Jongmyo Daejae ancestor-worship ceremony, where descendants of the imperial family honor the spirits of their deceased ancestors. Jongmyo Shrine was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1995.

Jongmyo Shrine is a significant cultural heritage site that offers a glimpse into the traditions and rituals of the Joseon Dynasty.

6. Seoul Forest

Seoul Forest

Seoul Forest

As a large green space in Seoul, it offers diverse areas featuring cherry blossoms, tulips, and other spring flowers amidst forested areas. Seoul Forest is a large park located in the Seongsu-dong district in Seoul, South Korea.

The park covers an area of 1,200 ha (3,000 acres) and is dotted with over 400,000 trees and 100 different animals. The area that was once a royal hunting forest, became Seoul’s first water purification plant in 1908, and later used for both racecourse and golf facilities.

Seoul Forest consists of five parks spread over 350,000 pyeong (approximately 1.16 million ㎡) of land. People love to walk or cycle there, but there are many other activities. You can feed the deer at the Eco Park, check out the cherry blossoms, take a look at the cute rabbits, chill at the Culture and Art Park, have fun at the children’s garden, ride a bike, eat a picnic with your friend, relax by the lake, visit the Butterfly Garden, Insect garden, get some adrenaline at the Seoul Forest Skate Park.

Seoul Forest

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In spring, Seoul Forest is one of the best places to admire the gorgeous cherry blossoms. In Autumn it is a fantastic place to see the trees changing colors. Especially the sharp yellow ginkgo trees.

Seoul Forest is open year-round, 24 hours a day except for the following attractions:

Eco Forest (Deer Corral & Footbridge): 7:00 - 20:00 (till 21:00 in Jun-Aug).
Insect Garden: 10:00 - 17:00. Closed on Mondays.
Butterfly Garden (May-Oct): 10:00-17:00. Closed on Mondays.

Seoul Forest is rapidly developing into the premium city-park of Korea like Hyde Park in London and Central Park in New York. It’s a great place to spend a relaxing time in a peaceful environment away from the city.

7. Kyung Hee University

Kyung Hee University

Kyung Hee University

Famous for its beautiful campus, it's especially enchanting in spring when the cherry trees bloom, creating a romantic setting. Kyung Hee University (KHU) is a private research university in South Korea with campuses in Seoul and Suwon.

The university was founded in 1949. It is part of the Kyung Hee University System, which offers comprehensive education from kindergarten through graduate school. Kyung Hee University is ranked 9th in South Korea and 270th in the world according to the QS World University Ranking.

One of the most iconic views at Kyung Hee University is the Cherry Blossom Avenue, a tree-lined pathway that bursts into a breathtaking display of pink blossoms during the spring season. This enchanting sight attracts visitors from near and far, making it a must-see attraction on campus.

Throughout the year, Kyung Hee University showcases the beauty of each season. In spring, cherry blossoms adorn the campus with vibrant hues, while autumn brings a kaleidoscope of colors as the leaves change. Even in winter, the snow-covered landscape offers a picturesque charm.

8. Haneul Park

Haneul Park

Haneul Park

Part of the World Cup Park system, it's a great spot for seeing canola flowers and other wildflowers in spring. Haneul Park, also known as Sky Park, is a popular park in Seoul, South Korea.

The park is renowned for its tall pampas grass fields, captivating sunset vistas, and stunning night time panoramas of Seoul. The park is particularly popular during autumn due to its stunning silver grass, Ginkgo Maple Trees, and expansive grass fields.

Haneul Park is near World Cup Park. To access it, take Line 6 of the subway to World Cup Stadium Station. Upon arrival, head towards Exit, turn right and find the World Cup Stadium directly ahead. The park is open daily from 05:00 - 22:00 (KST). The opening hours vary depending on the month and sunrise/sunset times.

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9. Cheonggyecheon Stream

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Walk along this restored stream that runs through downtown Seoul. Spring brings lovely flower displays along its banks. The stream is lined with a beautifully landscaped walkway that stretches for several kilometers, providing pedestrians with a tranquil escape from the bustling city streets. The walkway features lush greenery, trees, and benches, creating a serene environment for leisurely strolls.

Throughout the year, Cheonggyecheon Stream hosts various seasonal events and festivals, including lantern festivals, art exhibitions, and performances. These events attract visitors from near and far, adding to the lively atmosphere of the stream and showcasing the cultural diversity of Seoul.

10. Dream Forest

Dream Forest

Dream Forest

Known for its cherry trees, azaleas, and other flowers, it offers a quieter alternative to the city's more crowded spots. Dream Forest, also known as Buk Seoul Dream Forest, is a large park located in the Gangbuk-gu district of Seoul, South Korea.

The park was built on the site where Dreamland amusement park formerly existed. It’s the fourth largest park in Seoul after Seoul Forest, Olympic Park, and World Cup Park. Dream Forest is surrounded by densely forested mountains of Byeogosan Mountain and Opaesan Mountain.

It provides a variety of attractions to visitors, together with an abundant amount of natural vegetation. The park includes the Cherry Blossom Path, the Maple Tree Forest, Wolyeongji (Moon Reflecting Pond), Wolgwang Falls (Moonlight Falls), and an observatory that offers a panoramic view of the whole park and a view of Bukhansan Mountain, Dobongsan Mountain, and Suraksan Mountain.

Dream Forest also accommodates various cultural venues. The Dream Forest Arts Center, with its Performance Hall and Concert Hall, the Sangsang Toktok Art Museum, and several grassy lawns and plazas offer concerts and performances throughout the year.

Several restaurants and cafes are conveniently located within the park, making Dream Forest one of the most comprehensive parks in Seoul. The park is open daily from 00:00 - 24:002.

You can reach the park by subway Line 4, Miasageori Station, Exit 3 (10 mins by bus [Gangbuk local bus no. 09 or no. 11]) or subway Line 6, Dolgoji Station, (6 mins by bus [Bus no. 147]) or subway Lines 1 & 2, Wolgye Station, Exit 2 (8 mins by bus [Bus no. 147]).

Dream Forest is a beloved destination for nature enthusiasts and tourists alike. It’s a hidden gem for nature lovers and offers breathtaking views of Seoul.

To make your trip even more convenient, book your tickets and accommodations through Traveloka. With Traveloka, you can find the best deals on any tickets, nearby hotels, flights and more tourist attractions. Plus, you can read reviews and get travel tips to ensure you make the most of your visit. Start planning your adventure today with Traveloka and enjoy a hassle-free memorable trip!

In This Article

• 1. Yeouido Spring Flower Festival (Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Park)
• 2. Seokchon Lake Park
• 3. Namsan Seoul Tower (Namsan Park)
• 4. Changdeokgung Palace
• 5. Jongmyo Shrine
• 6. Seoul Forest
• 7. Kyung Hee University
• 8. Haneul Park
• 9. Cheonggyecheon Stream
• 10. Dream Forest

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