The spring flowering season in South Korea generally spans from mid-March to late April, which typically peaks in early April. During April, Korea offers a vibrant burst of spring blooms and a series of fascinating festivals and family fun, which makes it the best time of year to visit the country.
While cherry blossom festivals are the most well-known main spring events, there are plenty of events dedicated to spring flowers that are travel-worthy.
Here are South Korea’s best spring festivals in April 2020 for you and your beloved ones to enjoy the best of the spring season in Korea!
1. Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival
Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival or Jinhae Gunhangje Festival is by far the most popular and the largest cherry blossom festival in Korea which is held every April in Jinhae.
Boasting over 350,000 cherry trees lining the streets, the picturesque scene of thousands of pink and white petals dancing in the air over the Yeojwacheon Stream is absolutely a must-see in your lifetime.
However, there are no direct train or bus connections from Seoul to Jinhae so that you will have to make several transfers if you travel via train or express bus. So if this is your first time visiting the festival, booking a shuttle bus package is highly recommended.
Location: Jinhae County, Gyeongsang-do (southeast province)
Festival Date: Mar 27~Apr 6, 2020
*Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival is unfortunately canceled this year, however, tours will still be operated.
📍From Seoul:
- Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom 1 Day Tour
- Jinhae Cherry Blossom 1 Day Private Tour
- Busan & Jinhae Cherry Blossom 2D1N Tour
📍From Busan:
- Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom 1 Day Tour
- Busan Daejeo Ecological Park & Jinhae Cherry Blossom 1 Day Tour
- Jinhae Cherry Blossom 1 Day Private Tour
📍From Daegu:
2. Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival
Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival is another popular and famous festival that offers breathtaking cherry blossoms where visitors can enjoy walking along the cherry tree-lined path around the serene Bomun Lake.
As for transportation, from Seoul to Gyeongju, visitors will have to take a train or express bus and make several transfers to get to the festival. So booking a shuttle bus is highly recommended if you want to take away the hassle out of your trip.
Location: Gyeongju City, Gyeongsang-do (southeast province)
Best time to visit: Early April, 2020
*Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival is unfortunately canceled this year, however, tours will still be operated.
- Busan & Gyeongju King Cherry Blossom 1 Day Tour
- Gyeongju Cherry Blossom 1 Day Tour
- Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Private Tour
- From Seoul- Gyeongju Cherry Blossom 1 Day Tour
3. Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival
Compared to the world-famous Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival has not received much attention worldwide. However, the festival is South Korea’s one of the best-kept secrets among the locals.
One of the best highlights not to be missed at the festival is the ’10-RI Cherry Blossom Road’, a 4 km-long road of cherry trees in full bloom. Also, the historic Hwagae Market, where you can enjoy cultural performances and taste local specialties, is a must-go. There are no direct train or bus connections from Seoul to the venue. However, you can easily get to the festival by booking a shuttle bus!
Location: Hadong County, Gyeongsang-do (southeast province)
Festival Date: Early April, 2020
- Ssanggyesa Temple + Hwagaejangteo Market Cherry Blossom 1 Day Tour
- Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival 2020 & Ssanggyesa Temple Shuttle Bus Package
4. Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival
Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the must-see spring festivals in April. Take a stroll along the 4.3-km long path lined with hundreds of cherry trees around the serene Gyeongpo Lake. And stop by Gyeongpodae Pavilion standing at the end of the lake. Built on a small hill right next to the lake, this traditional wooden pavilion is the perfect place to take photos and get a view of the whole lake.
Location: Gangneung City, Gangwon-do (mid-east province)
Best time to visit: Early April, 2020
5. Wonmisan Mountain Azalea Festival
Wonmisan Mountain Azalea Festival is an annual festival that takes place on Azalea Hill. You can walk up the mountain and enjoy an amazing view of a mountain covered with 150,000 trees of Azalea flowers. If you are interested in this festival, you can consider joining a hassle-free tour. The tour will offer you not only the festival but also gorgeously bloomed cherry blooms at Ilsan Lake Park and Dodangsan.
Location: Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do
Festival Date: Early April, 2020
6. Jindo Sea Parting Festival
Jindo Sea Parting Festival is also known as Jindo Miracle Sea Road Festival. Every spring, thousands of visitors flock to Jindo Sea Parting Festival to see what is referred to as ‘the modern Mose’s miracle’ in Jindo Island. Here, you will be able to witness the astonishing sight of a wondrous sea parting where the sea opens up and reveals a sea road for an hour.
Location: Jindo Mysterious Sea Route, Jeollanam-do
Festival Date: Apr 8~11, 2020
7. Goryeosan Azalea Festival
When spring arrives in Korea, Goryeosan Mountain transforms into an out-of-this-world destination as the mountain blazes with vivid pink and magenta azaleas. The annual Goryeosan Azalea Festival has attracted more than 400,000 people and the popularity is growing every year. Besides the brilliant burst of azaleas in full bloom, the festival offers its visitors with other attractions including an azalea photograph exhibition and azalea pancakes.
Location: Gangwha County, Incheon, Gyeonggi-do (mid-west province)
Festival Date: Mid April, 2020
7. Taean Magnolia Festival
Despite the famous Tulip Festival, the Magnolia Festival held by Cheollipo Arboretum also attracts people to Taean. Well-known for its magnolia flowers, the Cheollipo Arboretum is one of Asia’s top botanical institutions. Don’t miss out on the chance to see over 400 species of magnolia in the garden.
Location: Taean County, Chungcheong-do
Festival Date: Mid April, 2020
8. Taean Tulip Festival
Taean Tulip Festival takes place every year throughout April and May. What’s more, the World Tulip Summit Society named it as one of the world’s top 5 tulip festivals in 2015 and 2017!
Featuring over 1.5 million colorful tulips, visitors will have the chance to enjoy the gardens showcasing tulips of every color and size. Also, it displays beautiful floral of other spring flowers including canola, digitalis, and lupine.
Location: Taean County, Chungcheong-do (mid-west province)
Festival Date: Apr 14~ May 11, 2020
9. Hwangmaesan Royal Azalea Festival
Hwangmaesan Royal Azalea Festival is held annually at Hwangmaesan County Park. Also, CNN chose it as ’50 Beautiful Places to Visit in Korea’ in 2012. Come to Hwangmaesan Mountain to admire thousands of Royal Azalea covering the mountain. Also, indulge in the unique floral fragrance and fresh air.
Location: Hwangmaesan County Park Royal Azalea Habitat, Gyeongsangnam-do
Festival Date: Late April ~ Mid May, 2020
*The Specific date of the spring festivals in April will be updated soon.
More Spring Special Tours:
📍From Seoul:
- Goyang International Flower Festival & DMZ 1 Day Tour
- Guri Han River Park Canola Flower Festival + Petite France + Nami Island 1 Day Tour
- Samcheok Ocean Rail Bike + Cherry Blossom & Canola Flower Festival 1 Day Tour
📍From Busan:
Browse more spring festivals and spring tour packages in Korea at Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop!
Photo Credits
Taean Tulip Festival Official Homepage
Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival Official Homepage
How much going to nami island for 2 pax on monday? Thank you
Hi Fe Tiangco 🙂
The price differs depending on the package. Please check out the links below for the exact price and details!
– Nami Island Shuttle Bus + Admission Ticket: https://www.trazy.com/experience/detail/nami-island-shuttle-bus-ticket-package
– Nami Island + Petite France 1 Day Tour: https://www.trazy.com/experience/detail/222
– Nami Island + Petite France + Rail Bike 1 Day Tour: https://www.trazy.com/experience/detail/461
– Seoraksan National Park + Nami Island: https://www.trazy.com/experience/detail/seoraksan-nami-island-one-day-tour
– Nami Island + Garden of Morning Calm: https://www.trazy.com/experience/detail/2101