March is the month that marks the beginning of spring in Korea. As the warm sunlight thaws the land of morning calm after the freezing winter, early spring flowers start to bloom. Mountains and fields are filled with vivid spring colors. Finally, it is time for us to go on a day trip.
Check out Korea’s must-go spring festivals in March 2023 and book spring special tours in advance via Trazy!
1. Gwangyang Maehwa Festival
- Festival Period: March 10~19
Located in Korea’s southwestern province Jeollanam-do, Gwangyang Maehwa Village is famous for its beautiful apricot trees. With the white Maehwa (apricot flowers or plum blossoms) all around the village, it looks as though white snow has blanked the whole village on the hillside.
Maehwa, the first spring flower to bloom in Korea, surely will help you quench your thirst for long-awaited spring flowers. Visit the Gwangyang International Maehwa Festival for a nice spring excursion. Stroll beneath Maehwa trees, taste local Gwangyang food, and also take a tour to the nearby Jeonju Hanok Village!
▽BOOK 1 DAY TOUR▽
- Gwangyang Maehwa Village & Jeonju Hanok Village from Seoul (Mar 13~24)
- Gwangyang Maehwa & Gurye Sansuyu Festival from Seoul/Busan (Mar 11 & 18)
2. Gurye Sansuyu (Cornelian Cherry) Festival
- Festival Period: March 11~19
From late March, the sansuyu (cornelian cherry) trees start decorating Gurye with its bright yellow flowers.
The Gurye Sansuyu Festival is an annual festival held at the base of Jirisan Mountain, located in the Jeollanam-do Province, where you can see the beautiful bright yellow sansuyu flowers in full bloom.
You can also visit the nearby Hwaeomsa Temple. It is one of the 10 most famous temples in Korea and a must-visit temple for those who want to relax their minds in the quiet temple and learn about the history of Korea’s Buddhism.
▽BOOK 1 DAY TOUR▽
3. Canola Flowers in Jeju Island
- Peak Season: March~April
From March to April every year, Jeju Island dresses up in yellow with canola flowers in full bloom. The spring beauty of Jeju Island with these vivid yellow flowers fascinates visitors from all over the world.
By hiring a taxi & a driver, you can visit the best spots to enjoy Jeju’s canola fields as Jeju’s public transportation system isn’t as convenient as the one in the big cities.
▽BOOK JEJU TOUR▽
- Jeju Island Cherry Blossom & Canola Flower Taxi / Van Tour (Mar 21~Apr 10)
- All-Inclusive Tour: Jeju Island Flight + Private Flower Tour (+Hotel option) (Mar 20~Apr 9)
- Hire a taxi with a driver in Jeju – Jeju Taxi Tour
- Seoul to Jeju Island Flight + Hotel (Airtel) (+Private Tour option) Package
- Jeju Island UNESCO 1 Day Small Group Tour (+Lunch)
- Jeju 1 Day Bus Tour Package (East/West/South)
4. Garden of Morning Calm Light Festival
- Festival Period: December 9, 2022 ~ March 19, 2023
March is the last chance for you to visit the Garden of Morning Calm Light Festival! It’s only until March 19th so don’t miss out on the awesome opportunity to join a tour to Garden of Morning Calm. Check out the blog All About the Garden of Morning Calm Light Festival for more travel tips!
▽BOOK 1 DAY TOUR▽
- Nami Island + Petite France + Gapyeong Rail Bike + Garden of Morning Calm
- Nami Island + Garden of Morning Calm
- Nami Island + Gangchon Rail Bike + Garden of Moring Calm
- Strawberry Picking + Nami Island + Garden of Morning Calm
- Nami Island + Gangchon Rail Bike + Strawberry Picking + Garden of Morning Calm
5. Nami Island
Nami Island is beautiful all year round and it’s one of the most popular day trip destinations from Seoul. Although it might be too early to see cherry blossoms at Nami Island in March, it’s still worth a visit since you will get to see the fantastic early spring bloomings with your own eyes.
▽BOOK 1 DAY TOUR▽
- Nami Island Shuttle Bus from Seoul
- Nami Island + Gangchon Rail Bike + Hyvaa Finland
- Seoraksan National Park & Nami Island
- Seoraksan National Park + Nami Island + Garden of Morning Calm
- Nami Island & Alpaca World (+ Gangchon Rail Bike / Petite France)
6. Seoraksan National Park
Seoraksan National Park boasts stunning natural landscapes and it is one of the best hiking spots in Korea! March usually has the perfect weather to enjoy hiking at Seoraksan Mountain since it’s too not cold or hot. You can also visit nearby destinations with breathtaking nature, such as Naksansa Temple, Sokcho Beach, or Nami Island, in a day!
▽BOOK 1 DAY TOUR▽
- Seoraksan National Park Hiking Tour (Private/Join-in)
- Seoraksan National Park & Naksansa Temple
- Seoraksan National Park Private Tour
7. Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival
- Festival Period: March 25~April 3
Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, also known as Jinhae Gunhangje Festival is the most popular and largest cherry blossom festival in Korea.
One of the must-sees of the festival is the Yeojwacheon Stream. Over 350,000 Cherry blossoms line both sides of it and form a romantic pinky tunnel. The Romance Bridge will be illuminated in the evening and you will feel a different atmosphere from the daytime.
▽BOOK 1 DAY TOUR▽
- Jinhae Cherry Blossom 1 Day Tour from Seoul/Busan (Mar 24~Apr 6)
- Jinhae Cherry Blossom & Busan Sunrise Tour from Seoul (Mar 28~Apr 6)
8. Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival
- Festival Period: March 31~April 2
Spending a day in Hadong enjoying the pink and white cherry blossom is the best way to welcome the warm spring. You can walk a 4km road filled with marvelous cherry blossom trees and also visit the famous Ssanggyesa Temple. The festival period of the Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival hasn’t been announced so stay tuned for more information to be updated!
9. Daegu E-World Blossom Picnic
- Festival Period: March 18~April 9
The best cherry blossom spot in Daegu is definitely Daegu E-World amusement park! Not only you can enjoy the thrilling rides, but also you can appreciate the lovely cherry blossoms from 83 Tower Observatory. You can book your tickets at the best price on Trazy!
▽BOOK 1 DAY PASS▽
10. Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival
- Festival Period: March 31~April 2
Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival is usually held at the end of March. See the beautiful cherry blossoms blooming across the landmarks of Gyeongju, such as Bulguksa Temple, Daereungwon Tomb, and Cheomseongdae Observatory. You’ll get to explore the rich history of Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty, and be surrounded by a romantic sea of cherry blossoms along the way.
▽BOOK 1 DAY TOUR▽
- Gyeongju Cherry Blossom 1 Day Tour from Seoul/Busan (Apr 3~9)
- Gyeongju Cherry Blossom & King Cherry Blossom Tour from Busan (Mar 25~Apr 2, Apr 22~30)
- Gyeongju Bomun Lake & Daereungwon Cherry Blossom Tour from Busan (Mar 27~Apr 8)
Read More Spring Special Blogs for Your Spring Trip!
- Spring in Korea: Cherry Blossom Korea Forecast
- Spring in the Air: All About Spring Flowers in Korea
- Best Places for a Spring Day Trip from Seoul
- Korea’s Best Spring Festivals in April
Check out spring special tours on Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop, for more spring getaways and travel ideas in Korea!
[Photo Credits]
Gwangyang-si Official Facebook
we attended
I have been to the Cherry Blossom Festival in Yeouido. It was worth it. It was in April, though.
I love Spring in Korea!