Park Jin-hai primarily focuses on K-dramas, entertainment shows and actor interviews. Beyond that, she also pens articles covering the broader arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, dance and various aspects of lifestyle. Since joining The Korea Times in 2013, she has made significant contributions in the realms of hallyu (Korean wave), industry news and international affairs.
5 places in Korea to enjoy cherry blossoms
Cherry blossoms are in full bloom at a park in Busan, Tuesday. Yonhap
By Park Jin-hai
Warm spring winds have brought national attention to cherry blossoms, which are expected to bloom earlier than usual this year, heightening anticipation for one of Korea’s most cherished seasonal rituals.
According to weather forecasts, global warming has pushed flowering dates forward by one to seven days compared to the annual average. Seogwipo in the southern part of Jeju Island has already seen blossoms emerge, with Busan, Daegu and Ulsan to follow, before the blooms reach Seoul around April 3.
For both locals and visitors, cherry blossom viewing is a popular way to celebrate the season, with many taking time off to enjoy the fleeting spectacle. Numerous flower festivals are also held across the country to cater to seasonal travelers.
The Korea Times has compiled a list of five places to enjoy cherry blossoms.
Visitors enjoy cherry blossoms at Jinhae Gunhangje Festival in Jinhae District, Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province in this photo taken in 2025. Korea Times file
Jinhae, South Geongsang Province
Each spring, Jinhae District in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, transforms itself into a sea of cherry blossoms, earning its designation as Korea's largest cherry blossom destination. This year's Jinhae Gunhangje Festival runs for 10 days from March 27 to April 5.
The annual festival's top draws are petal-filled tunnels and panoramic views created by approximately 360,000 cherry trees. Visitors also flock to disused rail tracks at Gyeonghwa Station, where cherry arches create a kilometer-long "Blossom Road" tunnel, a popular photo spot featuring a retro train display.
Along Yeojwacheon stream, the 1.5 kilometer stretch glows with blossoms and heart-shaped lights, while the nearby Romance Bridge, a K-drama backdrop, draws couples in the evening.
Wangji Village cherry blossom road in Namhae County, South Gyeongsang Province / Captured from Instagram
Namhae, South Gyeongsang Province
The southern coast of Namhae, South Gyeongsang Province, is another picturesque place to enjoy cherry blossoms, as waves of pink and yellow flowers sweep across its landscape.
Cherry blossoms form tunnel-like arches over coastal roads, while bright yellow canola flowers blanket the slopes below, set against the deep blue sea.
Wangji Village Cherry Blossom Road in the Seolcheon-myeon area of Namhae has been named one of the “100 Most Beautiful Roads in Korea,” celebrated for its scenic coastal landscape that attracts visitors from across the country. The 5 kilometer route, stretching from Namhae Bridge to Wangji Village, is lined with more than 1,100 cherry blostrees.
Spring sightseers walk along the fully bloomed cherry blossom trees in Yeouido, Seoul, April 8, 2025. Korea Times photo by Nam Dong-kyun
Yeouido, Seoul
Yeouido Spring Flower Festival draws millions annually with its blend of urban accessibility and stunning natural beauty, as central Seoul's riverside area transforms into a vibrant cherry blossom haven.
The festival will kick off April 3 and run through April 7, along Yeouiseo Road behind the National Assembly, boasting 1,886 cherry trees alongside forsythia, azaleas and other spring blooms across 1.7 kilometers of paths.
It offers a rare downtown escape framed by the Han River, with its central location near offices and subways ensuring convenience. Picnic zones and shaded rest areas provide comfort amid the crowds.
The nearest subway stations are Yeouido Station or Yeouinaru Station on subway lines 5 and 9.
The view of Seokchon Lake, where cherry blossoms are in full bloom / Courtesy of Songpa District Office
Seokchon Lake, Seoul
Nestled amid skyscrapers, Seokchon Lake's 2.5 kilometer cherry blossom path transforms into a pink tunnel each spring, drawing crowds with its serene waterside strolls and iconic views of Lotte World Tower.
The annual Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled from April 3 to April 11.
The path's 1,000-plus royal cherry trees create a dreamy, fairy tale backdrop perfect for photos, blending nature and city vibes just steps from Jamsil Station on subway line 2. Nighttime illuminations add a romantic vibe, making it ideal for casual dates or family outings.
Cherry blossom trail along the Gyeongui Line Forest Path / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government
Gyeongui Line Forest Path, Seoul
Located in western Seoul, Gyeongui Line Forest Path cherry blossom trail offers another tranquil urban escape, converting a disused railway into a pink-lined corridor in Mapo and Yeonnam districts.
This 6.3 kilometer linear park features cherry tunnels alongside trendy cafes, bookstores and streams, attracting fewer crowds than Yeouido for a more intimate spring stroll.
Nearby attractions, such as "Yeontral Park" in Yeonnam-dong and Gyeongui Line Book Street provide picnic spots, reading nooks and K-drama atmosphere under cherry blossom trees.
With access via subway and bike paths, plus night lighting, the park is ideal for couples, families and photographers seeking springtime views without the festival chaos.