As winter fades, the season of drifting pink petals has finally returned. This year, the first blossoms are expected to arrive even earlier than usual.
According to the 2026 Cherry Blossom Forecast Map released by the Korea Forest Service, peak bloom across the country is predicted to occur earlier than in previous years due to warmer temperatures. Because cherry blossoms bloom for only a short period, planning ahead is essential if you want to experience them at their best.
From the lush king cherry blossoms of Jeju, which announce the arrival of spring in Korea, to Jinhae, where the entire city turns pink, and Gyeongju, where blossoms bloom against the quiet beauty of a thousand-year-old capital—this guide introduces five iconic cherry blossom destinations that promise unforgettable spring photos.
Check out the 2026 cherry blossom roadmap for Korea below. The festivals and viewing spots are organized by date, starting from the earliest blooms.
| Region | Cherry Blossom Spot | Predicted Date |
| 제주 (Jeju) | 한라수목원 (Halla Arboretum) | 2026. 03. 22 |
| 애월곶자왈 (Aewol Gotjawal) | 2026. 03. 27 | |
| 한라산 1100도로 (Hallasan 1100 Road) | 2026. 04. 01 | |
| 경상 (Gyeongsang) | 경남수목원 (Gyeongnam Arboretum) | 2026. 03. 31 |
| 대구수목원 (Daegu Arboretum) | 2026. 04. 02 | |
| 금원산 (Geumwonsan) | 2026. 04. 05 | |
| 가야산(경북) (Gayasan, Gyeongbuk) | 2026. 04. 07 | |
| 팔공산 (Palgongsan) | 2026. 04. 07 | |
| 주왕산 (Juwangsan) | 2026. 04. 07 | |
| 전라 (Jeolla) | 월출산 (Wolchulsan) | 2026. 04. 03 |
| 두륜산 (Duryunsan) | 2026. 04. 03 | |
| 완도수목원 (Wando Arboretum) | 2026. 04. 04 | |
| 대아수목원 (Daea Arboretum) | 2026. 04. 05 | |
| 변산반도 (Byeonsanbando) | 2026. 04. 07 | |
| 내장산 (Naejangsan) | 2026. 04. 07 | |
| 지리산 세석 (Jirisan Seseok) | 2026. 04. 07 | |
| 충청 (Chungcheong) | 금강수목원 (Geumgang Arboretum) | 2026. 04. 06 |
| 가야산(충남) (Gayasan, Chungnam) | 2026. 04. 10 | |
| 계룡산 (Gyeryongsan) | 2026. 04. 10 | |
| 속리산 (Songnisan) | 2026. 04. 11 | |
| 미동산수목원 (Midongsan Arboretum) | 2026. 04. 12 | |
| 경기/인천 (Gyeonggi/Incheon ) | 수리산 (Surisan) | 2026. 04. 04 |
| 국립수목원 (Korea National Arboretum) | 2026. 04. 10 | |
| 물향기수목원 (Mulhyanggi Arboretum) | 2026. 04. 10 | |
| 소리봉(포천) (Soribong, Pocheon) | 2026. 04. 10 | |
| 축령산 (Chungnyeongsan) | 2026. 04. 11 | |
| 용문산 (Yongmunsan) | 2026. 04. 15 | |
| 강원 (Gangwon) | 설악산자생식물원 (Seoraksan Native Plant Garden) | 2026. 04. 10 |
| 강원도립화목원 (Gangwon Provincial Arboretum) | 2026. 04. 13 | |
| 화악산 (Hwaaksan) | 2026. 04. 15 | |
| 광덕산 (Gwangdeoksan) | 2026. 04. 19 | |
| 소백산 (Sobaeksan) | 2026. 04. 19 |
1. Jeju Jeonnong-ro & Jeju National University
Jeju Jeonnong-ro King Cherry Blossom Festival, March 20–22, 2026 (TBC)
Jeju is the first place in Korea to welcome cherry blossom season. As the native home of the king cherry tree, Jeju’s blossoms are larger and fuller than those found on the mainland, creating a particularly vibrant spring landscape.
From charming city streets to wide tree-lined roads, Jeju offers a unique and exotic atmosphere for enjoying Korea’s earliest blossoms.
- Spot Points
- Jeonnong-ro Cherry Blossom Street
Located in the old downtown area of Jeju City, this street features rows of mature king cherry trees forming a natural blossom tunnel. During peak bloom, the Jeonnong-ro King Cherry Blossom Festival turns the street into a car-free walking zone. At night, traditional Cheongsachorong lanterns illuminate the road, creating a magical nighttime cherry blossom view. - Jeju National University Entrance
The long road leading from the university gate becomes a stunning pink blossom corridor in spring. The straight road lined with dense cherry trees is especially popular as a scenic driving route. Relaxing on the campus lawn beneath the blossoms is also highly recommended.
- Jeonnong-ro Cherry Blossom Street
2. Hadong Simni (10-ri) Cherry Blossom Road
Hwagae Market Cherry Blossom Festival, March 27–29, 2026 (TBC)
Stretching about 4 km between Hwagae Market and Ssanggyesa Temple, this scenic road follows the Seomjin River and features cherry trees that are 50 to 100 years old.
The dense canopy of blossoms forms a tunnel that almost completely hides the sky, creating one of Korea’s most impressive cherry blossom drives.
- Spot Points
- Legend of the Marriage Road
According to local legend, couples who walk this road while holding hands will remain together for life. Because of this story, the road is also known as the “Marriage Road.” - Seomjin River Drive & Hwagae Market
Driving through the cherry blossom tunnel toward Ssanggyesa Temple is a memorable experience. After enjoying the blossoms, visitors can stop by Hwagae Market, a charming rural market famous for local specialties such as silverfish dishes and crab soup.
- Legend of the Marriage Road
3. Jinhae-gu, Changwon (Jinhae Gunhangje Festival)
Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, March 27 – April 5, 2026
Every spring, approximately 360,000 cherry trees bloom across Jinhae, transforming the entire city into a landscape of pink petals. As Korea’s largest and oldest cherry blossom festival, Jinhae Gunhangje offers more than beautiful scenery—it also showcases the unique culture of a historic naval port city.
- Spot Points
- Yeojwacheon Romance Bridge
A 1.5 km cherry blossom tunnel stretches along the Yeojwacheon stream. Walking along the wooden paths beneath cascading petals creates a dreamlike experience. At night, colorful lights illuminate the blossoms, enhancing the romantic atmosphere. The famous Romance Bridge, known from Korean dramas, is a must-visit photo spot. - Gyeonghwa Station
Although trains no longer run here, the old railway tracks remain lined with towering cherry trees. The view of a train surrounded by a tunnel of blossoms has become one of the most iconic images of the Jinhae festival. - Naval Academy & Naval Jinhae Base Command
Normally closed to the public, these areas open only during the festival. Visitors can see cherry blossoms alongside naval ships and historical displays, offering a rare and distinctive experience.
- Yeojwacheon Romance Bridge
4. Gyeongju Daereungwon & Bomun Complex
33rd Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon, April 4, 2026
Often called an open-air museum, Gyeongju is filled with historical relics from the ancient Silla Kingdom. In spring, cherry blossoms gently settle over this historic landscape, creating a uniquely peaceful atmosphere.
Massive royal tombs, traditional hanok houses, and tranquil lakes blend beautifully with the blossoms, making Gyeongju one of Korea’s most elegant spring destinations.
- Spot Points
- Daereungwon & Stone Wall Path
Inside Daereungwon lie large Silla-era royal tombs surrounded by cherry trees. The nearby stone wall road becomes a tunnel of blossoms, where petals hang overhead like a natural roof. The area pairs perfectly with a visit to the trendy Hwangridan-gil Hanok cafés nearby. - Bomun Tourist Complex (Bomun Lake Path)
The walking trail around Bomun Lake forms an 8 km cherry blossom road. The reflection of the blossoms on the calm lake surface creates a stunning view. Visitors can rent bicycles or ride swan boats while enjoying the scenery.
- Daereungwon & Stone Wall Path
5. Yeouido, Seoul (Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival)
Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival, April 8–12, 2026
Yeouido is the most famous cherry blossom destination in downtown Seoul, offering excellent accessibility and spectacular views of the Han River.
Here, cherry blossoms bloom against the modern skyline, creating a unique urban spring atmosphere that attracts both locals and international visitors.
- Spot Points
- Yeouiseo-ro (Yunjung-ro) Cherry Blossom Road
This 1.7 km road runs behind the National Assembly building and becomes a vibrant tunnel of blossoms during peak season. During the festival, the road is closed to vehicles, allowing visitors to walk safely beneath the trees. LED lighting creates a colorful nighttime cherry blossom view. - Hangang Park Picnic
After enjoying the blossoms, many visitors relax in nearby Hangang Park. Locals often bring picnic mats or even order delivery food to enjoy while overlooking the river—making it one of the most relaxed ways to experience spring in Seoul.
- Yeouiseo-ro (Yunjung-ro) Cherry Blossom Road