A Complete List Of Must See Spring Festivals In Korea 2024

Spring is on its way and in Korea that means flower festivals, lantern festivals and more to brighten up the peninsula along with the bright sunshine and warmer breezes welcoming the warmer months to come. It seems as soon as the sun really starts shining, everyone that was hibernating for the winter months heads outdoors to partake in some festive amusement. Don’t be left out!

Here are the spring festivals in Korea you should seek out to get in the renewal and rebirth spirit that spring is known for. Know where to go to see the flowers, where to see lotus lantern festivals, and more. There is a lot to enjoy about spring in Korea, you just need to know where to go.

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Jindo Mysterious Sea Route (진도 신비의 바닷길)

When: March 3, 2024 ~ March 13, 2024

This was by far one of my all time favorite festivals to attend in Korea and likely due to the fact that it is seaside and darn good fun. If you haven’t gone south yet, make sure to check out the Jindo Mysterious Sea Route this year.

Jindo is the third largest island in Korea and each year the waters part and a natural bridge connects the mainland to the island. The walkway is 2.8 kilometers long and the 45 minutes that the water subsides is just enough time to get out, meander for a bit and get back before the tide returns.

Gurye Sansuyu Flower Festival (구례산수유꽃축제)

When: March 9, 2024 ~ March 17, 2024

Sansuyu flowers are also known as Japanese Dogwood flowers in English. These little yellow blooms start popping in early spring and can be found around the country. Just keep an eye out and you can find random trees throughout the city of Seoul.

In Gurye, however, there is an abundance of these dazzling spring flowers and an annual festival is held to celebrate them in the Jirisan Hot Springs region. From hiking into the Jirisan Mountain Range to flower spotting and hot springs, this is the perfect early spring weekend getaway.

Alternative Sansuyu Fest: Icheon Baeksa Sansuyu Flower Festival (이천백사 산수유꽃축제)

When: Last weekend of March

If Gurye is just a bit too far to get away or sounds a bit too bustling, Icheon also has a sansuyu festival. This smaller town celebrates in townie fashion with local eats and traditional games.

The Baeksa Village has seen their Dogwood trees grow for more than 100 years. The area is a great place to take a hike up into the nearby vicinity or just visit to see some flowers and play some folksy Korean games while eating up some delicious grub and drinking up some makkoli, Korean rice wine, which is a must. This is an easy day trip option.

Nonsan Strawberry Festival (논산 딸기축제)

When: March 21, 2024 ~ March 24, 2024

Strawberry is the quintessential spring fruit for me so it’s no wonder that strawberry festivals are my jam, not only to eat but to also buy good jam! From strawberries dipped in chocolate, made inside Korean sticky rice treats and more, there is something for everyone here to get their taste buds dancing.

The highlight of the Nonsan Strawberry Festival is hopping into a bus and heading out to one of the nearby strawberry fields to pick and eat until those bellies are full. Stock up on strawberries in all forms and can’t be beat prices, too!

Cherry Blossom Festivals (벚꽃축제)

The little pastel petals cause much conversation come spring. Where to go to see them? When to go? Honestly, there are super popular places to catch an eyeful of these pink and white beauties, and there are not so popular locales.

There are literally cherry blossom trees all over. It’s just a matter of finding the spot best suited to you. Here’s a round up of the cherry blossom festivals in Korea to plan for. If you’re not looking to travel, you can also find a ton of cherry blossoms in Seoul.

Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival (진해군항제)

When: March 23, 2024 ~ April 1, 2024

Jinhae is host to the LARGEST cherry blossom festival in the country and is not only a celebration of blooming spring trees but also of Admiral Yi Sun Shin, a Korean naval commander famous for victories against the Japanese.

A victory parade, performances and 100 year old cherry blossom trees sitting along an 800 meter stretch of train tracks near Gyeonhwa Station and a 1.5 kilometer stretch of stream that is lined as well are the major highlights for this fest.

Hwagae Cherry Blossoms Festival (화개장터 벚꽃축제)

When: March 22, 2024 ~ March 24, 2024

This festival location is famous for the ’10-ri Cherry Blossom Road’ a 4.5 kilometer long street lined with blooming trees. It’s said that a stroll along this roadway hand in hand with your lover will land you a happily ever after fairy tale together.

Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival (경포대 벚꽃축제)

When: March 26, 2024 ~ March 31, 2024

Gangneung is a must see in the summer months with gorgeous beaches and clear blue waters, but in the spring the 4.3 kilometer path surrounding Gyeongpo Lake is lined with blushing beauties swaying in ocean breezes making this is a gorgeous spring getaway spot.

Don’t miss out on the salt water tofu famous in the area as well as the quirky gramophone museum near the lake as well.

Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival (영등포 여의도 봄꽃축제)

When: April 4, 2024 ~ April 9, 2024

Yeouido doesn’t need much introduction as this is probably the most POPULAR cherry blossom fest in Seoul. Lining the road around the National Assembly Building, 1500 cherry blossom trees go into bloom and the roads are blocked off because pedestrians come from near and far to take them all in.

Tip: Head there in the early morning for less people and blocked off roads to yourself.

Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival (석촌호수 벚꽃축제)

When: April 1, 2024 ~ April 7, 2024

This lake on the eastern side of Seoul becomes awash with white and pink petals in April and families frolicking, couples strolling and photographers can be seen everywhere. This waterfront spot will also host performances, exhibitions and other activities to add some fun to the romance of the vicinity.

Gijisi Juldarigi Festival (기지시 줄다리기축제)

When: April 11, 2024 ~ April 14, 2024

This festival ranks high for me due to the unique celebration being held. The Gijisi Juldarigi Festival is a MASSIVE tug-of-war! From February 1st of the Lunar calendar, the rope for the festivities is spun from straw.

The main rope measures 200 meters in length and 18 centimeters in diameter and weighs around 40 tons. You can imagine, that means a TON of people need to partake in the games. Anyone can partake in this festival that wishes for good harvest and prosperity.

Lotus Lantern Festival (연등회)

When: April – May, 2024

The Lotus Lantern Festival celebrates the birth of Buddha and in Seoul the celebration is just spectacular. The highlight of the celebration is a massive parade through the streets of downtown Seoul with thousands of lanterns in the shapes of lotus flowers, elephants, dragons and more Buddhist visuals.

Gwangalli Eobang Festival (광안리 어방축제)

When: Usually May

Busan kicks off spring seaside and we would expect nothing else of the coastal city. While it’s too cold to jump into the waves still, Gwangalli Beach hosts bare hand fishing, cooking contests and a tug-of-war among other events to celebrate ‘Eobang’ or the spirit of the fishermen and the spirit of Busan.

Hapcheon Hwangmaesan Royal Azalea Festival (합천 황매산 철쭉제)

When: May

The Hwangmaesan County Park hosts this festival that was started back in 1997 to honor and preserve the azalea fields of the area. Having been the filming site for numerous movies and shows now, the area is popular for the gorgeous purple and pink flowers that blanket the fields. Performances, rituals and local food is on site for dining.

Boseong Green Tea Festival (보성다향대축제)

When: May 3, 2024 ~ May 7, 2024

The Boseong green tea fields host the largest green tea festival in Korea and features sprawling fields of tea that are famous year round. Visitors can pick their own green tea leaves and drink green tea of course as well as learn about traditional tea drinking etiquette. Visit the area for some beautiful green views and healthy sips of tea, too! This is definitely a must see sight for anyone visiting or living in Korea and if you haven’t been, maybe this spring is the time!

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