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.
Plan your trip:
- Address: Hoedong-ri, Gogun-myeon, Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do (전남 진도군 고군면 회동리)
- Directions: Take a bus to Jindo from Central City Express Bus Terminal, there are only 4 per day at 7:35AM, 9:00AM, 3:30PM and 4:35PM and the trip takes 5 hours and 40 minutes.
- Where To Stay: Fontana Beach Hotel
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.
Plan a trip
- Join a Tour: Join the Gwangyang Maehwa & Gurye Sansuyu Festival with Trazy
- Address: 45 Sanggwan 1-gil Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do, Korea (전라남도 구례군 산동면 상관1길 45 (산동면))
- Directions: Gurye-gun: Take an intercity bus to Gurye Terminal and from there catch a bus to Jungdong (중동). There are many buses that depart to this location so take your pick.
- Where To Stay: Hanwha Resort Jirisan
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.
Plan a trip:
- Address: 17 Wonjeok-ro 775beon-gil, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 이천시 백사면 원적로775번길 17 (백사면))
- Directions: Icheon: From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal take an intercity bus to Icheon Terminals. Buses run from 6:10AM – 11:00PM in 20-40 minute intervals and the trip takes an hour. From Icheon Terminal there are free shuttle buses outside of the terminal and to the right in front of the Grand Wedding Hall.
- Where To Stay: Lee Design Hotel
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!
Plan a trip:
- Address: 339-1 Gwanchok-dong Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do (충남 논산시 관촉동 339-1)
- Directions: Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do: Catch an intercity bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal. They run every 40 minutes from 6:30AM to 11:45PM. Once there, follow the crowds and the balloons lining the street, it’s a short walk, or catch a local bus 515, 516, 601, 701 or 712 to Daegyodong (대교동).
- Where To Stay: Le Stendal Boutique Hotel
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.
Plan a trip:
- Join a tour: Join a tour to the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival with Klook or on kkday.
- Address: Tongsin-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (경상남도 창원시 진해구 통신동)
- Where To Stay: Jinhae Pasta Hotel
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.
Plan a trip:
- Address: Maekjeon-gil, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (경상남도 하동군 화개면 맥전길)
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.
Plan a trip:
- Address: 675-1 Jeo-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 강릉시 저동 675-1)
- Directions: The most comfortable way to travel to the east coast now is most definitely the train which you can catch from Seoul Station and take straight out to Gangneung Station. Trains leave every hour from 5:00am until 10:00pm and take around two hours. The tickets cost between W26,000 and W44,000 depending on the seats chosen.
- Where To Stay: Skybay Gyeongpo Hotel
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.
Plan a trip:
- Address: 60-2 Yeouiseo-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (서울 영등포구 여의서로 60-2)
- Directions: In Seoul, head to Yeouinaru Subway Station and go out of exit 1 or 2 to find the beautiful flowers and festivities.
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.
Plan a trip:
- Address: 148 Jamsil-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 송파구 잠실로 148 (잠실동))
- Directions: Take the Seoul subway to Jamsil Station and go out of exit 2 or 3 to head south to find the lake and all of the flowers.
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.
Plan a trip:
- Address: 11 Anteulmosi-gil Songak-eub, Dangjin-si, Chungcheongnam-do (충청남도 당진시 송악읍 안틀모시길 11 (송악읍))
- Directions: From Seoul Central City Bus Terminal catch a bus to Dangjin and get off at Gijisi (1 hour 40 minutes) and take a taxi from there to the festival grounds.
- Where To Stay: Gyeamgotaek Hanok
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.
Plan a trip:
- Volunteer: If you’re a resident of Seoul, did you know you can also volunteer to take part in the Lotus Lantern Festival? I highly recommend the experience.
- Directions: Seoul: The street festival is on the street outside of Jogyesa temple and can be accessed via Seoul subway stations: Jonggak Station exit 2 and Anguk Station exit 6. The parade runs from Dongguk University to Jogyesa Temple and can be seen along Jongno. Check their site for specific information.
- Where To Stay: Myeongdong TMark Hotel
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.
Plan a trip:
- Where: Gwangali Beach, Busan: Gwangan Subway Station exit 3 or 5 and walk straight until you get to the beach.
- Where To Stay: Kent Hotel Gwangalli by Kensington
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.
Plan a trip:
- Address: Hwangmaesan-ro, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (경상남도 합천군 가회면 둔내리 산 219-24)
- Directions: From Seoul’s Nambu Bus Terminal, take a bus to Hapcheon Terminal. From there take a bus to Deokman (덕만). Total travel time is approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes from Seoul.
- Where To Stay: Yeow-B Hotel Jinji
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!
Plan a trip:
- Address: 775 Nokcha-ro, Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 보성군 보성읍 녹차로 775 (보성읍))
- Directions: From Seoul Express Bus Terminal catch an intercity bus to Boseong
- Where To Stay: Nokcha Resort
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11 Comments
Nicole Arnott
This is great- I love the festivals in Korea. I’m lucky that I live right next to Jinhae so I’ve made it there twice for the cherry blossoms now. It’s beautiful but the 15 minute bus journey takes an hour in cherry blossom time!! :O My friends who live in Jinhae find it difficult to go anywhere during the festival cause buses home are often sold out. In Changwon, we also have the Cheonju Azalea festival which is beautiful. The canola flowers are gorgeous in Spring too but I’m not sure if they have a festival. Anyway, thanks for sharing!
Tamason Gamble
There are a lot of flower festivals at this time of year. I love the idea of a strawberry festival, one of my favourite fruits.
Sandy N Vyjay
This is really wonderful. This surely added to my bucket list. Each of these festival is so colourful. Korea seems to erupt in a riot of colour in spring. A great time to head out there to revel in the beauty. Would love to head out there in the spring.
Paige W
Wow! I foresee loads of festivals in your very near future! I would be all over the strawberry festival! That’s one of my favorite things to eat ever. The tulips would be a must-see because they’re my favorite flowers AND the lotus lantern festival…. Wow. My list is definitely growing already! HA!
Tara
I love the celebration of spring flowers! It is just perfect for all of us who have been hibernating all winter.
nycgingeronthego
I knew cherry blossoms were popular in Korea, but I had no idea about all of the other festivals. I would love to visit the flower festivals and the strawberry festival. Strawberries are definitely my favorite fruit, but I do really love them dipped in chocolate too.
Mel Butler
Funny enough this is the 2nd post I have seen on Cherry Blossom Festival in the last day. I had never heard of them before then and now I really really want to go see them. They are just beautiful. I also love Straberries… I must book my ticket now!!!!!
Sarah Kim
What a great list! I really like the sounds of Gurye Sansuyu Flower Festival because there’s so much to do. Particularly, the hot springs got my attention!
ravenoustravellers
Wow what a list! We managed to tick a few of these last year but so difficult to squeeze everything in when you only have the weekends to travel. Definitely want to try the Jindo Sea Festiva this year and get to see some more of the gorgeous cherry blossoms – the strawberry festival looks fun too! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Candy
Wow, so many wonderful festivals to pick from. I would love to go to the strawberry and cherry blossom festival. I loooove strawberries and the thought of having anything strawberry sounds like heaven 🙂
tashtravel
Thanks for a detailed list of all these festivals. I’ve been meaning to do the Jindo festival for a long time, so hopefully, I’ll finally do it this April! I liked to see your personal enthusiasm in that description.