Korea in April: The Weather, Tips From A Local, Flowers and Things To Do

Last Updated on April 3, 2026

April in Korea is when the world seems to come alive again. Cherry blossoms bloom and for many, they are the main attraction of the month, but they’re not the only bloom to brighten your days. Spring is in full swing, and the chill of winter has finally made its retreat, leaving behind crisp mornings and mild afternoons that beckon you outside.

Having spent years wandering Korea’s trails, towns, and temples, I can tell you there’s a special energy to April. It’s not just about the blossoms, though they’re breathtaking, but also the festivals, the fresh seasonal flavors, and that perfect weather sweet spot before the summer heat rolls in. Pack your picnic blanket, wear your comfiest shoes, and prepare to fall in love with Korea in bloom.

Will you be traveling to Korea in April? Here’s everything you need to know from the weather to the festivals.

• The Weather In Korea In April
• What To Know About Visiting Korea In April
• What To Pack and What To Wear
• The Public Holidays In Korea In April
• The Best Festivals and Events In April
  • Seoul Events
  • Flower Festivals
  • Food Festivals
  • Cultural Festivals
• Ideas For Things To Do
• What To Eat In The Spring In Korea
• The April in Korea Flower Guide
• Day Trips & Adventures To Take From Seoul

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The Weather In Korea In April

April in Korea is pure magic as cherry blossoms take center stage, blanketing the country in soft pink petals. Temperatures begin to warm, ranging from 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F), making it the perfect weather for strolling through parks and taking in the beauty of spring.

While it’s a peak time for tourism and popular spots can get crowded, the breathtaking views and lively festive atmosphere more than make up for it. Whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms in the countryside or enjoying city parks in full bloom, April is a month that truly celebrates Korea’s natural beauty.

Dust in Korea

The biggest issue in the spring is the dust. Be aware of the fine dust levels when you visit as yellow dust and fine dust can sweep across the country and can be unhealthy and cause various issues especially for the young, elderly, and those with asthma. Learn more about what to expect when it’s dusty in Korea and how to prepare.

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What To Know About Visiting Korea In April

April is one of the most popular times to visit Korea, thanks to the stunning cherry blossom season. This is peak tourism time, so expect larger crowds at major parks and popular attractions. Planning ahead, especially for accommodations and transportation, is key to making the most of your trip.

Speaking of blossoms, cherry trees typically bloom in early April, but the exact dates vary by region and weather conditions. From Seoul to Jeju, you’ll find festivals and events celebrating the fleeting beauty of these blooms, adding a festive charm to the already picturesque landscapes.

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What To Pack and What To Wear

Because spring is still cool if you’re in the shade or when it’s breezy, you’ll want to prepare warmer items this early in the spring. We’re still wearing our warmer coats for when the winds are strong. Bring light spring scarves, trench coats or jackets at the least.

If you plan on leaving Seoul, Korea, make sure to get good gear that is water-resistant and will keep you warm and safe. Remember that your shoes need to be easy to take off though as many places require you to remove your shoes to be seated.

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The Public Holidays In Korea In April

There are no major holidays in April, 2026

Did you know there are unofficial holidays in Korea? On April 14, Koreans celebrate Black Day. It’s a day for single people and eating black noodles, or jjajangmyeon. Friends get together to console each other or rejoice in their independence.

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The Best Festivals and Events In April

April in Korea bursts to life with festivals and events that celebrate the beauty of spring. From breathtaking cherry blossom festivals to colorful flower displays and lively cultural celebrations, pack your camera and your energy, because this is a month you won’t want to miss.

Events In Seoul

• Royal Culture Festival (궁중문화축전): April 25, 2026 ~ May 3, 2026
  • Embrace and learn about Korea’s royal culture and heritage in this huge festival at the five Joseon palaces of Seoul.
  • Address: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace and Gyeonghuigung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine
• Seoul Spring Festival (서울스프링페스티벌): April 10, 2026 ~ May 5, 2026
  • One of Seoul’s representative culture and tourism festivals. Visit various Han River parks to experience the trends and fun in K-beauty, K-fashion, K-pop, K-food, and K-art.
  • Locations: Yeouido Han River Park, Ttukseom Han River Park, Jamsil Han River Park
  • Website: Learn about all of the various events from Drone shows to treasure hunts on the official Seoul Spring Festival website.
• Seoul Outdoor Library: April 23, 2026 ~ November 1, 2026
  • A massive outdoor library is hosted in a number of Seoul’s downtown areas creating space for reading and relaxation.
  • Locations: Seoul Plaza, Gwanghwaun Square, and the Cheonggyecheon Stream
  • Hours: Every Friday – Sunday: Daytime: 11:00am ~ 6:00pm; Nighttime hours: 4:00pm ~ 10:00pm*
    • *Nighttime schedule begins in May; Closed in July and August

Flower Festivals

• Seoul Cherry Blossom Festival
  • Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival (여의도봄꽃축제): April 8, 2026 ~ April 12, 2026
    • Address: Yeouiseo-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 영등포구 여의서로)
    • Learn more: Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival Guide
  • Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival (호수벚꽃축제): April 3, 2026 ~ April 11, 2026
    • Address: 136 Samhaksa-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 송파구 삼학사 136)
  • Seoul Grand Park Cherry Blossom Festival (서울대공원 복꽃축제): April 4, 2026 ~ April 12, 2026
    • Address: 102 Daegongwongwangjang-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 과천시 대공원광장로 102)

• Icheon Baeksa Sansuyu Festival (이천백사 산수유꽃축제): April 3, 2026 ~ April 5, 2026
  • A bit smaller than the Gurye sansuyu festival, but no less brilliant, the Icheon sansuyu festival is closer to Seoul and just as beautiful.
  • Address: 17 Wonjeok-ro 775 Beon-gil, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea (경기도 이천시 백사면 원적로775번길 17 (백사면))
• Jeju Canola Flower Festival (제주 유채꽃축제): April 4, 2026 ~ April 5, 2026
  • Jeju is one of the first places to enjoy spring in Korea and the island becomes blanketed in canola flowers in celebration. The flowers bloom from late February through April across the island. At this spot, they bloom in April.
  • Address: 381-15 Noksan-ro, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do (제주도 서귀포시 표선면 녹산로 381-15)
• Taean Tulip Flower Festival (태안세계튤립꽃박람회): April 1, 2026 ~ May 6, 2026
  • From early April to May, the biggest tulip festival in the country takes places in Chungcheongnam-do.
  • Address: 400 Kkotjji Haean-ro, Anmyeon-eub, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do (충청남도 태안군 안면읍 꽃지해안로 400)

• Goryeosan Mountain Azalea Festival (고려산진달래축제): April 11, 2026 ~ April 19, 2026
  • In mid-April, the azaleas cover this mountaintop and make for an amazing adventure.
  • Address: Gocheon-ri, Naega-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon (인천 강화군 내가면 고천리)
• Gunpo Royal Azalea Festival (군포 철쭉축제): April 18, 2026 ~ April 26, 2026
  • Hillsides covered in azaleas are closer to Seoul than many realize. Head to Gunpo in Gyeonggi-do for a gorgeous view. Go a bit before or after the festival for less crowded views.
  • Address: 1152-10 Sanbon-dong, Gunpo-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 군포시 산본동 1152-10)
• Sinan Tulip Festival (신안튤립축제)
  • A gorgeous tulip festival in the southern islands of Korea, take a trip south this spring to enjoy the colorful blooms.
  • Address: 2523-10 Daegi-ri, Imja-myeon, Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do (전남 신안군 임자면 대기리 2523-10)
• International Horticulture Festival Goyang (고양국제박람회): April 24, 2026 ~ May 10, 2026
  • Ilsan Lake is host to a gorgeous horticulture festival each spring and autumn. If you’re in Seoul, it’s easy to get there via the subway. Don’t miss this Goyang flower event.
  • Address: 595 Hosu-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 고양시 일산동구 호수로 595)
  • Admission: W15,000

Cultural Festivals

• Icheon Ceramic Festival (이천도자기축제): April 24, 2026 ~ May 5, 2026
  • Learn to appreciate beautiful Korean ceramics. Icheon hosts the most iconic ceramics festivals in the country.
  • Address: 109 Doja Yesul-ro 5-beon-gil, Sindun-myeon, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 이천시 신둔면 도자예술로5번길 109)
• Jindo Miracle Sea Parting Festival (진도 신비의바닷길축제): April 17, 2026 ~ April 20, 2026
  • A unique festival held in Jindo celebrates the natural sea parting that reveals a 2.8km long pathway to another island.
  • Address: Areas of Modo-ri, Uisin-myeon and Hoedong-ri, Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 진도군 고군면 회동리 및 의신면 모도리 일원)
• Udo Turban Shell Festival (우도소라축제): April 24, 2026 ~ April 25, 2026
  • Celebrate fresh seafood, local pride, and a breezy island atmosphere all centered around the horned turban snail, a spiral-shelled sea snail prized for its briny sweetness and chewy-bouncy texture. Learn more in this Udo Sora Festival guide including how to get FREE food.
  • Address: Udo Island, Jeju, Korea

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Ideas For Things To Do

April in Korea is beautiful. Warm during the day, still a bit cold in the evenings and in the shade. Prepare for equal parts inside and outside and enjoy all that you can.

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What To Eat In The Spring In Korea

Korean food is good all year round, however, there are some specialties to look out for in each season that you can only get during those seasons.

When the azaleas bloom, this is the only time in the near that you can find jindalle hwajeon (진달래 화전), a cookie-like dish made with a glutinous rice flour kneaded and flattened into a round shape and topped with azalea flowers. Eaten with honey, the rice cookies may also have azalea flowers in water made with omija, schisandra berries, on the side.

Some spring favorites to find are spring namul (나물), which are basically edible grasses and leaves that you’ll find served as banchan, or side dishes. They are fresh, delicious, and packed with vitamins. Namul includes things like mugwort, fernbrake, and wild chives. Head to a local boribap restaurant to try all of the fresh seasonal ingredients.

Ssuktteok (쑥떡), ssukjeon (쑥전), ssukdanja (쑥단자), and ssuktang (쑥탕), all made with young ssuk, or mugwort, that grows in the mountains and fields is popular each spring and delicious. Ssuktteok is my daughter’s absolute favorite.

Strawberries (딸기) are more delicious in Korea than I’ve found them anywhere else in the world. This is NOT an exaggeration. They’re always sweet and you don’t just have to eat these strawberries, but you can visit the many greenhouses around to pick your own and then enjoy them from December through June.

Jjukkumi (쭈꾸미), small webfoot octopus, are the freshest from March through May. You can enjoy them stir-fried or grilled. Chewy and delicious, try to find these when you visit.

King crab (왕게) are not the most budget-friendly meal, but from February to March, they are fresh and delicious. Steamed to perfection, you can enjoy them in restaurants all over, or head to the source in Gyeongsangbuk-do’s Uljin and Yeongdeok for the most options in one place.

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The April In Korea Flower Guide

April is fabulously colorful when it comes to the blooms that you can find. As nature comes alive again, everyone heads outdoors to find the most beautiful flowering trees. From the popular cherry blossoms to the daffodils, here is what to look for in April in Korea.

Cherry blossoms (벚꽃): The iconic sign of the coming of spring usually bloom at the end of March and into April, though they are a fickle blossom. Some years they’re a bit earlier, and some years, they’re a bit later.

Azaleas (진달래): Azaleas are underappreciated and yet provide some of the most beautiful mountainsides of purples, pinks, reds, and whites. Azaleas start blooming at the end of March and continue into the month of April where they really hit their stride. They are quite sturdy so they will last a bit longer than cherry blossoms even if it’s raining quite a bit in the spring.

Daffodils (수선화): Daffodils start blooming in March and last until May. The most beautiful place to see them in Korea is absolutely the hillside at Yoogibanggaok. Alternatively, you can visit the Hwadam Botanic Garden which hosts a spring daffodil festival for the month of April as well.

Double cherry blossoms (겹벚꽃): Distinguished from their single-petaled counterparts, King cherry blossoms boast lavish, deep pink petals that unfurl in double layers, creating a fuller, more opulent display. They also bloom a bit later than the more popular light pink cherry blossoms so if you missed those, you can still catch these!

Canola flowers (유채꽃): Actually starting from mid-February down on Jeju Island, the canola flowers and rapeseed flowers start blooming across the island. You can find their vibrant yellow hue all over Jeju Island with beautiful fields from Sanbangsan to Seongsan Ilchulbong.

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Day Trips & Adventures To Take From Seoul

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I bet you didn’t guess that you could visit Korea in January and spot flowers, go ice fishing, and see a festival if lights! You can indeed! Get ready for an epic adventure in South Korea this January. Get ready for the fun.

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