Where to see the cherry blossoms in Korea

The end of Korea's long, cold winter is announced by Puffs in pink and white. Cherry Blossom Season is a big deal here, and is celebrated with local festivals and flower themed drinks. The southern part of Jeju Island saw its first flower in mid-March and buds could last long until the end of April while rising in the mountains on the northern mainland. Flowers usually peak for about a week after their first appearance, and then immediately lie on the ground in a pale mound.

It is difficult to avoid comparing it with neighboring Japan. There, cherry blossom viewing – an experience known locally as Hanyuan – is more established. However, South Korea is more affordable among both countries, and you may be able to enjoy the view a little more here, especially when it comes to transportation and accommodation.

So come in the spring and do the same with the locals: grab a watermelon drink, sit in the park above a doggy-doggy-ri (a cushioned picnic mat), cherries swirl in the rain with the wind swirling in pastel pink Watch as they send petals.

Celebrate with Hangan

Half a mile wide, it is the capital's most popular cherry-view spot, crossing the city from north to south, Hangang, Seoul's main river. There are cherry trees lined up in many of the parking lot banks, so you can enjoy the view in a quiet, lively place, or somewhere in between. Yoido Park is the busiest place. Home to Parliament and skyscrapers, this is the perfect picnic zone whenever the weather is nice. It has its own cherry festival, during which you will catch Korean music and dance performances. The date changes every year, but usually falls within the first or second week of April.

Please pay tribute to the flowers

Many Korean Buddhist temples have cherry trees on their premises, but one of the most popular in spring is Gakuwonsa Temple. It is located at the foot of Mount Taeho, just east of Chonan, a city 40 minutes' drive from Seoul by highway train. The Gakwonsa building is covered with pitched roofs and eaves typical of Korean Buddhist architecture, and is not bordered enough to be surrounded by pink at the height of cherry blossom season. The 50-foot tall, 60-tonne-sitting Buddha welcomes worshippers and welcomes many zigzags towards the nearby peak.

Praise the whole nucleus buds

Located south of the peninsula, Jeju Island has a mild climate. In other words, cherry blossoms arrive here a week or two earlier than the mainland. Come and see the varieties of Korea's own flowers. Most of the country's cherry trees come from the imports of Yoshino, planted in the 20th century during the 35th year of Japanese occupation. Meanwhile, on this isolated island there is a rare native “king” tree. They are celebrated at festivals and a popular place to see them is Jeonnong-Ro, a street in Jeju city, the island's capital. The lined trees are decorated with lanterns during flower season, so consider visiting after sunset.