Nestled in the remote Chilgapsan Mountain a couple of hours outside of Seoul, the Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival transforms this rural valley retreat into a glittering icy world that looks straight out of a fairy tale. This frozen festival of winter delights includes a giant wall of bubbling ice, snowy sculptures, igloos, ice caves, snow statues, ice carvings, and all round winter fun for the whole family.

In this article you can find out what there is to see and do at the Chilgapsan Festival, including the various ice-based activities and attractions, how to get there by tour or public transport, and information about whether this festival is worth visiting or not. If you’re thinking of visiting this Korean ice fountain festival, and want to know why I think it’s definitely worth it, then keep on reading.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

Why Visit The Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival 2024?

The Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival (칠갑산 얼음분수축제) offers visitors the chance to see a truly unique sight – massive structures crafted entirely from long icicles that appear to sprout up from the ground and have earned this winter festival the nickname of ‘Ice Castle’. The icicles, sparkling to create the illusion of frozen ice fountains, are man-made but that makes them no less magical.

With its stunning mix of dramatic natural scenery and dream-like illuminations, the Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival promises a fairy tale experience found nowhere else in Korea. This festival runs from December 23rd, 2023 to February 28th, 2024, which makes it one of Korea’s longest winter festivals and gives you plenty of opportunities to see it if you visit Korea during winter.

By day, you can explore illuminated ice caves and sculptures that get more fantastical each year. But it’s at night when the full effect comes alive, with rainbow-hued lights reflecting off the icy landscape synchronized to festive music. Visitors wander through this winter wonderland with hot chocolate in hand, snapping selfies and admiring over 50,000 tons of magical ice art crafted just for the festival.

Who Will Enjoy This Korean Winter Festival?

I think the Chilgapsan festival will appeal to couples and families, as well as anyone who enjoys playing in the snow. There are many rides and activities aimed at children, so this is a great way to keep them entertained during winter and gives them a fun, snowy playground to play in. Couples will enjoy strolling around the snow-covered landscape, posing for pictures in the many photo zones.

Warning about Korea’s winter weather: Winter in Korea can be very cold, especially during January and February, with temperatures dropping below zero degrees Celsius even during the day. If you are travelling with children, make sure they’re wrapped up well so they don’t suffer from the cold. There are lots of markets in Seoul that sell winter clothes and you can get heat packs and hand warmers, too.

What To Do At The Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival

The Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival provides a whole day of fun for people of all ages with lots of activities available for everyone, especially children. The main draw during the day is the ice fountain, sculptures and ice caves, with winter illuminations bringing the festival site to life once the sun sets. There’s also Korean festival food to try, snow and ice-based sports, and children’s rides.

Here are some of the best things you can see and do at this festival:

Ice Fountain, Ice Wall And Ice Sculptures

The towering ice fountains, which give this festival its name, and giant ice wall really have to be seen to be believed. Created by shooting jets of water which then freeze in place, they look truly unique. They look impressive during the day, but look even more extraordinary once the sun goes down and the lights are turned on, illuminating them in an ever changing rainbow of colours.

As well as the ice fountains, there are carefully created sculptures (inspired by Korean cartoons, Disney, and Pokemon), cute animals, and lots more. There are also ice sculptures shaped like the famous Korean turtle boat, a frozen Gwanghwamun Gate, wild animals, and a life-sized train made from ice.

Ice Caves, Igloos And Illuminations

Head into the ice caves and igloos to escape the cold and see gleaming blocks of ice lit up with vivid lights bouncing from frozen surfaces. There are several icy buildings to wander around and, as with the ice fountains, these look best when it’s dark so you can appreciate the illuminations at their fullest. Speaking of illuminations, there are lots of displays with pretty lights to see at night.

Snow And Ice Sports

There are plenty of winter sports to keep you busy and this festival is a great place to see snow in Korea as there are many snow machines working just in case it doesn’t snow. Slide down the snow sledding slope on a rubber ring or the ice sledding slope on a small sleigh. If you prefer flat surfaces, try the traditional Korean wooden sleighs and push yourself along the ice with short sticks.

Besides sledding, you can also try your hand at other winter sports and activities such as ice fishing, bare hand fishing in frozen tanks of water, a zip line past the frozen fountains, and a cow-drawn sleigh ride through the snow. If you want to try ice fishing, the experience here isn’t as impressive as dedicated ice fishing festivals like the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, but it’s still fun.

Children’s Activities At The Chilgapsan Winter Festival

I saw lots of families at the Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival and there were plenty of activities for kids to enjoy, including a tractor-pulled ‘can sled’. These ‘cans’ looked like big cut out barrels with chairs inside, but were quite safe and let the kids feel like they were in their own personal car. The activities aren’t exactly on par with Disneyland, but they’re a good way to play in the snow.

As well as the sled and skis, children can try horse riding while being led around a course by a handler. There are also cultural activities and arts and crafts in small tents, but you might need to know a bit of Korean to understand what’s going on there. Activities will probably vary each year and may only be open during the busier weekend day, but I’m not sure so they could be available.

Food At The Chilgapsan Festival

Fans of Korean food won’t be disappointed with the range of Korean winter snacks at the Chilgapsan winter festival. Inside the festival grounds you can try various winter street foods on skewers, including chicken, rice cakes, and fish cakes, as well as deep fried fish. There’s also a cafe to get coffee, but don’t expect a chain store cafe, this is a temporary hut with a coffee machine inside.

The best part about the food at this festival has to be the roasted chestnuts, sweetcorn, and sweet potatoes. You can roast your own chestnuts on a log fire and cook the sweetcorn over hot coals. The sweet potatoes are roasted inside big metal drum ovens and served piping hot and steaming. These provide not only hot and delicious snacks, but also a fun experience to try at the festival.

For proper meals, there are some restaurants serving traditional Korean dishes such as tteok-guk (rice cake soup), haemul pajeon (Korean seafood pancakes), guk-bap (soupy stew with rice inside), and my favourite, donkasu (pork cutlet). There are simple meals like Korean curry and soybean sauce rice, too.

Sights Near Cheongyang Alps Village

Chilgapsan is the name of the mountain that the Cheongyang Alps Village, home to the ice fountain festival, is located by, which is why this festival is sometimes called the Cheongyang Ice Fountain Festival. If you want to explore more of this area during winter, there’s a really nice suspension bridge, the Chilgapsan Suspension Bridge (천장호 출렁다리), and reservoir near the entrance to the festival.

The reservoir looks really pretty when it’s frozen over and covered in snow, as you can see in the picture above. You can walk around the reservoir by following the wooden pathways, which are decorated with cute Korean messages along the way. You might be wondering why the suspension bridge has two giant chili peppers at each end. That’s because this area is famous for growing chilies.

Ticket Prices And Essential Festival Information

The entry fee for the Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival is ₩8,000 per person (children under 36 months are free). This gives you access to the festival grounds and access to the sculptures, ice fountains, ice caves, igloos, and other sights and facilities at the festival.

The sledding pass, which includes access to the sledding hill for ice sledding, snow sledding, and bob sledding, costs about ₩20,000 per person. There are also additional costs for the zip line, ice fishing and children’s activities, such as horse riding and the can sled. The prices for these activities aren’t available on the festival’s official website yet, but I’ll update prices here when they are.

For more information about this festival (in Korean), you can visit the official Alps Village website.

Tours To Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival 2024

Despite the Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival becoming more popular each year, there aren’t many tours. If you don’t have a car, taking a tour to the festival is the best option and gives you the benefit of a guaranteed direct journey there and back, as well as a guide who can tell you more about the festival.

Here are two tours that I recommend for the Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival:

Cheongyang (Chilgapsan) Ice Festival & Other Winter Sights from Seoul: This all day guided tour from various locations in Seoul will take you to some of the hottest winter destinations in Korea, including the Chilgapsan festival. There are various options to add on extra destinations, such as Nami Island, the Garden of Morning Calm, Eobi Ice Valley, and a strawberry picking farm

Price: From ₩62,200 (about $47 USD)

Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival at Cheongyang Alps Village from Seoul: This all day tour from Seoul will take you to the Cheongyang Alps Village to see the Chilgapsan winter festival. You can add on extras, such as ice sledding, snow sledding, and bobsleigh, as well as extra destinations, to give you a full winter experience in Korea. You get over 4 hours to enjoy at the festival.

Price: From ₩69,100 (about $53 USD)

I always recommend booking tours in advance when visiting Korea for these reasons:

Learn more: Paying in your home currency is usually easier and cheaper than converting money into Korean won. Booking ahead is one of the tips included in my guide to paying in Korea, which covers ways to save on travel money in Korea and alternatives to relying on exchanging cash to travel.

How To Get To The Chilgapsan Winter Festival

Cheongyang Alps Village is a resort located in North Chungcheong Province, which is south of Seoul and about an hour west of Daejeon. It’s about 3.5 hours away from Seoul by car and can be reached by car or guided tour. Here are details about how to get to this Korean ice fountain festival by each of those means. There are instructions in Korean on the festival website, too.

From Seoul To Chilgapsan Festival By Car: If you plan to rent a car in Korea, or you live in Korea and have your own car, then you can drive to the festival in just over three hours from Seoul. You can find the main festival location by searching for “칠갑산얼음분수축제” or “알프스마을영농조합법인” in Naver or Kakao map apps. Use the address shown below to get directions with a sat-nav.

Address in Korean: 충남 청양군 정산면 천장호길 223-35 없음

From Seoul To Chilgapsan Festival By Tour: There are various tours to the Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival from Seoul, as detailed in the previous section. Taking a tour is a convenient way to see the festival and to save time vs. organising your own way there on public transportation.

Please note: You can get to the Chilgapsan festival by taking a train from Seoul to Gongju and then transferring to a local bus, but the options for buses are very limited and don’t run late. I strongly recommend either renting a car or taking a tour rather than trying to get there by public transport. If you do want to try, there are directions (in Korean) on the festival website.

Best time to visit the Chilgapsan Festival: The best time to visit this festival is in the afternoon so you can enjoy snowy sights during the day, but don’t have to wait so long for the sun to set and to see the night lights and illuminations. Avoid visiting during the weekends if you can as it will be very busy.

Is The Chilgapsan Festival Worth Visiting?

Should you visit the Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival? In the words of my friend Tim, who kindly contributed a lot of the pictures for this article, this festival is, “Totally worth it!“. This festival has plenty to see and do and will keep people amused in the afternoon and evening. If you take a tour that also visits another winter destination, such as a strawberry farm, then it’s a great day trip from Seoul.

Families will find plenty to do with lots of the activities aimed at children, such as the sledding slope, horse rides, and the can sleigh. Even if you’re not travelling with children, the beautiful winter displays at the Chilgapsan festival offer couples and solo travellers the chance to take unique pictures with snowy backgrounds and icy buildings, sample traditional Korean snacks, and experience a Korean festival.

This festival is worth visiting, but please consider the weather during winter in Korea. It’s cold and dry, which can be tough for people not used to such conditions. Be sure to wrap up warm and bring skin cream to protect against the dryness. Gloves are a must and heat packs that go in your pockets can save your fingers. Be aware of the cold weather and you should be fine here.

A Special Thanks To Photos Of Korea

I want to give a big shout out and thanks to Tim from Photos of Korea for letting me use his incredible photos from this festival and for sharing his thoughts about the Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival, which he visited in 2023. You can see loads of incredible pictures of Korea’s lesser-known locations and festivals from his Facebook page, Instagram page, and his uploads on Unsplash.

2024 Winter Festivals In Korea To See Snowy Sights

Besides this Korean ice fountain festival, there are many other winter festivals that you should check out for exciting activities, incredible views, and cultural immersion. These festivals introduce you to traditional Korean culture in beautiful surroundings and with lots of delicious Korean festival food. Here are some of the other major winter festivals you can see in Korea:

Garden of Morning Calm Winter Illuminations: Exploring sculpted gardens and electric forests when the sun has set is like entering into a magical world, a true winter fantasia with lots of photo opportunities. Every year the garden has a range of themed areas that focus on animals, plants, and even love for the sweethearts.

Seoul Lantern Festival: This dazzling festival is held in Gwanghwamun Square outside Gyeongbokgung Palace, which gives over it’s large pedestrianised areas to massive themed lantern installations. These installations feature different concepts each year like aquarium scenes, starry nights, nature landscapes, and Korean folktales.

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival: This is one of Korea’s best winter festivals and made it into CNN’s top 7 ‘Wonder’s of Winter’ for a good reason. The Hwacheon Sancneoneo Ice Festival attracts over a million people each year to try ice fishing (with a rod or bare handed). There are winter activities, ice sculptures, and a Korean Winter Village with cultural games and Korean festival food.

Learn more: Discover all the best festivals to visit in Korea this winter with this guide to Korea’s winter festivals, which includes ice fishing festivals, illumination festivals, New Year festivals, and lots more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival. These answers are based on my own experience and from research conducted to write this article.

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The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is worth visiting because you get to experience a traditional Korean winter festival on a day trip from Seoul. There are also lots of other interesting ice-based games, cultural activities, and opportunities for sightseeing around this fish-focused town. This winter festival creates such a lively atmosphere it’s no wonder that it attracts over one million visitors every year.

In this article you can find out what there is to see and do at the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, including the various ice-based activities and attractions, how to get there by tour or public transport, and information about other ice fishing festivals in Korea. If you’re thinking of visiting this fun winter festival, and want to know why it’s one of CNN’s “7 Wonders of Winter”, then keep on reading.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

Why I Love The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

This festival was the first winter festival that I visited when I moved to Korea and it’s one I’ve gone back to and will go back to again in the future as it’s pretty, fun, and has plenty to do. I bought a souvenir wooden fish from Hwacheon on my first visit and it still sits proudly on the top of my bookcase as a reminder of this festival. The fish I caught for lunch that day, however, has long since gone!

If I know people are coming to visit Korea in January and want to experience a unique winter festival that offers a fun day out from Seoul, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is always the first I recommend to them. This festival provides a mixture of culture, sports, entertainment, involvement, and surprising sights that makes it so memorable. This is a great festival to visit as a group or family.

The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival runs from January 6th until January 23rd, 2024, right during the coldest part of winter in Korea when the river freezes over and there is ice over 40cm thick. Don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe to walk on, or even slide and sled on, even with all those holes drilled in it for you to catch fish through.

What To Do At The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival provides a whole day of fun for people of all ages with lots of activities available for everyone. The main draw is the ice fishing, which is one of the first things you see, but as you eyes stretch out over the icy river, you’ll notice a whole town alive with things to explore.

Here are some of the best things you can see and do at this festival:

1: Ice Fishing & Cooking

Ice fishing is the main attraction at the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival and one that people typically start with when they arrive. All along the long stretch of frozen river running through the town are temporary ice fishing spots right above where the fish are swimming in the cold waters below.

You will be given a small fishing rod and bag to store your catch in and then shown to your own little hole in the ice. Now it’s your chance to prove your fishing skills by trying to hook the fish out from the frigid waters below. Once you’ve caught a few (limit of 3 per person), you can go to the kitchens and grill the fish or have it prepared as sashimi (raw fish). Both go well with a Korean beer.

Ice fishing on the river is probably not something most people have done and it’s fun to try at least once. There are lots of fun photo opportunities and the fact that you can cook your fish afterwards is a tasty bonus. Slipping along on the ice is also fun, as is watching others fail at walking on it so well.

2: Bare Hand Ice Fishing Competition

For those who want to test themselves in the frosty waters, there’s the chance to join in the bare hand ice fishing competition that’s held on the shore of the river. This is exactly what it sounds like – catching trout with your bare hands in a giant pool of ice cold water. It’s also a great spectator sport.

The contestants jump in the pool dressed in shorts and an overly large t-shirt (provided) and stuff trout down their tops until the 5 minute time limit is up. There’s a special prize for anyone who finds a trout with a golden ring attached, but otherwise you get to keep 3 of the fish you caught. You can eat your catch in the same way as the ice fishing and there’s also a hot foot bath provided to warm you up after.

The competition starts every hour (10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00) with up to 40 people jumping in the pool together – both locals and brave foreigners who have joined in. A friend of mine tried it one time and he really enjoyed it, but was happy to be out of the cold water by the end. I think he managed to catch 2 fish, which is pretty good. Definitely don’t miss watching this.

3: Ice Sledding And Snow Sports

There are all kinds of icy winter sports and activities to try at the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival that don’t involve fish. You can try your hand at ice sledding in the traditional Korean way – on a small wooden box with two poles to push yourself along. Grab a box and give it a go.

Alternatively, you can jump in a giant inflatable ring and zoom down the snowy slopes, ending on the frozen river below. I spent quite a while doing this as it’s lots of fun. Fans of the Winter Olympics can try out curling, bobsleigh, and ice skating. If you want something more extreme, there’s also a zip line over the ice and ice suit walking (ice zorbing).

4: Ice Displays And Illuminations

The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is home to ‘the world’s largest indoor ice sculpture plaza‘, according to the sign outside the entrance to one of the top attractions at this Korean festival. Inside this large building you’ll find a frosty wonderland of frozen ice sculptures of all different shapes and sizes.

One of the most impressive ice sculptures in this display is the large Korean-style traditional building, which resembles a small palace that you’d find in Seoul. There’s also ice slides, frozen fish sculptures, romantic photo zones, and lots of other interesting icy sights that no doubt change every year.

When the sun starts to set, which happens before 6pm in January, you’ll be dazzled by the beautiful winter illuminations and lanterns strung up throughout the town of Hwacheon. These cover the central street and also spread out across other key areas in the town. Unsurprisingly, a lot of the lanterns are shaped like fish to represent the famous sancheoneo mountain trout the town is famous for.

5: Winter Culture Village And Sights

Between the ice sports, fishing, illuminations, and strange people jumping into pools of freezing cold water are cultural activities to check out, including traditional Korean games like the ones seen on Squid Game, at the Winter Culture Village. Koreans are keen to introduce foreigners to their traditional culture and this ice fishing festival is an opportunity for you to learn more about Korean culture.

Some of the activities you can try at the Winter Culture Village include archery, slingshot shooting, fire fighting, and games like yut nori. You can eat Korean traditional foods, such as fried rice cakes and nurungji (scorched rice). There’s also performances with traditional instruments on the weekend.

Hwacheon is a town that’s crazy about fish and to show their love for their slippery friends, they’ve painted lots of colourful murals on buildings throughout the town. These make for interesting photo spots and holiday snaps. There’s also a giant rotating fish statue looking over the river that rotates from atop a tall tower. There are many unique sights like this to check out in Hwacheon.

Ticket Prices And Tour Options For This Festival

The fee for the main activities at the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival (ice fishing and bare hand ice fishing) is normally ₩15,000 per activity for anyone 11+. However, to encourage foreign visitors to join in this winter festival, there is a discount for all non-Koreans. Foreign visitors to the festival only pay ₩10,000 (~$9 USD) per activity and children under 6 year enter free.

What is included in the entry price? The entry fee for this festival allows you to enter the frozen river and try ice fishing with the provided fishing equipment. You get to eat the fish after you’ve caught it, prepared on a grill or as sashimi (raw fish) for an additional fee of ₩3,000 per fish. There’s a limit of 3 fish per person and you can take them home with you if you like.

Walking around the town and joining in cultural activities is free, as are some of the activities such as curling and badminton. Other activities at the ice fishing festival, such as sledding, bobsleigh, rubber tube slides, zip line etc., come with additional charges as follows:

Tours To The 2024 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

There are a number of tours available to the Hwacheon Sancehoneo Ice Festival that depart from Seoul and are open only to foreign tourists. These tours include transportation to Seoul and back, a tour guide who speaks English, and entry fees to various activities, which means you can see the best of the festival for one price and without the hassle of organising your own transport.

Here are two tours that I recommend for the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival:

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival Day Tour from Seoul: This 11 hour round-trip tour from Myeongdong and Hongdae will show you the best ice fishing festival in Korea with a professional English-speaking driver and guide. The tour fee includes ice fishing with grilled fish, 5 rides on the ice sled, the Ice Sculpture Square, and a complimentary ₩10,000 coupon to spend on other activities.

Price: ₩53,000 (about $43 USD)

Hwacheon Ice Fishing and Garden Of Morning Calm Lighting Festival: This combined tour from Seoul will take you to two of the hottest winter festivals in Korea – the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival and the Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival. The tour includes entry fee for the ice fishing activity with all equipment, an English-speaking guide, and entry to the Garden of Morning calm.

Price: ₩73,000 (about $55 USD)

I always recommend booking tours in advance when visiting Korea for these reasons:

Learn more: Paying in your home currency is usually easier and cheaper than converting money into Korean won. Booking ahead is one of the tips included in my guide to paying in Korea, which covers ways to save on travel money in Korea and alternatives to relying on exchanging cash to travel.

How To Get To The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

Hwacheon is a town located in Gangwon Province halfway between Seoul and the east coast. It’s about 2.5 hours away from Seoul by car and can be reached by car, shuttle bus, or guided tour. Here’s some details about how to get to the ice fishing festival by each of those means. There are instructions in Korean on the festival website, too.

From Seoul To Hwacheon By Car: If you plan to rent a car in Korea, or you live in Korea and have your own car, then you can drive to the festival in a couple of hours from Seoul. The main festival location is “화천산천어축제”, but you will probably need to visit a temporary car park to park your car. The address of the festival is shown below. Use Naver Map or Kakao Map for directions.

Address in Korean: 강원 화천군 화천읍 중리 187-15

From Seoul To Hwacheon By Shuttle Bus: There is a special shuttle bus that operates for this festival exclusively for foreign tourists. This shuttle bus only runs once per day at 8:30am from Hongdae / 9:00am from Myeongdong and doesn’t include entry fees to any of the activities. The price for this shuttle bus is ₩20,000 per person.

From Seoul To Hwacheon By Tour: There are various tours to the Hwacheon Ice Fishing Festival from Seoul, as detailed in the previous section. Taking a tour is a convenient way to see the festival and to save time vs. organising your own way there on public transportation.

Please note: You can get to Hwacheon by bus and train from Seoul but this might be more expensive than taking the shuttle bus and definitely takes longer. I would recommend either using the shuttle bus or one of the tour options rather than trying to get there by public transport. If you do want to try, there are directions (in Korean) on the festival website.

Are Korean Ice Fishing Festivals Worth Visiting?

Should you visit an ice fishing festival in Korea this winter? In my opinion, you absolutely should. These winter festivals are a great opportunity to see snowy and icy landscapes, try a range of fun activities, eat delicious Korean festival foods, and create lasting memories from your time in Korea.

Just look at the guy in the picture. He’s standing in ice-cold water with a slippery trout in his hand and he’s got a big smile on his face. Whether you’re taking part or observing from the sidelines, there are so many entertaining sights and activities to enjoy at the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival.

The festival does involve a long trip from Seoul to attend, about 2.5 hours each way, but you get a full day of activities and unique photo opportunities. If you add a side trip to the Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival at the same time, you get your money’s worth in terms of travel time.

The only downside of this festival is its popularity. It can get busy on weekends, which might put some people off. As a tourist, you have the luxury to travel during the week and I would definitely recommend visiting on a weekday to avoid the crowds and get more time and space at the festival.

Other Ice Fishing Festivals In Korea

I would say that the Hwacheon Ice Festival is my favourite fishing festival in Korea, but it’s not the only ice fishing festival that’s on during winter. There are few other big ice fishing festivals that run at the same time of year and offer the chance enjoy more ice and snow-based activities in Korea.

Pyeongchang Trout Ice Fishing Festival 2024: Pyeongchang, home to the 2018 Winter Olympics, hosts a trout ice fishing festival each year with many people attending to try their luck with a rod. There are other events to enjoy, including bare hand fish catching, sledding, snow rafting, and a sleigh train. For extreme sports lovers, you can rent an ATV and zoom through the frozen landscape.

You can join this festival with a tour from Klook.

Inje Ice Fishing Festival 2024: Running for more than 20 years, this large ice fishing festival in Inje is a family-friendly winter festival that not only includes ice fishing, but a range of other activities, too. There’s the Ice Playground, Snow Playground, and Mountain Village, where you can build a snowman, learn to sled and ski, slide down slippery slides, see ice sculptures, and see cultural exhibitions.

Yangpyeong Ice Fish Festival 2024: Held in the Soomy Village resort, this winter ice fishing festival runs from December to February and hosts a range of activities for families and other visitors to enjoy. Besides ice fishing, you can experience kite-flying, top spinning, sledding, and making traditional Korean snacks (jin-bang).

2024 Winter Festivals In Korea To See Snowy Sights

Besides ice fishing festivals, there are many other winter festivals in Korea that you should check out for exciting activities, incredible views, and cultural immersion. Here are some of the other major winter festivals you can see in Korea:

Garden of Morning Calm Winter Illuminations: Exploring sculpted gardens and electric forests when the sun has set is like entering into a magical world, a true winter fantasia with lots of photo opportunities. Every year the garden has a range of themed areas that focus on animals, plants, and even love for the sweethearts.

Seoul Lantern Festival: This dazzling festival is held in Gwanghwamun Square outside Gyeongbokgung Palace, which gives over it’s large pedestrianised areas to massive themed lantern installations. These installations feature different concepts each year like aquarium scenes, starry nights, nature landscapes, and Korean folktales.

Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival: The Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival is a lesser-known gem among Korea’s winter festivals, but is fast becoming a must-see destination as a day trip from Seoul due to the unique ice fountains. There’s also a lot of delicious Korean winter foods to try, such as roasted chestnuts that you can cook yourself.

Learn more: Discover all the best festivals to visit in Korea this winter with this guide to Korea’s winter festivals, which includes ice fishing festivals, illumination festivals, New Year festivals, and lots more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival. These answers are based on my own experience and from research conducted to write this article.

Support In My Korea

Thanks for reading. If you want to help me to create more great content in the future, why not buy me a coffee? A strong coffee helps me write more and is a simple way to show gratitude for this free content.

Liked This? Pin It For Others

If you enjoyed reading this article, then please share this with your friends on Pinterest.

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Hotels In Korea

How To Go To Naejangsan National Park For Fall Foliage 2024

July 26, 2021December 26, 2023

Joel Marrinan
Hiking In Korea

Skate on frozen lakes, fish through holes in the ice, slide down snowy slopes, and marvel at illuminated landscapes glowing against the night – there are so many ways to embrace the magic of Korea’s winter! From frosty ice fishing festivals that turn into carnivals on ice to beaches that brighten the shore with artistic light sculptures, Korea puts on an incredible festival spread all winter long.

In this article I’ll introduce you to snowy adventures, eye-popping light displays, fishy festivals, and exciting New Year’s festivities. Bundle up, grab your mittens, and get ready to join in the frozen fun as we explore these fantastic winter festivals across Korea that you won’t want to miss!

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Why Visit Korean Winter Festivals In 2024?

Winter in Korea might be cold with early sunsets, but it’s also filled with blue skies, little rain, and lots of beautiful winter festivals that will cheer you up and wash away the winter blues. These frosty festivities provide the chance to see and join in unique Korean cultural celebrations that go back centuries.

Catching trout bare-handed in freezing waters, strolling hand-in-hand through magical illuminations, sledding down snowy slopes, or contemplating all the New Year has to offer you. There are so many incredible winter festivals in Korea that will make your trip to Korea an unforgettable adventure.

Perhaps the main reasons you should visit a Korean winter festival (or two) is that they’re a lot of fun, provide lots of unique opportunities to experience Korean culture, and look great in your travel photos. And if you’re from a country that doesn’t get much snow, it might be your best chance to enjoy it.

There are many awesome winter festivals to check out if you’re in Korea during winter that I’m sure you’ll love. Click the links below to jump to those festivals, or read on to discover all the festivals in this article. There are delicious Korean winter food festivals to check out at the end, too.

My Favourite Winter Festivals In Korea

There are so many astounding winter festivals in Korea, it’s hard to choose just 3. I love fun festivals where you can get your hands dirty and try something unique. I also enjoy learning about culture and witnessing something I can’t see back home, which is why I chose these Korean winter festivals.

1: Hwacheon Sancheono Ice Fishing Festival – this was one of my first festivals in Korea and I can still remember the taste of my freshly caught trout, sliding around on the ice, the beautiful night lights, and all the fun I had there. It really is a completely Korean experience.

2: Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival – the sights and colours at this winter festival are amazing, and really helped brighten up a dull wintry day. These gardens are a great place to check out any time of year, but even more so during the dark nights of a Korean winter.

3: Bosingak Bell Ringing New Year’s Eve Festival – I love to join in any kind of traditional festival when possible, and seeing in the New Year with something a bit different makes it a lot more memorable. Don’t miss the chance to see something unique as the New Year approaches.

2024 Korean Winter Festival Summary

There are so many winter festivals in Korea to check out from December to February. To help you see what festivals are on when you’re visiting, here’s a summary of the festivals by month. These festivals are included in the article and you can find more information about each in the following sections.

Please note, some festivals last for several months and therefore are included more than once.

Recommended Tours To Korean Winter Festivals

Why not take a day trip to a fun festival this winter? Travelling to Korea’s winter festivals by public transport can sometimes take longer and be more difficult than a guided tour. Here’s a collection of the best winter festival tours leaving from Seoul and Busan that you can add to your Korean itinerary.

Winter Festival Tours Leaving From Seoul:

• Cheongyang Alps Village Ice Fountain Festival Day Tour
• Eobi Ice Valley | Nami Island | Morning Calm | Railbike | Petite France
• Frozen Journey at Hantan Ice Canyon Day Tour
• Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Fishing | Morning Calm Lighting Festival
• Nami Island | Elysian Gangchon Ski | Garden of Morning Calm Tour
• New Year Sunrise Tour: Sokcho Beach 1 Day Tour
• Pocheon Apple | Strawberry Farm Day Tour
• Pyeongchang Trout Festival Ice Fishing Tour
• Snowyland | Alpaca World | Strawberry Picking | Ice Fishing | Morning Calm

Winter Festival Tours Leaving From Busan:

• New Year Sunrise Tour: Ulsan Ganjeolgot & Gyeongju

Ice Fishing Festivals In Korea 2024

The very first winter festival I visited in Korea was an ice fishing festival in Hwacheon and it was an absolute blast. Ice fishing has long been a traditional winter activity in Korea that is now celebrated at various festivals across the country and open for travellers to Korea to enjoy.

These festivals, held in January and February, contain a lot more than what the name suggests. Combining ice fishing with other winter activities, such as ice sledding, bare-hand fishing, ice sports, ice sculptures, and snowy displays, ice fishing festivals in Korea provide a whole day of fun.

The main reason to visit one of these winter festivals is to try your hand at ice fishing. When you go ice fishing, you’ll be given a small fishing rod and bag for your catch. Slide over the icy river or lake to an available hole and begin fishing for your lunch. Once you’ve caught a fish or two (and taken a few pictures for social media), take it back to get grilled and savour the taste of your hard-earned catch.

Here are 3 of the best ice fishing festivals in Korea in 2024 for you to enjoy:

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival 2024

The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is one of Korea’s most popular winter festivals held every January along a frozen river in Hwacheon County. Drawing over a million visitors each year, this iconic festival celebrates the mountain trout fish (sancheoneo) that live in the clean waters of the river.

Ice fishing sites, which come with all necessary equipment, are set up along the 1.5km stretch of frozen river where visitors can try ice fishing. Other activities include ice sledding, ice sports, and riding down the river on tube rafts, which is a lot of fun and what I spent a lot of time doing at this festival.

I recommend staying until it gets dark as at night the ice glows with colourful lights and sculptures and there are winter lights on display. Festival highlights are the ice fishing competition and the grand prize draw for all who catch a fish with their bare hands in the freezing pools!

You can join this festival with a tour from Klook.

Pyeongchang Trout Ice Fishing Festival 2024

Home to the 2018 Winter Olympics, you can understand why Pyeongchang would be the perfect place to host another of the best winter festivals in Korea. As with the Hwacheon Ice Fishing Festival, the main draw at this festival is the chance to catch your lunch in the frozen waters.

Head over to the large icy river and get ready to fish. There are also many fun events held throughout the festival, such as bare-handed fish catching (only for the very brave), sledding, snow rafting, and sleigh trains. You can even rent an ATV and go zooming about through the snowy landscape.

You can join this festival with a tour from Klook.

Inje Ice Fishing Festival 2024

This winter festival has a lot more to offer than just ice fishing. Running for more than 20 years now, the Inje Ice Fishing Festival has developed a range of other activities to enjoy. You can find family-friendly areas such as the Ice Playground and Snow Playground.

There are loads of ice and snow-based activities and sports for all ages. Learn to sled and ski, or just play around with the various slides and build a snowman. If you want to learn more about how Koreans survive the cold weather, visit the mountain village and join the cultural exhibitions and activities there.

There are currently no tours available, but there may be closer to the start of the festival.

Yangpyeong Ice Fish Festival

The Yangpyeong Ice Fish Festival is held in the Soomy Village resort, which is a couple of hours away from Seoul. This winter ice fishing festival runs from December to February and hosts a range of activities for families and other visitors to enjoy. Besides ice fishing, you can experience kite-flying, top spinning, sledding, and making traditional Korean snacks (jin-bang).

There are currently no tours available, but there may be closer to the start of the festival.

Other ice fishing festivals that might be on but I can’t confirm:

• Hongcheon Ggong Ggong River Ginseng Trout Festival 2024

Winter Light Festivals Across Korea

With the advent of winter in Korea, cities across the country light up with magical illumination and light festivals. These dazzling winter events feature artistic light installations, massive LED displays, neon sculptures, and seas of sparkling bulbs that transform cities into winter wonderlands.

Korea’s winter light festivals are a feast for the eyes and spirit, spreading joy during the long, cold nights. Families, couples, or anyone who wants to see magical wintry wonderlands as the sun sets will certainly enjoy these festivals. I go every year and never fail to be impressed with the displays.

The winter days are short and the sun sets early in Korea, making it the perfect time of year for bright and colourful lights. You’ll find many brilliant light displays in places that are usually areas of natural beauty throughout the rest of the year, as well as in popular city-centre areas and attractions.

Here are 5 of the best winter illumination festivals in Korea in 2024 for you to enjoy:

Garden of Morning Calm Winter Illuminations 2024

Another of my favourite Korean winter festivals, the Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival is one of the top spots to visit during the dark, wintry days. What makes this so special is the effort they put into making everything so colourful and alive with lights, even when the plants aren’t so alive.

Walking with your loved ones through these gardens and electric forests when the sun has set is like entering into a magical world, a true winter fantasia with lots of photo opportunities. Every year the garden has a range of themed areas that focus on animals, plants, and even love for the sweethearts.

If you take a guided tour from Seoul during winter, it’s almost guaranteed the final stop will be at the Garden of Morning Calm on the way back to the city. You only need a couple of hours to take everything in, and it’s only an hour from Seoul so you can be back in time for a late dinner in town.

You can join this festival with a tour from Klook.

Herb Island Light Festival 2024

The Herb Island Lighting Festival in winter and allows travellers to see Herb Garden, which is a popular destination year-round, transformed into a glittering winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling bulbs and light installations. The entire garden is electrified with millions of little lights.

This winter festival is a place for lovers to share a romantic stroll along the Magic Road, adorned with shimmering lights shaped like herbs, flowers, butterflies and other pretty designs. Friends can make lasting memories of their adventures together crossing the glowing arch of the Rainbow Bridge.

Sparkling tunnels of light and fluorescent mushroom sculptures make for whimsical photo ops that the whole family will enjoy. In the evenings, the lights sync with music for delightful performances. I recommend warming up with a hot herbal tea, fresh from the surrounding gardens.

You can join this festival with a tour from Klook.

Seoul Lantern Festival 2024

I love travelling to Seoul during winter, especially in the build up to Christmas as you can see lots of Christmassy scenes that remind me of home. One of my favourite festivals in Seoul during winter is therefore the Seoul Lantern Festival, which puts on a festive display of lights and lanterns.

This dazzling festival is held in the newly converted Gwanghwamun Square outside Gyeongbokgung Palace, which gives over it’s large pedestrianised areas to massive themed lantern installations. These installations are definitely the main draw, featuring different concepts each year like aquarium scenes, starry nights, nature landscapes, and Korean folktales. Last year there was a giant rabbit.

The Seoul Lantern Festival’s illuminated sculptures and immersive atmosphere attract over 2 million visitors every year, including me, making it one of Korea’s brightest and most popular winter lights events. If you want to experience a blend of Korean culture and winter lights in Seoul, visit here.

Seoul Winter Festa 2024

The Seoul Lantern Festival is part of the wider Seoul Winter Festa, which includes light displays at the newly opened Gwanghwamun Square (Seoul Light Gwanghwamun) and Songhyeon Green Plaza (Light Festa in Songhyeon). There’s also the impressive Seoul Light DDP where you can see digital light displays on the side of the futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza. That runs from December 21st until 31st.

Haeundae Beach Lighting Festival 2024

The Haeundae Lighting Festival covers Busan’s Haeundae beach in glittering lights and illuminations during the dark winter when it’s too cold to go swimming in the sea. As one of Korea’s largest winter light festivals, Haeundae features a dazzling array of over 800,000 LED lights and installations.

Gunam-ro Street becomes a neon forest with towering light tree sculptures. Along Haeundae Beach, light structures create aquatic scenes like waves, jellyfish, and glowing reefs in the sand. Meanwhile, Dalmaji Hill is covered in romantic illuminations for couples to stroll through.

I highly recommend spending an evening visiting this winter festival and grabbing a hot drink to watch the light shows choreographed to music. There’s also a show on Haeundae Beach with lasers and fireworks over the sea. This is certainly a very impressive and photo-worthy winter festival.

Busan Christmas Tree Cultural Festival 2024

Located in Busan’s bustling downtown Nampo area, close to Jagalchi Market and popular Busan attractions, is the Busan Christmas Tree Culture Festival. If you’re in Busan and want Christmassy sights, this is absolutely a winter festival you shouldn’t miss and probably can’t miss as a tourist.

Wandering around the streets of Busan during this festival is like walking the streets of London or New York, with rows of Christmas lights, a giant Christmas tree, musical performances, and lots of other Christmassy events going on in the area. There are even reindeer and snowman lanterns to see.

Jeju Light Garden Winter Illuminations

Opened in 2017, the Jeju Light Garden is a large garden that spans more than 11,900 square meters of Jeju’s beautiful lowlands and immerses visitors in a fantasy world of vibrant lighting displays synchronised to music. This is not technically a winter festival, but it’s a great place to see winter lights.

The garden is comprised of themed sections like the Rainbow Bridge, Water Light Cave, Moonlight Garden, and Jeju Forest, utilising thousands of LED lights to create stunning visual effects. Intricate animal light sculptures, neon portraits, and dynamic light tunnels reflect off the surfaces at night.

Visitors can take a romantic stroll along the illuminated walking paths and bridges to admire the bright splendour. With shows choreographed nightly to Korean pop songs and classical music, the Jeju Light Garden provides a whimsical ambience unlike anywhere else on the island.

Other winter illumination light festivals that might be on but I can’t confirm:

• Boseong Green Tea Plantation Winter Light Festival 2024
• DDP Light & Winter Festa Festival 2024

Korean Snow & Ice Festivals 2024

For winter lovers like me, Korea has no shortage of frosty festivals focused on snow and ice activities. Head to Korea’s snowy countryside regions, which are mostly in the north, to discover opportunities for skating on frozen lakes, sledding down mountains, building snowmen, and more snowy fun.

From elaborate snow and ice sculptures to professional ice carving contests, these festivals showcase stunning frozen creations while giving you a chance to see Korea’s rural charm. Put on your warmest winter gear and get ready to have fun in the Korean snow at these terrific winter festivals.

It doesn’t always snow in Korea, but when it does, the sights are breathtaking, with snow-capped peaks, blanketed trees, and shimmering frost-covered waters. I highly recommend getting out of the big cities if you want to see snow in Korea as it’s colder and the snow stays around longer.

Here are 4 of the best snow and ice festivals in Korea in 2024 for you to enjoy:

Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival 2024

The Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival is a lesser-known gem among Korea’s winter festivals, but is fast becoming a must-see destination as a day trip from Seoul due to the unique ice fountains. There’s also a lot of delicious Korean winter foods to try, such as roasted chestnuts you cook yourself.

The centrepiece of the festival is its majestic ice fountains, where water sprays from the ground and freezes, creating towering, shimmering structures that resemble frozen waterfalls. These ice fountains, like an enchanting ice kingdom, look best during the night when they are set aglow with colour.

Apart from the ice fountains, this Korean winter festival offers a variety of other snowy activities for you to enjoy. You can try ice sledding, ice climbing, and traditional Korean games. Children and those young at heart can play around the many snowmen and ice sculptures, perfect for photo opportunities.

You can join this festival with a tour from Klook. Please note, this is called the Cheongyang Ice Fountain Festival, but it is the same location. Cheongyang is the area, Chilgapsan is the mountain.

Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival 2024

Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival, located in picturesque Taebaeksan National Park, is a great place for snow lovers to enjoy winter festivities in rural Korea. Walk among gigantic snow and ice sculptures, join in the various fun activities on offer in this mountainous area, and try hiking, too.

There’s more to do here than just see the snow and natural beauty of Taebaeksan. For example, you can enjoy snow sliding, snow hiking, pop into an ice igloo, and see the various performances. Come on the weekend during the daytime for the performances, or any time for snowy beauty.

There are currently no tours available, but there may be closer to the start of the festival.

Daegwallyeong Snowflake Festival 2024

A family-friendly fun festival for lovers of snow, the Daegwallyeong Snow Festival is a good day out from Seoul or Busan. Located in the ‘Alps of Korea’, this festival is packed full of fun activities in the snow. Try snow sledding and enjoy sliding down the snowy slopes and into the soft snow below.

Furthermore, you can walk around huge ice sculptures representing building-sized structures, such as castles, people, characters, and more. There’s also performances during the day, parades, and a fireworks show to light up the skies at night, as well as obligatory night illuminations all around.

There are currently no tours available, but there may be closer to the start of the festival.

Sanjeong Lake Sledding Festival 2024

This is not really a festival, but it’s a cute destination outside of Seoul that’s lots of fun, especially if you’re travelling with children. The Sanjeong Lake Sledding Festival is held on Sanjeong Lake when it’s frozen over with thick layers of ice and you can safely enjoy sledding and riding and falling over.

Children will love a ride on the bright yellow duck sled train, which looks like something out of a fairy tale, or riding on a penguin pedal bike. When it snows, this area is gorgeous, with soft snow covering everything. Relax and stay warm at the food stalls, amusement park, and other attractions.

You can join this festival with a tour from Klook.

Other snow and ice winter festivals that might be on but I can’t confirm:

• Jaraseom Singsing Winter Festival
• Go-Go Ski Festival at High1 Ski Resort
• Gangwon Snow Festa

2024 New Year Festivals In Korea

As the winter chill sets in, Korea comes alive with festivals and events to welcome the start of a fresh year according to both the solar and lunar calendars. Yes, there are two new years in Korea, one on January 1st, and one that changes based on the lunar calendar, which is called Seollal.

Major New Year’s Eve festivals include the spectacular Bosingak Bell Ringing in Seoul and firework celebrations across the country to welcome the start of the new year. There are also traditional New Year’s Day events where Koreans watch the first sunrise of the new year by heading to the East Coast.

These lively festivals feature bell ringing ceremonies, fireworks shows, cultural performances, delicious holiday food, traditional games, and so much more. In Seoul, countdown festivities centre around Bosingak Bell and Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink and are free to enter, but might be rather crowded.

Seollal brings Koreans together to hold ancestral memorial rituals, dress in colourful hanbok, play folk games, and honour Korean heritage. There aren’t really any winter festivals in Korea that celebrate Seollal, but it’s a great time to be in Seoul as some attractions are free and certainly less crowded.

Here are 5 of the best New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day festivals in Korea in 2024:

Bosingak Bell Ringing New Year’s Eve Festival 2024

If you’re in Seoul for the New Year and want to join the locals in welcoming in the year ahead, head to Jongno for the Bosingak Bell Ringing ceremony. At the stroke of midnight, people will crowd around the gigantic bell in the Buddhist shrine and watch together as the bell rings out for the New Year.

Join in as people cheer and watch hundreds of balloons fly into the sky, celebrating the start of a new year and new opportunity for fortune and happiness in the year ahead. Bell ringing ceremonies take place at midnight across the country and you can find them in other major cities across Korea.

Lotte World Tower New Year’s Eve Fireworks

Winter festivals in Korea are often breathtaking, but few can compare to the sight of the world’s 6th tallest building alight with fire and colours on all 123 levels. With fireworks shooting off in all directions, reflected in the gorgeous Seokchon Lake below, this will be a sight not to miss.

If the celebrations for 2024 are the same as 2023, Lotte will put on a grand spectacle to welcome in the new year with 555 seconds of fireworks. This represents the 555 metres of the skyscraper. The festival starts at 8:30 pm with performances and attractions going on before the main event at midnight.

If you want to see what the fireworks at the Lotte World Tower look like, here’s a video of them from last year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Homigot New Year Sunrise Festival 2024

Join thousands of Koreans celebrating the New Year by watching the very first sunrise of the year at Homgiot Sunrise Square. Wake up early, or stay out late, and see the sun hitting the crisp waves on the horizon. This is one of those winter festivals in Korea that is perfect if you’re alone or with others.

This particular New Year sunrise festival is the best place to see the first sunrise in Korea as Homigot Village near Pohang is the eastern-most point on the Korean peninsula. Therefore, it sees the sun before anyone else in the country. Be the first to welcome the New Year with this fun festival

There are currently no tours available, but there may be closer to the start of the festival.

Jeju Seongsan New Year Sunrise Festival 2024

Situated at a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is certainly a unique place to watch the sun rise in the New Year. The Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak is a volcanic cone rising out of the sea and connecting to Jeju Island. It offers fantastic views of the sea and the glowing light of the first sunrise of the year.

This is a very special location for Koreans due to it’s unique geography. It has been a famous spot for watching the sunrise since at least the 13th Century. The festival provides a chance to learn more about Korea’s rich history and to join in cultural activities and games before exploring Jeju in winter.

There are currently no tours available, but there may be closer to the start of the festival.

Gyeongpo & Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festivals 2024

If you’re staying in Seoul but want to watch the first sunrise of the year on the beach, then the easiest way is to head over to Gangneung and visit Gyeongpo Beach. This is one of my favourite summer beach destinations and easily accessible from Seoul thanks to the KTX high-speed train.

Not only is there the New Year sunrise to watch, there are also celebrations the night before right on the beach. Head to the beach for New Year’s Eve and watch fireworks shoot off over the rocking sea. Then stay warm in the bars and cafes along the coast. Once you’re done celebrating, check out Gangneung’s great cafes and keep staring out into the distance with a hot coffee.

There are currently no tours available, but there may be closer to the start of the festival.

Ganjeolgot Sunrise Festival 2024

If you’re near Ulsan at the start of the year, head to Ganjeolgot Cape and watch the New Year sunrise from the viewing spot above the rocky slopes. You can see some impressive views of the sunrise and join in with hundreds of other revellers in this popular sunrise point close to Ulsan. Stand in silence, clasp your hands together, and make a wish for the year ahead.

You can join this festival with a tour from Klook.

If you’re interested in seeing the sunrise on January 1st on Korea’s East Coast, here’s a tour that will take you to a lovely beach in Sokcho.

• New Year Sunrise Tour: Sokcho Beach 1 Day Tour – from Seoul

Other New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day festivals that might be on but I can’t confirm:

• Sampo Beach New Year’s Eve Fireworks Festival 2024
• Jeongdongjin New Year Sunrise Festival 2024
• Seogwipo Winter Sea International Penguin Swimming Festival 2024

About Seollal – New Year’s Day In Korea

There’s not just one New Year in Korea, but two. The Korean New Year, known as Seollal, is based on the lunar calendar and occurs sometime in January or February. Seollal spreads over several days and is one of two long public holidays in Korea – the other being Chuseok in autumn.

The dates for Seollal for the next three years are as follows:

*When major Korean holidays such as Seollal or Chuseok fall on a Sunday, there is often an extra day off granted so people get more time off work / school. It’s likely that the February 12th will be an extra holiday to account for the Sunday Seollal date in 2024.

Whilst there aren’t many big festivals occurring during Seollal, as Koreans spend time with their families, this is a great time to visit Korea. Seoul’s royal palaces, including Gyeongbokgung, are free to enter and there are cultural events put on to celebrate Korea’s rich cultural heritage.

Korean Winter Food Festivals 2024

If you’re a fan of Korean winter food, these tasty festivals will have your mouth watering. Although winter isn’t normally associated with food festivals, which are abundant in autumn harvest time, there’s still a few winter fruits and foods for you to enjoy eating, including winter strawberries and snow crabs.

For those visiting Jeju Island during winter, be sure to check out the tangerines and hallabong (big oranges). Winter is when they’re in season and you can find them in traditional markets for low prices. They’re sweet and juicy and absolutely irresistible – my favourite winter snack for sure.

Here are 2 Korean winter food festivals for you to visit in Korea in 2024:

Winter Strawberry Picking Festival

Winter welcomes the start of strawberry season in Korea, one of the juiciest times of year. There are several places to go strawberry picking, including in the major strawberry producing regions, Nonsan (Nonsan Strawberry Festival) and Yangpyeong (Yangpyeong Strawberry Festival). You’ll find big, juicy strawberries as you wander through the fields, picking them to eat later, or right then.

There are usually a feast of other activities at these festivals, such as strawberry cake making, strawberry jam making, and lots of other strawberry-based activities. Get your gardening gloves on and go out into the strawberry fields to gather some of the abundant red gems to fill your belly.

The easiest way to experience strawberry picking is with a tour from Klook. These tours typically stop at these festivals as part of a day trip that also visits other popular destinations in the area.

Uljin Snow Crab Festival

The Uljin Snow Crab Festival is dedicated to Uljin’s local delight, the snow crab. Whilst this might lack the glamour and excitement of other big winter festivals, it’s a chance to see how small town Korea celebrates. Witness the crab fancy-dress parade, crab fishing, and music performances. And, of course, try some delicious local crabs for dinner – perfect during a cold winter’s day.

Guide To Visiting Korean Winter Festivals

Here’s a brief guide to surviving and enjoying winter in Korea. There are a few things you’ll need to consider when you travel at this time, including the weather, getting around, and where to stay.

Weather In Korea During Winter:

There is no guarantee about how the weather will be during winter in Korea, except that it’s going to be cold and dry. Be sure to pack lots of skin cream as the dry air can be tough on your skin. Snow falls mostly in January and February, although you can also see some in December and March if you’re lucky. The snow is not constant, but can fall for up to a week at a time when it does arrive.

From late November the temperature quickly drops below 0 degrees Celsius at night and the days will be below 0 most of the time during January and February. The coldest I’ve seen the temperature drop was -18 Celsius at night. Make sure you bring lots of cold-weather clothes, such as a padded jacket and gloves, etc. Most indoor places and public transport will be well heated, no worries.

Getting To Winter Festivals In Korea:

Travelling around Korea is actually really easy, even if you don’t speak much Korean. There are great public transport options available in English, especially in big cities such as Seoul and Busan. To get around on all public transport, and taxis, too, you should definitely get a Korean transportation card such as the T-Money Card. You can buy one at Incheon Airport when you arrive in Korea.

Use apps and websites to help you navigate public transport in Korea. The best ones that I use regularly are Naver Map for planning where to go and Papago to translate any Korean into English. To book trains, use the Korea Rail website for train tickets between cities. You can book a taxi really easily using the Kakao Taxi app to call a taxi directly to your location.

Travelling outside of the big cities, however, can be a bit more difficult as there are not so many buses or trains and fewer English translations. Seeing as a lot of these festivals are in the countryside, you might want to consider booking a tour to travel to remote winter festivals. That’s why I’ve included tour links to festivals when I think it’ll save you time and hassle vs. trying to get there on public transport.

If you want to book a tour in Korea, I recommend using one of these tour companies:

• Klook
• Get Your Guide
• Viator
• Trazy

Seasonal Guides For Korea:

I think you’ll love these winter festivals and chances are you’ll want to come to Korea again later. No worries, I’ve got you covered for the other seasons in Korea, too. Check out my season-specific guides to Korea that will help you plan more amazing journeys in the Land of the Morning Calm.

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This list of things to do in Busan when it’s raining is packed full of great activities that you can also use as a guide for when it’s not raining. If you haven’t already planned to visit these places, I’d definitely recommend checking them out not only during rainy season in Korea, but in any other season, too.

Read on to find out how to spend a rainy day in Busan without getting soaked and have an incredible day out whatever the weather. Whether you’re travelling alone, as a family, or with friends, there’s always something fun to do in Busan. I hope you find the perfect indoor activities for you.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

Having A Rainy Day In Busan?

I know how you feel, there’s nothing worse than planning a day out, only to find that your plans to visit leafy parks, walk the streets, and enjoy the great outdoors have been ruined by rainy weather. Fortunately, Busan is a fun, vibrant city with many indoor attractions for you to enjoy when it’s raining.

What Are You Looking For?

To help make it easier for you to find what you’re looking for, I’ve broken this article into the following sections. Click the quick links below to jump straight there or keep reading through all parts.

Family Friendly

These family friendly activities are perfect for young ones and teenagers.

Indoor Activities

Fun indoor activities for all ages, a rainy day in Busan doesn’t have to be boring.

Sightseeing

Here are some famous sights to see in Busan that you can enjoy even in the rain.

Spas & Saunas

Relax and unwind in one of Busan’s top spas and saunas at any time of day.

Cafes & Shopping

These cafes and shopping destinations will be a welcome break when it’s raining.

History & Culture

Learn more about Korea’s past and present with these cultural hotspots.

Night-Time Fun

Even when it’s raining at night, there are still lots of ways to have fun in Busan.

Experiences

Learn how to cook Korean food, take memorable pictures, and more.

Visit Busan Pass Activities

Some of these activities are free or discounted with the Visit Busan Pass, a city-pass for foreigners visiting Busan. The Visit Busan Pass can save you money on entrance fees across Busan and is a great investment if you plan to visit attractions like Busan X The Sky, Songdo Cable Car, and more.

When activities in Busan are covered by the Visit Busan Pass, I will add details about the discount. If you want to know more about what’s covered by the pass and get some itinerary ideas about how to use the pass and save money, check out the Visit Busan Pass website for more information.

Booking Activities Online

Some of these rainy day indoor activities in Busan can be booked online on the day or in advance. It is often cheaper to use tour companies like Klook, Viator, or Get Your Guide to book tickets (even last minute) vs. paying full entrance price. When online tickets are available, I’ll include a link for them.

Please note: When researching indoor activities in Busan, I found that several popular places have closed down in recent years. These are still listed on other guides that were written pre-covid. I recommend checking destinations on Naver Map for opening times and whether they’re still running.

Family Friendly Indoor Activities In Busan

Want to find somewhere to take the kids while it’s raining in Busan? Here are 6 really fun indoor activities in Busan that kids will love.

Poo Poo Land Busan

Poo Poo Land in Busan is a kid-friendly poop-themed adventure maze and photo zone. After taking lots of funny photos in the photo zone, learn about the path from plate to poop by travelling through a giant’s body. Navigating your way down his throat, through intestines, and finally get squeezed out into the ball pit play area. This might sound disgusting, but it’s a great play area that kids will enjoy and in the same building as other attractions, such as Running Man.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 부산진구 중앙대로 672 삼정타워 10층

Neighbourhood: Seomyeon

Visit Busan Pass: 20% Discount

Tickets: Available online

Brick Campus Busan

Brick Campus Busan is a ‘Brick Art Theme Park’ that displays works of brick art from Korean and international designers of famous scenes in miniature. Not only can you explore various themed rooms and galleries at Brick Campus, you can make your own brick creations in the design area. There’s even a restaurant with brick-themed food to complete the experience. Brick Campus is located close to Busan Lotte World and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 기장군 기장읍 동부산관광로 8 롯데몰 메종동부산 1층

Neighbourhood: Gijang

Visit Busan Pass: Free Entry

Tickets: Available online

Busan Children’s Museum

The Busan Children’s Museum is a great place to bring children when it’s raining in Busan. They can spend hours exploring the many fun areas in this experience-focused education and entertainment museum. Designed for younger children, the Busan Children’s Museum focuses on encouraging children’s’ creativity, curiosity, and imagination through STEM and sports-focused learning and play areas. Let your child learn and play indoors when it’s too wet to be outdoors.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 기장군 기장읍 기장해안로 172 2층

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: Free Entry

Laser Arena

There are two laser arenas in Busan, one in Seomyeon and one in Samjeong Tower and both offer active indoor activities for children in Busan. Laser Arena is a laser-based survival arena where kids and adults can fight to be the last person standing or raid the other team’s base. Get some exercise and have fun in this futuristic laser battle arena. Please note: this is only for children aged 12 and above, so not suitable for young children.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 부산진구 서전로10번길 61 쥬디스태화 신관 6층 레이저아레나

Neighbourhood: Seomyeon

Visit Busan Pass: Free Entry

KidZania Busan

Kidzania Busan is a unique kid-friendly area near Centum City Mall that’s designed to allow children the chance to become grown ups and try working in a variety of different jobs. They can learn to fly a plane, perform surgery, or create delicious dishes as a chef, all in specialist areas that are replicas of those working environments. Children also develop skills like handling money, leadership training, and teamwork.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 해운대구 센텀4로 15 센텀시티몰 4층

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: No

Busan National Science Museum

The Busan National Science Museum is a unique building that houses a range of science-based attractions, activities, and displays that will please all. The science museum building itself is an attraction and shaped like a blocky space base of the future. Children will love the Dynamic Slide that runs from the second floor, as well as programs like Walk on the Surface of the Moon where you can experience walking in zero G.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 기장군 기장읍 동부산관광6로 59 국립부산과학관

Neighbourhood: Gijang

Visit Busan Pass: Free Entry

Please note: Some activities may be language-dependent. It’s best to check if there are English speaking guides available before booking.

Fun Indoor Activities In Busan For All

Whether you’re travelling with children, or want somewhere fun to stay dry while it’s wet outside, these indoor activities will keep everyone amused.

Breakout Escape Busan

The Breakout Escape Room, which is available in English, offers an exciting way to escape the rain in Busan and use your thinking skills to solve this immersive puzzle. This is more than your average escape room, however. There are many themed rooms that you can try out and each one involves members receiving a role and special powers to help them escape the locked room, including a ‘scholar’, ‘assassin’, and ‘oracle’. Hopefully you can escape just as the rainy weather stops.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 해운대구 해운대해변로 291 크리스탈비치오피스텔 609호

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: No

Tickets: Available online

Sealife Busan Aquarium

Located at the main entrance to Haeundae Beach, the Sealife Busan Aquarium is the perfect place to have fun and escape the rain in Busan, especially at short notice. There are lots of fun fishy sights to see from around the world. Top sights in the aquarium include The Mermaid Show, the ocean floor glass tunnel, shark zone, and animal feedings (sharks, penguins, and otters). You can also try riding a glass-bottomed boat within the aquarium for close up fish views.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 해운대구 해운대해변로 266

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: No

Tickets: Available online

Running Man

If you’re a fan of Korean TV, you might know about Running Man, the long-running TV show where celebrity contestants have to complete wacky physical and mental challenges each week. Even if you’ve never heard of it, you can experience it for yourself at the Running Man Thematic Experience in Busan. This is a crazy indoor activity in Busan that will see you go through six different experience zones, including Running Ball, Maze Battle, and City Pursuit Battle. Beat the high score and win a certificate.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 부산진구 중앙대로 672 삼정타워 10층

Neighbourhood: Seomyeon

Visit Busan Pass: Free Entry

Tickets: Available online

Trick Eye Museum Busan

Take dozens of amusing photos at the Trick Eye Museum Busan, located in the Museum of Movies, which is another attraction you can visit at the same time. The Trick Eye Museum offers a wide variety of mind-bending photo zones, from lava-filled streets to gaping dinosaur mouths waiting to snap closed. Use the app to create live-motion pictures to make your friends laugh. It’s easy to spend several hours walking around these indoor attractions and you’ll end up with lots of hilarious photos and memories afterwards.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 중구 대청로126번길 12 부산영화체험박물관 2F 트릭아이뮤지엄 부산

Neighbourhood: Nampo

Visit Busan Pass: Free Entry

Tickets: Available online

Busan Museum 1 Exhibition

Museum 1, also known as Museum Dah, is an exhibition space in Busan with mind-bending digital art on all surfaces. The current exhibition is called ‘Signs of Loss’ and features artworks from 18 contemporary artists from Korea displayed across the floor, walls, and ceilings. The central area, which is looked over by the 2nd floor balcony (which has seats), has floor to ceiling moving art displays on a 6,000 inch ultra-large LED panel. A great indoor location to immerse yourself in art, take pictures, and relax.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 해운대구 센텀서로 20 뮤지엄 원

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: Free Entry

Tickets: Available online

Cabinet de Poissons At Ananti

Modern art lovers in Busan have many places to visit when it’s raining, including the sumptious looking Cabinet De Poissons at Ananti Hilton. Experience Ananti’s unique story in which the values of nature, humans, past, present, and future coexist through immersive digital art displays that cover all surfaces. Explore 6 themed areas, including the ‘Time Elevator’, Alive Nature’, Timeless Cocoon’, and ‘Paradise Hills’. There’s also a luxury cafe and bakery with views over the coast where you can watch the rain falling.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 기장군 기장읍 기장해안로 268-32

Neighbourhood: Gijang

Visit Busan Pass: Free Entry

Tickets: Check Ananti website

Indoor Rock Climbing

Get some exercise when it’s raining in Busan by visiting an indoor climbing gym and scaling the heights on colourful climbing walls. Indoor rock climbing has become popular in Korea recently and you can find several places to try it in Busan, including Wave Rock, which has 3 locations in the city. Indoor climbing gyms typically provide or rent the necessary gear to climb and you’ll find a range of challenging walls to test yourself on.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 부산진구 서전로9번길 20 혜도인파크에비뉴 오피스텔 상가 3층

Neighbourhood: Seomyeon

Visit Busan Pass: No

Gaming Arcades

If you’re in a central area in Busan when it’s raining, like Seomyeon or Haeundae, you’ll probably be close to a gaming arcade. Look for the flashing lights, loud electronic sounds, and queues of young Koreans waiting to show their skills at the hottest arcade machines. Modern Korean arcades have a range of fun games, from racing to dancing, shooting, and horror games. If you don’t want to play, just watch the pros.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 해운대구 중동 1383-10

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: No

Popular Activities In Busan

Busan X The Sky

See the sights of Busan, including Haeundae, from 100 floors up at the highest building in Busan.

₩ 18,000

Visit Busan Pass

Get free access to a selection of 30 of the hottest tourism attractions in Busan for 24 / 48 hours

₩ 49,000

Busan Air Cruise

Hop on a Busan Air Cruise cable car and enjoy a thrilling ride across stunning Songdo Beach

₩ 16,000

Busan Spa Land

Relax and unwind at Spa Land Centum City, one of the best sauna and hot springs in Korea!

₩ 20,000

View More activities

Rainy Day Sightseeing Spots In Busan

A rainy day in Busan doesn’t have to mean the end to your sightseeing plans. Sure, it’s much better to visit popular outdoor sights when there are blue skies above, but these sights are still worth seeing even when the weather isn’t going your way.

Busan X The Sky

While a rainy day in Busan might not be the best time to visit an observatory, as clouds can diminish the view, there’s never a bad time to visit Busan X The Sky. The Busan X The Sky observatory, located 100 floors above Haeundae Beach, not only offers incredible views across the sea and city, there’s also the Sky 99 restaurant to dine in and the world’s highest Starbucks. Both offer you a place to relax and enjoy the views from inside the clouds.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 해운대구 달맞이길 30

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: Free Entry

Tickets: Available online

BIFF Square

The BIFF Square near Jagalchi Market is a cultural area in central Busan that celebrates the city’s film heritage, along with the annual Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). Not only can you see memorials to Korea’s cinema history, the area is packed with wide streets full of market stalls and narrow alleys with cosy cafes and boutique shops. Grab your umbrella and explore this popular tourist area in the rain, or escape the rain inside a cafe or restaurant.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 중구 구덕로 80

Neighbourhood: Nampo

Visit Busan Pass: N/A

The Bay 101 Yacht Club

The Bay 101 Yacht Club near Haeundae Beach is where to go for peaceful yacht tours around Busan on a sunny day. When it’s raining, the Bay 101 becomes a good place to relax and watch the clouds float over the harbour. There are several restaurants and bars in the main building where you can look out the window and stay dry. The food and drinks are a bit overpriced due to the premium location, but special offers are available.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 해운대구 동백로 52 더베이101

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: N/A

Haeundae Beach Train

The Haeundae Beach Train runs from Haeundae Beach to Songjeong Beach, passing along the coast for 30 minutes and stopping at other destinations along the way. Even on a cloudy day, the views from the train can be lovely and it’s a fun way to get from beach to beach without having to use a bus. The Sky Capsule runs above the train for part of the journey, but that’s best saved for a sunny day as it’s more expensive.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 해운대구 달맞이길62번길 13

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: Free Entry

Tickets: Available online

Indoor Saunas And Spas In Busan

Whatever the weather outside, visiting a spa or sauna is a great indoor activity that you can enjoy in Busan. There are lots of spas and water parks to see in Busan, from family friendly to luxury.

Spa Land Centum City

Spa Land in Centum City is probably one of the best spas in the whole of Korea and is a great way to spend the day if it’s raining or too hot. Inside Spa Land you’ll find 18 different hot springs and 13 theme spas, filled with hot spring water with sodium bicarbonate that’s brought from thousands of feet below ground. Enjoy traditional Korean food at the restaurant, massage chairs, beauty treatments, and lots more.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 해운대구 센텀남대로 35

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: Free Entry

Tickets: Available online

Hurshimchung Spa

Hurshimchung Hot Springs is one of the largest hot spring spas in East Asia and can cater to over 3,000 people. Soak yourself in one of the 40 baths, such as the Longevity Bath, Cave Bath, or Outdoor Bath, where you can stay warm in the rain. Some hot springs contain oriental medicinal elements and local herbs to provide additional health benefits, making this the healthiest way to spend a rainy day in Busan.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 동래구 온천장로107번길 32 허심청

Neighbourhood: Dongnae

Visit Busan Pass: No

Songdo Haesupia Sauna

The Songdae Haesupia Sauna is a traditional Korean sauna (known in Korea as a jjimjilbang) that offers a cheap indoor place to rest and relax. This is a lovely unique Korean experience where you can get naked and visit gender-segregated hot spring baths or come together in communal rest areas in the baggy pyjamas provided when you enter. There are hot rooms, TV lounges, food & drinks, and places to nap in the shared areas.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 서구 충무대로 134

Neighbourhood: Songdo

Visit Busan Pass: No

Ananti Cove Water House Hilton

The Ananti Cove Water House is a luxury hot spring spa inside the large cliffside Hilton Hotel in Busan. It offers an opulent spa experience with pure and mineral-rich waters drawn from underground wells. There are indoor and outdoor spas in this gigantic spa and you can freely move between infinity pools, saunas, hot springs, and other areas. Prices start at 32,000 KRW for a night pass. Don’t forget your swimwear.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 기장군 기장읍 기장해안로 268-31

Neighbourhood: Gijang

Visit Busan Pass: 20% Discount

Cafe And Shopping Spots In Busan

If it’s raining, or even if it’s not, these awesome cafe and shopping destinations in Busan are a great place to take a break, plan your next destination, and buy some cool souvenirs.

Haeridangil Cafe Area

Tucked away north of Haeundae Station is a cool cafe district called Haeridangil that’s hot with the locals but often overlooked by tourists. If the rain starts falling in Busan, run from the beach to these unique cafes that serve up delicious desserts and beautiful brews. I recommend Deep Flow, Duplit, and Hwangsil Classic, but most cafes are worth visiting. There are also lots of great restaurants in this area, too.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 해운대구 우동 510-7

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: N/A

Tea N Books Gwangalli

One of my favourite places for indoor views of Busan, which is perfect when it’s raining, is Tea N Books near Gwangalli Beach. This little-known cafe is located on the 8th floor of a building close to Gwangalli Beach and is a book and cafe-lover’s dream. The large windows are split over two levels and allow you to sit or lie down on mats and cushions, reading, enjoying coffee and dessert, and taking in the views.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 수영구 민락수변로 29 8층 티앤북스 광안점

Neighbourhood: Gwangalli

Visit Busan Pass: N/A

Centum City Department Store

The Shinsegae Centum City is a fantastic place to escape bad weather when you’re in Busan. This giant indoor mall is packed with shops of all kinds, from high-end designer goods to global fashion, leisure brands, toys, and more. Not only can you shop, there is also an ice rink, cinema, golf range and the aforementioned Spa Land. You’ll find lots of cafe and dining options, catering to a range of tastes with excellent service and quality.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 해운대구 센텀남대로 35

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: N/A

Bujeon market

For travellers to Busan who want a more traditional shopping experience and somewhere to hide when it’s raining, check out Bujeon Market in Seomyeon. This ever-busy market is loved by locals thanks to the low prices and wide range of traditional Korean goods and foods on offer. The central market area is roofed, which means you’ll stay dry as you explore the old-school restaurants and curious goods on offer.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 부산진구 중앙대로 786 10

Neighbourhood: Seomyeong

Visit Busan Pass: N/A

Jagalchi Fish market

Jagalchi Market in Busan is Korea’s largest seafood market and a eye-opening place to explore for those who want to see fish and learn more about Busan’s local history. Most market vendors are women, known as ‘Jagalchi Ajumma’ (Korean term for middle-aged women). As you explore this large market, sample freshly caught fish dishes and gaze in wonder at all the weird and wonderful sea life on display. This indoor activity in Busan is perfect when it’s raining.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 중구 자갈치해안로 52 자갈치시장

Neighbourhood: Nampo

Visit Busan Pass: N/A

Underground Shopping Centres

There are two large underground shopping centres in Busan where you can spend hours exploring hundreds of unique shops selling bargain goods, souvenirs, and cheap eats. The Seomyeon Underground Shopping Centre is the largest one, located under Seomyeon Station. Nampo Underground Shopping Centre, which runs between Jagalchi and Nampo subway stations, is a great place for cut-price fashion. Both offer rest areas to sit and cool off, too.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 부산진구 중앙대로 717 대현프리몰부산

Neighbourhood: Seomyeon

Address: 부산 중구 구덕로 44 남포지하쇼핑센터

Neighbourhood: Nampo

Visit Busan Pass: N/A

Indoor History And Culture Sights In Busan

Museums and galleries are one of the best places to visit when it’s raining in Busan and should be on your travel list regardless of the weather. Please note: some museums close on Mondays.

Korean National Maritime Museum

The National Maritime Museum of Korea, the 3rd largest museum in Korea, is a family friendly indoor spot in Busan that will educate and entertain. The museum features eight permanent exhibition halls, explaining all about maritime culture, ocean life, maritime science, and more. There’s also a children’s hall, aquarium, grand auditorium, and a 4D theatre to enjoy.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 영도구 해양로301번길 45

Neighbourhood: Yeongdo

Visit Busan Pass: Free Entry To 4D Theatre

Busan Modern History Museum

The Busan Modern History Museum, which is now part of the Busan Modern and Contemporary History Museum, is a window into Busan’s growth and importance in Korea’s modern history. Built in 1929, during Japanese colonisation, this museum was transformed in 2023 into a place for people to learn about modern history. You can also take your shoes off and rest in the reading areas.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 중구 대청로 104 부산근현대역사관

Neighbourhood: Nampo

Visit Busan Pass: No

Busan Museum of Art

The Busan Museum of Art hosts a range of changing art collections from around the world, with new exhibitions appearing each year. Works range from modern art installations to classical art by international and Korean artists. The design of the museum itself is interesting and worth looking at as you wander around the spacious rooms and the outdoor sculpture park (with an umbrella).

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 해운대구 APEC로 58

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: No

Busan Coffee Museum

The Busan Coffee Museum is a quirky little museum in Seomyeon that you could be forgiven for missing. Located near to Jeonpo Coffee Street, this small museum is tucked away on the second floor and is a passion project all about the history, culture, and spread of coffee and coffee culture around the world. There are coffee-based exhibits to see before heading out for a coffee.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 부산진구 동천로 70 2층 207호

Neighbourhood: Seomyeon

Visit Busan Pass: No

Bokcheon Museum

If you’re interested in archaeology or learning more about Korea’s ancient past, then visit the Bokcheon Museum and learn about the history of Busan from the Three Kingdoms Era and before. There are displays showcasing ancient burial tombs and relics from the Bokcheon area, an important historic area in Busan and part of the ancient Gaya Kingdom.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 동래구 복천로 63 복천박물관

Neighbourhood: Dongrae

Visit Busan Pass: No

Seomyeon Museum Of Art

The Seomyeon Museum of Art is an indoor attraction in Busan where you can take photos and enjoy the various intriguing digital and physical art displays. These displays change regularly and focus on art and nature, usually involving digital designs to create unique spaces for you to explore and snap. A romantic place for couples to visit.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 부산진구 동천로 58 2층 서면미술관

Neighbourhood: Seomyeon

Visit Busan Pass: Free Entry

Night-Time And Adult Activities In Busan

Adults who want to go out and explore Busan’s nightlife might be surprised at the wide range of fun and relaxing activities there are on offer. From bars to spas, massages and movies.

Noraebang (Karaoke)

There are two good reasons to visit a noraebang (노래방) – a Korean karaoke room. First, this is a great place to visit when it’s raining and other places are closed. Second, you’ll be spending the evening as a large number of Koreans do. Singing and dancing in a noraebang is one of the most popular pastimes in Korea. There are dozens of noraebang across Busan and you’ll find a mix of Korean & international songs.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 해운대구 구남로 29

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: No

Watch A Movie

Busan is known as Korea’s film capital thanks to its history hosting the Busan International Film Festival and its role in major movies, including Black Panther and Old Boy. There are many cinemas in Busan from major cinema chains, such as CGV, Megabox, and Lotte Cinemas. The best place to watch a movie has to be in the Busan Cinema Centre, which shows all kinds of movies from around the world.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 해운대구 수영강변대로 120 영화의전당

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: No

Play At A PC Gaming Room

Visiting a PC gaming room is what a lot of Korean teenagers (and adults) choose to do regardless of the weather. Online gaming is a massive business in Korea and some of the best players in the world come from Korea. Where do they train? At a PC Room, also known as a PC-bang (PC방). You’ll see these all over Busan, usually near to noraebang and pool halls. If you’re travelling alone, then this could be one of the best things to do in Busan at night when it’s raining.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 해운대구 해운대해변로265번길 13 3층 피플PC방

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: No

Try Local Busan Beers

Sitting in one of Busan’s beachside bars, sampling some of the local craft beers from Busan breweries, such as Galmegi Brewery or Gorilla Brewery, is a great way to spend a rainy night in Busan. Gwangalli Beach and Haeundae Beach both have beachside bars. I recommend Gwangalli Beach as the bars are closer to the sand and offer better views. These breweries have their own bars in Gwangalli and there are other bars that sell their brews, too.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 수영구 광남로 58 2층

Neighbourhood: Gwangalli

Visit Busan Pass: No

Visit A Busan Casino

There are a couple of large casinos in Busan where you can spend a rainy evening playing casino games or watching others test their luck. Casino Paradise Busan inside the Paradise Hotel on Haeundae Beach comes with modern games, including blackjack, roulette, poker, slot machines, baccarat, and more. Don’t forget to bring your passport with you to enter the casino.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 해운대구 해운대해변로 296

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: 10,000 KRW Game Coupon

Get A Massage

In case a day soaking your body in a hot spring spa wasn’t enough to help you relax, there are plenty of places to get a Thai or aroma massage in Busan, especially in popular areas such as Haeundae Beach and in Seomyeon. One of the biggest massage providers in Korea is Chung Dam Thai Massage, which has 5 branches in Busan, including inside Centum City.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 해운대구 해운대해변로221번길 13 수암빌딩 B동 3층

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: 10% Discount

Cultural Experiences And Classes In Busan

If you plan to travel during rainy season, why not make sure you have some interesting and culturally broadening indoor activities to do. These creative classes in Busan offer just that.

Haeundae Korean Cooking Class

Master the art of Korean cooking that’s fit for royalty in this Korean cooking class in Haeundae. You’ll learn to prepare meals like a palace chef, serving foods that would have been dished out at royal banquets in Joseon era Korea. Create classic dishes like bibimbap, seaweed soup, and Korean pancakes and then savour your hard work by sitting down to enjoy them and a free dessert.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 해운대구 마린시티3로 37

Neighbourhood: Heaundae

Visit Busan Pass: No

Tickets: Available online

Pottery And Market Culture Tour

This pottery and market tour in Busan will take you around a village dedicated to making fine Korean pottery before discovering authentic Korean tastes at a local market. This tour shows you a different side of Busan and gets you away from the big city and into a world of traditional Korean culture. Not only can you witness these sights, you can make your own pottery.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산광역시 부산진구 부전로 181

Neighbourhood: Seomyeon

Visit Busan Pass: No

Tickets: Available online

Tea Ceremony In Busan

Busan is close to Japan and in this coastal city you can try a traditional tea ceremony based on the 500 year old Japanese method of serving matcha tea. Use authentic tea preparation equipment, including beautifully crafted pottery made by Korean pottery artisans. As well as experiencing the ceremony and learning about tea culture, which has been prevalent in Korea for centuries, you can also enjoy green tea and traditional sweet snacks.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 해운대구 달맞이길117번길 53 리버스빌 201호

Neighbourhood: Haeundae

Visit Busan Pass: No

Tickets: Available online

Cooking Class & Market Tour

There are so many wonderful traditional Korean dishes to sample when visiting Busan, but wouldn’t it be even better if you could learn to make some to share with your friends. Take time out of the rain to discover fresh Busan cuisine and practice making delicious dishes at this Korean cooking class, hosted by a local chef. The day starts with a trip to a local market to buy local ingredients and fresh seafood which you’ll use to prepare your delightful meals.

Location & Tickets

Address: 부산 서구 구덕로186번길 15 2층

Neighbourhood: Nampo

Visit Busan Pass: No

Tickets: Available online

Grab An Umbrella And Walk In The Rain In Busan

This final rainy day in Busan activity is one of the best. Busan is an action packed city and there is no excuse to waste a minute of it by staying inside the whole time. Even when it’s raining, you can still explore with a pair of good boots and a cheap umbrella from a convenience store.

Make no excuses, get out there, get a bit wet, but see some of the best city views you’ll ever see. Wandering around at night in the rain is a pleasure in itself. If you run out of things to do in Busan when it’s raining, this is always an option.

Location: Everywhere in Busan

Visiting Busan During Rainy Season

If you plan to visit Busan between June and August, you might find yourself looking for more indoor activities than usual. That’s because summer in Korea starts off with rainy season, which typically runs from late-June until late-July. August is also one of the wettest months of the year in Korea.

Fortunately, there are plenty of summer activities in Korea, both indoors and outdoors. When it’s not raining, the summer temperature is often over 30 degrees during the day and stays above 20 degrees even at night. It’s hard to stay cool in summer, so you might actually welcome so cool, rainy relief.

Here are a few tips to help you out during rainy season:

Umbrella: You can grab umbrellas at any convenience store, stationery shop, Daiso, or department store. A cheap umbrella shouldn’t cost more than 7,000 – 10,000 KRW depending on size.

Rain gear: If you plan to go outside a lot, bring some rain gear such as a waterproof jacket and rain boots. You can always buy these in Busan. Head to a department store or hiking shop.

Taxis: Taxis in Korea are relatively cheap and taking a taxi can be more convenient than public transport. Check out my guide to Kakao taxi to help you call taxis to you at any time.

Rainy Day In Busan FAQs

Finally, here are a few FAQs about rainy day activities in Busan, in case the above information didn’t cover enough for you. If you have any other questions you’d like to ask, feel free to leave a comment.

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Spring is one of the best times to visit Korea due to the warm weather, sunny days, and bright nature that reappears after the cold Korean winter. This is the busiest season for festivals of all kinds, including the famous cherry blossom festivals in late March / early April. There’s so much to do.

This guide to the best spring festivals in Korea covers all the fun festivals between March and May and in all parts of Korea. Learn about what’s on this spring, how to get to each festival, when the festivals start and end, and all the exciting activities you can do at each festival. Find out more below.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

The Best Korean Spring Festivals In 2024

There are various spring festivals to enjoy in Korea between March and May that happen across the country in this lovely season. Whether you want to see bright & beautiful nature, unique sights & experiences, or learn about traditional & modern culture, there is a Korean spring festival for you.

Here’s a brief overview of what you can find in each section of this article:

2024 Korean spring festival summary: All of the 2024 Korean spring festivals listed in month order to help you figure out what you can see during your visit. Also some top festival tour options.

Korean cherry blossom festivals: Cherry blossoms festivals are some of the most popular festivals during spring in Korea. Find out which ones to see and when the blossoms will be out this spring.

Spring nature festivals in Korea: Besides cherry blossoms, there are lots of nature-based festivals to visit in Korea, including festivals for plum blossoms, bamboo trees, green tea, and lots more.

Unique Korean spring festivals: These Korean spring festivals are like nothing you’ve experienced before, including a sea-parting miracle, modern Korean cultural shows, and a lantern festival.

Korean spring cultural festivals: Find the best of Korean traditional and modern culture, as well as international cultural events, at these spring festivals. Perfect for those looking to learn about Korea.

Guide to visiting Korea in spring: Make the most of your trip to Korea in spring with these tips about spring weather, public holidays in spring, how to get around, and where to stay to visit festivals.

Use the links above to jump to the section you’re most interested in, or read through to discover all of the best Korean spring festivals you can see and explore. There’s also some great tips at the end of this article to help you enjoy visiting Korea in spring and to travel more easily.

2024 Korean Spring Festival Summary

There are dozens of spring festivals in Korea to check out from March to May. To help you see what festivals are on when you’re visiting, I’ve added a summary of the festivals by month. These festivals are included in the article and you can find more information about each in the following sections.

Korean Spring Festivals In March 2024

March is the start of spring in Korea and there are lots of festivals celebrating the return of nature after the long winter. There are maehwa (plum blossom) and cherry blossom festivals to see in the southern part of the country, as well as cultural festivals featuring Korean and international culture.

• Everland Fairy Town Tulip Festival
• Gurye Sansuyu Flower Festival
• Gwangyang Maehwa Plum Blossom Festival
• Holi Hai Festival
• House Of Yu Gi-Bang Daffodil Festival
• Hwagae Market Cherry Blossom Festival
• Jeju Canola Flower Festival
• Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival
• Jeju Field Fire Festival
• Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival
• Nonsan Strawberry Festival
• Seocheon Camellia Octopus Festival
• Tongyeong International Music Festival
• Wondong Maehwa Festival
• Yeongam Wangin Festival

Korean Spring Festivals In April 2024

April is when the cherry blossoms start to bloom in the northern half of the country, including Seoul. Not only are the cherry blossoms on display, there are many other beautiful flowers that get their own festivals, including azaleas and tulips. Visit the Seoul Festa for a look at modern Korean culture.

• Boseong Green Tea Culture Festival
• Garden Of Morning Calm Spring Festival
• Gijang Anchovy Festival
• Goryeosan Mountain Azalea Festival
• Goyang International Flower Festival
• Gyeongju Cherry Marathon
• Gyeongpodae Cherry Blossom Festival
• Jindo Sea Parting Festival
• Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival
• Seoul Festa Festival
• Suncheonman International Garden Festival
• Taean Tulip Festival
• Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival

Korean Spring Festivals In May 2024

May has fewer festivals than the other two months of spring, but there are several large festivals to visit, including the Seoul Lotus Lantern Festival, which celebrates Buddha’s Birthday. The Damyang International Bamboo Festival is a great festival for those looking to walk among giant bamboo trees.

• Busan Gwangalli Eobang Yellowtail Festival
• Changwon Jindong Midodeok Festival
• Chuncheon International Mime Festival
• Damyang International Bamboo Festival
• Eumseong Pumba Festival
• Yeon Deung Hoe (Seoul) Lotus Lantern Festival
• The Samgwangsa Lotus Lantern Festival
• Haeundae Beach Sand Festival
• The Seoul Jazz Festival
• The Color Run Korea

Available Spring Festival Tours In Korea

Why not take a day trip to a fun festival this spring? Travelling to Korea’s spring festivals by public transport can sometimes take longer and be more difficult than a guided tour. Here’s a collection of the best spring festival tours leaving from Seoul and Busan that you can add to your Korean itinerary.

Korean Spring Festival Tours From Seoul

• Available Cherry Blossom Tour from Seoul
• Daegu E-WORLD Land & Spring Cherry Blossom from Seoul
• Ganghwa Island Cherry Blossom & Luge Ride from Seoul
• Garden of Morning Calm & Eden Cherry Blossom Tour from Seoul
• Goseokjeong Flower Field/Cheorwon Historical Day Tour from Seoul
• Goryeosan Mountain Azalea Festival & Seafood Tour from Seoul
• Gwangyang Maehwa & Jeonju Hanok Village Tour from Seoul
• Jarasum Flower Festival & Nami island & Alpaca Ranch from Seoul
• Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Day Tour from Seoul
• Taean Flower Festivals Trip with Strawberry Picking from Seoul
• Yangpyeong Galsan Park Cherry blossom Tour from Seoul

Korean Spring Festival Tours From Busan

• Available Cherry Blossom Tour from Busan
• Cherry Blossom Hunting Tour from Busan
• Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Tour from Busan
• Jinhae Cherry Blossom Tour from Busan

You don’t have to book a day tour to visit most of the festivals in this article, but it can certainly help save time and planning if you do. Some of the festivals are in rural locations and I would certainly recommend using a day tour to see those. Alternatively, rent a car and drive there.

Korean Cherry Blossom Festivals Spring 2024

The biggest Korean spring festivals have to be the cherry blossom festivals, which run in late March and early April. Starting on Jeju Island and finishing on the country’s northern border, the return of spring is truly encapsulated in the celebration of these soft blossoms.

These spring festivals can draw thousands of people each day, with millions attending popular locations like Jinhae, Seokchon Lake, and Yeouido Hangang Park. The festivals below are 6 of the most popular in Korea with some of the most incredible cherry blossom views to enjoy this spring.

Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival 2024

When: March 24 – April 6 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Jinjae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival hosts more than 2 million people each year, making it one of the largest spring festivals in Korea and one that shouldn’t be missed. People flock to Jinhae to see the blossoms create a magnificent painting of colours, with lines of trees painting pinky-white stripes across the city. Enjoy walking along romantic riverside walkways, trying delicious street foods, and taking pictures with the colourful street murals at this festival.

How to get there: To get to the Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival, take a bus from Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal to Jinhae. The journey takes 4 hours and costs W27,000.

Address: 경상남도 창원시 창원시 진해구 여명로

Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival 2024

When: April 5 – April 9 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival, located at the beautiful butterfly-shaped lake that sits below Lotte World Tower, is a free festival that’s extremely popular thanks to the long, tree-lined walkways along the edge of the lake. Visit on a sunny day to get views of the blossoms reflected on the lake’s surface and falling from above. It gets crowded during cherry blossom season, but fortunately there are many places to take pretty cherry blossom selfies.

How to get there: To get to the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival, take the subway to Jamsil Subway Station (Lines 2 & 8) and go out exit 2 or 3. The lake is visible in front of you.

Address: 서울특별시 송파구 잠실6동

Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival 2024

When: April 1 – April 15 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is where you’ll find the scenic street of Yeouiseo-ro Road, which is lined with hundreds of cherry blossom trees for you to walk under. This is a popular destination with locals who want to enjoy river views and lovely nature at the same time. At this colourful festival you can also see azaleas, forsythia, royal azaleas, and other spring flowers in full bloom. Stay for the night-time light show, where flowers are lit up as a backdrop to street performances and art exhibitions.

How to get there: Take the subway to either National Assembly Subway Station (Line 9) or Yeouinaru Subway Station (Line 5) and follow the festival signs.

Address: 서울특별시 영등포구 여의서로

Gyeongpodae Cherry Blossom Festival 2024

When: April 1 – April 10 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

Head to Gyeongpodae Lake in the coastal city of Gangneung to see cherry blossoms with beaches. Gaze at the cherry blossoms floating on trees above you and blowing down to the lake’s waters when a sea breeze blows through the trees. With over 4km of trees to walk through, this is certainly a lovely way to spend a warm spring day. Check out the pavilion for romantic views that are best shared with a loved on. There are games and activities to enjoy, as well as unique festival foods, such as flower pancakes.

How to get there: Take a train or bus from Seoul to Gangneung City. From Gangneung Bus Terminal, take Bus 202 and get off at Gyeongpodae Lake.

Address: 강원도 강릉시 초당동 459-2

Hwagae Market Cherry Blossom Festival 2024

When: March 22 – March 29 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Hwagae Market Cherry Blossom Festival, located near Jirisan National Park, is one of the most magical cherry blossom festivals in Korea. What makes this so amazing is the landscape, set in the Korean countryside for a view of cherry blossoms surrounded by nature. The attraction is the ‘marriage road‘, which is rumoured to guarantee a long and happy life together if couples walk down it holding hands. When the sun hits the blossoms from above, they cast a romantic pink glow on the road below.

How to get there: Take the intercity bus from Nambu Bus Terminal (Seoul) to Hwagae City. Get off at Hwagaejangteo Market and walk to the temple from Hwagae following the river. Roads will probably be crowded, so expect delays.

Address: 경상남도 하동군 화개면 쌍계로 15

Jeju Island Cherry Blossom Festival 2024

When: March 23 – April 1 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

At the Jeju Island Cherry Blossom Festival you’ll find streets full of cherry blossom goods, arts and craft stalls, and festival food stalls, all overlooked by the cloudy cherry blossoms. This is the most popular cherry blossom festival on Jeju Island and a perfect place for blossom viewing. If you arrive a few weeks after the festival, towards mid-April, you can see the special Jeju King cherry blossoms. These cherry blossoms, native to Jeju Island, are bigger than the usual cherry blossoms and much brighter, too.

How to get there: Take bus 122 from Jeju Airport to Jeju Bus Terminal. Walk north along the river for 10 minutes or take a taxi. You can also see the cherry blossoms at Jangjeon-ri in Aewol and outside Jeju National University.

Address: 삼도일동 721-14번지 제주시

Korean Cherry Blossom Festival Tour Options

Here are some tours that will take you to these cherry blossom festivals if you want a simpler and faster way to visit the tours than by travelling on public transport.

• Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Day Tour from Seoul
• Available Cherry Blossom Tour from Seoul & Busan
• Ganghwa Island Cherry Blossom & Luge Ride from Seoul
• Garden of Morning Calm & Eden Cherry Blossom Tour from Seoul
• Yangpyeong Galsan Park Cherry blossom Tour from Seoul
• Daegu E-WORLD Land & Spring Cherry Blossom from Seoul
• Jinhae Cherry Blossom Tour from Busan
• Cherry Blossom Hunting Tour from Busan
• Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Tour from Busan
• Jeju Canola Flower & Cherry Blossom from Jeju City

Want to know whether it’s worth visiting a spring cherry blossom festival in Korea? Check out this video of some of the prettiest, pinkest cherry blossom views in Seoul.

Korean Cherry Blossom Forecast 2024

The 2024 Korean cherry blossom forecast won’t be available until February 2024. For now, you can use the 2023 Korean cherry blossom forecast to get an idea of when the blossoms will be out. However, the dates for 2023 were earlier than usual and 2024 could be a week later in each area.

The 2023 Korean cherry blossom forecast below will show you the start dates for cherry blossoms in Korea this spring. The cherry blossom peak (the best time to visit) is usually around 4-7 days after the start of the blossoming. The spring cherry blossom festivals typically run from the first blossoms.

For a more detailed guide to seeing cherry blossoms in Korea this spring, check out my Korean cherry blossom guide. This guide covers all the best festivals, riverside and lakeside walking spots, peaceful forests abloom with nature, and useful tips for getting around Korea in spring.

Spring Nature Festivals In Korea 2024

Spring is one of the best times to visit Korea. The main reason for this is the abundance of vibrant plants and flowers that come alive in this season. Korea has beautiful nature and shows it a lot of respect with a profusion of spring festivals focused on foliage, blossoms, and blooms.

From cool and shaded bamboo forests, to distinctly Dutch-looking tulip farms, there’s certainly plenty of nature-based spring festivals in Korea that will please outdoors lovers. These Korean spring festivals begin with the very first blossoms of the season, apricot plums, in early March.

Spring Nature Festival Tours

Many of these Korean spring nature festivals are located far from the major cities and are therefore quite difficult to get to, even if you are familiar with using public transport in Korea. Therefore, I’ve included some tours that will help you see these festivals and save you a lot of time.

• Gwangyang Maehwa & Jeonju Hanok Village Tour from Seoul
• Jeju Canola and Cherry Blossom Tour from Jeju City
• Taean Tulip Festival & Strawberry Picking Tour from Seoul
• Garden of Morning Calm & Gapyeong Day Tour from Seoul
• Goryeosan Mountain Azalea Festival & Seafood Tour from Seoul

The address of each of these spring festivals has been included below, as well as directions for how to reach the festival. Please note that some of these festivals may take up to 4 or 5 hours to get to one-way from Seoul or Busan, which is why tours really can be a much better option.

Damyang International Bamboo Festival 2024

When: May 3 – May 7 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Damyang International Bamboo Festival is a beautiful Korean spring festival that is located in Juknokwon, a pretty bamboo forest with gigantic bamboo trees to walk through. The festival has lots of hands-on activities, including bamboo log rafting and water biking. There is also food made with bamboo, bamboo beer, and bamboo-based souvenirs to purchase. The Damyang bamboo forest is a peaceful, refreshing destination with lots of secretive pathways, babbling brooks, and traditional Korean buildings to explore.

How to get there: Damyang is far from Seoul, so a tour would be the easiest option. Take the KTX from Yongsan Station to Gwangju Station and then change to bus 311.

Address: 전라남도 담양군 담양읍 죽녹원로 119

Boseong Green Tea Culture Festival 2024

When: April 29 – May 7 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Boseong Green Tea Culture Festival is a collection of festivals and events held at the lush green tea fields in Boseong and showcases one of Korea’s healthiest drinks – green tea. This festival will give you the opportunity to pick your own leaves, make healthy Korean green tea, and try lots of green tea-based products. Other activities include learning about traditional Korean tea ceremonies and the manners involved, a green tea stamp tour, tea competition, and even an astrology experience.

How to get there: Boseong is far from Seoul and Busan and a tour would be the best option. From Gwangju, take the train to Boseong Station, then transfer to Yulpo Bus 70-5 or 71-5/6/8.

Address: 전라남도 보성군 보성읍 녹차로 775

Gwangyang Maehwa Plum Blossom Festival 2024

When: March 10 – March 19 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Gwangyang Maehwa Plum Blossom Festival is one of the first of the Korean spring festivals as the apricot plum blossoms are the first to come out after winter. The apricot plum blossoms are often mistaken for cherry blossoms as they look quite similar and are equally as pretty. Spread over 83 acres, there are countless apricot plum blossoms to see in Maehwa Village. You can sample apricot plum blossom ice cream at this spring festival, too. All made locally.

How to get there: This is not easily accessed by public transport unless you’re staying locally. Take bus 35 from Gwangyang Bus Terminal (75 minutes) to reach the festival ground.

Address: 광양시 다압면 섬진강매화로 1563-1

Garden Of Morning Calm Spring Festival 2024

When: April 15 – May 31 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Garden of Morning Calm Spring Festival celebrates the beautiful rebirth of nature with a plethora of different flowers on display throughout April and May. You can find such delights as magnolia, azalea, Japanese apricot, forsythia and even cherry blossoms. There is also the wild flower exhibition to see in the large greenhouses inside the Garden of Morning Calm. Certainly one of the most colourful and beautiful of the spring nature festivals in Korea.

How to get there: The Garden of Morning Calm can be accessed from Seoul by bus, train, or by driving. Check out the directions from their website to find the best way for you.

Address: 경기도 가평군 상면 수목원로 432

Jeju Canola Flower Festival 2024

When: March 25 – April 15 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Jeju Canola Flower Festival is held in Gasi-ri Town, which is famous for having the largest number of canola flowers on Jeju Island. This area has picturesque views of long, winding roads, cherry blossoms and canola flowers blooming together, and Jeju’s famous volcanic rock walls offering contrast to the bright spring colours. Drive down Noksan-ro Road between Noksanjang and Gammajang for one of the most scenic routes in Korea. Also visit Hueree Natural Park near Seogwipo for more canola sights.

How to get there: Both of these locations are not easily accessed by public transport. Car rental for Jeju Island is the easiest way to enjoy seeing canola flowers in spring.

Address: 서귀포시 표선면 가시리 산41-1

Nonsan Strawberry Festival 2024

When: March 8 – March 12 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Nonsan Strawberry Festival is held in the central Korean city of Nonsan, the largest strawberry producing area in the whole country and one famous for large, succulent strawberries. The festival spreads across wide strawberry fields near the Nonsancheon Stream with millions of juicy strawberries to pick and eat. There are various events, such as strawberry picking, strawberry cake & jam making, and other strawberry-based activities. K-Drama fans can also visit the Sunshine Studio in Nonsan.

How to get there: Take the KTX from Seoul Station, change at Gwangmyeong Station and get off at Nonsan Station. Walk or take a taxi to the festival area.

Address: 충청남도 논산시 취암동 체육로 110

Gurye Sansuyu Festival 2024

When: March 11 – March 19 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Gurye Sansuyu Festival is a spring festival celebrating the yellow sansuyu (cornelian cherry) blossoms and runs at the same time as the maehwa (plum blossoms) are on display in Jirisan National Park. This area has more than 30,000 sansuyu trees, making an ocean of yellow flowers to walk under and appreciate. There are also dance performances, traditional music, and other festival events to enjoy, including fireworks.

How to get there: From Gurye Bus Terminal, take bus 7-4, 7-7, or 7-9 until the Jungdong bus stop near the festival.

Address: 전라남도 구례군 산동면 좌사리 835-2

Taean Tulip Festival 2024

When: April 12 – May 7 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Taean Tulip Festival is Korea’s largest flower festival and held at the Korea Flower Park in the coastal city of Taean on Korea’s west coast. Visitors to this festival can experience oceans of bright tulips in a variety of colours, from dazzling yellow to deep red. The flower park provides many photo opportunities for nature-lovers, with spring flowers as well as decorations, ornaments, and sculpted displays.

How to get there: Take a bus from Central City Bus Terminal in Seoul to the Anmyeon Bus Terminal. Take a taxi to the festival.

Address: 충청남도 태안군 안면읍 꽃지해안로 400

Everland Fairy Town Tulip Festival 2024

When: March 17 – June 18 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Everland Fairy Town Tulip Festival is the spring 2024 festival for Korea’s biggest theme park and features not only beautiful tulips, it also has a fantastic fairy world to go with it. There are loads of fun photo zones with fairies and other magical creatures here. Everland hosts one of the largest spring flower festivals and primarily includes tulips and daffodils, as well as more flowers as they come into season through spring. Visitors to Everland can enjoy thrilling roller coasters, fun fairground activities, animals, fireworks, parades, and many pretty flowers.

How to get there: Take the Everland Shuttle Bus from Seoul to Everland directly or book a shuttle bus with entrance fee included.

Address: 경기 용인시 처인구 포곡읍 에버랜드로 199

House Of Yu Gi-Bang Daffodil Festival 2024

When: March 15 – April 30 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The House of Yu Gi-Bang Daffodil Festival isn’t actually a festival, but it’s worth adding to this list as it’s a seasonal event that’s on for a limited time. During March and April, visitors to The House of Yu Gi-Bang can witness thousands of golden daffodils shining upwards among the grounds of this historic hanok house. This house may be familiar to fans of ‘Mr. Sunshine’ as it was used in the K-Drama. It’s a lovely place outside of Seoul where you can walk and explore the gardens and buildings, surrounded by pine forests and experience traditional Korea.

How to get there: The house is close to Seosan, but you should take a bus and transfer several times. Driving is recommended.

Address: 충남 서산시 운산면 이문안길 72-10

Goyang International Flower Festival 2024

When: April 27 – May 8 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Goyang International Flower Festival by International Horticulture Goyang Korea is an impressive flower exhibition held in spring and autumn each year at the Ilsan Lake Park in Goyang. Visitors to the spring festival can spend the day admiring creative flower displays along the shore of the lake, which features art pieces, photo zones, unique and rare plants, and flower-filled pathways. There are also cultural events, performances, and festival food to enjoy.

How to get there: Take the orange subway line (Line 3) to Jeongbalsan Station and use exit 1 or 2 to get to the park.

Address: 경기도 고양시 일산동구 호수로 595 KR

Goryeosan Mountain Azalea Festival 2024

When: April 14 – April 22 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Ganghwado Goryeosan Mountain Azalea Festival is located on one of the islands of Incheon, just outside of Seoul. Mount Goryeosan is an area of natural wonder that is known for it’s roaming displays of vivid pink and purple azaleas spread over the mountain. Visit on a sunny day for impressive postcard-like scenes of traditional buildings, rocky mountains, and colourful pools of pink and purple azaleas. Also see azalea photo zones, art exhibitions, and street art.

How to get there: Take a bus to Ganghwa Terminal from Gimpo in Seoul. Transfer to bus 14 or 39 and get off at Seonhaeng-ri Entrance.

Address: 인천광역시 강화군 강화읍 국화리 550

Unique Korean Spring Festivals 2024

Spring in Korea is a time with many unique festivals that celebrate both local and international culture, traditions, and spectacles, including a miraculous sea parting. These spring festivals are not to be missed and will show you some sights you won’t normally see in other seasons.

This section contains diverse festivals that have happened for a long time, such as the Seoul Lantern Festival for Buddha’s Birthday, and the Jeju Fire Festival. These historic festivals are a window into Korea’s past, while others show modern and international cultural influences on Korea.

Jindo Sea Parting Miracle Festival 2024

When: April 20 – April 22 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Jindo Sea Parting Miracle Festival is a unique annual occurrence in Jindo where the seas give way to form a 3km-long pathway between islands. You’re not likely to see an event like this elsewhere in the world. The ‘miracle’ occurs due to an extremely low tide, caused by tidal harmonics. During this time, you can walk from Jindo Island to Modo Island, hunt for clams and shells who have been abandoned by the waters, and take lots of pictures.

How to get there: Jindo is an island in SW Korea and not easily accessed from major cities. There are no current tours to the Jindo Sea Parting Festival, so driving is the best option.

Address: 전남 진도군 고군면 신비의바닷길 74

Yeon Deung Hoe (Seoul) Lotus Lantern Festival 2024

When: May 11 – May 28 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Yeon Deung Hoe Seoul Lotus Lantern Festival is the biggest celebration of Buddha’s Birthday in Korea. At the Seoul Lantern Festival, which is held in two of Seoul’s most famous temples, Bongeunsa Temple in Gangnam and Jogyesa Temple in Jongno, you can see lots of colourful lantern displays, cultural performances, and traditional decorations. The highlight of this festival is the lantern parade through central Seoul, held on May 20th from 7pm.

How to get there: The parade runs from Jonggak to Dongdaemun Station. Jogyesa Temple is near Anguk Station & Bongeunsa Temple is outside Bongeunsa Station.

Address: 서울특별시 종로구 우정국로 55

Gyeongju Cherry Marathon 2024

When: April 1 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon Festival is a festival that combines beautiful cherry blossoms with the spectacle of a half marathon. The Gyeongju Cherry Marathon starts in the Bomun Lake area and goes around the lake, following the river into Gyeongju City and back along the opposite shore back past the lake again, running under cherry tree-lined river roads. The shorter 10km and 5km races stick to the Bomun Lake area, which is one of the most spectacular places for cherry blossoms in Gyeongju. The race starts at 8:00am.

How to get there: From Singyeongju KTX station, take bus 700 to Bomun Lake and get off at the K Hotel stop. Cross the bridge for the start.

Address: 경상북도 경주시 천군동 157-8

Jeju Fire Festival 2024

When: March 9 – March 12 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Jeju Fire Festival is a unique Korean spring festival where Saebyeol Oreum (volcanic cone hill) is set alight as huge daljip (moon houses) are burnt at night. This cultural festival helps bring good fortune to the island, protects from evil, and ensures a strong harvest in autumn. It also signals the move from winter to spring with the first burning away the old grass. Watch the night skies glow red as the massive fires spread across the hill and watch other festival events, such as a torch march, fire show, entertainment shows, and try local foods.

How to get there: Take bus 282 from Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal and get off at Saebyeol Oreum stop. Walk towards Saebyeol Oreum.

Address: 제주 제주시 애월읍 봉성리 산59-8

Holi Hai Festival 2024

When: March 26 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Holi Hai Festival is held by the Indians in Korea group to celebrate India’s largest festival. Running for more than a decade in Korea, this colourful festival will be held in Miryang City and is open to people from all nationalities and ethnicities as a way to celebrate the coming of spring, the joy of friendship, and equality for all. Bring a white t-shirt to the event and prepare to get very messy as you throw coloured powders into the air and at each other while Bollywood music blasts out in the background. Please note, you should register on the Holi Hai website to be able to join the event.

How to get there: There is a shuttle bus from Seoul, Suwon or Chuncheon directly to Miryang. There are several buses from Miryang Station, including 1 / 6 / 7-1.

Address: 경상남도 밀양시 삼문동 1-1

Seoul Festa Festival 2024

When: April 30 – May 7 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Seoul Festa Festival, now in its second year, is a cultural festival in Seoul that highlights the best of the city’s culture and entertainment. The five themes of the Seoul Festa are music, style, taste, night-scape, and ‘boom-up’ events. There will be events and activities across Seoul. K-Pop acts will perform on April 30th at the Jamsil Sports Complex and there will be numerous events at the main venue in Gwanghwamun Square focusing on drama, beauty, fashion, and traditional crafts. Experience outdoor dining and light shows at the Hangang River Parks and the Myeongdong Festival in Myeongdong.

How to get there: Gwanghwamun Station for the main venue, Myeongdong Station for the Myeongdong Festival. Sports Complex Station for the K-Pop event.

Address: 인천광역시 강화군 강화읍 국화리 550

The Color Run Korea 2024

When: May 13 2024 from 1pm (2024 Dates TBC)

The Color Run Korea is another colourful spring festival that is all about enjoying the lovely weather and getting outside for fun with friends. Held in Songdo Moonlight Festival Park, join with a host of Korean celebrities and run 5km through 5 different colour-themed zones and get colourful as colour powder is thrown all around, just like in the Holi Hai festival. Food trucks, after-run parties, photo zones, and live performances make this a fun day out in spring.

Tickets required, so be sure to book in advance to guarantee a spot.

How to get there: Take the subway to Songdo Moonlight Festival Park Station and use exit 4. The subway line is Incheon Line 1.

Address: 인천광역시 연수구 센트럴로 350

Seoul Jazz Festival 2024

When: May 26 – May 28 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Seoul Jazz Festival is one of the first big summer festivals (it actually happens in spring this year) and features lots of fantastic sets from artists such as Taeyang, Epik High, Balming Tiger, Damien Rice, and more. The Seoul Jazz Festival is held each year in Olympic Park in Seoul, a wide park with lots of indoor and outdoor venues that host the various types of acts. There is more than just jazz, with indie, hip-hop, dance music, and more by artists from around the world.

Tickets required, so be sure to book in advance to guarantee a spot.

How to get there: Take the subway to Olympic Park Station and use exit 3. Line 5 and Line 9 both stop at this station.

Address: 서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 424

The Samgwangsa Lotus Lantern Festival 2024

When: May 5 – May 27 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Samgwangsa Lotus Lantern Festival is a festival celebrating Buddha’s Birthday in one of Busan’s most beautiful Buddhist temples. See thousands and thousands of lanterns strung out between temple buildings, along pathways, hanging from trees, and wrapped around the temple buildings. This beautiful festival is best seen at night after the lanterns are turned on at 7pm, which creates a dazzling display of colours across the temple. Climb up the lantern-lined stairs of Baegyangsan Mountain and discover this awe-inspiring spring festival in Korea.

How to get there: Take bus 81 from outside Busan Station. Get off at Seonggok Traditional Market and walk to the temple.

Address: 부산진구 초읍천로43번길 77

Haeundae Sand Festival In Busan 2024

When: May 19 – May 22 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Busan Haeundae Sand Festival is a unique spring festival that sees Busan’s most popular beach destination transformed into an outdoor canvas for the best sand artists. You can see a range of sand sculptures at this festival, from local characters and heroes, to gigantic replicas of famous sights, such as the Eiffel Tower. There are tall sculptures all along the beach to walk along and admire, or to gaze at while you rest in one of the beachside cafes or bars. Although the festival only runs for a few days, the sand art remains on display until June 6th.

How to get there: Take the subway to Haeundae Station and walk towards the beach. Take bus 1003 from Busan Station.

Address: 부산광역시 해운대구 중제1동 1411-25

These unique spring festivals are not to be missed if you’re in Korea at the right time, especially the Seoul Lantern Festival. It’s a massive parade that goes through the centre of the city and will be something you’ll remember for a long time. Here’s a video of what it looks like.

Korean Spring Cultural Festivals 2024

Korea has lots of unique culture and traditions that are best witnessed in these Korean spring festivals. You can experience traditional crafts, learn about folklore and historical events, and visit long-running festivals that celebrate life and harmony in Korea during spring.

As well as traditional Korean culture, some of these spring festivals showcase the best of international culture and performances, such as the Chuncheon Mime Festival and Tongyeong International Music Festival. These smaller festivals will offer a unique glimpse into Korea.

Chuncheon International Mime Festival 2024

When: May 28 – June 4 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Chuncheon International Mime Festival is one of the 3 major mime festivals in the world and has been running for more than 30 years. The festival includes performances of Korea’s top mime artists, as well as mime artists from around the world. The mime festival is held in several venues in the city of Chuncheon, with the main area near the river. Visitors to this festival not only watch the interesting mime performances, they can also join in and be part of the show.

How to get there: Take the ITX from Yongsan Station to Chuncheon Station, then take a taxi to the main riverside festival area.

Address: 강원도 춘천시 삼천동 200-9

Busan Gwangalli Eobang Yellowtail Festival 2024

When: May 12 – May 14 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Busan Gwangalli Eobang Yellowtail Festival is held on one of Busan’s most popular beaches, Gwangalli Beach, and is a festival dedicated to the fishermen of this coastal region. At the Busan Eobang Yellowtail Festival you can see parades, watch the fishermen go out to sea, see cultural performances, and be part of the local traditions. Visitors can try out bare-handed fish catching, take part in a cooking contest, and try lots of Busan’s famous local yellowtail fish.

How to get there: From Busan Station, take bus 40 / 41 / 1001 / 1003 to Gwangalli Beach or bus 38 / 1001 / 1003 from Haeundae Beach.

Address: 부산광역시 수영구 광남로

Seocheon Camellia Octopus Festival 2024

When: March 23 – April 5 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Seocheon Camellia Octopus Festival is a festival held in the small town of Seocheon on Korea’s west coast that celebrates two local specialities; camellia flowers and webfoot octopuses. Held at the Maryangjun Port in Seocheon, visitors can walk around the beautiful pink, red, and white camellia flowers and take in views of the Yellow Sea where the octopuses roam. There are octopus-themed events such as octopus fishing and octopus cooking, as well as cultural performances and festival food.

How to get there: Seocheon is not easily accessed by public transport, so I recommend using a car to drive there.

Address: 충청남도 서천군 서면 서인로 56

Tongyeong International Music Festival 2024

When: March 31 – April 9 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Tongyeong International Music Festival was created to celebrate the world-famous composer Yoon Lee-Sang, who was born in Tongyeong on Korea’s south coast. This spring festival is a good chance to experience classical music performances from Korean and international musicians, including the Korean National Symphony Orchestra. Tongyeong is not only a popular attraction for summer travellers who want to enjoy the areas many beaches, it’s also a UNESCO Creative City of Music.

How to get there: From Busan Seobu Bus Terminal, take the intercity bus to Tongyeong Bus Terminal, then change to bus 104 / 141 / 184.

Address: 경상남도 통영시 큰발개1길 38

Eumseong Pumba Festival 2024

When: May 17 – May 21 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Eumseong Pumba Festival is a Korean spring festival dedicated to the tradition of begging and street singing. ‘Pumba’ is the word that street singers would sing as they moved around towns and villages looking for food or money or anything people would offer. The word is meaningless, but provides a basis for the chants and a beat for dancing. The Eumseong Pumba Festival has performances by gakseori, modern day performers who show their exicitng and colourful singing and dancing skills.

How to get there: From Seoul Nambu Terminal, take an intercity bus to Eumseong Bus Terminal, then walk to the park where the festival is held.

Address: 충청북도 음성군 음성읍 설성공원길 28

Yeongam Wangin Festival 2024

When: March 30 – April 2 2024 (2024 Dates TBC)

The Yeongam Wangin Culture Festival is held at the start of April to coincide with the cherry blossoms and offers a colourful look into the life of the famous Korean scholar, Dr. Wangin. Dr. Wangin travelled to Japan 1,600 years ago with his followers and taught the Japanese royal court about Confucian values, as well as teaching arts and singing techniques. This festival celebrates his achievements and features traditional Korean cultural events, including parades, performances, songs, and dancing.

How to get there: From Mokpo, take bus 101 and get off at the Historic Site of Dr. Wangin, which is where the festival is held.

Address: 전라남도 영암군 군서면 왕인로 440

There are lots more smaller cultural spring festivals in Korea that might appeal to those who want to see a different side of Korea. I won’t go into detail about these festivals, but you can learn more about them from the links below.

• Busan Gijang Anchovy Festival (late May)
• Changwon Jindong Midodeok Festival (May 12 – May 14 2024 (2024 Dates TBC))
• Daegu Hip Hop Festival (May 6 – May 7 2024 (2024 Dates TBC))
• Daejeon Gyejoksan Red Clay Path Festival (May)
• Mungyeong Chasabal Festival (April 29 – May 7 2024 (2024 Dates TBC))

Most of these links are in Korean. If you can’t read Korean, I recommend using a plugin like Google Translate, or translating via an app like Papago. There typically aren’t tours for these as major tour companies don’t bother to visit them. Trazy is probably the only tour company that might.

If you’re not sure how to use Papago, check out my guide to the Papago app and find out why it’s a must-have when travelling to Korea. I used it a lot when writing this article.

Guide To Visiting Korea In Spring

To get the most out of these Korean spring festivals, it is important to consider what travelling to Korea during spring is like. Spring is one of the best seasons to visit Korea as the weather is pleasant, nature puts on a good show, and there are many things to see and do.

However, there are some issues when travelling to Korea during spring, such as public holidays that might make it difficult to travel, seasonal air pollution, and peak travel problems. The following section of this guide to spring festivals in Korea offers lots of useful information to help you travel more easily.

What Is Korean Spring Weather Like?

Here’s a quick summary of the weather in Korea during each month of spring:

• March: cold and wintry still
• April: warmer and sunny, some rain.
• May: warm and sunny, some rain.

March is the start of spring in Korea and there’s still a chance of snow. Temperatures at night are below zero in the first half of March but may be up to 20 degrees during the day. The weather changes a lot during March and may be snowing one week and warm and sunny the next.

April has warmer temperatures, especially at night, but usually requires a jacket at the start of the month. There is more rain in April, which can be a problem if you want to see cherry blossoms, but it’s not usually constant. Generally, April is warm with clear skies and a great time to travel in Korea.

May is a much warmer than the start of spring and the summer weather starts to begin. Temperatures can be as high as 30 degrees, but typically stay around the low 20s with clear skies and lots of sunshine. There are still rainy days, but they’re not as bad as June, which is rainy season in Korea.

For more information about what Korea is like in each season, check out this guide to Korea’s seasons. You’ll find a month-by-month and season-by-season guide to Korean weather, foods, festivals, and other events. It’ll help you plan your travels whatever season you visit Korea in.

Fine Dust During Spring In Korea

Although the weather in Korea during spring is usually clear and sunny, with mild rain showers on some days, the air pollution is at its worst. The seasonal air pollution, known as Yellow Dust, hits Korea during spring and can cause thick pollution that’s dangerous to be outside in.

If you’re sensitive to air pollution, be sure to read up about fine dust in Korea and wear an appropriate face mask. Use a weather or air pollution app to check the current situation and take appropriate actions. You can tell when the fine dust is serious as there will be a yellow haze in the sky.

Are There Any Public Holidays During Spring In Korea?

There are several public holidays during spring in Korea that might affect your travel plans or provide extra festivals to see. Most of these are fixed to a certain date, but Buddha’s Birthday, was is based on the lunar calendar, changes each year. Be sure to check the correct dates for the year.

May 15th: Buddha’s Birthday (celebrated May 15th in 2024). This public holiday is the Buddhist equivalent of Christmas for Christians. There are big celebrations at Buddhist temples across Korea on this day, with lanterns, cultural events, and food provided by temples. Tourist sites should be open.

March 1st: Independence Day. This is a public holiday for workers, so banks and government buildings will be closed. Tourist sights and shops should still be open with regular hours.

May 5th: Children’s Day. This is a public holiday to celebrate children. Banks and government buildings (incl. schools) will be closed. Expect family-oriented places to be especially busy on this day as families celebrate their children and the weather is usually good for being outdoors at this time.

June 6th: Memorial Day. This is a public holiday to remember those who have died in wars. This isn’t in spring, but may affect travel plans for those travelling between seasons. Banks and government buildings will be closed, but tourist sights and shops should be open.

Please note: holidays that fall on a weekend day will usually be moved to the following Monday.

How Can You Travel To Korean Spring Festivals?

The easiest option to see Korean spring festivals is with a guided tour. There are many tour companies that provide tours to popular festivals during spring, such as the cherry blossom and flower festivals. Here are some of the best tour companies operating in Korea:

• Klook
• Viator
• Get Your Guide
• Trazy

To get around on Korea’s public transport, it is best to get a T-Money card, which is a prepaid transportation card used for buses, subways, and taxis in Korea. You can purchase a T-Money card at Incheon Airport when you arrive, or at convenience stores in Korea.

Travelling to city-based Korean spring festivals can be easy, depending on the location of the festival and its popularity. Korea has a well-connected public transport system that covers the country, as well as excellent bus, subway, and train networks in big cities that are mostly available in English.

However, travelling to remote spring festivals in the Korean countryside may be more challenging and might not be feasible without a car. You can rent a car in Korea to help you get around outside the cities and see a very different side to Korea than you’ll find in the urban areas.

Useful Apps For Travelling Korea In Spring

There are many apps and websites that can help you navigate in Korea and find your way to spring festivals more easily. The most useful apps include Naver Maps, which you can use to plan routes and check bus times, and Papago Korean Translation, which can help you translate Korean.

Kakao Taxi is the best Korean app for booking taxis in Korea. Kakao Taxi is easy to use and you can use my guide to help you setup Kakao Taxi with or without a Korean phone number. Finally, use the official Korean Rail website to check train times and book tickets in Korea.

For more tips about how to travel around Korea to see festivals and other attractions, read my South Korea Travel Guide. It’s full of useful tips to help you plan your journey to Korea and has more information about what to see, do, and discover during spring and other seasons.

Where Should You Stay To Visit Korean Festivals In Spring?

Tours that go to Korean spring festivals, such as the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, usually start from Seoul or Busan, so staying in one of these cities is the best option if you plan to book a day tour. If you’re planning to see festivals on Jeju Island, then Jeju City is a good place to stay.

Seoul and Busan have several spring festivals that can be accessed by public transport and each city has a good transport network that means you don’t need to stay near the festival to see it. I recommend finding a good location you want to stay in, then travelling to the festival that day.

For Seoul, I recommend looking for hotels in Myeongdong or hotels in Hongdae for first time travellers. These areas have good hotel options for budget to mid-range travellers, great transport connections, lots of interesting nightlife, and good food and cafe options nearby.

For Busan, I recommend looking for hotels in the Haeundae Beach area or in the downtown Seomyeon area. These two areas are popular with travellers and have lots of dining and accommodation options. Haeundae Beach is also close to attractions and has coastal views.

FAQs About Spring Festivals In Korea

Finally, here’s a few FAQs about Korean spring festivals, in case the above information didn’t cover enough for you. If you have any other questions you’d like to ask, feel free to leave a comment.

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Discover all of the best things to see, do, eat, and enjoy during winter in Korea this year. Try out ice fishing from a frozen river. Play in the snow, go hiking, or do winter sports in Korea’s many mountains. Then sit back and relax with a bowl of hot, spicy Korean winter food.

This article will provide you with lots of essential information about what to wear and pack for your trip to Korea, special holidays during winter in Korea, and tips to help you get the most out of this cold season. Start planning your snowy winter trip to Korea right now.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

What’s In This Winter in Korea Guide

There are many awesome things to do in Korea during winter, which means that this is quite a long article. To make it easier to find what you’re interested in, click the links below to jump straight to that section, or read on to discover all the amazing things that winter in Korea has to offer you.

Winter Activities In Korea

Not sure what to during winter in Korea? Want to know what Korean winter activities you can try when you travel? Here are some of my favourite winter activities to experience in Korea that will give you a memorable journey, show you snowy sights, and keep you warm during the cold days.

You can experience several of these activities in one day. One idea for you is to start a wintry theme park, seeing snowy sights and ice sculptures, then go skating on ice before heading indoors to soak in a steamy sauna. That’s certainly how I love to spend the cold days in winter when it’s freezing.

Visit A Wintry Theme Park

Korea’s theme parks are fun places to visit during winter as they hold winter or Christmas-themed parades, events and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Take in the festive sights and winter activities at each one, such as winter sledding, snowball fights, and illuminations.

Here are some of the best theme parks to check out for wintry fun when you visit Korea:

• Everland Resort
• Lotte World Adventure Seoul
• One Mount Snow Park Seoul
• Lotte World Busan

Warm Up At A Korean Sauna

There’s nothing better on a winter’s day in Korea than sitting in a hot, steaming pool or sauna, letting the warmth return to your bones. Korean saunas, known as jjimjilbang in Korean, are very popular in winter to escape the cold.

There are 2 places in a Korean sauna. The first is the bathing area, where you sit naked with people of the same gender. The second is a communal room where everyone can meet wearing pyjamas, relax, and sleep.

Want to visit an outdoor hot spring in Korea? Visit Onyang Hot Springs in Asan City, the oldest hot springs in Korea, used by locals for over 600 years to take away the winter chills. Prefer luxurious pampering in Seoul? Try the O Hui and Whoo Spa for an indulgent spa care package.

Try Ice Skating In Seoul

Ice skating is a popular Korean winter activity and there are ice skating facilities in major cities across Korea, such as in Seoul, Busan, Incheon, and Daejeon. Ice skating rinks appear in December and stay open until February.

You can find ice skating rinks both indoors and outdoors. The outdoor rinks, such as the one outside Seoul City Hall (Seoul Plaza Ice Rink), is a great place to try skating or to watch others sliding around on a sunny winter’s day. I love visiting ice rinks for the atmosphere and to experience a ride on the ice.

Want to try ice skating in Korea? The good news is you don’t need to worry about bringing your own equipment, you can rent it all at the skate rink. Here are some of the best ice skating rinks in Korea. These places are suitable for families and first time skaters.

• Mokdong Ice Rink in Seoul
• Lotte World Ice Rink in Seoul
• Grand Hyatt Ice Rink in Seoul
• Yeouido Hangang Park Ice Skating Rink in Seoul
• Seonhak International Ice Rink in Incheon
• Shinsegae Centum City Rink in Busan
• Daejeon Expo Plaza in Daejeon

Han River Park Sledding

After 3 years of absence, the sledding slopes have returned to Seoul and the Han River at Ttukseom Hangang Park. This is a family-friendly winter activity in Korea that everyone can enjoy. Grab a sled or rubber tube and zoom down the icy slope towards the river.

There is also a winter sledding park at Jamwon Hangang Park. As well as regular slopes, this park has slopes for younger fun-lovers and is designed for children under the age of 6. Perfect for introducing your children to winter sports. If you’re visiting Korea with children, definitely check out one of Seoul’s sledding parks.

Sample Korean Strawberries

Winter in Korea is when some of the best fresh fruit is available, including Jeju Island’s hallabong oranges and sweet strawberries. These juicy fruits grow in Korea from mid-December until early March and you’ll find them for sale in markets and shops. There are also a few places in Seoul that offer strawberry buffets with unlimited strawberry-based desserts and treats.

Want to pick strawberries in Korea? A more fun options it to pick your own strawberries at a strawberry farm in Korea. Why not book a day tour that includes strawberry picking as an extra to visiting another site? Visit Pocheon Art Valley in winter to harvest fresh strawberries from the wide fruit fields or this winter-only tour that includes the Garden of Morning Calm, too.

Experience Korean Coffee Culture

Korea, like me, is addicted to coffee. There are more than 75,000 coffee shops in the country and over 18,000 in Seoul alone. Winter is a great time to visit Seoul’s hot cafes, found in quiet back streets or in popular hanok villages, such as Bukchon Hanok Village.

If you want to experience Korean coffee culture outside of Seoul, be sure to visit Gangneung on the east coast, home to the Gangneung Coffee Street and Gangneung Coffee Festival. Enjoy a hot coffee, watch the waves, and stay out of the cold. Jeju Island also has great cafes which are perfect for cold-weather cafe hopping.

Besides coffee culture, you can also enjoy traditional Korean tea culture in Seoul and other places. Korean tea houses feature wooden floors and furniture, delicate and healthy teas, and a serene atmosphere to contemplate what Korean winter activities to enjoy next.

Take A Walk In The Snow

A free activity that everyone can enjoy during winter in Korea is a walk in the streets when snow falls. Korea’s cities can be drab during the day, but come alive with neon lights at night. During snowy days, which are more dark than light, seeing snow-covered streets and shining lights is a real treat.

You should definitely take a walk around Seoul and other historic cities, such as Gyeongju or Andong. Winter walks are especially rewarding as you can see fortress walls, palace grounds, hanok houses, and curved rooftops covered in snow when it’s cold enough.

Want to explore Seoul on foot? Check out these city walking trails in Seoul that you can enjoy in winter or any other time of year, all for free. It’s really the best way to see a city and get some exercise.

Here are some videos showing what Seoul looks like when it snows.

Ski Resorts And Winter Sports 2024

Fans of winter sports, or those who want to learn, will find plenty of places to ski and snowboard in Korea’s many mountains. The majority of Korea’s ski resorts are located between Seoul and the east coast in Gyeongi and Gangwon Provinces.

This is one of the most popular winter activities in Korea, so expect ski resorts to be busy on weekends. The weekdays can be quieter and provide a better ski or snowboard experience.

Ski Resorts In Korea 2024

There are 14 major ski resorts in Korea that open between December and February or March each year. The opening times of these ski resorts vary depending on their location, the onset of winter, and their elevation. The start of ski season in Korea is December and the end is February.

The first ski resorts in Korea open in early December and can be found in the northern part of Korea and around Seoul. The last ski resort to open for the season is Eden Valley, which is much further south, close to Busan. This opens around mid to late December each year.

The full list of opening dates for Korean ski resorts this winter can be seen below.

There are several family-friendly ski resorts in Korea that provide not only good ski facilities, they also have a range of other winter activities for the whole family to enjoy. The best ski resorts for families are Jisan Forest, Elysian Gangchon, Yongpyong, and Vivaldi Park.

Ski Resort Tours & Packages

Driving is the most convenient way to get to Korea’s ski resorts. If you rent a car in Korea, you can drive to the ski resorts in an hour or two from Seoul. Some ski resorts can also be accessed by a shuttle or tour bus from Seoul or nearby towns. Only drive if you’re comfortable driving in snow though.

One of the easiest ways to get to a Korean ski resort without public transport or hired car, is to book a ski-resort tour. There are many tour options available, from one-day trips to ski or play in the snow, to multi-day trips that include accommodation and equipment rental. I’ve added tours for you below.

An overnight stay is a good option for those who want to experience a sunrise in the snowy peaks and typically comes with all the necessary parts of the trip included, such as transportation, ski rentals, and accommodation. If you’ve never seen a mountain sunrise, I highly recommend it!

Here are some of the best ski resorts in Korea for winter snow sports and tour options for each. As these are located high up in the snowy mountains, with limited public access, tours are generally the best option to get to ski resorts, which is why I’ve added a couple of options for each location.

High 1 Ski Resort: This massive ski resort is one of the most exciting places to ski in Korea and comes with world-class skiing facilities. High 1 features 18 ski slopes covering 21km of snow-filled mountain paths that are suitable for any level, from beginners to experts.

Vivaldi Park Ski Resort: The most popular ski resort in Korea, with state of the art facilities and amazing courses. There are 12 slopes and 10 lifts here, with something suitable for any level, as well as Snowy Land – a family-fun play area to mess around in the snow.

Jisan Forest Ski Resort: Feauturing a range of slopes from beginner to advancd, Jisan Forest is a compact ski resort nestled in forested slopes that also has a snow sleigh park to play in and teaching area for people interested in learning to ski for the first time.

Alpensia Ski Resort: One of the main resorts used for the 2018 Winter Olympics, Alpensia Ski Resort offers a range of winter activities for levels of all ages. There are 6 courses for various skill levels.

Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort: The lovely Elysian Gangchon Resort offers skiing, snowboard, and snow sledding. You can also hike around the area and see the beautiful snow-covered Korean nature.

Yongpyong Ski Resort: Another resort used for the 2018 Winter Olympics. This is a large ski resort that has 28 slopes to choose from. Very popular with ski and snowboarding enthusiasts.

Eden Valley: Looking to ski close to Busan? This ski resort on the slopes of Sinbulsan Mountain has 7 slopes for different levels and has a ski school for those looking to learn to ski or board.

There are plenty of ski tours and day trips to ski resorts available. If you want to check out a different ski resort or package, these companies have a wide range of ski tours for you.

Winter Festivals In Korea 2024

I love travelling in Korea as it’s a country that has many wonderful festivals throughout the year, and winter is certainly no exception. Discover sparkling illuminations and glowing lanterns, see icy sculptures and snowy landscapes, and try your hand at winter activities in Korea such as ice fishing, sledding, listening to temple bells ringing on New Year’s Eve, and watching the first sunrise of the year.

Here are some of the different types of winter festivals you can experience in Korea, as well as some of the best of each type. For a more detailed list of what’s on, check out my guide to the best Korean winter festivals, which include lots more incredible winter festivals to check out.

Winter Illumination Festivals 2024

Once it’s dark, dazzling displays can be found at winter illumination festivals, such as at Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul or Haeundae Beach in Busan. The best places to see winter lights are usually outside the cities, in areas of natural beauty that transform into winter wonderlands. The sight of millions of lights provides a truly extraordinary experience.

Here are some of the most popular winter illumination festivals in Korea this winter.

Garden of Morning Calm Winter Illuminations 2024

Herb Island Light Festival 2024

Busan Christmas Tree Cultural Festival 2023-2024

Jeju Light Garden Festival 2024

Ice Fishing Festivals 2024

Several towns across Korea take advantage of the frozen rivers to put on winter ice fishing festivals. Grab a small fishing rod and bag, drop it into the ice, and then catch your lunch. There are many other activities, such as tubing, catching fish with your hands, and sledging. Furthermore, you can usually find snow & ice sculptures on display. My article about the Hwacheon Ice Fishing Festival will give you a taste of what’s on offer at these awesome winter festivals.

Here are three of the biggest ice fishing festivals in Korea this winter.

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival 2024

Pyeongchang Trout Fishing Festival 2024

Inje Ice Fishing Festival 2024

Snow & Ice Festivals 2024

With the cold winter weather comes frozen rivers, snowfall, and wintry festivals to enjoy. Gangwon Province in Korea’s north-east is one of the best places for winter festivals as it’s the coldest part of Korea. At these festivals, you can see sculptures, icy waterfalls, snowy scenes, and winter lights. There’s also winter activities such as sledding and skiing. My article about the Chilgapsan festival will show you the beautiful snowy scenes you can expect at a Korean winter festival.

Here are three of the most popular snow festivals in Korea this winter.

Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival 2024

Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival 2024

Daegwallyeong Snowflake Festival 2024

New Year’s Eve Festivals

New Year’s Eve in Korea is celebrated in two different ways. The first is the traditional Korean way, where people come together to listen to the ringing of a giant bell to signal New Year at midnight. The other way to welcome to New Year is to watch fireworks displays light up the night sky. You can see fireworks displays across Korea for New Year’s Eve.

To celebrate New Year’s Eve in Korea in the traditional way, head to Bosingak Pavilion in central Seoul to see watch the giant bell ring in 2024. For fireworks performances, these can be seen at Lotte World Tower, along the Han River by Yeouido Park, and near City Hall Station.

Most large cities in Korea will have some official and unofficial fireworks celebrations for New Year’s Eve. It’s common to see fireworks being launched at beaches, too.

You can watch the 2022 New Year’s Eve fireworks at Lotte World Tower in the video below.

New Year’s Day Festivals

After celebrating New Year’s Eve at midnight, there are further New Year’s Day festivals held in Korea to welcome in the new year ahead. A popular tradition for New Year’s Day is to watch the first sunrise of the year on the east coast. There are New Year’s Day festivals in coastal towns to watch the sunrise, eat rice cake soup, and contemplate life.

Here are the best New Year’s Day festivals to see the first sunrise of the year in Korea.

Homigot New Year Sunrise Festival: Famous for being the easternmost point of Korea, therefore the first place to see the sunrise, this is the biggest sunrise festival in Korea. See the giant hand statue rising from the water and enjoy a range of festival stalls and activities.

Address in Korean:
경북 포항시 남구 호미곶면 대보리

Seongsan New Year Sunrise Festival: Located on Jeju Island’s easternmost point, this sunrise spot has been a place of celebration since the 13th Century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is certainly a unique place to watch the sun rise in the New Year

Address in Korean:
제주 서귀포시 성산읍 성산리 78

Gyeongpo & Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festivals: These two sunrise festivals, located around Gangneung in the north-east, are both convenient festivals to witness if you’re staying in Seoul. Party all night and watch the sunrise before enjoying festival food and events.

Address in Korean:
강원도 강릉시 안현동 산1

Winter Sightseeing In Korea

Winter in Korea is as good a time to go sightseeing as any other time of year. Actually, it might be even better than in summer as the winter weather is dry and there are more blue skies. If the snow falls in winter, it’s even better and can look truly magical, creating beautiful photo opportunities.

Unfortunately, many trees and plants die off during autumn and don’t return until spring, which makes sightseeing in places of natural beauty less colourful. However, these places adapt to winter with light displays and other attractions that make up for the lack of nature.

What are the best places to go sightseeing in Korea during winter? There are plenty of places to see. These are popular places that you can visit all year round, with some additional features during winter that make them worth the trip, especially if there has been a recent snowfall.

Seoul’s Royal Palaces

Seoul’s royal palaces, such as the impressive Gyeongbokgung Palace, are impressive any time of year and should be on any Korean bucket list for travellers to Korea. When it snows, the curved palace rooftops catch the snow, creating a white crown for the colourfully decorated walls. Frozen ponds, palace walls, and falling snow provide the perfect background for a hanbok photoshoot.

How to get there: Take the subway to Gyeongbokgung Palace Station and use exit 5. The other royal palaces are within 20-30 minutes of Gyeongbokgung Palace by foot.

Address in Korean:
서울 종로구 효자로 12

Garden of Morning Calm

The winter illuminations at the Garden of Morning Calm are some of the best in Korea and visiting here during winter is just as fun as in any other season. Best viewed at night, this carefully crafted garden leads you down winding trails past hanok houses, sparkling ponds, and round pagodas. A truly wonderful day out from Seoul.

How to get there: You can get to the Garden of Morning Calm from Seoul by train (from Cheongpyeong Station), by bus (from Cheongpyeong Terminal), with the Gapyeong City Tour Bus, or with a guided tour.

Address in Korean:
경기 가평군 상면 수목원로 432

Want to take a tour to the Garden of Morning Calm? Garden of Morning Calm tours from Seoul are very reasonably priced and usually include a trip to Nami Island and other nearby attractions, including Alpaca World, Petite France or the Gangchon Railbike.

Jogyesa Buddhist Temple

Korea is blessed with hundreds of Buddhist temples that are open all year round. These can be found in cities, such as Jogyesa Temple in Seoul, in national parks, such as Beopjusa Temple in Songnisan, and even along the coast, such as Busan’s famous Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Visit in winter to see snowy temple scenes and monks in mufflers.

How to get there: Take the subway to Gyeongbokgung Palace Station and use exit 5. The other royal palaces are within 20-30 minutes of Gyeongbokgung Palace by foot.

Address in Korean:
서울 종로구 우정국로 55

Lotte World Tower

The Lotte World Tower is a great place in Seoul to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks, but is also worth visiting any other day during winter. As winter has more sunny days than other seasons, you’re more likely to get clear views from the Seoul Sky Observatory on the 117th floor of the tower. The tower lights up each night and is best seen from Seokchon Lake.

How to get there: Take the subway to Jamsil Station. The Lotte World Tower can be accessed from the subway station. Follow the signs to get directly into the tower.

Address in Korean:
서울 송파구 올림픽로 300

Wondaeri Birch Forest

Discover a winter wonderland at Wondaeri Birch Forest in Gangwon Province. A day trip out from Seoul, this place is home to 700,000 silver birch trees and provides a lovely scene for a snowy hike through silvery trees. There are many trekking paths to explore in this tranquil forest and photo-worthy spots to enjoy the Korean winter scenery.

How to get there: Take the intercity bus from Dong-Seoul Bus Terminal to Inje Intercity Bus Terminal. Transfer to a local bus or take a taxi (20,000 KRW). I recommend taking a taxi as there are only 3 buses per day stopping at the forest.

Address in Korean:
강원 인제군 인제읍 자작나무숲길 760

Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm

The Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm is a perfect place to explore Korea’s winter scenery on a snowy day. Visit ‘The Alps of Korea’ and gaze at the fields and surrounding forests blanketed in snow whilst trying to find camouflaged sheep. Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm is close to Gangneung, a city with many seaside cafes to stay warm in during winter.

How to get there: Take an intercity bus from Dong-Seoul Bus Terminal to Hoenggye Bus Terminal. Take the red shuttle bus going to the farm or take a taxi (10,000 KRW).

Address in Korean:
평창군 대관령면 대관령마루길 483-32

Gamcheon Culture Village

Busan’s colourfully painted Gamcheon Culture Village is a unique destination on Korea’s south coast that features murals, painted buildings, fun statues, and lots of photo spots. Wind your way through the hillside streets, taking it all in. Visit during December to see the Gamcheon House Lantern Exhibition, which makes it even more mesmerising.

How to get there: From Busan Station, take a subway or bus to Jagalchi Market Station and then transfer to green minibus 1-1, 2, or 2-2. This will stop outside the entrance to Gamcheon Culture Village.

Address in Korean:
부산 사하구 감천동 9-53

Want a tour of Gamcheon Culture Village? Day tours of Busan will take you to the Gamcheon Culture Village and other hot spots in Busan all in one day. This is useful as many of Busan’s best sights are spread out across the city and can take a long time to see by bus or train.

Jeju Island

Want to escape the freezing cold of Seoul but still have the chance to see snowy scenes during winter in Korea? Then visiting Jeju Island in winter is a great option. Explore sandy beaches one day, then climb the snow-capped peak of Korea’s largest mountain – Hallasan. Jeju also has great cafes, delicious food, and a unique culture.

How to get there: You can access Jeju from airports across Korea, including Gimpo Airport in Seoul. Check Skyscanner for the best prices. Flights last about 30-40 minutes.

Korean Winter Weather 2024

Here’s a brief overview of Korea’s winter weather. Please note, these figures apply to Seoul. Weather further south of Seoul, such as Jeju Island, can be different (i.e. warmer).

Temperature: Korean winters are cold and dry with short days. The coldest month is January, where temperatures in Seoul rarely get above freezing and can go as low as -20 Celsius at night. November and March aren’t as cold as December to February, which have temperatures below zero most of the day, but these months can be cold enough for snow.

Clear Skies: Winter in Korea is sunny. Almost 50% of the days during the Korean winter are clear and sunny, making it a good time to travel in Korea as you’ve got a good chance to see blue skies without clouds. Only October has more sunshine than the winter months in Korea.

Rainfall: December to February are the driest months in Korea and there is around 10% chance of precipitation in Seoul during January (July has almost 50%). Precipitation includes both rain and snow, meaning an even lower chance to see rain during winter.

Snowfall: The chance to see snow in Seoul is highest during January, with December and February both having similar average snowfalls. Snowfall peaks early January in Seoul, but there can be heavier and longer snowfalls at higher elevations, such as the national parks.

Want to know where to see snow in Korea this winter? Check out this guide to all the best places to see snow in Korea, packed full of pictures, tips, and advice. There’s so many beautiful places to see snow in Seoul and across Korea, especially in the national parks.

Source: Weather Spark

Korean Public Holidays In Winter 2024

There are several holidays in Korea during winter – Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year). These public holidays are important to consider when travelling to Korea as they can affect what’s open and when public transport runs.

Christmas Day: Christmas Day (December 25th) is a public holiday in Korea, but the celebrations for this date are much smaller than you’d find in other Christian countries. In Korea, couples tend to go out together to enjoy a meal out for Christmas Day.

New Year’s Day: New Year’s Eve (December 31st) and New Year’s Day (January 1st) are celebrated in Korea, even though the Lunar New Year is also celebrated. Koreans typically visit the east coast on New Year’s Day to see the first sunrise of the new (solar) year.

Seollal: Seollal, also known as Korean Lunar New Year, is one of the biggest public holidays in Korea. Lasting for 3 days, Koreans travel across the country, returning to their hometowns to spend time with their family and visit their ancestral graves to clean and look after them.

Because Seollal follows the lunar calendar, the actual dates change each year. Also, when the main date lands on a Sunday, there can be an additional day off. Below is a table of the Seollal dates for the next 4 years.

Public Transport: Local buses in Korea run a reduced schedule on Sundays and public holidays. Travel in Korea during the Seollal holiday can be difficult as tickets are booked up for trains and buses as soon as they’re available. Roads will also be very busy.

Tip: I recommend staying in Seoul or another big city during Seollal. You’re more likely to find places that are still open and you can also enjoy free entry to Seoul’s royal palaces. There are often cultural performances on during these holidays, too.

Korean Winter Foods

What should you eat in Korea during winter? What’s the best Korean winter dishes to try in Seoul? There are loads of incredible Korean winter foods that will warm you up and give you energy for a busy day of winter sightseeing and activities.

Korean winter foods can be categorised as street foods, little bites that you can grab on street corners, and winter dishes, big broths and meals that are shared together on a cold day. There are a wide range of both for you to try this winter.

Korean winter street food tends to be sweet or spicy and a guilty snack while you’re outside. Winter meals range from healthy hot dishes, to bubbling pans full of delicious goodies. Here are 5 of the best Korean winter dishes you can eat when it’s cold outside.

These 5 winter dishes are just a sampler of the varied menu of warming snacks and meals you can discover in Korea this winter. To find more delicious delights, check out my article about the best Korean winter foods. It’s a must read and shows you the amazing treats you must try.

Hotteok: Korean Sweet Pancakes

Walk along a busy street in Korea during winter and you’ll probably find a hotteok seller flipping and pressing down the balls of sticky dough filled with sweet syrup, cinnamon, and crunchy nuts that become hotteok. The combo of fried, sweet, crunchy goodness in a hotteok, along with the warmth it gives you as you gingerly hold it, really gives you a boost.

Name in Korean:
호떡

Bungeo-Ppang: Goldfish Bread

A popular Korean winter food for amongst locals and tourists alike, this cute goldfish bread is baked in a fish-shaped mould to give it its distinctive shape. This treat not only looks great, it tastes great. Stuffed with sweet red-beans, common in Korean baked goods, this fish is a classic Korean winter snack. Crispy outside, sweet and delicious inside.

Name in Korean:
붕어빵

Tteok-Bokki: Spicy Fried Rice Cakes

Tteok-bokki is a blend of steamed and sliced rice cakes (tteok 떡), fish cakes (odeng 오뎅), and scallions in a sweet and spicy sauce with plenty of chili paste. Eat it fresh from the market vendors at traditional Korean markets, or sit in for a meal with extras. This spicy, salty mishmash of classic Korean ingredients is perfect as a snack or meal.

Name in Korean:
떡볶이

Kimchi-Jjigae: Kimchi Stew

Kimchi-jjigae is mix of cabbage kimchi, tofu, cellophane noodles, pork, and vegetables, with rice and extra side dishes, often served in a large bowl for two or more people. When the kimchi is sautéed, it releases all its flavour into the stew, creating a hearty broth. Best eaten by putting all the ingredients on a spoon and dipping it in the broth.

Name in Korean:
김치 찌개

Dolsot Bibimbap: Stone Bowl Mixed Rice

The winter version of one of Korea’s most famous foods – bibimbap. Whereas regular bibimbap is served cold, this hot stone bowl version really mixes things up. Instead of a fried egg, a raw egg is dropped on top and mixed together with the rice, vegetables, sauces, etc. This creates a kind of egg fried rice that is both delicious and healthy.

Name in Korean:
돌솥 비빔밥

Winter Hiking In Korea

One of the most popular winter activities in Korea is hiking in Korea’s national parks. More than 70% of Korea is mountainous, meaning there’s always a peak to be climbed close to wherever you are staying.

Inside the borders of Seoul is Bukhansan National Park, a great place for a day trip to go winter hiking from Korea’s capital. I recommend hiking to Baegundae Peak for the best views of snowy Seoul.

The best national parks for snow hiking in South Korea are the tallest mountains as these see more snowfall and the snow on top stays for longer. The three highest mountain ranges in South Korea are Hallasan on Jeju Island, Jirisan, and Seoraksan.

There are also other national parks that have unique features that make them great for snow hiking. Here are 5 of the best national parks for winter hiking in Korea.

Hallasan National Park

The tallest mountain in South Korea is located on Jeju Island, a semi-tropical island south of the mainland that is more often associated with palm trees than snowy peaks. However, due to its height, Hallasan sees a lot of snow each year and is a great place for winter hiking. Hiking Hallasan in winter is very popular and reservations are required.

How to get there: To get to the Gwaneumsa Course start point, take bus 281 from Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal (heading to Seogwipo) for 25 mins and get off at Jeju University. Then, take the bus 475 for 15 minutes. Get off at the entrance of the Gwaneumsa Trail.

Address in Korean:
제주특별자치도 제주시 1100로 2070-61

Deogyusan National Park

Deogyusan National Park in central Korea provides a long hike through snow-covered valleys and past temples before ascending quickly to a peak with distant views all around. The peak connects to the Muju Deogyusan ski resort, which offers an easy way down via cable car, as well as a shortcut to the top if you want the views without hiking.

How to get there: Take a bus to Gucheon-dong bus stop from Daejeon and follow the hiking trail to the peak. Free shuttle buses run from the Muju Deogyusan ski resort to Muju. You can get to other cities from Muju Intercity Bus Terminal.

Address in Korean:
전라북도 무주군 설천면 구천동1로

Seoraksan National Park

One of the most beautiful national parks in Korea, Seoraksan is most popular in autumn, for fall foliage, and winter, for winter hiking. Wooded valleys, icy streams, and frozen peaks can be accessed through the various hiking courses here. There’s also a cable car that will take you to a smaller peak, complete with a Korean temple and views of the coast.

How to get there: There are tours from Seoul that will take you directly to the main entrance of the national park. To get there by public transport from Seoul, take an intercity bus to Sokcho, then change to local bus 7 or 7-1 to the park entrance.

Address in Korean:
강원도 속초시 설악산로 833 KR

Jirisan National Park

The highest peak on mainland Korea, Jirisan offers the chance to stay overnight at a mountain shelter and enjoy a short sunrise hike to the peak for breathtaking views. Winter hiking in the foothills and mountains of Jirisan provides the chance to see snowy-rivers, frozen waterfalls, and maybe an Asiatic bear, although it will probably be hibernating.

How to get there: Jirisan National Park is Korea’s largest national park and has many entrances and trails. Take an intercity bus to nearby towns, such as Namwon, Gurye, or Hadong, then transfer to local buses to reach the various park entrances.

Address in Korean:
경상남도 하동군 화개면 대성리

Staying at Jirisan National Park: If you want to book an overnight shelter at Jirisan or other parks, use the KNPS reservation site. There are several guesthouses and hotels in Jirisan, too, which are great for overnight hiking in winter.

Sobaeksan National Park

Sobaeksan, known as the ‘backbone of Korea’, is the 3rd largest national park in Korea. It’s home to a wide variety of animals, including wid boars, deers, and chipmunks. Sobaeksan is famous for winter hiking in Korea as it provides long views over cloudy peaks as you ascend the main peaks and is considered the most beautiful park to see snow.

How to get there: Sobaeksan is not an easy park to reach as it’s not close to any major cities. One option to get to Sobaeksan is to take a train to Jecheon or Yeongju, then take a train to Huibangsa Station and taxi to the park entrance.

Address in Korean:
충청북도 단양군 단양읍

Want to see how beautiful winter hiking in Korea can be? Check out this video of a snowy hike through Sobaeksan during winter.

Winter Hiking Essentials

Want to go hiking in Korea during winter safely? Here are a few essentials that you’ll need to have a safe and enjoyable trip to Korea’s snowy mountain peaks. You can bring these items with you or buy them when in Korea.

Hiking Boots: A sturdy pair of hiking boots are a must for winter hiking in Korea. You will be crossing rocky, snowy, and icy terrain and you can sprain your ankle or slip over easily if you wear the wrong shoes. Also, hiking boots are usually waterproof and will keep your feet warm.

Hiking Socks: Woollen hiking socks are good, but a couple of pairs of regular socks will do, too. These will stop your boots slipping and also stop your toes from getting too cold.

Thermal Inner Wear: If it’s windy, the cold will seep into your legs and arms very easily. Thermal inner wear (t-shirt and leggings) will keep your body warm and protected. Not essential, but very useful even when walking outside at night.

Wind-resistant Hiking Jacket: You can wear as many fleeces, t-shirts, or jumpers as you like, but a good jacket is the key to staying warm. Ideally water and wind-resistant, a hiking jacket will keep you warm without being too heavy.

Hat, Gloves, and Neck-warmer: I wouldn’t travel in winter without these anyway, but they’re essential while hiking in winter. The temperature will be below zero and you should cover up as much as possible.

Hiking Poles: These adjustable hiking sticks will give you extra balance and help you get up and down rocky paths more easily. They’re also useful for checking how deep the snow is. Not essential (I don’t use them), but useful.

Crampons (Ice Cleats): Crampons are metal spikes that go on the bottom of your shoes and stop you falling over on ice or snow. You basically can’t hike in winter without them.

Heat Packs: Heat packs either stick to your body/in your shoes, or go in your pocket to keep your hands warm. If you’re not used to the cold weather, I recommend both.

Food & Water: There aren’t many places to buy food or water after the park entrances, so make sure you stock up before hiking. Bring food for lunch, snacks, and at least 1 litre of water. I recommend a bottle of Powerade, it really helps when hiking.

Seasonal Korean Hiking Guide: Want to hike go hiking in Korea during winter or other seasons but not sure what to do? Then check out my seasonal guide to hiking in Korea with information about what to expect in each season, how to prepare, and which mountains to hike.

How To Survive Korean Winter

Winter in Korea is dry and cold and for travellers not used to such extreme weather, visiting Korea in winter can be a shock. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to prepare for the worst of the winter weather to keep you warm and safe.

The main things to be aware of are wearing the right clothes and bringing sun and skin care. I’ll explain these two issues in more detail in the next section. For now, here are a few of my best Korean winter survival tips, built up from years of living in Korea and enduring the cold.

Drink more water: The cold weather makes you less thirsty and encourages you to eat more salty hot foods. Combined, these can lead to dehydration and a day in bed, which is not fun (trust me!). Drink lots of water, especially if you’re hiking.

Watch out for ice: If it snowed or rained recently, pavements, roads and walkways can be slippery. If you’re hiking, definitely bring crampons. It’s easy to slip and hurt yourself.

Use heat packs: Grab a pocket warmer or heat pack and keep them in your bag in your pocket to warm your hands up when outside. Your fingers can go numb very quickly.

Be prepared to sweat on buses: Korean buses are notoriously hot during winter. Heating is usually turned up to max and if you’re wearing winter clothing, be prepared to sweat a lot.

Bring a tumbler: If you’re out walking and want to keep your drinks hot and fresh, and not add more pollution to the world, bring a tumbler or buy one. Starbucks has tumblers with cool Korean designs.

What To Wear In Winter

Winter in Korea is cold and you should definitely pack clothes that will keep you warm and protected. Hats, gloves, and a scarf will help keep you insulated and a thick jacket is a must for January and February, as well as something to keep your arms and legs warm.

Many Koreans wear padded down jackets with lighter clothes underneath. These keep you really warm and can be easily removed when you move inside. Fleeces and thermal layers can help, too. Uniqlo’s heat-tech range is a good example of winter-ready clothing.

If you plan to go hiking, bring some appropriate hiking boots that can handle snow, such as these North Face hiking boots (I use a similar pair). These are great even if you don’t plan to go hiking as they’re comfortable for walking around all day and will keep your feet dry.

Travelling from a country without many winter clothes or forgot to pack some winter essentials? Don’t worry. There are plenty of places to buy winter clothes in Korea, including Uniqlo, hiking stores, department stores, shopping centres, and traditional markets.

What To Pack For Winter

Besides warm winter clothes, here are a few more essential items to pack for your trip to Korea. Again, these items can be bought in Korea, but if you prefer certain brands or have allergies, it might be best to bring your own, especially for skin care.

Sun Care: It’s easy to forget about sun protection during winter as you don’t feel hot, but it’s still important. Korean winters are sunny and you’ll need sun cream and sunglasses with you. Sunglasses are essential if you’re hiking in snow or outside a lot. The sun reflects strongly from white snow and can be blinding.

Skin Care: Winter in Korea is very dry and your skin will dry out quickly. I find that hotels lack moisture and get really dry at night. Using hand and face moisturiser daily will stop your skin drying out. I use Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy, it’s good for sensitive skin. Lip balm is also recommended.

Heat: Your hands can get cold in winter, even with gloves on. I recommend bringing hand warmers for your pockets and feet. This is useful if you normally get cold fingers and toes during winter. Thermal under layers are also useful for keeping you warm during cold days.

Visiting Korea In Other Seasons

Korea is an amazing country to visit any time of year and undoubtedly has four very distinct seasons with lots of other activities, sights, foods, and festivals waiting for you in each one. If you plan to travel at any other time of year, here are some of the things you can expect.

Spring in Korea is a time for Korean cherry blossoms and Korean spring festivals that celebrate the return of nature. The weather is warm, making it one of the best times to visit Korea. Visit the mountains in spring for good hiking and to see the celebrations for Buddha’s Birthday.

Summer in Korea is really hot, making it perfect for indulging in sweet Korean summer dishes. There are lots of fun summer activities to enjoy, such as water sports, camping, and beach trips. It’s also wet, so these indoor activities in Seoul will help you plan for the worst.

Autumn in Korea is all about the incredible Korean autumn foliage, where you can see golden gingko leaves and multi-coloured maple leaves turning from green to gold and red. There are also loads of harvest and cultural festivals to enjoy and amazing weather.

If you want details about what to see, do, eat, and discover each month of the year, check out this guide to Korea’s seasons, which includes month-by-month and season-by-season guides. For information about festivals in Korea, read my guide to Korean festivals.

Winter In Korea FAQs

Finally, here are a few FAQs about winter in Korea, in case the above information didn’t cover enough for you. If you have any other questions you’d like to ask, feel free to leave a comment.

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October is a wonderful time to visit Korea. The weather is warm and sunny, there are lots of fresh foods waiting to be eaten, a wide range of festivals (both traditional and modern), and nature is dressing up in golds, reds, and oranges for one last show before winter sets in.

However, because October is such a good month to travel in Korea, it’s also one of the busiest. Find out how to get around, avoid crowds, when to visit the top places, and how to plan your travels more easily with my essential travel tips. Discover the best that October in Korea has to offer right now.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

Why Visit Korea In October 2024?

Why visit Korea in October? Simply put, it’s the best time of year to be in Korea. As someone who’s lived in Korea since 2015, I can say that October has the best weather, prettiest sights, and best food. Of course, there are many great months, but the autumn foliage puts October ahead.

Not only is the autumn foliage creeping across the country from north to south, there is a feeling of happiness and joy in Korea and Koreans that comes from the end of the brutal summer, which is horribly hot and humid. This joy is released in outdoor trips, festivals, and harvest celebrations.

If you’re like me and want to go hiking all over Korea’s 7,000+ mountains, October is definitely the best time to put on a pair of good boots and get outdoors. Even if you don’t want to hike, just see incredible autumn views on leafy slopes, there isn’t a better time than this cool autumn month.

Korea’s traditional food and destinations are also the stars of this busy month, with fresh harvest produce available to sample, such as succulent fruits and veg, crunchy nuts, and spicy chilli peppers. The best places to try these are in Korea’s historic cities, such as Jeonju, Gyeongju, and Andong.

Use the links below to jump straight to what you’re most interested in, or keep reading through to learn all there is about visiting Korea in October. I’ll introduce my personal favourite places, festivals, events, and foods, as well as give you a 1-week itinerary for October and my personal travel tips.

Popular Korean Festivals In October 2024

October is a great time to experience cultural festivals in Korea. Travellers to Korea in October can not only experience traditional Korean festivals, such as the Andong Mask Festival and Jinju Lantern Festival, but also discover modern Korean culture at the Busan International Film Festival.

Please note: The exact festival dates for October 2024 won’t be available until spring or summer 2024. The dates used are based on the dates for October 2023 until the new dates are available.

Here are some of the biggest and best festivals in Korea in October for you to enjoy:

Jinju Lantern Festival 2024

The Jinju Namgang Yudeung Lantern Festival is a city-wide celebration that see the historic fortress, main bridge, river, and surrounding areas covered with colourful lanterns of varying shapes and sizes. The lanterns are lit at night and are an incredible sight to see. There are also cultural performances, food stalls, and events during the day, such as lantern making and lantern sailing. Visit in late afternoon and stay until it gets dark for the best views.

Festival Dates:
Oct 8 – Oct 22 2024 (TBC)

Andong Mask Dance Festival 2024

Featuring more than a week of performances, festivities, and events, the Andong Mask Dance Festival is one of the best festivals in Korea for those who want to experience traditional Korean culture. There are many other Korean activities and performances to enjoy, too, such as Taekwondo, orchestras, plays, and traditional games. Performers from other countries join in with their own performances, too.

Festival Dates:
Oct 2 – Oct 9 2024 (TBC)

Busan International Film Festival 2024

The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) is the Cannes of Asia, featuring around 300 movies from around the world and red-carpet events. See major movie stars attending worldwide and international premiers of over 100 movies each year. Featuring a wide range of genres on show, you’re sure to find something to enjoy. Hosted in various sites across Busan.

Festival Dates:
Oct 4 – Oct 13 2024 (TBC)

Busan International Rock Festival 2024

The Busan International Rock Festival is a two day music extravaganza that features many Korean and international bands over a number of stages at the grassy Samnak Ecological Park. Unlike most other Korean festivals, camping is allowed here and the nearby campsite allows for an authentic festival experience. Muddy, messy, musical, and a lot of fun, the Busan International Rock Festival is great way to enjoy a weekend out in October.

Festival Dates:
Oct 7 – Oct 8 2024 (TBC)

Gangneung Coffee Festival 2024

The Gangneung Coffee Festival is a celebration of all things coffee. Located in the coastal city of Gangneung, a popular beach destination that also has many popular cafes, this festival hosts barista awards, excellent coffee, and the chance to see the sea with a hot brew. Coffee installations and demonstrations are available in the city, as well as the chance to experience some of Korea’s best coffee.

Festival Dates:
Oct 6 – Oct 9 2024 (TBC)

Baekje Culture Festival 2024

The Baekje Culture Festival is held in the two former capital cities of the Baekje Kingdom, one of the 3 major powers from Korea’s past. Located in Buyeo and Gongju, which are connected by the mighty Geumgang River, this 10-day celebration not only includes traditional Korean culture, but also modern K-Pop performances, lanterns, fireworks, food stalls, and lots more. The festival is held over 10 days, giving you the chance to visit both the Buyeo and Gongju celebrations.

Festival Dates:
Sept 23 – Oct 9 2024 (TBC)

Seoul Fireworks Festival 2024

The Seoul International Fireworks Festival is held in Seoul in early October each year and is the first of the major fireworks festivals in Korea. Located in Yeouido, thousands of locals and tourists descend on Yeouido Hangang Park to see the colourful fireworks shooting out over the riverside and illuminating the city. There are over 100,000 fireworks set off each year with teams competing from various countries to create the best display in the night sky.

Festival Dates:
October 7 2024 (TBC)

Regional Korean Festivals In October

Here are some smaller regional festivals that might be of interest to you if you’re visiting Korea in October. These festivals may occur in September in some years as they’re usually around the Chuseok holidays, which follow the Lunar calendar.

• Gimje Horizon Festival 2024 (김제 지평선축제)
  Oct 5 – Oct 9 2024 (Dates TBC)
• Wonju Dynamic Dancing Carnival 2024 (원주 다이내믹댄싱카니발)
  Sep 22 – Sep 24 2024 (Dates TBC)
• Bupyeong Pungmul Festival 2024 (부평풍물대축제)
  Sep 22 – Sep 24 2024 (Dates TBC)
• Bucheon International Comics Festival 2024 (부천국제만화축제)
  Sep 14 – Sep 17 2024 (Dates TBC)
• Hanseong Baekje Cultural Festival Seoul 2024 (한성백제문화제)
  Sep 22 – Sep 24 2024 (Dates TBC)
• Sancheong Medicinal Herb Festival 2024 (산청한방약초축제)
  Oct 6 – Oct 10 2024 (Dates TBC)
• Korea Wine Festival Yeongdong 2024 (영동와인연말기획전)
  Oct 12 – Oct 15 2024 (Dates TBC)
• Seosan Haemieupseong Fortress Festival 2024 (서산해미읍성역사체험축제)
  Oct 7 – Oct 9 2024 (Dates TBC)
• Jinan Red Ginseng Festival 2024 (진안 홍삼축제)
  Sep 22 – Sep 24 2024 (Dates TBC)
• Nonsan Ganggyeong Salted Seafood Festival 2024 (논산강경젓갈축제)
  Oct 12 – Oct 16 2024 (Dates TBC)
• Gwangju Chungjang Festival 2024 (추억의 충장축제)
  Oct 5 – Oct 9 2024 (Dates TBC)
• Silla Cultural Festival Gyeongju 2024 (신라문화제)
  Oct 14 – Oct 16 2024 (Dates TBC)

These regional festivals don’t attract as many tourists, but can give you an interesting look at life in Korea and offer a chance to learn more about Korean culture.

Tours & Events In October 2024

The best way to explore Korea is to get out into the streets of Seoul and other cities and walk around to get a feel for the culture and atmosphere of that place. However, many of the best places to visit in October are outside of the big cities and best accessed with a guided tour from Seoul or Busan.

I take many tours during October and other months of the year as they’re reasonably priced, provide convenient transportation directly to each location, and come with a helpful guide. Having a tour guide in Korea is especially useful as Korean attractions don’t always provide much info in English.

Here are some of the best tours you can take in Korea this October:

Events In Seoul This October

October is a popular time not only for festivals and tours, but also lively and exciting events. Seoul is home to many cultural performances, both Korean and international, and adding one of these events to your Seoul itinerary is a great way to spend an evening out.

Here are some fun events you can check out in Seoul this October:

Please note: These events were for October 2023 and October 2024 events may differ. I will update what events are on in Seoul during October 2024 closer to the date. Some events, such as Nanta Cooking Musical, continue year round and should be on in October.

October Is Peak Season In Korea!

Due to the warm weather, public holidays, and autumn foliage, travelling in Korea in October is very busy with tours and hotels booked up in advance. October is peak season in Korea, along with April and May. April is busy due to the blooming cherry blossoms, which is another great reason to visit Korea.

Popular destinations such as national parks (autumn leaves), historic cities (Gyeongju), and tourist spots such as Seoul and Jeju Island will be particularly busy, especially on the weekends. I recommend booking as much as possible in advance (hotels, tours, transportation) to avoid disappointment.

Best Activities To Enjoy In October 2024

There are so many things to do in Korea in October that you might find you don’t have time to do them all. From autumn foliage spotting, to riding along riversides, sleeping in Buddhist temples, and exploring night markets, you’ll not get bored during this autumn month.

Below are some of the most popular things to do in October. Of course, there are many other popular activities that you can do at any time of year in Korea, such as wearing Korean hanbok, touring royal palaces, soaking in a Korean sauna, singing in a noraebang, and more.

See Incredible Autumn Foliage

Where: National parks, royal palaces, parks, and many other places.

The number one thing to do in Korea in October has to be visiting the autumn foliage that starts to appear at the start of the month. Seoraksan National Park on Korea’s east coast is where it all begins, with the leaves turning golden in early October. By the end of October, trees across the country will have started to drop their leaves. National parks are the best places to visit for autumn foliage in Korea.

South Korea Foliage Forecast 2024

To help you plan when to see the autumn foliage in Korea this autumn, here’s the most up-to-date fall foliage forecast. This forecast shows you the expected dates for the fall foliage in Korea in 2024. Start and peak foliage times typically stay within 1 week of the dates of the previous year.

The start of autumn foliage in Korea in 2024 is October 1st in Seoraksan National Park, with the foliage peaking from October 23rd there. Other places start and peak over the following five weeks.

Please note: This is currently showing the 2023 dates. I will update with the 2024 dates as soon as they’re available.

Go Hiking Or Trekking

Where: National parks, royal palaces, parks, and many other places.

Not only can you see beautiful autumn foliage in Korea in October, it’s also one of the best times to go hiking or trekking. Korea is blessed with hundreds of mountains with thousands of hiking and trekking paths, each offering amazing views of the Korean countryside. There are plenty of walking paths for those who don’t want to hike. Find out why hiking and trekking are such popular hobbies in Korea this October.

More Info: Check out my seasonal hiking guide for info about the best places to visit in each season, how to prepare, and where to hike. Want to hike Seoul’s highest mountain? This guide to hiking Baegundae Peak in Bukhansan National Park will tell you all you need to know to hike.

Join A Temple Stay Program

Where: Yakcheonsa Temple (Jeju), Bulguksa Temple (Gyeongju), Beopjusa Temple (Songnisan National Park).

The Korean Templestay Program offers you the rare chance to witness life inside a Korean Buddhist temple. Eat healthy vegan food, cleanse your mind, appreciate more, and chat with Buddhist monks during a traditional Korean tea ceremony. The best way to experience a temple stay is the overnight course, where you wake up before sunrise and join the monks in their morning rituals and worship.

More Info: I’ve been on several temple stays and shared my experiences in this article about temple stays in Korea, which tells you what to expect, what’s included, and how to book a temple stay.

Visit A Night Market

Where: Seoul (Bamdokkaebi Markets, Namdaemun Market), Daegu (Seomun Market), Seogwipo (Maeil Olle Market).

October evenings are still quite warm and there are plenty of night-time activities to enjoy in Korea’s cities, including a trip to a night market. Traditional markets host night markets in some cities and there are seasonal night markets, usually between spring and autumn when it’s warmer. Seoul’s Bamdokkaebi (night goblin) night markets are some of the best. There are stalls run by locals selling craft goods, jewellery, cosmetics, art, food and more.

Relax By The Beach

Where: East Coast – Sokcho, Gangneung, and Surfyy Beach. Busan – Haeundae, Songjeong, and Songdo Beach.

Summer in Korea may be over before October, but it’s still warm during the day with clear blue skies (unlike summer which is often wet). Korea has many great beaches to relax on in popular destinations like Jeju Island, Busan, and the south coast (Geoje, Tongyeong). These will be slightly warmer than the northern parts of Korea. If you’re hiking Seoraksan, Sokcho Beach is nearby and a good place to recover.

Rent a Bike And Ride

Where: Bikes can be rented in Seoul and other cities such as Daejeon and Busan.

October days are perfect for renting a bike and exploring more of Korea. Bike rental systems are in place in most major cities, as well as tourist spots like Nami Island. Costs for public bike rental are cheap, starting at as little as 1,000 per hour. Good spots to ride in Seoul are along the Han River parks, especially near Yeouido Island, Haneul Park, and Seoul Forest. There are wide lanes dedicated for cyclists with views over the Han River, parks and cityscape.

Take A Day Trip

Whether you’re in Seoul, Busan, Jeju or elsewhere in October, the blue skies and calm weather make this the perfect time to spend a day getting out and about. Grab a quick breakfast and take the train out to see an historic fortress, beautiful bamboo forest, green tea plantation, or even the world’s most dangerous border. While day trips can often be a bit more expensive than exploring by yourself, they’re usually the most memorable part of your journey.

October Day Trips From Seoul

Here are a few popular day trips from Seoul that you can enjoy in October (or any month). To book day trips and tours in Korea, I recommend using Klook, Get Your Guide, or Viator. They have a large presence in Korea and offer a wide range of easy-to-book tours in October and all months.

Nami Island & The Garden of Morning Calm

See the best of Gapyeong County with these charming spots of natural beauty. Nami Island hosts wild animals (rabbits, deer), tree-lined pathways, cafes, and cultural performances. The Garden of Morning Calm is one of the prettiest walks you’ll experience in Korea, passing through carefully curated displays of flowers, trees, and traditional Korean architecture.

For directions to these places, check out my guide to getting to Nami Island.

DMZ (Korean Demilitarised Zone)

Top on many traveller’s list of day trips from Seoul is the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). There are so many reasons to visit the DMZ. Whether you want to learn about Korean history, experience a real-life war zone border, or simply want a chance to step over into North Korea, this is a uniquely Korean trip.

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

A short journey from Seoul, Suwon hosts the historic Hwaseong Fortress, complete with nearly 6km of fortress walls, palaces, fortress gates, and other buildings. Nestled amongst historic beauty is a pretty river, parks, cafes, and Suwon’s famous Fried Chicken Street – home to Korea’s best fried chicken!

Everland & Caribbean Bay

Theme park fans and thrill seekers will find this to be one of the best day trips from Seoul. Everland is Korea’s largest theme park and boasts the world’s steepest roller coaster. Caribbean Bay is one of the world’s largest water parks. With loads of rides, this is the best place to have fun this October.

Best Places to Go During October

Besides fun festivals and exciting events, there are lots of places to visit during October that will show you Korea’s natural beauty and traditional charms. Pink muhly in Gyeongju, golden ginkgo in Asan, silvery reeds in Seoul, fall foliage all around. Here are 5 great places to visit this October:

Beautiful Gyeongju City

Gyeongju is an historic Korean city that is known as Korea’s outdoor museum due to the large number of ancient buildings standing around the city and nearby, including Cheomseongdae Observatory, Wolji Pond, Bulguksa Temple, and dozens of tombs. The city is also famous for its nature, with an ocean of pink muhly bushes coming to life in October, as well as cosmos and autumn foliage. Visit Bomun Lake for scenic sights of fall foliage with reflections in the water.

Seoraksan National Park

One of the most popular mountains to hike in Korea during autumn, Seoraksan National Park has incredible views, Buddhist temples, cloudy vistas, and many other attractions. Thanks to its location close to the north-east coast, Seoraksan is one of the first places to see autumn leaves in Korea and makes for a great place to hike for people staying in Seoul, Sokcho, or nearby Gangneung. If you’re not a hiker, you can ride the cable car to the top instead.

Asan Gingko Tree Road

There are two trees that are perfect for seeing autumn leaves in Korea: maple and gingko. The Asan Gingko Tree Road specialises in the latter and is the best place to see this gorgeous golden cascade of colours. Imagine strolling down the beautiful, tree-lined streets of Asan Gingko Tree Road, with a carpet of golden leaves below, and lemony clouds above. Gingko trees are famous for their many leaves that slowly drop their leaves, waiting for you to tread on.

Haneul Sky Park Seoul

Another natural wonder that you can experience in Korea in October is an ocean of tall silver reeds (Eulalia) gently swaying in autumn winds. The best place to see these reeds in Seoul is at Haneul Sky Park, which hosts the Silver Grass Festival in October. This festival lets you walk through a maze of reeds, take pictures at the photo zones, and look out over the beautiful Han River below. Mindungsan Mountain is another great place for silver reeds.

Naejangsan National Park

Literally meaning ‘concealed inside’, Naejangsan has a treasure trove of hidden wonders that offer awe-inspiring photo opportunities, beautiful backgrounds, and the chance to find spiritual calm among natural beauty. Late-October and early-November are the best times to visit Naejangsan as the autumn leaves start to turn fiery red and golden yellow. Truly one of the most iconic fall foliage spots in Korea, Naejangsan is a must for picture-postcard memories of Korea.

Korean Foods To Try In October

October in Korea is the best time to get fresh fruits, vegetables, and other locally grown produce when it’s ripest and ready to be plucked or pulled and then eaten. Korean foods you’ll find in October include chestnuts, slim chilli peppers, cabbages, jujube, persimmons, sesame plants, and lots more.

If you walk through a Korean village, or go mountain hiking, you’ll see an array of colourful foods on farms or for sale in traditional markets, street corners, or even from the back of a lorry. Some of it you can even pick up from the ground. Watch out for chestnut shells if you’re hiking in Korea’s mountains.

Korean Pancakes (Jeon)

If you’re visiting one of Korea’s gorgeous national parks, then you’ll definitely find somewhere to get some jeon (전). Jeon is a form of pancake that comes with various ingredients. Popular options include gamja-jeon (potato), kimchi-jeon (kimchi), or haemul pajeon (seafood & green onion). These are cooked fresh at the entrance to the park and are the perfect reward after a day of hiking. Grab a bottle of makgeolli to go with it.

Korean Rice Wine

Another staple of any trip to the mountains in Korea is a cup (or bowl) of traditional Korean rice wine. The most common forms of Korean rice wine are makgeolli (막걸리) and dongdongju (동동주), which are both made by fermenting rice. Makgeolli is like a mix between wine and yogurt (with lots of healthy bacteria), while dongdongju is not as creamy. Both are delicious on a hot day in October and come in a variety of flavours such as chestnut, sweetcorn, date, and banana.

Rice Cake Sweets

Rice cakes are used in lots of traditional Korean dishes, from tteokbokki to budae jjigae, as well as sweet snacks like the ones in the picture. These are called songpyeon (송편) and are rice cakes stuffed with sweet fillings such as red beans, sweetened sesame seeds, honey, or chestnuts. The cakes are steamed over a bed of pine needles, which is where they get their name (songpyeon means ‘pine tree’ in Korean). You can find these in temples, Korean tea houses, and other traditional locations.

Persimmons

Another autumn delicacy that you’ll spot stubbornly clinging to the trees in October are bright orange persimmons or gam (감). These are common in Korea and if you walk through the countryside, you’ll see hundreds stuck on trees or hung out to dry. The best way to eat them is to stick them in the freezer and then open it up and eat it with a spoon. If you’re not up for that, grab some dried persimmons (gotgam 곶감) instead. These are cheap and healthy snacks you’ll find all over Korea.

Jujube (Red Dates)

Jujube are red dates (Chinese dates), known as daechu (대추) in Korea, that look more like a small apple than traditional dates. These healthy fruit are used a lot in traditional Korean medicines and are said to reduce stress or prevent ageing. You can find them for sale in traditional markets in national parks after they’re freshly picked, or sold in many different forms in other places. They are used for teas and other drinks, including makgeolli and dongdongju.

Chestnuts

Chestnuts, or bam (밤) in Korean, are a staple snack that you’ll find throughout autumn and winter in Korea. These fall from the trees in their spiky shells throughout autumn, so watch out as you’re hiking. The nuts have a smoky flavour that’s not sweet. The best way to enjoy chestnuts in Korea is when they’re roasted, known as gunbam (군밤), in chestnut bread, or in chestnut makgeolli, which is popular in Gongju and can be found at the Baekje Culture Festival.

Weather & Public Holidays During October

What is the weather like in Korea in October? Absolutely amazing. The weather is still warm in most parts of the country during the day, but cold in at night. Jeju Island in the south is a few degrees hotter on average than Seoul, which is in the north. The skies are mostly blue, too.

Temperatures range from 15 to 25 (Celsius) during the day and 5 to 15 at night. It can get as low as 0 at night, but that’s not common. It’s best to bring warm weather clothes for late October, however, in 2023, the summer heat lasted longer than expected and it was still over 25 degrees in November!

October has less rain than July and August, the wettest months in Korea, and is less humid. There is still rainfall during October, but it’s not as common and doesn’t last more than a few days. Expect to see clear blue skies with thin, streaky clouds on many days in October, like in the picture above.

In my experience, there are more good weather days than bad in October, however, it’s not always perfect. One of the best things about visiting Korea in October is the lack of fine dust. Air pollution is at its lowest at this time of year. Air pollution numbers start to rise in winter and peak in spring.

Average Daily Temperatures In October

Here’s the range of temperatures you can expect during October in Korea. The daytime is warm and can range from 15 to 25 degrees, while nighttime is colder, ranging from 5 to 15 degrees. There can be lower temperatures when there’s bad weather, but it’s not that cold in October.

Typhoon Season In Korea

Technically, October is part of typhoon season in Korea. That means there can be some extreme weather, including strong winds, waves, and heavy rain. Typhoons don’t often hit mainland Korea and usually only affect the southern regions. Jeju Island, Busan, and southern areas are more at risk than places like Seoul and Gyeongju.

There’s not much that can be done about typhoons, and it’s very hard to predict where they’ll actually hit, but it’s good to keep an eye on the weather forecasts and to have backup plans.

Public Holidays In October

There are a couple of public holidays that fall in October each year, as well as a big holiday that is in October on certain years. It’s useful to know about these public holidays as they can affect your travel plans. Some places may be closed and popular places may be busier than normal.

Chuseok: Autumn Harvest Festival

Chuseok, also known as Korean Thanksgiving, is an autumn harvest festival that celebrates the bountiful harvest for that year. This is one of Korea’s biggest holidays and usually lasts for 3-4 days with millions of Koreans returning home to spend time with their family. The dates are based on the lunar calendar, and therefore change every year.

Chuseok Dates:
Sep 16 – Sep 18 2024

Chuseok Dates For 2024 & Beyond

Although Chuseok occurs most often in September, it can land in October, too. The next time Chuseok is in October will be in 2025. The last time Chuseok was in October was in 2020. Here are the dates for the Chuseok holiday for the next few years:

National Foundation Day: October 3rd

National Foundation Day, also known as Gaecheonjeol in Korean, is a public holiday at the start of October that celebrates the Korean creation story and founding of Korea in 2333 BC.

Hangul Day: October 9th

Hangul Day, or Korean Alphabet Day, is a public holiday in Korea designed to commemorate the creation of the Korean alphabet in the 15th Century by King Sejong the Great. If you’re interested in learning the Korean alphabet, here are some really useful free resources to learn Korean.

My Tips For Exploring Korea During October

This final section is a collection of my personal tips and recommendations for travelling in Korea in October and how to get the most out of this colourful month. There is a one-week itinerary for October which takes you to some of the best sights, including Seoraksan, Gyeongju, Suwon and more.

Next is a guide to what to wear in Korea during October, explaining how warm or cold it can get, what to pack to dress comfortably, and examples of what I wear at this time. Finally, there are a few of my own tips for travelling during October. October is a busy month and there’s a lot of be aware of.

Recommended Itinerary For October In Korea

Planning to visit Korea in October but not sure where to go for the best sights and experiences? This 7 day itinerary will help you get started planning your October adventure.

The itinerary uses 2 cities as a base (Seoul and Busan), but will take you far and wide across Korea; to mountains looking over the east coast, to Korea’s historic capital, to ancient fortresses, and to lots of beautiful autumn foliage spots.

Day 1: Seoul Sights

As most flights arrive to Korea via Incheon Airport, which is just outside Seoul, it’s usually best to spend a bit of time in Seoul getting over jet lag and embracing Korea’s capital. If you stay in Myeongdong, you can easily get access to the royal palaces, N Seoul Tower, Insadong Art Street, Myeongdong street food and markets, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Jogyesa Temple, and lots more. Spend the day walking, eating, and seeing the sights.

Here are some great Budget Hotels in Myeongdong that I personally recommend.

Day 2: Seoul River Parks

The Han River is a wide stretch of water that splits Seoul right in the middle. Check out Haneul Sky Park and Oil Tank Culture Park on the north side of the river, stop by Hongdae for some lunch, then head over the river to Yeouido Hangang River for more parks and natural beauty. Take the subway to Gangnam to see the massive COEX Mall, K-Pop sights, Bongeunsa Temple, and eat dinner in the Apgujeong area.

Day 3: Seoraksan Day Trip

Get up early and take a day trip to Seoraksan National Park, passing through the beautiful Korean countryside on the way. Follow the easy valley walking paths, past historic Korean temples and shrines, hike to the peaks, or take the cable car to the mountaintop. Try a traditional hiking dinner – pajeon and makgeolli for an authentic Korean experience.

Day 4: Suwon or Jeonju Day Trip

Take a day trip to Suwon or Jeonju and explore the historic areas in either city. Suwon is home to Hwaseong Fortress. Walk the walls in the morning, explore the fortress grounds in the afternoon, try your hand at Korean archery, stop off in a cafe, and enjoy Korea’s best fried chicken at night. Jeonju hosts Korea’s largest hanok village with more than 700 traditional Korean hanok houses. Dress up in hanbok, eat traditional Korean snacks and dishes, and discover Korea’s past.

You can get to both of these cities through a guided tour or on the KTX trains.

Day 5: Busan Beaches

Ride the KTX train from Seoul to Busan in under 3 hours and see a different side of Korea in its second largest city. Known for its beaches, seafood markets, and maritime history, Busan is less busy than Seoul, but just as fun. Haeundae is a good place to stay, as well as the central Seomyeon district. Spend the day visiting the beaches (Haeundae, Songdo, Gwangalli, Songjeong), exploring the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village, riding the Haeundae Blue Line Train (a good way to get from Haeundae Beach and Songjeong Beach), or checking out Jagalchi Fish Market and the nearby Nampo shopping area.

Day 6: Gyeongju Day Trip

From Busan, take a short train ride to Gyeongju, the former capital city of the Silla Kingdom. Discover historic sights, including Bulguksa Temple, Wolji Pond, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Woljeonggyo Bridge, ancient tombs, and lots more. Eat dinner in the popular Hwangnidan Street, lined with old Korean hanok houses that are now cafes, restaurants, and bars. If you don’t want to travel all the way to Gyeongju, visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan – a stunning cliffside temple with waves crashing below and surrounded by rocks and trees. Guided tours available from Klook.

Day 7: Seoul Shopping

Head back to Seoul on the speedy KTX train from Busan and pack your bags with souvenirs to share with your family. Hongdae is a great place for last minute shopping and you’ll find gifts, clothes (modern, boutique, and street fashions), sweets, and lots more for sale here. There are lots of dining options in Hongdae, from traditional Korean BBQ to Michelin-starred international cuisine. After dinner, sing your heart out at a noraebang (Korean karaoke), or watch the street performers at night. Stay in Hongdae for your last night and then you can take the all-stop train directly to Incheon Airport .

Here are some great Hotels in Hongdae that are close to shops and entertainment..

This is a very simple itinerary that will give you a rough idea of where to go and popular sights you can visit that are best in October. There are plenty of other places that you could visit on a one-week trip, including Jeju Island, Gangneung, Sokcho, Jirisan National Park, and lots more.

What To Wear In Korea In October

October in Korea is warm during the day, but cold at night. Temperatures typically range between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius during the day and as low as 5 to 15 degrees at night, depending on the time of month and weather conditions.

Since the weather can vary, it’s useful to pack a range of clothes for cool and warm weather. Layering will help you stay warm in the morning and evenings, but try not to wear an overly large jacket or coat as you’ll probably want to take it off and carry it during the day.

October is quite dry, so you shouldn’t need to worry too much about bringing an umbrella. You can certainly buy one easily enough in Korea. It still rains, but not as much as summer. A jacket or coat that is waterproof could be a good option to prevent coldness and to stay dry.

A t-shirt and jumper / shirt should be good for most days to keep you warm. Some people still wear shorts and a t-shirt during October, but that depends on the person. If you’re comfortable with cooler weather, then you’ll not have any problems dressing like that.

What I wear in October

This picture was taken on October 10th in Gyeongju. It was raining that day, but wasn’t that cold. I was fine in a shirt and t-shirt with jeans. I typically start wearing a woollen jumper by mid-October with jeans and walking boots. I’ll pack a light jacket if I’m planning to be out at night or hiking (it gets cold at the top). I wouldn’t recommend sandals in October, especially if you plan to do a lot of walking.

Winter usually starts around mid-November and the warm autumn weather quickly disappears before the cold winter weather arrives to freeze everything in place. Predicting the weather is very tricky, so be prepared for the worst, which would include colder weather than expected.

Packing an extra jumper or jacket is probably best. If you’re stuck with the wrong clothes in October, you can always visit the markets in Seoul and find lots of cheap clothes to keep you warm.

Tips For Visiting Korea In October

Finally, here are some of my tips to help you travel Korea in October. October is the time I’m out travelling the most in Korea and you’ll find lots of other people doing the same.

Book ahead: As I’ve mentioned, October is peak season in Korea and many things will be booked up weeks or months in advance, especially around the public holidays.

Plan your route: Be careful when travelling on trains and buses. Use Naver Maps to help you plan your route and use the official Korail website – letskorail – to book train tickets.

Expect delays: Want to visit the best autumn foliage spot when it’s just about to peak? Well, so does everyone else. Expect traffic delays, crammed buses, and long queues. That’s part of peak travel.

Pack appropriately: October is a month that swings from warm to cool and the temperatures can vary depending on where you travel. Assume the worst and bring some cold weather clothes.

Get out of the cities: The best sights in Korea during autumn are typically outside of the cities and in the national parks. There are plenty of national parks in Korea, including Bukhansan National Park which is right next to Seoul.

Join a walking tour: Walking or social tours are a great way to meet other travellers and explore more of Korea with others. You can find lots of these in the Korea Travel Advice group.

Visiting Korea In October FAQs

Finally, here are a few FAQs about visiting Korea in October, in case the above information didn’t cover enough for you. If you have any other questions you’d like to ask, feel free to leave a comment.

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This guide will tell you where to see cherry blossoms in Korea and includes the 2024 Korean cherry blossom forecast to help you plan your trips during Korea’s prettiest season. There are cherry blossom forecast dates for the whole of Korea, from Seoul to Jeju Island.

Discover incredible cherry blossom festivals, viewing spots, and unique events across Korea and how to get there. As well as knowing where to see cherry blossoms in Korea in 2024, you’ll find my own travel tips & insights and useful information to help you travel Korea.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

Why See Cherry Blossoms In Korea?

Why should you visit Korea to see cherry blossoms this spring? Well, simply put, there’re amazing and give you the chance to see pretty spring blossoms when the weather is warm and the seasons are changing. They’re also all over the country, from city streets to winding around mountains on long, pink paths, which means that you can’t miss them. You’ll find incredible cherry blossom sights in Korea.

Leaping out in pinky-white waves across Korea, heralding the start of spring, the blossoms are the perfect antidote to the cold, dark winter that grips Korea for several months beforehand, and marks the start of warmer weather and prettier sights all round. When you visit Korea during cherry blossom season, you will see for yourself why Koreans and tourists alike love celebrating cherry blossom season.

My personal favourite places to see cherry blossoms in Korea are:

These places all have cherry blossom festivals where you can not only take in the pinky-white petals, you can also enjoy festival activities and other natural or cultural sights nearby. When can you see cherry blossoms in Korea? The next section will show you the Korean cherry blossom forecast for 2024 for the best dates for blossom watching.

Please note: The 2024 forecast will be available around January or February 2024.

South Korean Cherry Blossom Forecast 2024

Cherry blossoms in Korea come out from mid March until early April. They start in the south on Jeju Island and slowly work their way up towards Seoul by early April. Therefore, you can travel through the country and see several cherry blossom spots on your way.

Please note: The 2024 South Korea cherry blossom forecast is not yet available. However, the dates should be around the dates of the 2023 cherry blossoms. However, the 2023 cherry blossom dates were up to 10 days earlier than average, so it’s likely that the 2024 cherry blossom dates will be later. The 2024 cherry blossom forecast will be available in early 2024.

The dates for the start of the cherry blossoms in Korea for 2023 are provided below. This will help you plan your travels to see Korean cherry blossoms in 2024.

Source: Weatheri website

The 2024 Korean cherry blossom forecast shows the start date of the cherry blossoms coming out. The peak Korean cherry blossom dates, the times when most cherry blossoms are fully out, is usually 4 to 7 days after the start date. If you want the best views, visit up to a week after the start date.

Please note: these dates can change due to unforeseen weather conditions. Visiting a few days after the start of the forecasted dates should give you the best views in case the blossoms are late.

Below you can find the Korean cherry blossom dates for various cities and the yearly average blossom dates. Yet again, the Korean cherry blossom forecast shows an early blossoming date than normal. This is likely due to a warmer than usual winter in Korea.

Available Cherry Blossom Tours

This article introduces the best cherry blossom spots across Korea, starting with Seoul and working down across the country, including the best festivals. If you’re interested in booking a cherry blossom tour, here are some of the best tours available this spring 2024 (tours won’t be available until 2024).

Cherry Blossom Tours from Seoul:

Cherry Blossom Tours from Busan:

Cherry Blossom Tours on Jeju Island:

If you’re visiting Korea in mid-March, which is a bit early for cherry blossoms, you can still see the beautiful plum blossoms, which are known in Korea as maehwa.

• Gwangyang Maehwa & Jeonju Hanok Village Tour from Seoul

Not sure where to go and whether you need a cherry blossom tour in Korea or not? Keep reading to find out about everything to do with cherry blossoms in Korea this spring.

Cherry Blossom Festivals In Korea

The best way to see cherry blossoms in Korea is by attending a cherry blossom festival. These festivals go all out and have a lot of other attractions besides the colourful blossoms. You can find food trucks, cultural performances, games, and even live music at these festivals. Read on to find out the best cherry blossom festivals in Korea.

Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival 2024

More than 2 million people visit the Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival each year, making it the biggest cherry blossom festival in Korea. People flock to Jinhae to see the blossoms create a magnificent painting of colours, with lines of trees painting pinky-white stripes across the city. Visitors to the Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival can also see cultural performances, walk along romantic riverside walkways, try delicious street foods, and take pictures with the colourful street murals.

When: March 24 – April 6 2024 (date TBC)

Address in Korean: 경상남도 창원시 창원시 진해구 여명로

How to get there: To get to the Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival, take a bus from Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal directly to Jinhae. The festival is held throughout the city. The trip takes four hours and costs around W27,000.

Tour options: Tours to Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival are available from Seoul and Busan.

Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival 2024

The Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival is a free festival at the butterfly-like lake that sits below Lotte World Tower. The wings of the lake are lined with hundreds of cherry trees that explode with colour at the start of April. Visit on a sunny day to get views of the angelic blossoms reflected on the lake’s surface and falling from the heavens above. It gets very crowded during cherry blossom season, but fortunately there are many places to take pretty cherry blossom selfies.

When: April 5 – April 9 2024 (date TBC)

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 송파구 잠실6동

How to get there: To get to the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival, take the subway to Jamsil Subway Station (Lines 2 & 8) and go out exit 2 or 3. The lake is visible in front of you.

Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival 2024

Yeouido Island is a popular destination in Seoul where locals flock to enjoy being outdoors on the weekends, drinking a Cass and eating ramyeon while sitting along the Han River’s grassy banks. During April, thousands of people swarm the scenic streets of Yeouiseo-ro Road to experience the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival.In this colourful festival you’ll not only find cherry blossoms, but also azaleas, forsythia, royal azaleas, and other spring flowers all in full bloom. Stay for the night-time light show, where flowers are lit up as a backdrop to street performances and art exhibitions.

When: April 4 – April 9 2024 (date TBC)

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 영등포구 여의서로

How to get there: To get to the Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival, take the subway to either National Assembly Subway Station (Line 9) or Yeouinaru Subway Station (Line 5) and follow the signs to the festival.

Tour options: There is a cherry blossom tour from Klook that will take you to 3 of the hottest cherry blossom spots in Seoul, including this location. The locations change depending on which site has the best blossoms in bloom.

Gyeongpodae Cherry Blossom Festival 2024

Head to Gyeongpodae Lake in the beautiful coastal city of Gangneung to combine cherry blossoms with beaches. Gaze at the cherry blossoms floating on trees above you and blowing down to the lake’s waters when a sea breeze blows through the trees. With over 4km of trees to walk through, this is certainly a lovely way to spend a warm spring day. Check out the pavilion for romantic views that are best shared with a loved on. There are lots of fun games and activities to enjoy, as well as unique festival foods, such as flower pancakes.

When: April 1 – April 10 2024 (date TBC)

Address in Korean: 강원도 강릉시 초당동 459-2

How to get there: Take a train or bus from Seoul to Gangneung City. From Gangneung Intercity/Express Bus Terminal, take Bus 202 and get off at Gyeongpodae Lake.

Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival 2024

At the Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival you can find streets full of cherry blossom goods, arts and craft stalls, and festival food stalls, all overlooked by the cloudy cherry blossoms. This is the most popular cherry blossom festival on Jeju Island and a perfect place for blossom viewing. Jeju is home to a special type of cherry blossom, the King cherry blossom. These trees are said to be the original Korean cherry trees and the best of all the cherry blossoms in Korea. The blossoms are larger than other types of cherry trees in Korea. Like a pink sponge, more a full flower than a simple blossom. They come out later from mid-April.

When: March 23 – April 1 2024 (date TBC)

Address in Korean: 삼도일동 721-14번지 제주시 제주특별자치도 KR

How to get there: Take bus 122 from Jeju Airport to Jeju Bus Terminal. Walk north along the river for 10 minutes or take a taxi there in less than 10 minutes. You can also see the cherry blossoms at Jangjeon-ri in Aewol and outside Jeju National University.

Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival 2024

The Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival is your chance to view cherry blossoms growing around ancient Korean architecture in the historic city of Gyeongju. You’ll find the most incredible views of traditional Korea. At this festival you’ll have the chance to enjoy various activities, such as face painting, traditional games, live music, a cherry blossom shower, and tours around the city. The Bomun Lake Tourist Area offers the chance to see cherry blossom reflections while riding rollercoasters, sitting by the lake, or enjoying coffee from a lakeside cafe.

When: March 27 – April 8 2024 (date TBC)

Address in Korean: 경상북도 경주시 보문로 446 (Bomun Lake)

How to get there: Take an intercity bus from Busan Sasang Bus Terminal to the Gyeongju Bus Terminal. From there, follow the main road towards the historic central area or take a taxi to Bomun Lake Tourist Area.

Tour Options: book a private taxi tours of Gyeongju to see cherry blossoms and other sights. As Gyeongju’s main sights are quite spread out, this can be a time-saving and hassle-free option.

Hwagae Market Cherry Blossom Festival 2024

Located near Jirisan National Park in southern Korea is one of the most magical cherry blossom festivals in Korea – the Hwagae Market Cherry Blossom Festival. What makes this so spectacular is the landscape, set in the Korean countryside for a very different view of cherry blossoms surrounded by nature. The main draw to the area is the ‘marriage road‘, which is rumoured to guarantee a long and happy life together if couples walk down it holding hands. When the sun hits the towering cherry blossoms from above, they cast a romantic pink glow on the road below.

When: March 22 – March 29 2024 (date TBC)

Address in Korean: 경상남도 하동군 화개면 쌍계로 15

How to get there: Take the intercity bus from Nambu Bus Terminal (Seoul) to Hwagae City. Get off at Hwagaejangteo Market and walk to the temple from Hwagae following the river.

Where To See Cherry Blossoms In Seoul

Seoul is the most popular tourist destination in Korea and this bustling capital city has so many great sights to offer. There are countless places to see cherry blossoms in Seoul – in parks, along rivers, and amongst historic buildings.

The following locations offer the chance to not only take pictures with the cherry blossoms, but also to see pretty natural, historic and traditional Korean sights. When visiting Seoul for cherry blossoms, you get to enjoy the sights with extra colour. Here are my recommendations for the best places to see cherry blossoms in Seoul.

Seoul’s Royal Palaces & Secret Garden

Seoul’s royal palaces are the perfect traditional Korean backdrop to the natural beauty of cherry blossoms. The central lake at the heart of Gyeongbokgung in particular has spectacular views with cherry trees running along the edge and is very popular during cherry blossom season. The Secret Garden, located inside Changdeokgung Palace, is a restricted royal garden area that showcases some of the finest natural sights in Korea and is less packed with photographers due to the limited number of people who can visit each day.

How to get there: The royal palaces (and nearest subway) are Gyeongbokgung (Gyeongbokgung Station), Changdeokgung (Anguk Station), Changgyeonggung (Anguk Station), Deoksugung (City Hall Station), and Gyeonghuigung (Gwanghwamun Station).

Opening Times:
Gyeongbokgung – closed Tuesday
Other palaces – closed Monday

Cherry Blossom Viewing With Hanbok: If you plan to visit Seoul’s royal palaces, I recommend renting traditional Korean hanbok. Not only will you look beautiful, you can gain free entry to the palaces. Hanbok rental starts from as little as ₩10,000 and will give you the perfect clothes for a cherry blossom photo shoot in Seoul.

Seoul Grand Park

Located in southern Seoul, Seoul Grand Park is a family-friendly area surrounded by woody hills and nature, making it a great place for views of cherry blossoms. The park includes Seoul Land amusement park, Seoul Zoo, a healing forest, theme park, and more. Stroll along the wide lake, join the festival activities, watch cultural activities, and more. To enjoy the cherry blossoms fully, grab some snacks and coffee from the vendors near the subway station and find a peaceful place to sit and take in the views.

Address in Korean: 경기도 과천시 막계동 267-1

How to get there: Take the subway to Seoul Grand Park Station and go out exit 2. The main park is in front of you, as well as convenience stores, cafes, and street vendors.

Tour options: There is a cherry blossom tour from Klook that will take you to 3 of the hottest cherry blossom spots in Seoul, including this location. The locations change depending on which site has the best blossoms in bloom.

Seokchon Lake Area

As mentioned previously, the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Seoul. Walk around the tree-lined pathways that surround the lake, taking in the views over the water and overhead as you go. Head to the Seoul Sky Observatory in Lotte World Tower and see the lake from above, or visit Lotte World Magic Island, which looks out over the lake. For more cherry blossom views, head east to the nearby Olympic Park for beautiful blossoms and walking paths.

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 송파구 잠실6동

How to get there: To get to the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival, take the subway to Jamsil Subway Station (Lines 2 & 8) and go out exit 2 or 3. The lake is visible in front of you.

N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower)

The N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower) in central Seoul has dozens of cherry blossom trees at the peak and on the road leading up to it. Walk up the path and see cherry blossoms above or ride the Nasman Cable Car and see them passing by below. You can see the whole city from here, as well as the towering mountains of Bukhansan National Park in the north. I recommend taking the cable car to the top just before sunrise, checking out the views and other attractions, and then walking down the hill at night when the lights come on.

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 용산구 남산공원길 105

How to get there: There are several ways to get to the N Seoul Tower, including on foot, by cable car, bus, or car. The most scenic way is by cable car. Walking takes about 30 minutes from Myeongdong Station and involves an uphill ascent (paved).

Tip: You can save money on entrance fees and attractions at the tower by booking online, which also avoids long queues and gives you more time to see snowy sights in Seoul.

Yeouido Hangang (Han River) Park

There’s more to the Yeouido Han River area than just the Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival. Featuring long, green river banks, you have lots of space to explore and enjoy cherry blossoms away from the crowds. Walk along the river, or sit and have a picnic. The best views are from Yeouido Hangang Park, which you can find outside Yeouinaru Station. You can rent bikes from here, as well as tents, lawn mats, and buy a range of essential cherry blossom viewing supplies.

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 영등포구 여의동로 330

How to get there: Take the subway to Yeouinaru Station (Line 5) and use exit 2 or 3. The park spreads along the river.

Han River Cruise From Yeouido: After a busy day strolling under cherry blossom trees, relax and see the colourful bridges and sights of Seoul from the comfort of a cruise along the Han River.

Seoul Forest Park

Seoul Forest is Korea’s answer to Central Park in New York and makes you feel like you’re not in a city any more. Packed full of parks for children of all sizes, petting zoos, deer, and plenty of places to be in nature, this is the perfect place for cherry blossom viewing in Seoul. Entrance is free and is likely to be less busy than some of the other top cherry blossom spots in Seoul. Head to the far side of the park for raised walkways that give you views of the park, walking through the trees, with sights of the Han River in the background.

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 성동구 뚝섬로 273

How to get there: Take the subway to Seoul Forest Station (Bundang Line) and use exit 3. You’ll probably have to transfer at Wangsimni Station if you’re coming from central Seoul.

Kyung hee University Campus

The Kyung Hee University campus provides a peaceful environment for students and visitors and is packed with ponds, parks, and relaxing pathways, as well as millions of cherry blossoms. The impressive neo-classical architecture provides an interesting backdrop to the blossoms, as do the students’ creative works that are on display.Take a walk through the grounds, along the ponds, and feel at ease in this pleasant surrounding. Once you’ve finished, you’ll find lots of nice cafes and restaurants to eat at outside. The top of the College of Fine Arts building offers 360 degree views of the area.

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 동대문구 경희대로 26

How to get there: Take the subway to Hoegi Station (Line 1) and use exit 1. Follow the signs towards Kyung Hee University and look for the small hill in the background. The campus is located below that.

Seoul National Cemetery

Spring is a symbol of birth and regrowth and what better place to witness this than at a cemetery? Set in beautiful grounds, over slowly sloping hills, and packed with cherry trees, the Seoul National Cemetery is a remarkable place to visit any time of year. The cherry blossoms, perhaps in keeping with the setting, are weeping trees, with thick branches full of cherry blossoms, falling down towards the ground. After you’ve finished exploring the Seoul National Cemetery, find out more about Korea’s history at the nearby National Museum of Korea and War Memorial of Korea.

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 동작구 현충로 210

How to get there: Take the subway to Dongjak Station (Lines 4 & 9) and use exit 6 or 7.

Ganghwa Sanseong Fortress & Goryeogung Palace

Travel to the beautiful Ganghwa Island to discover cherry blossoms blooming amongst the historic fortress walls and buildings of the ancient Ganghwa Sanseong Fortress and Goryeogung Palace. Cherry blossoms straddle the pathways around this area, creating an umbrella of blossoms for you to enjoy. This was an important location during the Goryeo Dynasty, which ran from the 10th to 14th Centuries. Learn about the how the soldiers in this area defended Korea from Mongolian invaders for decades while you appreciate the views.

Address in Korean: 인천광역시 강화군 불은면 중앙로 602-14

How to get there: Take the 3000 bus from Hongdae to Ganghwa Terminal and then take a taxi to the fortress. It’s only a short ride and shouldn’t cost more than a few thousand won.

Tour options: There is a tour to Ganghwa Island to see cherry blossoms and enjoy other activities available from Klook.

Nami Island & Garden Of Morning Calm

Nami Island and the Garden of Morning Calm are close to Seoul and are both full of nature and great for cherry blossom viewing in spring. They are both in Gapyeong County and can be accessed on a single day trip, either with a tour or by local transport. Nami Island features tree-lined streets, woodland animals, cafes, and cultural attractions. The Garden of Morning Calm is the best sculpted garden in all of Korea and offers views of Korean pagodas surrounded by cherry trees. Both can be seen in a day.

Address in Korean: 강원도 춘천시 남산면 남이섬길 1 (Nami Island), 경기도 가평군 상면 수목원로 432 (Garden of Morning Calm)

How to get there: Take the ITX train from Yongsan Station (Seoul) to Gapyeong Station, then take the Gapyeong City Tour Bus to Nami Island. For other transport options, check out the guide in the article about how to get to Nami Island From Seoul.

Tour options: There are plenty of tour options to take you to these locations and other sights in Gapyeong with a day tour departing from Seoul. Check out Klook, Trazy, and Get Your Guide for their various packages.

Less Visited Cherry Blossom Spots In Seoul

Looking for some less crowded areas in Seoul to see cherry blossoms away from the main festivals and throngs of people? Then check out these more peaceful areas of Seoul which still have many cherry blossom tree-lined streets to enjoy but aren’t yet as crowded.

Seongnaecheonduk-gil: Part of the Songpa Trail in the Jamsil area of Seoul, this waterside walkway starts north of Jamsillaru Station and takes you down a narrow lane starting at the Asan Medical Center and splits on the other side of Olympic Park. This area is also a great place for autumn foliage spots and Olympic Park is a lovely place to visit for a summer picnic or stroll on a sunny day.

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 송파구 풍납2동 416-1 성내천길 다리

Walkerhill Street: Starting from the top of Achasan (a small hill) and leading down to the shores of the Han River, this 800 meter walkway stretches from the Achasan Mountain Ecological Park to the Walkerhill Hotel & Resort and passes under beautiful blossoms, considered one of the best sites in Seoul to see cherry blossoms, but not as busy as it’s a bit further out from the centre than other spots.

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 광진구 광장동 370

Yeonhee Forest Shelter: Explore one of Seoul’s lesser-known mountain parks and see cherry blossoms at the Yeonhee Forest Shelter along the Ansan Jarak-gil walking trail in Ansan Mountain. This trail goes along leafy lanes and up the shallow slopes of Ansan Mountain (it’s not a mountain), offering views of blossoms, metasequoia trees, tulips, magnolias, and Korean forsythias near and far.

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 서대문구 연희동 산2-128

Hwarangdae Railyway Park: Located in a northern part of Seoul near the old Hwarangdae Station in Nowon-gu, the Hwarangdae Railway Park is now an urban park that combines historic steam trains and trams from as far back as the 1890s with spectacular spring cherry blossom displays. There’s a peaceful cafe to relax in, old trains to sit in, and the colourful Nowon Light Garden to see at night.

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 노원구 공릉2동 29-4

Gyeonggui Forest Line Park & Donggyo-ro 41 Gil: Check out the parallel streets of the Forest Line Park and Donggyo-ro 41 in Hongdae’s Yeonnam-dong area (near Hongik Uni Station) to see tree-lined pathways covering an abandoned railway track and blossom filled walking streets packed with boutique shops, bars, and lots of dessert cafes. Trendy blossom views with tasty treats together.

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 마포구 동교동 147-89

Where To See Cherry Blossoms On Jeju Island

Spring comes early to Jeju Island and the King Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the first and most colourful of the spring cherry blossom events. The big blossoms offer lots of photo opportunities, but are not the only thing to see on Jeju Island in spring.

Jeju Island, known as one of the New 7 Wonders Of Nature, has a reputation for incredible natural beauty, which can certainly be seen if you visit Noksan-ro. This area features long, winding roads that are lined with vibrant displays of yellow and pink together from the cherry blossoms and canola flowers.

This area is very popular with cyclists and bikers in spring. Drive or bike around to the south coast and cruise along endless lanes of yellow and pink. Hikers can check out cherry blossoms and other spring flowers from the slopes of Hallasan Mountain. The volcanic mother to Jeju Island has some wonderful trails to explore and you’ll see cherry blossoms along the way.

Where To See Cherry Blossoms In Gyeongju

In Gyeongju City, witness the cherry blossoms blooming among old hanok buildings and above ancient tombs, the way they would have hundreds of years ago. This is definitely one of the best cities to see cherry blossoms in Korea and a really simple day trip from Busan.

You’ll find the best views in the Gyeongju Historic Area. Highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site include Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory (built in 675), Gyochon Traditional Village, and Woljeonggyo Bridge, a stunning bridge that looks like a palace wall.

Besides the colourful sights at the Gyeongju Historic Area, you can also find cherry blossoms at the Bomun Lake Tourist Complex to the south. One of my favourite sights here is the massive Hwangnyongwon (a 9-story golden tower), as well as the lake itself.

If you’ve an extra day in Gyeongju, then definitely visit Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto located in the mountains outside the city. Bulguksa is one of the most impressive Buddhist temples in Korea and hosts six National treasures of South Korea.

How to get there: Take an intercity bus from Busan Sasang Bus Terminal to Gyeongju Bus Terminal. Follow the main road towards the historic central area or take a taxi to Bomun Lake Tourist Area.

Taxi Tours Of Gyeongju: Gyeongju’s attractions are in several areas, including the Gyeongju Historic Area, Bomun Lake, and Bulguksa Temple. It can take a long time to get between these areas so an easier way to see the sights is with a Private Taxi Tour of Gyeongju.

Where To See Cherry Blossoms In Busan

All major cities in Korea have parks, rivers, or even mountains that provide great cherry blossom views, and Busan is no exception. There are plenty of places to see cherry blossoms in Busan, both in the city streets and in the nearby mountains around Busan.

These are 3 of the best places to see Busan’s cherry blossoms:

Oncheon Stream Park

With other 1,300 cherry trees lining the banks of the Oncheon Stream, this pleasant location is perfect in spring. A place for local residents to walk, run, and ride, this busy park is a prime location for cherry blossom viewing in Busan. Not only can you see cherry blossoms along the river, you’ll also find rows of bright yellow canola plants. There are small cafes and restaurants along the river, great for watching the night lights illuminate the delicate blossoms.

Address in Korean: 부산광역시 연제구 연산동

How to get there: There are multiple subway stations that lead out to the Oncheon Stream. The closest to Oncheon Stream Park is Dongnae Station. Use exit 2 and walk south towards the stream. The park is to the east (turn left at the river).

Samnak Ecological Park

The Samnak Ecological Park walkway, named one of the 100 most beautiful places in Korea, hosts a large number of cherry blossom trees that come to life in early April each year. With more than 1,200 trees blooming at the same time, you can see tunnels of pinky-white petals like in the picture above. You’ll also find dozens of other blooming plants, wetland birds, and tall flame grass along the Nakdonggang River banks. Rent a bike and explore this area at your own leisure or bring some lunch to have a picnic in the park in the warm spring weather.

Address in Korean: 부산광역시 사상구 삼락동 686

How to get there: Take the subway to Sasang Station and use exit 3. The park is directly ahead following the road straight. The Busan Seobu Intercity Bus Terminal is also in this area, which makes it a good place to visit for a day trip from other cities.

Dalmaji Hill & Dalmaji-Gil Road

Dalmaji Hill is perfect for quiet strolls away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Haeundae Beach. The area is famous for cafe lovers and artists and features markets, galleries, and cosy places to sit and relax. You can walk from Haeundae Beach, but it’s quite far. A better option is to ride the Haeundae Beach Train from Mipo.

In April, the hilly Dalmaji-Gil Road is crowded with cherry trees, creating an intimate forest of blossoms, adding to the area’s own beauty. From atop the hill enjoy breathtaking views of the coast. The area is a favourite with local artists and there are several galleries in the area. On weekends there are art markets at the Haeweoljeong Pavilion square.

Address in Korean: 부산광역시 해운대구 중2동 1488-1

How to get there: Take bus 1003 from Haeundae Beach or bus 39 | 100 | 141 | 200 from Haeundae Traditional Market to Dalmaji Hill and explore on foot. The Haeundae Beach Train stops here, too.

Where To See Cherry Blossoms In Daejeon

Daejeon isn’t on most people’s radar when they travel, but it’s a lovely city and certainly comes to life during cherry blossom season. I know, I’ve lived in Daejeon since 2015. There are several great places to view cherry blossoms in Daejeon, including at KAIST University, along the Gapcheon River, and in nearby Gyeryongsan National Park.

The KAIST University campus is reminiscent of a K-Drama filming location and is an ideal place to sit on the grass and enjoy the warm weather while viewing the blossoms. There are various cafes and restaurants to get food and drinks on the campus, and you can even order food to be delivered directly to you while you sit on the grass.

Outside the KAIST University campus is the Gapcheon River, which runs through the central area of Daejeon and is lined with many cherry trees and yellow canola plants. The riverside is a wide public space with parks, bridges, and walkways for people to walk at their leisure. The area near Expo Bridge and Hanbat Arboretum is especially nice.

For cherry blossom festivals near Daejeon, visit Donghaksa Temple in Gyeryongsan National Park. The cherry blossom festival at Donghaksa Temple runs for two weeks in early April and features traditional festival events, such as trot singing, performances, and games. You can also see blossoms falling upon the temple buildings and stone walls.

Address in Korean: 충청남도 공주시 반포면 동학사1로 462 (Donghaksa Temple), 대전광역시 유성구 구성동 (KAIST), 대전광역시 유성구 도룡동 (Expo Bridge)

How to get to Daejeon from Seoul: Take the KTX train to Daejeon Station, then change to the subway. For KAIST University get off at Wolpyeong Station. For Expo Bridge get off at Government Complex Station and walk north.

How to get to Donghaksa Temple: Take bus 107 from central Daejeon and get off at the final stop. Follow the main street to get to the park entrance and Donghaksa Temple.

Where To See King Cherry Blossoms In Korea

King cherry blossoms, which are bigger, brighter, and more pinky than regular Korean cherry blossoms, come from Jeju Island and have spread to a few locations across Korea. These are some of the most photogenic cherry blossoms and, in my opinion, look the best.

Where can you find King cherry blossoms? Apart from Jeju Island, the home to King cherry blossoms, here are a few of the best locations to see King cherry blossoms on the Korean mainland.

• Seosan Gaesimsa Temple
• Seosan Munsusa Temple
• Cheonan Gakwonsa Temple
• Songnisan Beopjusa Temple
• Wansan Flower Garden
• Jeonju Hanok Village

You can find them at other locations, typically at temples and gardens. I can highly recommend Beopjusa Temple, which is where a lot of the King cherry blossom pics for this article come from. It’s not only lovely for cherry blossom viewing, it’s also a very beautiful temple set in the foothills of Songnisan National Park.

When do King cherry blossoms come out in Korea? They’re actually later than the regular cherry blossoms, so if you’re visiting Korea after the main blossoms, you can still see them. King cherry blossoms usually bloom between the last week of April and the first week of May, depending on which part of the country you’re in.

Tour options: Here are some tours you can take that will show you these gorgeous King cherry blossoms.

• Seoul King Cherry Blossom Tour
• King Cherry Blossom Day Trip From Seoul
• King Cherry Blossom Tour From Busan

You can also make your own way to places in Seoul, Busan, and other cities on foot. I recommend downloading Naver Maps and using it to help plan your route.

Tips For Seeing Cherry Blossoms In Korea

Cherry blossom season in Korea is one of the busiest times to travel as local and tourists alike are eager to get the best views. Here are 5 tips that will help you travel more easily and let you make the most of your time in Korea.

1: Book ahead. If you plan to travel and need a hotel or tour, book ahead and make sure you can get a seat or room. I recommend booking tours at least in January or February. Trains can only be booked 30 days in advance.

2: Check the weather. Spring weather in Korea can be unpredictable. Keep an eye on forecasts and be flexible if you can. If it’s raining, check out some alternative indoor activities you can enjoy and adjust plans to be outside when it’s dry.

3: Wrap up warm. Winter winds and chills can persist during Korean cherry blossom season. Bring a jacket and warm clothes, just in case. This is especially important if you’re going to visit a national park.

4: Try unique tastes. Cherry blossom season in Korea brings with it some interesting foods and drinks. Give them a try while they’re available. You’ll mostly find these at festivals, such as the cherry blossom festival in Jinhae.

5: Walk a lot. Put on your walking boots, and explore as much as possible. City streets, riverside pathways, forest trails – experience them all. There are many streets lined with cherry blossoms that won’t be listed here and yet provide photogenic views.

Check out these Korean travel essentials to find more great tips for travelling in Korea.

Weather During Cherry Blossom Season

The weather during cherry blossom season in Korea is cool, with temperatures around 10 – 15 degrees Celsius during the day, rising to 20 degrees on a sunny day. The weather is mild, with clear or cloudy skies and a slight chance of rain. Jeju and the south coast will be warmer than Seoul by a few degrees. Spring starts two weeks earlier in Korea’s southern regions, which is why cherry blossoms in Korea bloom at different times. See the Korean cherry blossom forecast for exact dates.

Tours To See Cherry Blossoms In Korea In 2024

Travellers visiting Korea in spring have various options to see cherry blossoms. Those in major cities such as Seoul and Busan can easily reach popular cherry blossom sights by public transport or by walking around on foot. However, some of the best places to see cherry blossom in Korea are outside big cities and to get to these places, a day trip (or weekend away) is the best option.

Here are 5 of the best day trips to see cherry blossoms in Korea:

1: Jinhae in Changwon City (Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival)

2: Nami Island & Garden of Morning Calm

3: Jirisan National Park (Hwagae Festival & Gurye Sansuyu Festival.)

4: Gangneung City (Gyeongpodae Cherry Blossom Festival)

5: Gyeongju City

You can visit these places by public transport if you’re comfortable with the Korean public transportation system, or book a day tour from a reputable company. Tour companies in Korea that offer cherry blossom tours include Klook, Trazy, and Get Your Guide. Please note, these tours are seasonal and usually available to book from January onwards. If there are no tours available now, check again closer to spring.

Where To Stay To See Cherry Blossoms In Korea

Although some of the best cherry blossom sights in Korea are in the countryside, I’d recommend staying in larger cities like Seoul and Busan and then travelling out for day trips to see cherry blossoms. Hotels in smaller areas like Jinhae and Gyeongju are likely to be more expensive, as well as booked out in advance. You’ll get better deals and more options staying in Seoul or Busan. However, the prices in these cities can be high during cherry blossom season, too.

Book ahead to avoid disappointment and higher prices.

Seoul: Hotels in Myeongdong offer convenient access to N Seoul Tower and royal palaces. Hotels in Hongdae are ideal for visiting Yeouido and Han River parks. Hotels in Gangnam provide easy access to Seokchon Lake and the Lotte World Tower.

Busan: For hotels in Busan, stay in Haeundae or Seomyeon are generally the most convenient for travelling around Busan. Both areas are connected to the subway system and have good bus connections, too.

Jeju Island: For hotels on Jeju Island, stay in either Jeju City or Seogwipo City. Jeju City is closer to the cherry blossom festival, but Seogwipo is closer to nature and has some of the best walking trails along the coast.

Visiting Korea In Other Seasons

Korea is an amazing country to visit any time of year and undoubtedly has four very distinct seasons with lots of other activities, sights, foods, and festivals waiting for you in each one.

Therefore, don’t forget to check out my other awesome seasonal guides for Korea to make sure you’re getting the most out of your trip to Korea whenever you travel, including a Season Guide To Korea which covers every month of the year. Be sure to check out the best spring festivals in Korea, too.

Summer: A hot and rainy time of year, but perfect for getting out to enjoy the best Korean Summer Activities, such as water sports, camping by the beach, summer festivals, eating yummy Korean summer foods, and getting a tan. If the rain is too heavy, there are plenty of Indoor Activities in Seoul where you can stay dry and still have fun.

Autumn: Like spring, autumn is all about nature and the change of seasons represented by the fall foliage. There are many places to see Autumn Leaves In Korea, including golden gingko leaves and multi-coloured maple leaves, which change from green to gold to red.

Winter: After the beauty of the fall foliage and the rains of summer, winter is the complete opposite – snowy white and extremely dry. Winter has very little rain, which makes it perfect for exploring outside and enjoying one of the many Winter Activities In Korea. Just make sure you wrap up warm! If you’re visiting Korea in winter, I highly recommend check out my Jeju Island Winter Itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about seeing cherry blossoms in Korea. These answers are based on my own experience and from research conducted to write this article.

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Hiking In Korea

The good news is, you don’t have to go too far to see snow in Korea, especially if you’re visiting during the snowiest months – January and February. From Jeju Island to Seoul, there are snowy sights across Korea to enjoy this winter.

This article will tell you the best places to see snow in Seoul, which winter festivals look good with snowy sights, activities where you can enjoy seeing snow in Korea, and famous places in Korea for the prettiest snowscapes.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

Best Places To See Snow In Korea

The best place to see snow in Korea is undoubtedly in the mountains, national parks, and ski resorts as these are the highest places in Korea and therefore have the most snowfall. The snow can be knee-deep and falls regularly, creating pristine white landscapes to fall in love with.

When it does snow in Korea, there are plenty of other sights in Seoul and beyond where you can enjoy a wide range of winter activities, get snowy backdrops for your travel pictures, and have fun playing in the snow.

Korean festivals are some of the best places to see snow in Korea as you not only get to enjoy the snowy scenes, you can also engage in fun activities, learn about Korean culture, and try something unique you may never have experienced before, such as ice-fishing or snow sledding.

Top tourist attractions can be even prettier during winter when covered by snow, especially those with winter illuminations shining off the glistening snow. There are many family-friendly attractions to see on a snowy day in Korea, such as Nami Island, Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm, Seoul Grand Park, and Seoul Forest.

I am recommending these places as I’ve visited (or had friends visit) many of them. Others are unmissable spots in Korea with great reputations for winter fun. I personally love to go hiking a lot during winter as it’s so much fun to see the snowy peaks, especially winter hiking on Hallasan Mountain on Jeju Island.

When Does It Snow In Korea?

The first snowfall in Korea in 2023 was on October 21st, 2023, falling on the slopes of Seoraksan Mountain before the autumn leaves had even finished coming out. This was slightly earlier than usual as the highest mountains typically see snowfall in early November.

The Korean snow season runs from late November to early March and it can snow at any time during these months. You’re most likely to see snow in Korea in January and February as these are the coldest months, with temperatures around 0 degrees (and colder at night).

Please note: Korea isn’t a country that sees constant snowfall during winter. It can be sporadic and fall for a single afternoon or a whole week. When it does snow, it typically lasts for 2-3 days.

Where Does It Snow In Korea?

It typically snows more in the mountains than in the cities. Korea is 70% mountainous, though, which means there are loads of places to see snow in Korea.

The tallest mountains will have snow throughout January and February, making them the best places to see snow in Korea. They also see the first and last snow fall each year.

You can still see snow in other areas, even on the palm-tree lined beaches of Jeju Island! Snow can fall anywhere in Korea and the whole country is cold in winter.

However, snow is relatively rare outside the mountainous areas and there are often only 3-4 weeks per year where it will snow in Korean cities, and this is not constant.