A Guide to Spring Festivals in Korea – Must-See Spring Destinations & Activities for Foreigners

When spring arrives, Korea is awash with blossoms, and various festivals are held throughout the country. Walk along streets overflowing with cherry blossoms, enjoy delicious seasonal food, and experience festivals that blend Korean tradition and modernity! This guide introduces must-see spring destinations and activities in Korea for foreign visitors.

1. Must-Visit Spring Destinations in Korea

1) Jinhae Gunhangje – Korea's Largest Cherry Blossom Festival

The Jinhae Gunhangje is one of the most famous cherry blossom festivals in Korea, held annually in early April in the Jinhae area. Thousands of cherry blossoms bloom along the streets, creating a romantic atmosphere. The Romance Bridge in Yeojwacheon and the Gyeonghwa Station cherry blossom path are particularly popular photo spots.

✅ Recommended Spots
• Yeojwacheon Romance Bridge – A famous cherry blossom spot, also known as a drama filming location
• Gyeonghwa Station Cherry Blossom Path – A spectacular view of cherry blossoms in full bloom along the railway tracks
• Jinhae Gunhangje Main Event Venue – Various performances and fireworks displays

Local Tip:
• Because of the large crowds during the festival, visiting early in the morning or in the evening allows for a more leisurely experience!
• At the Jinhae Gunhangje, a food market offering local specialties and street food is also operated.

2) Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon – A Special Experience Running Through History

Gyeongju is a representative historical city in Korea, boasting beautiful scenery with cherry blossoms in spring. The Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon offers a special opportunity to run through streets brimming with cherry blossoms and serene traditional historical sites.

✅ Recommended Courses
• Cheomseongdae Course – A course running around Korea's traditional astronomical observatory
• Bulguksa Temple Course – Gyeongju's representative course running along the temple path where cherry blossoms are in full bloom
• Bomun Lake Course – A beautiful course with views of the lake along the cherry blossom path

Local Tip:
• After the marathon, we recommend enjoying a leisurely time with a cup of tea at a Hanok café in Gyeongju!
• Even if you don't participate in the marathon, you can enjoy the traditional atmosphere of Gyeongju by walking along the streets where cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

3) Nami Island Spring Flower Festival – A Healing Trip with Nature

Nami Island boasts beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons, but especially in spring, cherry blossoms, forsythia, and azaleas bloom in full splendor, creating a fantastic landscape. It is a representative travel destination where you can leisurely stroll through nature and relax with family, lovers, and friends.

✅ Recommended Activities
• Travel to Nami Island by ferry across the Han River
• Rent a bicycle on the island and drive along the flower path
• Enjoy a café or picnic by the lake

Local Tip:
• Weekday visits are recommended as it gets crowded on weekends!
• There are various theme parks inside Nami Island, making it popular among families.

2. Top 3 Spring Activities in Korea

1) Jeju Canola Flower Festival – Instagrammable Shots in Golden Fields

Jeju Island is filled with canola flowers in spring, creating an exotic landscape. Canola flower festivals are held throughout Jeju Island, but the Gasiri canola flower fields in Seogwipo City are particularly famous.

✅ Experiential Activities
• Take memorable photos with the canola flower fields as a backdrop
• Experience traditional Jeju village life and horseback riding
• Admire the scenery where Hallasan Mountain and the sea meet

Local Tip:
• The weather is warm during Jeju Island's canola flower season, but it can be windy, so it's good to prepare a light outer garment!
• There are many Jeju black pork restaurants near the canola flower fields, so it's also recommended to try local cuisine after the festival!

2) Gangneung Danoje Festival – A Festival Experiencing Korean Traditional Culture

The Gangneung Danoje Festival is a representative traditional festival in Korea designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is celebrated to commemorate Danojeol (the fifth day of the fifth lunar month), and various traditional performances and experiences are presented.

✅ Experiential Activities
• Experience traditional mask plays and folk games
• Make Danoje fans and experience washing your hair with mugwort water
• Watch wrestling matches and sample Gangneung specialties

Local Tip:
• During the Danoje Festival, many tourists enjoy the festival wearing traditional Hanbok, so renting a Hanbok adds to the festive atmosphere!
• There is a tradition that washing your hair with mugwort water wards off evil spirits, so experiencing it yourself will be a unique experience.

3) Damyang Bamboo Festival – Enjoying Leisure in Nature

Damyang is famous for its bamboo, and in the spring, a bamboo festival is held with various experiences and performances utilizing bamboo.

✅ Experiential Activities
• Take a walk through the bamboo forest and enjoy phytoncide healing
• Experience making bamboo crafts
• Watch traditional tightrope walking and traditional Korean music performances

Local Tip:
• The bamboo forest is shady, so visiting when the spring sun is warm makes it even more enjoyable.
• Damyang is also famous for its Dakgalbi, so we recommend trying the local food when you visit!

3. Seasonal Foods to Try in Korea During Spring

Spring offers many seasonal dishes filled with fresh greens and seafood!

✅ Recommended Spring Foods
• Spring Vegetable Bibimbap – A healthy dish made with various seasonal greens such as garland chrysanthemum, welsh onion, and shepherd’s purse
• Spicy Stir-fried Octopus Shabu-Shabu – A refreshing soup dish made with octopus, which is in season in spring
• Strawberry Desserts – In spring in Korea, various strawberry desserts such as strawberry buffets, strawberry cakes, and strawberry drinks are popular!

Local Tip:
• March and April are strawberry season in Korea, so making a reservation for a hotel strawberry buffet allows you to taste a variety of strawberry desserts in one place!
• Spring vegetable bibimbap tastes fresher when purchased directly from the producing area.

Which Korean spring festival are you most looking forward to visiting? Share in the comments!