South Korea: the forgotten paradise to see cherry blossoms in total peace

🌸 Think you know everything about cherry blossoms? Think again. There is a corner of Asia still untouched, where the spring bloom is experienced without crowds, without selfie sticks, without noise. This jewel is South Korea. And you are about to discover why it is THE destination to experience a spring filled with softness and poetry.

When Korea takes on pale pink: a fleeting and sublime spectacle

In South Korea, spring is not just a season. It’s a poetic vibration, a ballet of petals, a new breath. The cherry trees, called beotkkot, bloom from the end of March to mid-April, depending on the region. Jeju Island starts the show, followed by Busan, Daegu, and then Seoul.

🎯 SEO-friendly and practical tip: thanks to the staggered blooming between cities, you can plan an itinerary to follow the cherry blossoms from city to city for 3 to 4 weeks.

5 sublime and peaceful places to admire the cherry blossoms away from the crowds

Here are the spots that tourist guides won’t tell you about, but which lovers of calm and beauty exchange discreetly:

🌿 1. Jeju Island: the cradle of blooming

• First to bloom, mid-March
• Countryside roads lined with cherry trees
• Breathtaking view of Hallasan volcano
• 🌅 Ideal for combining hikes and quiet beaches

🏞 2. Jirisan National Park

• Little known to foreign tourists
• Perfect for hikers
• Cherry trees at altitude, magical atmosphere
• Bonus: traditional hot springs nearby

🌸 3. Seokchon Lake, in Seoul

• Urban yet serene setting
• Reflections of cherry trees in the water = 📸 perfect for Instagram
• Just steps away from the Lotte World amusement park

🌸 4. Hadong and its hidden valley

• Peaceful village between mountains and river
• Wild cherry trees by the roadside
• One of Koreans’ best-kept secrets

🌸 5. Jinhae, outside of festival season

• Known for its festival, indeed
• BUT: visiting on weekdays = guaranteed zen atmosphere
• The illuminated Yeojwacheon canal at sunset 💡

Experience Korean spring at your own pace: advice from a true connoisseur

✔️ Travel in early April to avoid the Japanese crowd
✔️ Plan for a week to explore Seoul, Jeju, and a nature site
✔️ Mix public transport and car rental for flexibility
✔️ Use local apps (Papago, Naver Maps) for smoother navigation
✔️ Book your accommodation near parks or mountains = guaranteed magical awakenings

More than just a floral journey: an immersion into the Korean soul

Spring is also the season of festivals. 🎎
In Seoul, the Yeouido festival transforms the banks of the Han River into a living painting. In Busan, the markets burst with sweet and savory street food. And in every village, the scent of tea, flowers, and fermented dishes takes you elsewhere.

🫖 Try a “hanok stay”: sleep in a traditional house, heated floors, and a local breakfast. An authentic and soothing experience.

The budget-friendly tip 🌍

💸 Round trip flights Paris–Seoul: between €600 and €900
🚆 KTX train: fast, punctual, and economical
🍜 Korean meal: €5 to €10 for a hearty dish
🛏 Night in a hanok or local guesthouse: from €30/night
🚗 Car rental (Jeju): €25/day on average

Why South Korea is the next big floral destination

• Less touristy than Japan = tranquility
• Varied landscapes: modern cities, mystical mountains, volcanic islands
• A unique way of life, between traditions and technology
• Cherry blossoms… everywhere 🌸

And you, did you know Korea for its cherry blossoms? 🌸
Let me know in the comments or share this article with your friend who loves Japanese spring: he/she might be surprised 👀!

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