The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has announced the 2026 national cherry blossom schedule. This annual calendar helps visitors choose the best time to experience South Korea's spring. The exact blooming dates and peak periods depend on actual weather conditions and will be regularly updated.
 |
The Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival in Gyeongsangnam-do province, one of South Korea's largest flower festivals. Photo: Envato |
Cherry blossoms are expected to bloom first in the southern regions, gradually moving northward over several days. Tourists wishing to see the earliest blooms should plan their visits to locations such as Jeju Island and Busan, where blossoms are anticipated around 25/3.
Central regions like Daejon and Jeonju will see blooms from 28/3 to 31/3. A highlight in this area is Jeonju Hanok Village, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the blossoms while experiencing traditional culture. In the east, Gangneung's cherry blossom season extends until approximately 8/4, providing an ideal opportunity to combine flower viewing with exploring beautiful beaches or trying the local specialty, samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup).
The cherry blossom season in Seoul is expected to commence around 3/4.
Beyond cherry blossoms, South Korea's spring landscape is adorned with the yellow hues of forsythia (Gaenari), the purple of azaleas, and the red of plum blossoms. Several major spring flower festivals for travelers to consider include: the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, the Goryeosan Azalea Festival, and Biseulsan.
 |
Expected cherry blossom season schedule in regions of South Korea 2026. Photo: KTO |
According to a survey, round-trip airfares from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City for late March and early April are estimated at: 12-14 million Vietnamese dong (VND) with Vietnam Airlines, 10-12 million VND with Vietjet Air, and 13-15 million VND with Korea Air.
Both the cherry blossom (spring) and autumn foliage seasons draw many Vietnamese tourists to South Korea, according to travel agencies. Popular five-day tours departing from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City start from 16 million VND, offering diverse itineraries. For example, the Seoul - Nami - Everland tour allows visitors to admire cherry blossoms at Yeouido Park and Nami Island, along with enjoying Everland theme park. The Seoul - Busan - Gyeongju tour is known for the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival. For nature enthusiasts, the Seoul - Jeju tour is an excellent choice. All these tours have scheduled departures from late March and throughout April.
Tam Anh
