Seoul Cherry Blossom Guide 2026: Best Spots by Mood

Every spring, Seoul turns pink. Cherry blossoms bloom across the city for roughly two weeks — and 2026 is no different. This year, blossoms opened on March 29 (6 days earlier than average), with full bloom expected April 3–7 and the golden viewing window stretching through April 12.

But not all cherry blossom spots are created equal. Some glow at night. Some are built for the perfect photo. Others are meant for spreading a mat and doing absolutely nothing. We've organized Seoul's best spots into three moods so you can pick exactly the vibe you're after.

Night Views

Seoul's cherry blossoms hit different after dark. Illuminated petals, city skylines, and water reflections create scenes you simply cannot get during the day.

Cherry Blossom Seokchon Lake (석촌호수)

The undisputed king of night cherry blossoms. 1,100 Yoshino cherry trees ring the 2.5km lakeside path, illuminated until midnight during the festival. The real magic: Lotte World Tower (123 floors) reflecting in the dark water through a frame of pink petals.

• Festival: April 3–11, 2026 (lighting until midnight)
• Address: 서울특별시 송파구 잠실동 47 (Seokchon Lake Park)
• Getting there: Subway Line 2 or 8, Jamsil Station Exit 1 (5 min walk)
• Pro tip: East Lake (동호) south side has the cleanest tower reflections. Arrive before 6 PM on weekends or after 9 PM to avoid peak crowds.

Cherry Blossom Yeouido Yunjung-ro (여의도 윤중로)

Seoul's most famous cherry blossom street. 1,800 King cherry trees form a continuous 1.7km tunnel along the Han River embankment behind the National Assembly. During the festival, the road goes car-free on weekends and illuminations light up the tunnel until ~10 PM.

• Festival: April 3–7, 2026 (car-free weekends)
• Address: 서울특별시 영등포구 여의서로 일대
• Getting there: Subway Line 5 or 9, Yeouinaru Station Exit 1 (3 min walk)
• Pro tip: Weekday evenings (7–9 PM) offer the best balance of lighting and fewer crowds. Sunset golden hour (4–6 PM) produces the warmest photos.

Cherry Blossom Yangjaecheon Stream (양재천)

A hidden gem compared to the big-name spots. This peaceful urban stream in Gangnam is lined with cherry trees, and during the Lantern Festival, thousands of lanterns hang along the water creating a magical corridor of light. The festival includes fireworks, an opera gala concert, and an outdoor cinema.

• Festival: March 30–April 19, 2026 (Opening ceremony April 3 at 6:30 PM)
• Address: 서울특별시 서초구 양재천로 일대 (영동1교~영동2교)
• Getting there: Subway Line 3, Yangjae Station Exit 12 (8 min walk)
• Pro tip: The closing "Cherry Blossom Picnic Concert" on April 5 is a local favorite. Far less crowded than Yeouido.

Cherry Blossom Namsan Park (남산공원)

The rare combination of city panorama + illuminated cherry blossoms + glowing N Seoul Tower. Walk the trails from Jangchungdan Park upward through cherry tunnels, with the tower changing colors above. The northern loop road (북측순환로) has the densest blossom canopy.

• Address: 서울특별시 용산구 남산공원길 105
• Getting there: Subway Line 4, Myeongdong Station Exit 3 → Namsan Cable Car (or 20 min uphill walk)
• Pro tip: Take the cable car up, walk down through the cherry tunnels. The Namsan Wine Fair (April 4–5) adds wine tasting to the experience.

Photo Spots

These locations are built for the camera. Unique backdrops, fewer crowds, and compositions you won't find at the mainstream festival spots.

Cherry Blossom Kyung Hee University (경희대학교)

European neo-Gothic architecture surrounded by cherry blossoms — it looks like a period film set, not central Seoul. Over 200 cherry trees line the road from the front gate to the Grand Peace Hall (평화의전당), whose domed roof and columned facade framed by pink petals is the signature shot.

• Address: 서울특별시 동대문구 경희대로 26
• Getting there: Subway Line 1, Hoegi Station Exit 1 (10 min walk uphill)
• Pro tip: Clear mornings before 9 AM give you the best light on the stone buildings and virtually no people in frame. Open campus — no entry fee.

Cherry Blossom Gyeongui Line Forest Park (경의선숲길)

A former railroad track turned 6.3km linear park. The Yeonnam-dong section has cherry trees lining a narrow path alongside trendy cafes, vintage shops, and street art. The combination of urban hipster culture + delicate blossoms gives photos a distinct Seoul vibe.

• Address: 서울특별시 마포구 연남동 일대 (연남동 구간)
• Getting there: Subway Line 2, Hongik University Station Exit 3 (3 min walk)
• Pro tip: Walk from Hongdae through Yeonnam-dong. Stop at rooftop cafes for aerial cherry blossom shots. Best morning light: 7–9 AM.

Cherry Blossom Seoul National Cemetery (국립서울현충원)

Famous for rare weeping cherry trees (수양벚꽃) that drape down like curtains. The weeping branches create natural "frames" for portrait photography. The solemn, wide-open landscape is uniquely moving and crowd-free.

• Address: 서울특별시 동작구 현충로 210
• Getting there: Subway Line 4 or 9, Dongjak Station Exit 8 (direct entrance)
• Pro tip: Very spacious — clean shots even during peak bloom. Free entry. Respectful behavior expected (memorial site).

Picnic Spots

Grab a mat, pick up kimbap from a convenience store, and settle in under the blossoms. These parks have the space, the shade, and the relaxed atmosphere for a proper spring afternoon.

Cherry Blossom Seoul Forest (서울숲)

Massive grassy lawns shaded by cherry trees, plus a deer park, fountains, and cycling paths. The "Hill of Wind" area is the prime picnic zone with wide lawns and overhead cherry canopy.

• Address: 서울특별시 성동구 뚝섬로 273
• Getting there: Suin-Bundang Line, Seoul Forest Station Exit 4 (5 min walk). Also: Line 2, Ttukseom Station Exit 8
• Pro tip: Grab a coffee from Seongsu's famous cafes on the way. Bike rentals available inside the park.

Cherry Blossom Olympic Park (올림픽공원)

One of Seoul's largest parks with vast lawns, gentle hills, and the famous "Cherry Blossom Runway" (벚꽃 활주로). The area near Mongchontoseong fortress mound is especially scenic.

• Address: 서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 424
• Getting there: Subway Line 5 or 9, Olympic Park Station Exit 3 (direct entrance)
• Pro tip: Pack a full picnic — there is room to set up properly. Sculpture gardens add visual interest beyond just trees.

Cherry Blossom Yeouido Hangang Park (여의도 한강공원)

The quintessential Seoul cherry blossom experience. Riverside lawns with views of the Han River, 63 Building, and cherry blossoms. Bike rentals, convenience stores, and chicken delivery to the park.

• Address: 서울특별시 영등포구 여의동로 330
• Getting there: Subway Line 5 or 9, Yeouinaru Station Exit 2 (5 min walk to riverside)
• Pro tip: Go on weekdays or early morning. The riverside area below the main road is less packed. Sunset picnics here are unforgettable.

2026 Festival Calendar

All festivals are free admission.

Practical Tips

• Beat the crowds: Visit on weekday mornings (before 9 AM) or late evenings (after 9 PM)
• Picnic essentials: Mats + kimbap from any CU/GS25. Or order chicken delivery to the park — a beloved Korean tradition
• Transport: All spots are subway-accessible. Avoid driving — parking is extremely limited during festival periods
• Cherry blossom snow: The most magical moment is 2–3 days after peak bloom, when petals fall like snow. Don't skip this window