Korea Cherry Blossoms and Autumn Leaves: When and Where
Golden Tropics Travel · Updated
Spring and autumn are the two most popular seasons for Malaysians visiting Korea. Dates move a little every year with the weather, so here are the usual windows and the places tours most often visit.
Cherry blossoms (late March to mid-April)
The blossoms move from south to north. Jeju usually blooms first, followed by Busan and Jinhae, then Seoul, often in early April. Each spot is at its best for only about a week, so a tour that moves north can catch more than one.
- Jinhae's Gunhangje Festival, usually in late March or early April, the largest cherry blossom festival in Korea
- Gyeongju's Bomun Lake and the old royal tombs
- Yeouido and Seokchon Lake in Seoul
Autumn leaves (October to early November)
The colours start in the mountains of the north-east and move south. Seoraksan usually turns first, from early to mid-October; Seoul and Nami Island are usually best from late October to early November.
- Seoraksan National Park, with cable car views over the peaks
- Nami Island's ginkgo and maple avenues
- Naejangsan, one of Korea's most famous spots for red maples
- Seoul's palaces and ginkgo-lined streets
What to pack
- Mornings and evenings are cool in both seasons, often around 5–15°C; bring a light jacket and a warm layer.
- Comfortable walking shoes for parks, palaces and mountain trails.
- Popular spots are busy at weekends, so tours often visit early in the day.
- Apply for your K-ETA at least 72 hours before the flight.