Korean Spring Travel, Where Should You Go? 10 Recommendations!
When spring comes, bodies and minds that shrank during winter seem to open wide. It’s a season when colorful flowers bloom in full under warm sunlight, and fresh green colors paint the world. Many people plan domestic travel on such wonderful spring days. If you’re wondering where to go, please pay attention to these 10 Korean spring travel destinations we’ll introduce from now on! We’ll meticulously organize attractive features of each destination along with convenient transportation information and travel points you shouldn’t miss.
1. Yeosu (Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do)
Features: Yeosu is an attractive city where you can simultaneously enjoy beautiful coastal scenery and fresh spring flowers, worthy of being called ‘Korea’s Naples.’ Especially in spring, the Yeongchwisan Azalea Festival is famous, and cherry blossoms also bloom beautifully, allowing you to enjoy romantic spring atmosphere. It’s rich in attractions like Odongdo, Hyangiram, and Dolsan Bridge, and fresh seafood is an indispensable pleasure of Yeosu travel.
Transportation:
- Air: Use Yeosu Airport (departing from Seoul Gimpo)
- Rail: Use KTX Yeosu Expo Station (departing from major cities like Seoul, Busan, Dongdaegu)
- Bus: Operates to Yeosu Terminal from major cities nationwide
- Local: Public transportation (bus, taxi) is convenient, and rental car use allows more free travel
Travel Points:
- Yeongchwisan Azaleas: Early April, the wave of azaleas painting the entire mountain red is spectacular.
- Odongdo: An island beautiful with camellia and cherry blossoms, good for walking along the promenade.
- Marine Cable Car: Take the cable car connecting Dolsan Park and Jasan Park to appreciate Yeosu’s beautiful night sea and scenery.
- Seafood Restaurant Tour: Be sure to taste Yeosu’s specialties like fresh raw fish, mustard leaf kimchi, and tongue sole sashimi.
- Yeosu Night Sea: You can enjoy a romantic night at Dolsan Bridge night view, Yi Sun-sin Square, Maritime Park, etc.
2. Gyeongju (Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do)
Features: The thousand-year-old capital Gyeongju presents fantastic scenery with cherry blossoms blending with historical sites when spring comes. Especially cherry blossoms around Bomun Complex, Bulguksa, and Daereungwon allow you to fully feel spring’s atmosphere. If you want to enjoy the beauty of spring flowers along with exploring historical sites, Gyeongju is the best choice.
Transportation:
- Air: Use Daegu Airport then intercity bus or taxi (takes about 1 hour)
- Rail: Use KTX Dongdaegu Station or Singyeongju Station (from KTX Singyeongju Station, use bus or taxi to downtown)
- Bus: Operates to Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal or Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal from major cities nationwide
- Local: City tour bus, regular bus, taxi use. Convenient with rental car.
Travel Points:
- Bomun Complex Cherry Blossom Road: A perfect cherry blossom tunnel for both driving courses and bicycle riding.
- Bulguksa & Seokguram: Feel the essence of Silla Buddhist art designated as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.
- Daereungwon (Cheonmachong): Where Silla royal tombs gather, good for feeling spring in a serene atmosphere.
- Cheomseongdae: Silla-era astronomical observatory, boasting even more beautiful scenery with canola flowers blooming around.
- Hwangnidan-gil: Experience trendy Gyeongju with trendy cafes, restaurants, and accessory shops.
3. Jinhae (Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do)
Features: ‘Naval port city’ Jinhae is a synonym for spring, a holy land of cherry blossom festivals. Every year from late March to early April, the nation’s largest cherry blossom festival is held, and the entire city is covered with cherry blossoms creating spectacular scenes. The experience of walking or driving through cherry blossom tunnels presents unforgettable memories.
Transportation:
- Air: Use Gimhae International Airport then intercity bus or taxi (takes about 1 hour)
- Rail: Use KTX Changwon Jungang Station or Masan Station then transfer to intercity bus
- Bus: Operates to Changwon Intercity Bus Terminal or Jinhae Intercity Bus Terminal from major cities nationwide
- Local: During cherry blossom festival period, there may be temporary traffic control, so public transportation use is convenient.
Travel Points:
- Yeojwacheon Romance Bridge: A representative cherry blossom spot where cherry blossoms and lighting blend to create a romantic atmosphere.
- Gyeonghwa Station: An abandoned train station where cherry blossoms bloom profusely, a good photo spot for lifetime shots.
- Naval Academy & Naval Base Command: Temporarily opened during festival period, where you can see beautiful cherry blossoms along with naval vessels.
- Jehwangsan Park: Take the monorail up to view Jinhae downtown and cherry blossoms at a glance.
- Jinhae Gunhangje: You can enjoy various cultural events and parades along with cherry blossoms. (Must confirm festival period)
4. Jeju Island (Jeju Special Self-Governing Province)
Features: Jeju Island, Korea’s representative spring travel destination, is beautifully painted with not only cherry blossoms but also diverse spring flowers like canola flowers and green barley throughout the island. Jeju’s spring is the optimal time to enjoy blue seas, fresh nature, and bright flowers in warm weather.
Transportation:
- Air: Use Jeju International Airport (many domestic flights operate)
- Ship: Use passenger ships departing from Mokpo, Wando, Yeosu, etc.
- Island: Rental car, public transportation (bus), taxi use. Electric car rental is also popular.
Travel Points:
- Noksan-ro Canola Flowers: Selected as one of ‘Korea’s Beautiful Roads 100,’ boasting fantastic scenery where cherry blossoms and canola flowers blend.
- Jeju King Cherry Blossoms: You can appreciate beautiful cherry blossoms in Jeju-si Aewol, Seogwipo-si Samyeodo, etc.
- Ttarabi Oreum & Sangumburi: In spring, you can see scenery where green barley waves ripple.
- Coastal Road Drive: Spend leisurely time driving beautiful coastal roads against the backdrop of spring sea.
- Olle Trail Walking: On warm spring days, walking Olle trails while feeling Jeju’s nature is also a good experience.
5. Gangneung (Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do)
Features: Gangneung, where you can feel spring’s freshness along with the blue East Sea, is an attractive destination where Gyeongpo Lake cherry blossoms and Gyeongpo Beach romance blend. In spring, various spring flowers bloom along with cherry blossoms, and there are abundant things to enjoy like fresh seafood and coffee streets.
Transportation:
- Air: Use Yangyang International Airport then taxi or bus (takes about 40 minutes)
- Rail: Use KTX Gangneung Station (departing from major stations like Seoul, Cheongnyangni)
- Bus: Operates to Gangneung Intercity Bus Terminal or Express Bus Terminal from major cities nationwide
- Local: Public transportation, taxi, rental car use.
Travel Points:
- Gyeongpo Lake Cherry Blossoms: Walk along cherry blossom roads created around Gyeongpo Lake and enjoy spring’s atmosphere.
- Gyeongpo Beach: Good for spending leisurely time looking at the open East Sea or walking along the beach.
- Anmok Beach Coffee Street: Various unique cafes gather, where you can enjoy the sea with delicious coffee.
- Ojukheon: Where Shin Saimdang and Yulgok Yi I were born, where you can feel serene atmosphere blending history and nature.
- Jeongdongjin: Famous as a sunrise spot, but beautiful open sea scenery even when visiting during the day.
6. Namhae (Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do)
Features: When spring comes to Namhae, blue seas and fresh green scenery blend with the beautiful German Village to present exotic charm. Especially in April, cherry blossoms and canola flowers bloom profusely, allowing more bright spring enjoyment. Good for enjoying leisurely spring days along with terraced rice field scenery.
Transportation:
- Air: Use Sacheon Airport then bus or taxi (takes about 1 hour)
- Rail: Use KTX Jinju Station then transfer to intercity bus
- Bus: Operates to Namhae Terminal from major cities
- Local: Rental car use is most convenient, some bus routes also operate.
Travel Points:
- German Village: You can appreciate cherry blossoms and canola flowers along with European-style exotic buildings.
- Darangyi Village: A beautiful place where you can view the blue sea with unique terraced rice field scenery.
- Boriam: A temple located at the top of Geumsan, where you can appreciate Namhae sea’s outstanding scenery.
- Sangju Silver Sand Beach: A beautiful beach where fine sand and clear sea blend.
- Namhaegak: An observatory where you can view Namhae at a glance, where you can capture wonderful scenery in photos.
7. Damyang (Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do)
Features: Damyang is a place where you can enjoy spring’s freshness along with Juknokwon’s green bamboo forest. In April, Damyang Bamboo Festival is held, where you can enjoy various experiences along with beautiful cherry blossoms. The spring scenery of Metasequoia-lined Street is also very beautiful.
Transportation:
- Air: Use Gwangju Airport then intercity bus or taxi (takes about 40 minutes)
- Rail: Use KTX Gwangju Songjeong Station then transfer to intercity bus
- Bus: Operates to Damyang Public Bus Terminal from major cities like Gwangju U-Square
- Local: Damyang city bus and taxi use. Major tourist attractions like Juknokwon and Metasequoia Road are relatively close.
Travel Points:
- Juknokwon: Have healing time breathing fresh spring air while walking dense bamboo forest paths.
- Metasequoia-lined Street: In spring, light green new leaves sprout, presenting even fresher and more beautiful scenery.
- Damyang Bamboo Festival: During the festival held in April, there are various things to enjoy like bamboo-related experiences, performances, and exhibitions.
- Gwanbangjerim: A beautiful forest path created along Damyang Stream, good for walking.
- Damyang Tteokgalbi & Daetongbap: Enjoy hearty meals tasting Damyang’s representative foods.
8. Jeonju (Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do)
Features: Jeonju, which preserves Korean traditional elegance intact, presents special charm when spring comes as cherry blossoms blend with Hanok Village’s serenity. It’s an attractive destination where you can feel history, culture, and spring’s atmosphere all along with delicious food.
Transportation:
- Air: Use Gunsan Airport then taxi or bus (takes about 1 hour)
- Rail: Use KTX Jeonju Station (departing from major cities like Seoul, Busan, Gwangju)
- Bus: Operates to Jeonju Express Bus Terminal or Jeonju Intercity Bus Terminal from major cities nationwide
- Local: Walking is convenient within Hanok Village, city bus and taxi use available.
Travel Points:
- Jeonju Hanok Village: Feel beautiful hanok atmosphere, appreciate cherry blossoms, and taste various street foods.
- Gyeonggijeon: Where King Taejo Yi Seong-gye’s portrait is enshrined, where you can enjoy cherry blossoms with serene atmosphere.
- Deokjin Park: A beautiful park where you can appreciate lotus flowers along with cherry blossoms in spring.
- Jaman Mural Village: Located near Hanok Village, a good place for taking photos with cute murals.
- Jeonju Bibimbap & Hanjeongsik: Be sure to taste delicious food representing Jeonju.
9. Taean (Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do)
Features: Taean, where various flower festivals like tulip festivals and canola flower festivals are held in spring along with West Coast’s beautiful beaches, is a place where you can enjoy spring’s splendor. Good for healing while appreciating bright flowers along with fresh sea scent.
Transportation:
- Air: Use Incheon International Airport then transfer to intercity bus (takes about 2 hours)
- Rail: Use KTX Seodaejeon Station or Hongseong Station then transfer to intercity bus
- Bus: Operates to Taean Public Bus Terminal from Seoul Central City Terminal, Dong Seoul Terminal, etc.
- Local: Rental car use is most convenient, some route buses operate.
Travel Points:
- Korea Flower Park (former Dutch Tulip Festival): During spring season, you can meet gorgeous tulips and various spring flowers.
- Cheollipo Arboretum: An arboretum where you can meet various plants, beautiful with flowers blooming profusely in spring.
- Anmyeondo Beaches (Kkotji Beach, Bangpo Beach, etc.): Enjoy spring sea while walking beautiful West Coast beaches.
- Mongsanpo Beach: Good for enjoying camping or rest with wide white sand and pine forest blending.
- Spring Flower Festivals: Various spring flower festivals like tulips and canola flowers are held, so check festival information according to visit timing.
10. Cheongsando (Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do)
Features: Cheongsando, famous as ‘Island of Slowness,’ presents picture-like scenery covered with canola flowers and green barley throughout the island when spring comes. You can experience true healing while enjoying canola flowers and sea along walking-friendly Slow Roads.
Transportation:
- Ship: Use passenger ship departing from Wando Port (takes about 50 minutes)
- Island: Walking is basic, island bus use available. Bicycle rental also available.
Travel Points:
- Cheongsando Slow Road: Walk Slow Roads consisting of 11 total courses to appreciate canola flower waves and blue sea.
- Canola Flowers & Green Barley Fields: During spring season, yellow canola flowers and green barley fields spread throughout the island are spectacular.
- Beombawi: Cheongsando’s symbolic rock, where you can capture wonderful scenery in photos.
- Dorak-ri Beach: Spend leisurely time at beautiful beach or enjoy sea bathing.
- Aesthetics of Slowness: Escape complicated daily life and feel the island’s atmosphere slowly and leisurely.
For Spring Travel, This is Essential!
- Weather Check: Spring weather can be fickle, so be sure to check weather before departure and prepare clothing.
- Flower Festival Period: Flower festivals like cherry blossoms and canola flowers have short periods, so it’s good to check festival schedules before visiting.
- Transportation Reservation: For popular destinations or festival periods, transportation (train, bus, flight) reservations are essential.
- Accommodation Reservation: Especially on weekends or holidays, accommodation reservations can be difficult, so it’s good to book in advance.
- Camera Essential: Be sure to pack a camera to capture beautiful spring scenery!
Now in exciting spring, choose a destination you like and create unforgettable memories!
Conclusion
Korea’s spring is an incomparably good season for traveling with diverse flowers and fresh nature blending. From Yeosu’s romantic coast, Gyeongju’s serene historical sites, Jinhae’s gorgeous cherry blossoms, Jeju Island’s exotic scenery, Gangneung’s blue sea, Namhae’s exotic village, Damyang’s fresh bamboo forest, Jeonju’s traditional elegance, Taean’s beautiful beaches and flower fields, to Cheongsando’s aesthetics of slowness. Ten destinations each with different charms will make your spring more abundant.
Actions You Can Take Right Now:
- Select 1-2 spring travel destinations you like most.
- Check cherry blossom blooming period or festival schedules of selected destinations.
- Reserve transportation and accommodation in advance to prepare perfect spring travel.
EXTERNAL_LINKS: Yeosu Culture and Tourism, Gyeongju Culture and Tourism, Jinhae Naval Base Home Page, Visit Jeju, Gangneung City Culture and Tourism cultural tourism, Namhae County Cultural Tourism, Damyang County Cultural Tourism, Jeonju Culture and Tourism, Cultural Tourism in Taean-gun, Tour of Cheongsando Island
INTERNAL_LINKS: Top 10 Korean Summer Travel Destinations, Top 10 Korean Fall Travel Destinations, Top 10 Korean Winter Travel Destinations
