6-9 Days Cherry Blossoms Spring Travel Itinerary to Seoul
(end March to mid-April)
KoreaToDo has put together a day-by-day Cherry Blossoms Itinerary for travellers visiting Seoul in Spring.
With so many cherry blossoms hot spots in Seoul, we have shortlisted the must-visits and those easily accessible by public transport.
Key Cherry Blossoms Guides & Highlights:
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Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is the biggest spring festival in Seoul.
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Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival is the biggest spring festival in Korea, best visited as a day tour from Seoul (or Busan).
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Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival is another established festival for cherry blossoms in Seoul.
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Seoul Grand Park Cherry Blossom Festival is an upcoming favourite cherry blossom festival in Seoul.
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Cherry blossoms at Namsan Mountain generally peak later than Seokchon Lake and Yeouido.
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Also, cherry blossoms in Incheon generally peak later than Seoul.
So, based on your travel dates, you can move around the days accordingly. Some travellers love the end of the season with the falling petals and petals-covered ground, a sight to behold too.
Itinerary Highlights
Before Departure
1. Recommended Activities, Tours & Tickets to pre-purchase before trip (optional)
2. Recommended Hotel Location: anywhere near Myeongdong Station, preferably on the same side of the road as 'Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong' (i.e. 2 mins walk to airport limousine bus drop off/pick up bus stop, near exit 8 of Myeongdong Station)
3. Download Mobile Apps
a) Korea Subway Info App - Metroid HD (KakaoMap or Naver Map)
b) Location/Walking Direction Map - KakaoMap or Naver Map
Day 1: Arrived Seoul / Check in / Seoul Grand Park Cherry Blossom Festival / Myeongdong
Take Airport Limousine Bus from Incheon Airport (T1/T2) to City (i.e. Myeongdong Station Bus Stop)
Bus #: 6015
Interval: 2-6 departures per hour
Duration: 80 mins
Fare: ₩17,000 (discount may apply when used with T-money card)
Boarding: Join the queue anytime to board the bus
At Incheon Airport - Arrival Hall (public area after collecting luggage)
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Pick up pre-purchased WIFI Router & SIM Card at Incheon Airport (where applicable).
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Recommend to purchase T-money Card at any convenience store at the arrival hall of Terminal 1 (T1) or Terminal 2 (T2). Card deposit is ₩4,000. Suggest to top up at least ₩20,000 to ₩30,000 as the airport limousine fare is ₩17,000.
(The card can be used on airport limousine bus, bus, taxi, subway and convenience stores. Top up at any downtown convenience stores or subway stations. More details...)
💡If you can't get the card at the airport's convenience store, you can walk a bit further to the subway station to purchase the card. Alternatively, you can get it at most convenience stores when you arrived in Myeongdong. Different stores carry different designs and you can pick your favourite too!
Departing from T1 to Myeongdong Station:
First bus 05:40 | Last Bus 23:00
Walk outside of arrival hall (1F) at Gate 5, look for Bus #6015 to Myeongdong at bus platform 5B.
Departing from T2 to Myeongdong Station:
First bus 05:20 | Last Bus 22:40
Go to Basement 1 for platform No. 28
Tab the T-money Card on boarding.
alternatively, bus ticket can be purchased at counters/machines (recommended) outside arrival hall (T1, 1F), bus waiting area (T2, B1) or by cash to driver.
Notes:
Refer to Incheon International Airport official website on the latest bus information & schedule.
Alternative ways to get to Myeongdong from Incheon Int'l Airport:
a) book your Private Airport Transfer by Car OR
b) take the non-stop AREX Airport Railroad express train from Incheon Int'l Airport direct to Seoul Station (Terminal 1: 43 mins / Terminal 2: 51 mins, ₩9,500) and transfer to subway for Myeongdong Station (line 4, 3 mins, 2 stops, ₩1,400). Luggage carrying up/down the stairs might be required. There are taxi stands outside Seoul Station too.
Check into accommodation booked after alighting from Airport Limousine Bus at Myeongdong Station Bus Stop.
Take the subway from Myeongdong Station to Seoul Grand Park Station (line 4, same line, 29 mins, exit 2).
Seoul Grand Park Cherry Blossom Festival
2km long cherry blossoms path around Gwacheon Lake. You can take the scenic sky lift across the lake or elephant tram around the lake too. 💡There is also a zoo, Seoul Land Amusement Park and hiking trails at Seoul Grand Park.
Take the subway from Seoul Grand Park Station back to Myeongdong Station (line 4, same line, 29 mins).
Day 2: Yeouido Spring Flower Festival / Hangang River Cruise + (Dongdaemun / Gwangjang Market / Ikeongdong Hanok Village)
Depart as early as you can if you wish to catch the cherry blossoms with less crowd. ☺
Take the subway from Myeongdong Station to National Assembly Station (line 9, 1 line transfer, 32 mins). Use subway mobile app Metroid HD (search 'assembly') or KakaoMap/NaverMap for the lines and transfer station. From exit 6, walk on the 1.7km 'V' shape cherry blossoms path towards Yeouinaru Station along Han River.
Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival 영등포 여의도 봄꽃축제
There will be performances, exhibitions and promotions, including late night cherry blossoms viewing during the festival period.
There are 2 bicycle rental shops on both sides of Yeouinaru Station near to the cycling track, providing travellers a great way to enjoy Han River and Seoul. Photo ID required.
1) Go on lunch on board the E-land Cruise nearby OR
2) Walk to E-Land Cruise Terminal for more restaurants, cafes and convenience store options OR
3) Take a quick bites at any of the convenience stores located along the park with different 'amazing' food heat up facilities.
Han River (Hangang) Cruise 한강유람선
Get on the popular Han River Cruise, operated by E-Land Cruise.
Take the subway from Yeouinaru Station (line 5) to any of your preferred attractions below, located on the same subway line, line 5.
Option 1: Shopping
Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station, 16 mins
Dongdaemun Shopping Malls (open till 4-6am)
You can take the subway or short taxi (10 mins) ride back to Myeongdong.
Use subway mobile app Metroid HD or KakaoMap/Naver Map on the transfer station back to Myeongdong Station (line 4).
Day 3: Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival + (Lotte World / Seoul Sky, Gangnam Shopping Street & Express Bus Terminal Underground Shopping / Seoul Forest & Seoul Forest Cafe Street)
Depart early if you wish to enjoy the cherry blossoms with less crowd. ☺
Take the subway from Myeongdong Station to Jamsil Station (line 2/8, 1 line transfer, 28 mins). From exit 2, walk 2 mins to Seokchon Lake Park.
Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival
Cherry blossoms beautifully embroider both East and West Lake (Lotte World & Magic Island). During the festival period, visitors can enjoy a variety of performances, exhibitions and hands-on activities.
Lunch (& Shop)
There are many eating options around Seokchon Lake. Towards Jamsil Station, there are CJ Food World@Jamil Lotte, Lotte Department Store and Lotte World Tower/Mall/Mart.
Jamil Lotte
@Lotte World Mall 5F
@Lotte World Mall 5F
@Lotte World Tower 81F
@Lotte World Mall 3F
@Lotte World Tower 31F
Lotte World Mall B1F
@Lotte World Mall 5F
@Lotte World Mall 5F
@Lotte World Mall 2F
After Lunch, pick your preferred next attraction(s) to visit.
Dinner at the many restaurants available at Lotte World.
Take the subway from Jamsil Station back to Myeongdong Station (line 4, 1 line transfer, 28 mins).
Option 2: Seoul Sky Observatory & Shopping
Seoul Sky @ Lotte World Tower 서울스카이
World’s highest glass-floored observatory at 478m on the 118th floor. Offers beautiful panoramic view of the entire city.
Take the subway from Jamsil Station to Gangnam Station (line 2, same line, 12 mins).
Take the subway from Gangnam Station to Express Bus Terminal Station (line 3/7/9, 1 line transfer, 10 mins, exit 8).
Continue shopping at:
Express Bus Terminal Underground Shopping Mall (Goto Mall), open till 22:00
Take the subway from Express Bus Terminal Station back to Myeongdong Station (line 4, 1 line transfer, 22 mins).
Option 3: Seoul Forest (park) & Seoul Forest Cafe Street
Take the subway from Jamsil Station to Seoul Forest Station (Suin Bundang Line, 1 line transfer, 21 mins).
Enjoy the cherry blossoms and tulips in bloom at the park. There is a Deer Corral in the park too!
After Seoul Forest, walk to Seoul Forest Cafe Street right next to the park (near Gate 4/5).
Take the subway from either Seoul Forest Station (Suin Bundang Line)/Ttukseom Station (line 2) back to Myeongdong Station (line 4).
Day 4 - 5: Day Tour / more Cherry Blossoms Spots in Seoul
1. Recommended Spring Day Trips/Tours from Seoul (pick one):
It is recommended to join a day tour if you wish to visit multiple popular attractions nearby (i.e. The Garden of Morning Calm, Petite France, Gangchon Rail Bike) in a single day. It is more cost effective as well.
c) Other popular Cherry Blossoms Destinations
2. or If you wish to visit more cherry blossom/spring flower hot spots in Seoul.
Day 6: Incheon - Chinatown / Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village / Jayu Park / Wolmido Island
Flexible start time... ⍢
Take the subway from Myeongdong Station to Incheon Station (line 1, 1 line transfer, 80 mins, exit 1). Incheon Chinatown is just across the road.
The first Chinatown in Korea, known for its marvellous traditional Chinese food with its must-eat jajangmyeon (black bean sauce noodles).
Cherry Blossoms @Jayu Park 자유공원
Short walking distance from Incheon Chinatown and offer spectacular views of Incheon and sea.
Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village 송월동 동화마을
Short walking distance from Incheon Chinatown and a great insta-worthy place.
Walk back to the bus stop near Incheon Station, exit 1.
Take Bus 2, 10 or 23 and get off at Wolmido (City Tour) Bus Stop, 13 mins.
Enjoy the walk along the sea shore and have fun at Wolmi Theme Park.
Dinner at one of the many seafood restaurants (& cafes) around.
Take the bus (13 mins) or taxi (10 mins) back to Incheon Station 인천역.
Take the subway from Incheon Station back to Myeongdong Station (line 4, 1 line transfer, 77 mins).
Alternatively, you can hop on a day tour to Incheon with ease as well.
Day 7...: Self Explore based on your interest
For treasured moments away from the cherry blossoms crowd on the last few days of your holiday....
1. Recommended Day Tours from Seoul
a) Yangpyeong: Dumulmeori / Semiwon Garden / Strawberry Farms / Bukhangang Railroad Bridge
A place of nature beauty where North Hangang River and Namhangang River meet. Easily accessible on Seoul Subway, 75 mins from Myeongdong Station.
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage) makes a worthy day trip from Seoul with other popular attractions all within walking distance like the palace, famous chicken street, chic cafes & restaurants, mural villages, cultural shopping streets, etc.
c) Paju - Provence Village, Heyri Art Village, Paju Premium Outlets & SkinAnniversary Beauty Town
Travel to Paju, a South Korean city located beside the west end of DMZ, close to North Korea. Explore the beauty of the southern French culture town and lovely art village. 24 mins on subway from Myeongdong Station, followed by 50 mins on bus.
Last Day: Getting to Incheon Airport...
Take the Airport Limousine Bus, #6015 (or #6001) from the same drop off stop (Myeongdong Station) to Incheon Airport (T1/T2)
Bus stop location: near exit 8 of Myeongdong Station and right in front of KB Bank.
Interval: 2-6 departures per hour
Duration: 80 mins (T1) / 90 mins (T2)
Fare: ₩17,000
From Myeongdong Station - First bus 04:35 | Last Bus 20:15 (refer to the information at bus stop for the latest schedule)
Alternatively, you can book on a private car transfer to Airport as well.
🌼ALL SPRING HOT PICKS🌼 Handpicked Experiences from Seoul
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