By Honorary Reporter Voicu Geanina from Romania

Photos: Voicu Geanina

Spring has arrived with a refreshing vibe after a long winter, with cherry blossoms blooming seven days earlier than in previous years. Such blossoms in Korea usually bloom in early April and stay in bloom for a week. This year, April 8 is forecast as the peak of their blooming in Seoul.

The following are five areas in Seoul that offer the most amazing cherry blossom experience. The photos are from my 2019 visit to Korea.

Yeouido
Yeouido is a major business area located on a small island in the middle of the Hangang River in Seoul's Yeongdeungpo-gu District. This is Seoul's most visited place in spring as the roads are full of cherry blossoms and fresh air. Couples are especially drawn to the romantic vibe of the trees packed with whit blossoms. Despite the crowds, Yeouido is still a cozy place to spend the afternoon. Spring also means a variety of festivals and performances to enjoy.

Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung, located in Jongno-gu District, is the most famous of Seoul's four main palaces from the Joseon Dynasty. The palace has many spots with cherry blossoms that practically implore visitors to take photos along the many hidden alleys in the garden. Wearing Hanbok here earns free admission and a trip back to the Joseon era.

Changdeokgung Palace
Changdeokgung, just a few km from Gyeongbokgung, has a garden featuring pink cherry blossoms that magically embrace the traditional architecture there. The azaleas and forsythias also blend amazingly with the blossoms.

Deoksugung Palace
In addition to the palace and its royal chambers, the garden is next to the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Jung-gu District. In front of the palace, there is a big cherry blossom tree. Seeing the blossoms lit up at night is a must-see here.

Olympic Park
My favorite spring place in Seoul is Olympic Park in Songpa-gu District. This large venue is colored pink and green, the alleys aren't always crowded and the road to get there is amazing with enormous cherry blossoms to view on the way.

kalhong617@korea.kr 

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.