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Spring Flowers in Korea That Aren’t Cherry Blossoms (& Where To Find Them)

While cherry blossoms get most of the attention in spring, Korea has a variety of seasonal flowers that are just as stunning! From bright yellow canola fields to delicate magnolias, here’s where you can find some of Korea’s best spring flowers.

Spring Flowers In Korea

Canola (유채꽃)

Blooming Period: Early to mid-April 

Canolas are small, yellow flowers that grow in large clusters or bushes, creating a striking picture when they are in full bloom. 

You’ve probably heard of canolas in Korean skincare, known for their soothing and brightening properties! 

Where to See Canola Flowers

Jeju Island 

Canola flowers and cherry blossoms in Jeju, Noksan-ro

Jeju has many canola viewing spots, ranging from open fields to mountains by the ocean! 

Our favourite is Noksan-ro, a stretch of road where you can catch both cherry blossoms and canolas. 

Check out our Jeju spring guide for the full list of spots. 

Seoul 

Seorae Island (a.k.a Banpo Hangang Park) is a man-made island along the Han River, home to canola flower fields. The contrast of bright yellow with the backdrop of the river is sure to make for great pictures!

Seorae Island (반포 서래섬)
서울 서초구 반포동
Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Nearest train station: Gubanpo (구반포역, Exit 2, Line 9)
Naver Maps | Kakao Maps

Busan

ⓒPhoto Korea – Korea Tourism Organization, Lee Bumsu

Daejeo Ecological Park in Busan has a dedicated canola field, located next to Gupodaegyo Bridge. The park also has wetlands and other flower fields like cherry blossoms and mustard flowers!

Daejeo Eco Park (대저생태공원)
부산 강서구 대저1동 1-5
1-5 Daejeo 1-dong, Gangseo-gu, Busan
Nearest train station: Gangseo-gu Office (강서구청역, Exit 1, Line 3)
Naver Maps | Kakao Maps

Forsythia (개나리)

Blooming Period: Mid-Late March

Forsythias are the next most popular spring flower after cherry blossoms! They look similar to canolas but have slimmer petals, growing in clusters on thin branches.  

Where to See Forsythia Flowers

Seoul

Forsythia are expected to begin blooming in Seoul from 22 March 2025. 

Our number one recommendation for forsythia flowers in Seoul is Eungbongsan. The entire mountain is covered in Forsythia blossoms, making for a gorgeous sight with the backdrop of the city. 

The trail is not challenging, making it a comfortable hike! 

Eungbongsan (응봉산)
서울 성동구 금호동4가 1540
1540 Geumho-dong 4-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Nearest train station: Eungbongsan (응봉산역, Exit 1, Gyeogui Line)
Naver Maps | Kakao Maps

Busan 

Forsythia are expected to begin blooming in Busan from 15 March 2025. 

Hwangnyeongsan is a popular hiking trail in Busan and a location for catching spring flowers like forsythias and azaleas! 

There’s an observatory that offers a great view of Busan city, especially at night. 

Hwangnyeongsan (황령산)
부산 연제구 연산5동
Yeonsan 5-dong, Yeonje-gu, Busan
Nearest train station: Geumnyeonsan Station (금련산역, Exit 6, Line 2). You can hike directly from the station, take a taxi or take bus 38 or 54 to the stop Hwangnyeongsan Mountain Entrance (황령산입구).
Naver Maps | Kakao Maps

Azalea (진달래)

Blooming Period: Late March – early April

Azaleas are a dark pink-purple blossom with large, frilly petals, a bright contrast to the usual baby pink cherry blossom. These are the third most popular spring flower after the forsythia. 

Both flowers have an official forecast map, which you can check on the Korean weather forecast website

Where to See Azaleas

Incheon, Gyeonggi-do

Azaleas are expected to begin blooming in the Gyeonggi-do region from 20 March 2025. 

ⓒPhoto Korea – Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization

A famous azalea spot in Korea is Goryeosan in Incheon Gyeonggi-do, known for being covered in azalea blossoms at its peak! 

It’s located on an island which requires a ferry trip but many say its worth the trip. 

Goryeosan (고려산)
인천 강화군 내가면 고천리
Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, Gocheon-ri
Naver Maps | Kakao Maps

Seoul 

Azaleas are expected to begin blooming in Seoul from 20 March 2025. 

Bukhansan National Park is famous for its hiking trails but also as a spot for azaleas. There are many trail options available to cater to different hikers! 

Bukhansan (북한산)
경기 고양시 덕양구 대서문길 375
375, Daeseomun-gil, Deokyang-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do
Nearest train station: Gupabal (구파발역, Line 3). Depending on your start point
Naver Maps | Kakao Maps 

Tulips (튤립)

Blooming Period: Late March to early April 

Tulips are another beloved spring flower in Korea. You can find many varieties in Korea and in large quantities! 

Where to See Tulips

Seoul

Seoul Forest is home to a tulip garden, boasting a colourful variety of tulips that are gorgeous when in full bloom. 

It’s also convenient and accessible, walkable from Seoul Forest station and Seongsu

Seoul Forest (서울숲)
서울 성동구 뚝섬로 273
273, Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Open daily, 5.30am-9.30pm
Nearest train station: Seoul Forest (서울숲역, Exit 4, Suinbundang Line)
Naver Maps | Kakao Maps

Sinan, Jeollanam-do 

An underrated region is Jeollanam-do, a coastal region at the southmost tip of Korea. There are many smaller islands which make it a unique area to explore!

The annual Sinan Tulip Festival is hosted in Sinan City. It boasts large fields of tulips which make for perfect pictures! 

Sinan Tulip Park (신안튤립공원)
전남 신안군 임자면 대기리 산327-2
178, Daegwanghaesuyokjang-gil, Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do
Naver Maps | Kakao Maps

Suncheonman 

Another Jeollanam-do city is Suncheonman, about 3 hours from Seoul via KTX. It’s host to the Suncheonman Bay National Garden, one of most well-known gardens in Korea. 

There’s a Dutch Garden with a tulip field that’s popular in the spring. It even features a windmill as a backdrop for pictures!

Suncheonman Bay National Garden (순천만국가정원)
47 Gukgajeongwon 1-ho gil, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do
전남 순천시 국가정원1호길 47
Mon-Sun, 9am-9pm, Last Tickets 8pm
Naver Maps | Kakao Maps

Daffodils (수선화)

Blooming Period: Early-mid March

Daffodils are known for their unique bell-like shape, which come in yellow, white or mixed varieties. The flowers stand for new beginnings, making it fitting for the coming of spring. 

Where to See Daffodils

Busan 

The Oryukdo Sunrise Park is the perfect spot for daffodils in Busan. The park is located on a cliff-side, providing a perfect view of the flowers and the ocean below – plus two mountains in the distance!

It’s part of Oryukdo Skywalk, a popular tourist attraction that lets visitors enjoy the Busan coastal views. 

Oryukdo Sunrise Park (오륙도해맞이공원)
부산 남구 용호동 산197-5
San 197-5 Yongho-dong, Nam-gu, Busan
Naver Maps | Kakao Maps

Magnolia (목련)

Blooming Period: March- April 

Magnolias are an unassuming flower with large, smooth petals and red centres. They grow on trees, presenting a sea of pink or white blooms at their peak. Magnolias have a shorter blooming period, so consider yourself lucky if you manage to spot them!

Where to See Magnolias

Seoul

ⓒPhoto Korea – Korea Tourism Organization Jeon Hyeongjun

Seokchon Lake in Jamsil is a popular spot for cherry blossoms but also for magnolias! The Seokchon Lake Park has a walking trail lined with different flowering trees, making for a pleasant walking route. 

Seokcheon Lake Park (석촌호수공원)
서울 송파구 잠실로 148
148, Jamsil-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Nearest train station: Jamsil (잠실역, Exit 2, Line 2/8)
Naver Maps | Kakao Maps

Peonies (작약)

Blooming Period: Late May

Peonies are a late bloomer compared to the other flowers on this list, but we feel these are one of the prettiest! The flowers are large with thick layers of petals, making them look lush and extravagant. 

Where To See Peonies

Seoul

Seoul Grand Park is a mega park complex with a zoo, camping sites and a dedicated peony garden! 

Entry to the grounds is free. It’s also a popular spot for cherry blossoms so you can enjoy both spring flowers at once. 

Seoul Grand Park (서울대공원)
경기 과천시 대공원광장로 102
102, Daegwanwon Gwangjang-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
Nearest train station: Daegongwon (대공원역, Exit 2, Line 4)
Naver Maps | Kakao Maps

Yongin, Gyeonggi-do

ⓒPhoto Korea – KTO_Kim Jiho

The Hantaek Botanical Garden in Yongin is Korea’s largest botanical garden, home to over 9,700 plant species! You can spot many varieties of flowers within the gardens, including peonies. 

There are also gardens including an iris garden, herb garden and more – making it great for plant lovers.

Hantaek Botanical Garden (한택식물원)
경기도 용인시 처인구 백암면 한택로 2
2, Hantaek-ro, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do
Naver Maps | Kakao Maps

Plum Blossom (매화)

Blooming Period: Early March

Plum blossoms are in the same family as cherry blossoms. They are also the first group of flowers to bloom in Korea, giving them the nickname ‘chief of flowers’. 

Where to See Plum Blossoms

Seoul 

You can find both red and white plum blossoms at Hadong Green Plum Street (하동매실거리), a trail right outside Yongdap train station. 

It’s a short street but offers a perfect spot to admire the flowers! 

Hadong Green Plum Street (하동매실거리)
서울 성동구 용답동
Yongdap-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Nearest train station: Yongdap (용답역, Exit 2, Line 2)
Naver Maps | Kakao Maps 

We also found red plum blossoms at Bongeunsa Temple (봉은사) in Gangnam. There were only 2 trees within the grounds, but we still found it a pretty sight framed by the traditional buildings. 

Bongeunsa Temple (봉은사)
서울 강남구 봉은사로 531 봉은사
Bongeunsa-ro 531, Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Nearest train station: Bongeunsa (봉은사역, Exit 1, Line 9)
Naver Maps | Kakao Maps

Where To See Spring Flowers In Korea

From canola fields in Jeju to azalea-covered mountains, Korea has plenty of spring flowers beyond cherry blossoms. If you’re looking for a unique seasonal experience, these offer a great reason to explore beyond the usual cherry blossom spots!

Check out more Spring activities In Korea:

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