Korea is an alluring destination year-round, but between the second half of March and first half of April the country boasts another unforgettable highlight: beautiful pink cherry blossoms. Cherry blossom season in Korea (also called sakura season) is a magical time of year best experienced at a handful of attractions and festivals (READ: Korea’s Cherry Blossom Forecast for 2019)
We’ve found the seven best areas for admiring sakura blossoms in Korea and have even gone one step further by including the top places to stay near each one. From the sprawling Jehwangsan Park to the tranquil Yeouido Island and atmospheric Bomun Tourist Complex, here’s where you need to go during cherry blossom season.
Best Hotels on Jeju Island
Best time to visit Jeju Island: Last week of March
Kensington Hotel Jeju
The King Cherry Trees on Jeju Island are considered to showcase some of the best sakura blossoms in Korea. From Kensington Hotel Jeju, you’re a 40-minute train ride from the cherry blossoms in Seogwipo’s downtown area. Venture across the island to see blooms at the Jeju Sports Complex and partake in the vibrant Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival.
The hotel boasts manicured gardens and towering palms, which complement its impressive facilities that include a Grand Ballroom, art gallery, rooftop infinity pool and outdoor pool. Rest easy in your modern room with plush furnishings and sun-lit windows. Some rooms, such as the Grand Suite and Modern Jeju Deluxe, also have private balconies.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: ₩ 117,083 – ₩ 3,494,399
Guest Rating: 9.6
Address: 60, Jungmungwangwang-ro 72beon-gil, Seogwipo, South Korea
The Shilla Jeju
The Shilla Jeju’s ideal location gives you ample options for experiencing cherry blossom season. This is a true luxury getaway, complete with the authentic Korean restaurant, Cheonjee, and the French-inspired Guerlain Spa. The Soombi Spa Zone features three connected pools, including a lagoon-style family pool, tropical indoor pool and serene adults-only pool.
Relish the contemporary opulence of the Standard, Deluxe or Terrace rooms, the latter of which features traditional Korean interior decor and a private terrace. Grab a drink among soothing live tunes at Badang before heading to the on-site casino. There’s also a jogging course, kids’ club and PlayStation Game Zone.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: ₩ 120,397 – ₩ 5,827,603
Guest Rating: 9.2
Address: 75, Jungmungwangwang-ro 72beon-gil, Seogwipo, South Korea
Jeju Bom Stay
Located on the outskirts of the Seogwipo city center, Jeju Bom Stay provides highly attentive service and a range of convenient amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, express check-in and check-out and a 24-hour reception. All the rooms feature blackout curtains, air conditioning, work desks and fridges with bottled water.
Relax in the kid-friendly on-site pool or head over to the hotel’s bar or cafe for a leisurely drink. Choose from a variety of breakfast options at the on-site restaurant, before venturing outside to spot Jeju Island’s best cherry blossom displays. If you need some guidance on the local area, visit the hotel’s tour desk for sightseeing tips, including how to reach the nearby Jeongbang Waterfall.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: ₩ 47,341 – ₩ 213,078
Guest Rating: 9.2
Address: 68-16, Geomeunyeo-ro 130beon-gil, Seogwipo, South Korea
Best Hotel near Jehwangsan Park, Jinhae
Best time to visit Jehwangsan Park: Around March 26th
Jinhae Pasta Hotel
Do you want to see Korea’s cherry blossoms while traveling on a budget? Stay at Jinhae Pasta Hotel, a stylish and central hotel with modern rooms adorned in timber and glass. They also have comfortable beds, work desks and large flat-screen TVs. The most affordable option is the Standard Room, while the Premium Room also has a freestanding bath.
While most travelers opt to stay in nearby Busan and commute to Jehwangsan Park, staying at Jinhae Pasta Hotel places you a short walk from the park’s mesmerizing cherry blossoms and historical monuments. Stick around for the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival to see sakura and cultural performances at the Jinhae Jungwon Rotary Intersection.
Star Rating: 2.5*
Price: ₩ 11,100 – ₩ 188,799
Guest Rating: 7.2
Address: 9-1 Jehwang-Ro 80beon-Gil, Jinhae-gu, Changwon, South Korea
Best Hotels near the Bomun Tourist Complex, Gyeongju
Best time to visit Bomun Tourist Complex: First week of April
Hilton Hotel Gyeongju
Hilton Hotel Gyeongju is a modern marvel of luxury, sophistication and convenience in the heart of the ancient city of Gyeongju. This hotel has an impressive range of rooms catering to all travelers, as each room features private balconies, mountain or lake views, work desks and separate seating areas. Upgrade to one of the suites for additional floor space, plasma TVs, surround sound and wet bars.
Leisure comes naturally with an indoor pool, squash and racquetball courts, a gym and jogging track. You also have access to multiple restaurants, bars and cafes, including the 9th-floor cocktail lounge, Stars. Hilton Hotel Gyeongju is a short stroll from the Bomun Tourist Complex, which is practically covered in pink during cherry blossom season.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: ₩ 94,230 – ₩ 3,701,605
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: 484-7, Bomun-ro, Gyeongju, South Korea
Hyundai Hotel Gyeongju
Time your stay at Hyundai Hotel Gyeongju for the annual Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon, which takes runners past iconic sakura hotspots, including the Cheomseongdae Observatory and Bomunho Lake. This five-star hotel is also a 10-minute bus ride from Bomun Tourist Complex and 1.5 hours from the blooms at Heungmu Park.
Enjoy first-class facilities at Hyundai Hotel Gyeongju, from the high-street shopping arcade to jade stone steam baths and two swimming pools. Indulge in sweet treats, Chinese cuisine, baked goods and cocktails at the on-site dining establishments, before retiring to your inviting room or suite. Choose from the cozy Deluxe with a private balcony or the opulent Presidential Suite with spa bath and grand piano.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: ₩ 67,140 – ₩ 300,427
Guest Rating: 8.4
Address: 338, Bomun-ro, Bukgun-dong, Gyeongju, South Korea
Best Hotels near Yeouido Island, Seoul
Best time to visit Yeouido Island: April 1st – 15th
Conrad Seoul
Renowned for its tranquil setting on Yeouido Island and its uninterrupted views of Han River, Conrad Seoul is the perfect hotel for immersing yourself in the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival. This grand hotel has an indoor heated swimming pool, 24-hour fitness center and an on-site day spa. Don’t miss an alfresco breakfast at Vertigo restaurant or Italian dining at Atrio.
Guest rooms and suites feature city or river vistas, heavenly king-size beds and modern furnishings. You can also book an Executive room upgrade for access to complimentary cocktails, breakfast, Wi-Fi and hors-d’oeuvres in the Executive Lounge.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: ₩ 27,359 – ₩ 2,613,979
Guest Rating: 9.0
Address: 10, Gukjegeumyung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
GLAD Hotel Yeouido
Expect a high level of service and executive-style extravagance at GLAD Hotel Yeouido, where you can opt for contemporary Western rooms or stay in the authentic Heritage Ondol, complete with tatami mats. The spacious GLAD House offers self-contained accommodation and stunning displays of artwork.
The on-site Creative Lounge and gym cater to leisure and business travelers. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at GREETS, traditional Japanese at Kappo Akii or high-end whiskey at MARK’ T. Wander outside the hotel and you’ll be greeted by Yeouido Island’s cherry blossoms along the Han River.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: ₩ 54,457 – ₩ 329,752
Guest Rating: 8.9
Address: 16 Uisadang-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Marriott Executive Apartment
Positioned just across the road from Yeouido Park, Marriott Executive Apartment offers you direct access to picturesque cherry blossoms, as well as a wealth of shops at Myeongdong. Rejuvenate your body and mind at the on-site Soo Spa or work up a sweat at the fitness center. The indoor and outdoor pools are connected, while the Jacuzzi provides instant relief.
The self-contained apartments come in studio, one, two and three-bedroom options, all of which provide full kitchens, city views through floor-to-ceiling windows and dedicated living and dining areas. Enjoy a casual breakfast at the on-site Park Cafe or unwind with wine and craft cocktails at Library, the hotel’s wine bar and lounge.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: ₩ 134,881 – ₩ 671,335
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: 8, Yeoui-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Best Hotels near Seokchon Lake, Seoul
Best time to visit Seokchon Lake: April 1st – 15th
Lotte Hotel World
Lotte Hotel World is nestled on the edge of Seokchon Lake, where hundreds of sakura trees bloom each year. Time your visit for the annual Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival or combine it with a visit to the entertaining Lotte World amusement park. The hotel features a range of rooms, including character-themed options and spacious suites with lake vistas.
Dine on international cuisine at the on-site La Seine restaurant or enjoy European-style afternoon tea at the Lounge & Brasserie. You also have access to a gym, swimming pool and indoor driving range.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: ₩ 53,996 – ₩ 901,150
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: 240, Olympic-Ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Pharos Hotel
Treat yourself to contemporary and environmentally-friendly accommodation at Pharos Hotel, which boasts comfortable beds, Wi-Fi and air conditioning in the Standard rooms. Upgrade to the Royal Suite for antique furnishings and a private pool or the Presidential Suite for a plunge pool and loft-style bedroom.
There are numerous attractions nearby, including Olympic Stadium, Seokchon Lake and world-famous Gangnam District. After sightseeing, enjoy traditional Korean barbecue at the hotel’s Nolboo Duck Restaurant.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: ₩ 33,440 – ₩ 446,965
Guest Rating: 8.4
Address: 5, Olympic-ro 10-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Rosana Boutique Hotel
Located just south of Seokchon Lake, Rosana Boutique Hotel is ideally positioned for cherry blossom season, as well as visiting Lotte World. You’ll find a wealth of room options, including double, twin and triple. However, for the ultimate in luxury, opt for the Western or Korean Suite. All rooms offer complimentary bottled water, Wi-Fi and tea service.
The Rosana Buffet Restaurant serves a delicious buffet breakfast, while the lobby lounge is ideal for a leisurely coffee or light snack. Business travelers will also appreciate the fully-equipped Business Centre.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: ₩ 55,092 – ₩ 151,027
Guest Rating: 8.1
Address: 98, Samhaksa-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Best Hotels Near the Daereungwon Royal Tomb, Gyeongju
Best time to visit the Daereungwon Royal Tomb: First week of April
Gyeongju Tourist Hotel GG
An easy 15-minute bus ride from the Daereungwon Royal Tomb, Gyeongju Tourist Hotel GG offers affordable accommodation near one of Korea’s top cherry blossom sites. The cozy rooms range from Standard to Deluxe doubles and twins, as well as Suites with cinema-style lounge seating and the authentic Korean Style Ondol Room.
An on-site coffee bar and car rental service offer value and convenience, while the fitness center and sauna cater to both active and leisure travelers. Positioned in the city center, Gyeongju Tourist Hotel GG is just minutes from restaurants, bars and Gyeongju National Park.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: ₩ 40,921 – ₩ 159,630
Guest Rating: 8.4
Address: 3, Taejong-ro 699beon-gil, Gyeongju, South Korea
Sugar Hotel Gyeongju
Budget-savvy travelers will love the value for money at Sugar Hotel Gyeongju, which offers no-fuss Economy Double and Economy Twin rooms with air conditioning, TVs, mini bars and Wi-Fi. You can upgrade to the Deluxe or Luxury room for extra features, such as a work desk and skylight.
The motel-style accommodation also has a lounge where breakfast is served and a communal laundry. Looking for cherry blossoms? Catch public transport for 15 minutes to reach the Daereungwon Royal Tomb.
Star Rating: 2*
Price: ₩ 34,736 – ₩ 88,062
Guest Rating: 9.0
Address: 34-1, Taejong-ro 685beon-gil, Gyeongju, South Korea
Best Hotel near Seoul Forest, Seoul
Best time to visit Seoul Forest: First week of April
Hotel Atti Seongsu
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a budget-friendly hotel in a more enviable location than Hotel Atti Seongsu. One of the most affordable on this list, it’s under 15 minutes from the cherry blossoms at Seoul Forest and about 45 minutes from the city center. The hotel also boasts an on-site French patisserie, Cafe de Lyon, and a gastropub called The Muger.
All the rooms are naturally-lit and have timber finishes, including the Economy and Standard options. Choose the Sky View Deluxe Room for a private open-air balcony and outdoor Jacuzzi.
Star Rating: 2*
Price: ₩ 7,351 – ₩ 163,641
Guest Rating: 7.6
Address: 96, Seongsui-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Experience Korea’s Stunning Cherry Blossoms this Spring
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to seeing cherry blossoms in Korea, from sparkling cityscapes in Seoul to tranquil lakes and historic temples. With this list, you can also narrow down the best hotel for your holiday. The most popular hotels feature on-site dining, luxury room options and active-travel facilities.
Where will you see the cherry blossoms in Korea? Let us know in the comments! For more Korea cherry blossom guides, check out our other article below:
