By late March, Seoul transforms overnight. Trees that were bare and grey burst into pink, and cherry blossoms begin drifting along the Han River.

Spring has arrived — and with it, a wave of outdoor festivals and events that international visitors and students can easily join, many of them completely free. If this is your first spring in Korea, here's what to put in your calendar.

Cherry Blossom Festivals in Seoul

Yeouido Spring Flower Festival & Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival

These are Seoul's two iconic cherry blossom festivals, both opening in early April but offering completely different atmospheres.

Yeouido is an energetic, city-centre festival — a 1.7km blossom tunnel along the Han River, lined with street performances and food stalls.

Seokchon Lake is quieter and more relaxed, designed for a slower, more immersive experience around the lake with Lotte World Tower as a backdrop and scenic evening lighting throughout.

Both festivals are free to enter, but weekend afternoons get extremely crowded — weekday visits are strongly recommended.

Yeouido Spring Flower Festival

April 3 (Fri) – April 7 (Tue)Seoul Metro Line 5 or 9 to Yeouido Station — 5 to 10 minutes on foot

Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival

April 3 (Fri) – April 11 (Sat)Seoul Metro Line 2 or 8 to Jamsil Station — 5 minutes on foot

👉 TIP
For full details and visit tips on both festivals, check the Homes in Korea blog
(Korean Cherry Blossoms 2026: The Complete Spot Guide)

Spring Continues into May

Seoul Spring Festa

Once the cherry blossoms are gone, spring in Seoul is far from over.

Seoul Spring Festa takes over the Han River for six days from the end of April, bringing together live music concerts, outdoor film screenings, a food festival, and water sports experiences — all set along one of the city's most iconic backdrops.

Running through to Children's Day on May 5, the timing makes it easy to plan around the long weekend.

Festival Dates: April 30 (Thu) – May 5 (Tue), 2026Location: Han River (specific venue to be announced)Admission: General entry free; some programs ticketed

💡 TIP  Exact locations and program details are confirmed close to the event. Bookmark the Seoul Tourism Organization official site and check back as the date approaches.

Seoul Jazz Festival

The Seoul Jazz Festival is one of the largest outdoor music festivals in the country and a fitting way to close out the spring season.

Held over three days at Olympic Park, this year's 18th edition features an internationally recognized lineup including Jon Batiste (11-time Grammy winner), Ezra Collective, Trombone Shorty, and Free Nationals.

The format is relaxed — spread out a blanket on the park lawn, move between stages at your own pace, and enjoy the warm May air. With genres spanning jazz, R&B, soul, pop, and funk, it's just as enjoyable if you're not a dedicated music fan.

Festival Dates: May 22 (Fri) – May 24 (Sun), 2026Location: Olympic Park, Songpa-gu, SeoulAdmission: Paid (single-day and multi-day passes available)Getting there: Seoul Metro Line 5 to Olympic Park Station, Exit 3

💡 TIP single-day ticket is already sold out. Check remaining availability at the official site: seouljazz.co.kr. Bring a blanket and snacks — there are also food stalls inside the venue.

Spring in Seoul, Top Hiking Trails to Explore

Why Spring is the Best Season to Hike in Seoul

Seoul is one of the few cities in the world where you can step off the subway and walk straight into a national park.

Spring makes it even better — the trails are lined with azaleas and royal azaleas in bloom, turning a regular hike into something closer to a flower-viewing walk.

The city has also made hiking more accessible for international visitors, with equipment rental and multilingual support available at dedicated hiking tourism centers near the trailheads.

Recommended Hiking Trails

01. Bukhansan, Seoul's only national park

The most well-known hiking destination in the city, combining dramatic granite peaks with easy subway access.

For beginners, the 5.2km round trip from Bukhansanseong Visitor Center to Daenammun Gate is manageable and scenic.
For intermediate hikers, the 1.9km trail from Baegundae Visitor Center to the summit is the fastest route to the top.

From 2026, hiking shoes, poles, and backpacks can be borrowed free of charge at the Baegundae Visitor Center.

Access: Bukhansan Ui Station (Ui-Sinseol Line), Exit 2Gear Rental: Bukhansan Hiking Tourism Center Features: Multilingual support available

02. Namsan, The Easiest Urban Hiking Course

Namsan is one of the most accessible mountains in Seoul, perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a light outdoor walk.

You can either take the cable car or follow the walking trails up to N Seoul Tower. It’s an ideal option if you want to enjoy spring weather without a full hiking experience.

Access: Myeong-dong Station (Line 4) or Hoehyeon StationFeatures: Namsan circular shuttle bus available

03. Gwanaksan, A Rocky Mountain with City Views

Gwanaksan is one of the most popular hiking spots in southern Seoul.
It gained additional attention after being mentioned in a well-known Korean TV show as a place to visit when you need a fresh start.
At 632 meters above sea level, the summit offers panoramic views of Seoul and the Han River.

The route from Seoul National University Station is relatively gentle and suitable for beginners, while the Sadang route is steeper and better for those seeking a more challenging hike.

Gwanaksan is known for its rocky terrain, so wearing proper hiking shoes is strongly recommended.

Access: Gwanaksan Station (Sillim Line), Exit 1Features: Located next to Gwanaksan Hiking Tourism Center

💡 TIP At Seoul Hiking Tourism Centers (Bukhansan and Gwanaksan), you can get multilingual assistance and rent hiking gear for free or at a low cost.

During peak spring season (April–May), trails can get very crowded on weekends, so starting early on weekdays is highly recommended.

Spring in Seoul is more than just cherry blossoms it’s a season where you can experience festivals, culture, and nature all at once.

From the lively cherry blossom streets of Yeouido to the peaceful walks around Seokchon Lake,from riverside festivals along the Han River to hiking trails in the heart of the city, there are countless ways to enjoy spring in Seoul in your own way.