Korea cherry blossom 2026
Korea's cherry blossom (벚꽃) front moves from south to north over ~5 weeks. Jeju starts late March (often March 24-28), Busan peaks late March to early April, Seoul usually April 4-7, and Gangwon high-altitude April 10-15. Altitude delay: ~2 days per 100m. The 5-stage scale runs from 개화 (first open) through 만개 (full bloom) to 80% / 50% / 30%. Rain risk cuts visible bloom by 30% in 24 hours. This tool recommends dates by region.
Bloom date predictor
What this solves
The peak window is short — 4–6 days at any given location. Travel guides give rough dates but rarely break it down by year. The KMA (기상청) updates weekly. This tool gives you a date-window recommendation based on the regional norm and the 5-stage scale.
The bloom front
Jeju: late March. Busan: late March to early April. Gyeongju (early) / Seoul: April 4-7. Gangwon (high): April 10-15. Seoraksan high areas: April 15-20.
Altitude effect
Every 100m of elevation = ~2 days delay. Seoul (50m) vs Pyeongchang (700m) = 13 days difference. Jeju Hallasan summit (1950m) blooms in late April — sometimes May.
5-stage scale
개화 (first bloom): individual flowers open. 만개 (full bloom): ~80% open. 80% / 50% / 30%: petals falling. 만개 is the target date for visitors.
Rain & wind risk
Rain cuts bloom by 30% in 24 hours. Strong wind (5+ m/s) blows petals off. 2026 spring rain forecast variable — verify at KMA 1–2 weeks out.
How to read the result
- Predicted stage = the bloom stage for your date.
- Best window = the 4-day window centered on 만개.
- Altitude adjustment = how your altitude shifts the date.
Limitations
- Forecast is for a typical year; actual 2026 dates will vary.
- Climate change has shifted earlier; Seoul in 2026 might peak April 1-4.
- Cherry species vary (king cherry in Jeju vs Yoshino on mainland); bloom timing differs.
- Local microclimates (valleys, urban heat island) can shift dates ±2 days.
- KMA updates weekly; check back as your trip approaches.
FAQ
Jeju king cherry vs mainland Yoshino?
Jeju's 왕벚꽃 is pinker, larger, blooms 3-7 days earlier. Mainland Yoshino is whitish, smaller. Both stunning.
Best Jeju spot?
Jeonnong-ro, Hallasan, Seongeup. Full bloom often March 24-28.
Where in Seoul for crowds?
Yeouido (most touristy), Seokchon Lake (Lotte World backdrop), Kyung Hee University (local favorite).
What if I miss peak?
Late bloom (50%, 30%) is still beautiful with petals falling. Visit 2–4 days after peak for the snow path.