April is Korea’s most popular month to visit, and for good reason. The cherry blossoms that peak in late March to early April transform the country’s parks, palace grounds, and riverside paths.
By mid-April, the blossoms have given way to fresh green leaves,s and the country settles into some of its finest spring weather. April is Korea at its most beautiful and busiest.
Quick Answer: Korea in April: Warm and clear (highs of 14 to 20 degrees, lows of 6 to 12 degrees). Cherry blossom peak typically early April (exact timing varies by year). Jinhae Naval Port Festival in late March to early April is Korea’s most famous blossom event. Book accommodation well in advance for early April. See the Korea cherry blossom guide for the full Korea cherry blossom guide.
Korea Weather in April
Early April (1 to 10)
Highs of 14 to 18 degrees. Lows of 6 to 9 degrees. Cherry blossom peaks in most of Korea. Clear blue skies. Light layers needed: a spring jacket for mornings and evenings. Some rain possible,e but generally dry.
Mid-April (11 to 20)
Highs of 17 to 21 degrees. Lows of 9 to 13 degrees. Blossoms are falling, and fresh green leaves are emerging. One of the most beautiful weeks of the year,r as the soft new green replaces the pink. Crowds are dropping significantly from the blossom peak.
Late April (21 to 30)
Highs of 18 to 23 degrees. Lows of 11 to 15 degrees. Full spring. Comfortable temperatures, outdoor dining pleasant, hiking season properly underway. Noticeably fewer tourists than in early April.
Cherry Blossoms in Korea in April
Jinhae (late March to early April)
Korea’s most famous cherry blossom festival, the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, is held at the naval port city of Jinhae in South Gyeongsang Province. The Yeojwa Stream, lined with cherry trees, and the Jinhae tunnel of cherry trees are extraordinary. Very crowded: arrive early and avoid peak weekend days if possible. See the Jinhae cherry blossom guide.
Seoul
Yeouido Spring Flower Festival (see Yeouido Hangang Park) around the Han River. Gyeongbokgung Palace grounds (see Gyeongbokgung Palace guide). Namsan Park walking paths. Seokchon Lake (see Seokchon Lake guide) cherry blossoms with Lotte World Tower backdrop. See the Seoul in spring context.
Gyeongju
The ancient Silla capital has cherry blossom festivals along the Bomun Lake area and the Bulguksa Temple approach in early April. The combination of the historical site and the cherry blossom is unusually fine. See the Gyeongju guide.
Hadong and the South Coast
The Ssanggyesa Temple in Hadong (South Gyeongsang Province) has a famous cherry blossom tunnel along the 10-kilometre approach path that reaches its peak in early April—one of Korea’s most beautiful but less-visited blossom spots.
Other April Events in Korea
- Lotus Lantern Festival (Buddha’s Birthday, late April to May): The Lotus Lantern Parade through central Seoul is one of the most visually spectacular street events in Korea. Buddhist temples throughout Korea hold lantern events in the week leading up to Buddha’s Birthday.
- Boseong Green Tea Festival: The Boseong tea fields (see Boseong green tea fields guide) open their first harvest season in late April to May, with tea-picking experiences available.
Is April Crowded in Korea?
Yes, particularly the first two weeks. Cherry blossom season is Korea’s busiest tourism period, and accommodation in Seoul, Jinhae, and Gyeongju fills up weeks in advance for early April dates. Book accommodation 4 to 8 weeks ahead for late March and early April stays. See the Korea first-time tips.
Nearby Guides
- Korea cherry blossom guide
- Jinhae cherry blossom guide
- Korea in September
- Korea in October
- Seoul in October
- Best places to visit in Korea
- Things to do in Korea
FAQ
When exactly do cherry blossoms peak in Korea in April?
Cherry blossom timing varies by a week or more depending on winter temperatures. In a typical year, Seoul peaks around the first week of April; southern Korea (Jinhae, Busan) peaks a few days earlier (late March to early April); and higher-elevation areas peak later. See the Korea cherry blossom guide for annual timing guides and forecasts.
Is April too crowded to enjoy Korea?
The blossom peak (the first 10 days of April) is busy, but mid- and late April are significantly calmer while still offering excellent weather. A strategy of arriving April 10 to 15 catches both the end of the blossom season and the start of the quieter spring period.
What is the weather like in Korea in April?
Warm and dry: highs of 14 to 23 degrees, depending on which part of April, with cool mornings and evenings. A spring jacket and layers are appropriate. Rain is possible,e but April is generally drier than May. One of Korea’s most comfortable travel months, weather-wise.
