"White popcorn" has landed in Seoul, too. Cherry blossoms that began blooming on warm spring breezes from the south have finally reached the capital area. If you're disappointed you can't enjoy the Jinhae Gunhangje because of the travel distance, consider the "three major cherry blossom festivals in Seoul." They take place along Yangjaecheon in Seocho District, in Yeouido in Yeongdeungpo District, and at Seokchon Lake in Songpa District.
◇ If you want to enjoy cherry blossoms at a relaxed pace: Yangjaecheon Cherry Blossom Lantern Festival
Yangjaecheon completed its spring makeover early, on the 30th of last month. The "Yangjaecheon Cherry Blossom Lantern Festival" is being held around the riverside stage along Yangjaecheon (between Yeongdong Bridge No. 1 and Yeongdong Bridge No. 2). It runs through Apr. 19, giving plenty of time to visit.
Marking its 8th year, the Yangjaecheon Cherry Blossom Lantern Festival is one of Seoul's signature spring festivals, drawing about 200,000 people annually. Compared with Yeouido and Seokchon Lake, it is less crowded, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll along the stream. Ongoing programs include the "Yangjaecheon Arts Festival" and "Spring Light Walk."
Key performances and hands-on programs will be concentrated Apr. 3-5. On the 3rd from 6:30 p.m., the Cheongbae Yeonhuidan will present a pannoreum and lion dance performance on the Yangjaecheon riverside stage, followed by a lighting ceremony to illuminate the area. On the 4th, the Seocho Theater Association's children's musical "Our neighborhood legend is" will be staged, along with the Premiere Philharmonic (conducted by Dong Jun-mo) and an opera gala concert. On the 5th, the "Cherry Blossom Picnic Concert," blending pop and jazz, will take place, and in the evening, an "outdoor cinema" will let visitors watch a movie under the cherry blossoms.
◇ See cherry blossoms after work on weekdays: Yeouido Spring Flower Festival
The Yeouido Spring Flower Festival will be held from the 3rd to the 7th along the Yeouiseo-ro cherry blossom road and around the National Assembly soccer field on the Han River's riverside. It is Seoul's representative cherry blossom festival, attracting millions every year.
This year's theme is "Garden of spring, all together," and the event is organized as a participatory cultural festival. To make it possible to enjoy the festival after work on weekdays, the operating hours for cultural events and food vendors will be extended until 9:30 p.m.
On the first day, the 3rd, at 5 p.m., a "flower road walk" parade featuring a children's ballet troupe and a military band is scheduled. Then at 2 p.m. on the 5th, the Air Force's Black Eagles aerobatic team will paint the sky.
The venue will also feature four themed gardens—spring flowers, relaxation, arts, and gastronomy. The spring flower garden will offer photo zones and street performances, while the relaxation garden will have camping tents and a cafe zone. The cafe zone will expand its food offerings with the participation of 10 vendors, including local volunteer groups, youth businesses, and traditional markets.
During the festival, the "Yeongdeungpo Spring Flower Sale Festa," a program linked to the local economy, will also run. For food and beverage outlets and tourism businesses, online payments will receive up to 30% discounts, and offline payments will receive up to 30% cashback (up to 20,000 won).
It's best to use public transportation during the event. From 12 p.m. on Apr. 1 to 2 p.m. on the 8th, vehicle traffic will be completely restricted in the area, including a 1.7-kilometer stretch of Yeouiseo-ro behind the National Assembly.
◇ A 2.5-kilometer cherry blossom tunnel at Seokchon Lake: Lake Cherry Blossom Festival runs through the 11th
On the same day the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival opens, the "2026 Lake Cherry Blossom Festival" will raise its curtain around Seokchon Lake. The event will run for nine days through the 11th, five days longer than last year. Landscape lighting will be installed along the entire 2.5-kilometer lakeside trail, allowing visitors to enjoy a cherry blossom tunnel at night.
On opening day, the 3rd, at 6 p.m. on the Dongho lakeside stage, performances will begin with the swing jazz group The Bliss, followed by a performance art program and a set by singer Gummy. From the 4th to the 10th, performances by the district arts troupe, young artists, and the Korea National University of Arts will take place. On the final day, the 11th, the "Full Bloom Cherry Blossom Concert" will be held, featuring the popera group Atti Classic and the band Daybreak.
There will also be a variety of exhibitions, including the installation art show "Walking the gap" and the media art work "Wall of support," and programs for families such as fashion week, a bubble show, circus, and magic performances.