Year-Round Guide: Where to See the Most Beautiful Flowers in South Korea Posted on May 30, 2024November 17, 2024 Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Blooming Season– Flowers in South Korea Seoul offers stunning floral exhibits, but you don’t need to limit your flower adventures to the capital. Throughout South Korea, natural wonders will captivate you and inspire vibrant additions to your Instagram feed. You’ll find breathtaking flowers, including chrysanthemums, sunflowers, buckwheat, pink muhly, silver grass, and roses. Now, join me on a guide through South Korea’s blooming calendar. Let’s celebrate the seasonal beauty and showcase my favorite flower times near Daegu. Korean Blooming Schedule Table of Contents Blooming Season– Flowers in South Korea Cherry Blossoms Canola Flowers Azaleas Barley Grasses Lavender Sunflowers Hydrangea Roses Lotus Flowers Cosmos Flowers Pink Muhly Pampas Grass Chrysanthemums Like it? Pin it! Cherry Blossoms Buds in Daegu South Korea Flower Blooming Calendar- Late March to Early April In spring, usually from late March to early April, South Korea bursts into color with its pink cherry blossoms. It’s a highlight of the best flower seasons in South Korea, transforming the landscape into a breathtaking sight. Daegu offers numerous spots to witness these cherry blossoms, but I have two favorites. The first is along the Uksucheon Stream, where you can enjoy the vibrant display of color. Bright yellow forsythia that blooms simultaneously with the cherry blossoms. The second is the drive from Daegu to Gakbuk (near Cheongdo) along the Gachang Dam Entrance Hulty Road. However both sides of the road form a canopy overhead, adding to the whimsical experience. Another dramatic place to see the double cherry blossoms is at the Dragon Temple in Pohang. But if you live on or have access to Camp Walker, don’t worry. You also have a pretty exclusive viewpoint beyond gate #4. Historical Significance: Cherry blossoms have been part of Korean culture for centuries, but they gained prominence during the Japanese colonial period (1910-1945). The Japanese planted them extensively throughout the country. Today, cherry blossoms are embraced as part of Korea’s natural beauty, symbolizing renewal, purity, and the fleeting nature of life. Cultural Context: The cherry blossom season is seen as a time for celebrations, such as picnics and festivals, reflecting the joy of spring and nature’s cycles of life and death. Canola Flowers Blooming Schedule in Ulsan Early April Blossoms As April unfolds, vibrant fields of canola flowers burst into bloom, casting a golden glow across the countryside. One particular April afternoon, I decided to drive leisurely through the rural landscape between Ulsan and Daegu. Seeing those brilliant yellow canola fields took my breath away, and I forced Steven to pull over. The sun bathed everything in a warm, honeyed light, and the gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of the blossoms through the open windows of my car. It was a moment of pure serenity, and I couldn’t help but stop by the side of the road to capture the scene with my camera. The photographs and video still serve as a vivid reminder of April’s beauty each year and how nature can paint the world in the most enchanting colors. Historical Significance: Canola flowers, particularly on Jeju Island, have long been associated with agriculture. Historically, canola oil was used for cooking, lighting, and even lubrication. The bright yellow fields of canola signify hope and abundance, marking the arrival of spring in rural Korea. Cultural Context: The annual Jeju Canola Flower Festival celebrates the island’s natural beauty, attracting tourists to appreciate the vibrant fields and local culture. Azaleas on Biseulsan Mountain late April to early May One of the best flower seasons in South Korea is when the azaleas bloom on Biseulsan Mountain. Hiking Biseulsan Mountain from late April to early May is an unforgettable experience. As my friends and I embarked on the trail, the breathtaking sight of azaleas greeted us, adding vivid colors to the mountain’s natural canvas. These beautiful blooms lined the trail, painting the landscape in hues of pink and purple. We couldn’t help but pause now and then to admire the vibrant azaleas and capture their beauty in photographs. It was a perfect reminder of how nature’s artistic touch can transform a simple hike into something special. Historical Significance: Azaleas are historically significant in Korea, particularly in the Joseon Dynasty, when they were used in traditional medicine and cooking. The flower symbolizes femininity, softness, and fragility. Cultural Context: Azaleas play a role in Korea’s memorial culture. Azalea petals are often used to make Hwajeon (flower pancakes) during the Samjinnal festival, marking the third day of the third lunar month. Barley Grasses Around Hajungdo Island April and May Barley flowers in South Korea typically bloom in spring, specifically in April and May. These delicate blooms add to the springtime tapestry, creating picturesque fields of green and gold. As I strolled around Hajungdo Island, the barley flowers had just started to bloom. Their delicate white and green hues blended seamlessly with the lush greenery. The barley fields stretched as far as the eye could see. With each step, I could feel the gentle rustle of the grasses against my legs. The swaying barley, the soft spring breeze, and the warm sun overhead created a serene and picturesque scene. It was as if I had stepped into a famous painting. Quarantine with my Soldier in South Korea: What You Need to Know Lavender Fields in South Korea May to June In late spring and early summer, around May to June, we’ll immerse ourselves in the soothing fragrance of lavender fields. I strolled through lavender fields in Provence and loved it. So, the chance to wander through the fields in South Korea was a no-brainer. Running my fingers through the lavender stalks and the sensation of the fragrant oils lingering on my hands for hours. My clothing for days was the perfect souvenir of a day well spent. And don’t miss the Provence Village or Byukchoji Gardens in Paju for lavender and more. Historical Significance: While lavender is not native to Korea, it has become increasingly popular due to its soothing scent and medicinal uses. Historically, Korea has embraced herbal remedies, and lavender has found its place within modern wellness trends. Cultural Context: In Korea, lavender is associated with relaxation and tranquility, and lavender festivals, like the one in Goseong, attract visitors looking to escape city life and enjoy nature’s calming effects. Reverse Culture Shock: Goodbye South Korea, Hello USA! Sunflower Fields in Gyeongju May to June I set out on an unforgettable journey from Daegu to Gyeongju. I was excited to see the breathtaking sunflower fields that bloom from May to June. My ultimate destination was the enchanting Basilla Cafe. It’s a pretty riverside establishment boasting panoramic views of the majestic mountains and the tranquil river. As I savored my coffee and cast my eyes upon the expansive sea of sunflowers. I felt the joy that only a spring morning road trip could deliver. Basiilla Cafe is also a great place to see the canola flowers too. Historical Significance: Sunflowers in Korea were originally cultivated as ornamental plants and for sunflower oil. Historically, sunflowers have symbolized loyalty, strength, and faithfulness. Cultural Context: Sunflower fields, especially in regions like Gyeongju, have become a popular tourist attraction, symbolizing the warmth of summer and representing good fortune. Hydrangea Festival in Gongju late May to early July During the Hydrangea Festival in Gongju, in Yugu Saekdongsu National Park Garden, I spent a few hours braving the 100-degree heat and taking photos of the beautiful flowers. I was sweat-soaked and muddied while my hubby Steven lived the dream in a cool, air-conditioned cafe nearby. I spent hours trying to capture the perfect hydrangea shot under the scorching sun. Shoot, I couldn’t help but envy his smart choice. It turned into a “hydrate for the hydrangea” mission as I snapped away. But in the end, the muddy shoes and sweat-soaked clothes were totally worth it for those Insta-worthy shots. Historical Significance: Hydrangeas are not native to Korea but have been cultivated for their ornamental value. The flower’s ability to change color based on soil pH symbolizes adaptability and change. Cultural Context: In Korean culture, hydrangeas are often linked with gratitude and emotional abundance. Hydrangea festivals, such as in Gongju, attract visitors who appreciate their soft, colorful blooms. Roses at Duryu Park May to June Surrounded by roses of every color of the rainbow, the fragrant air was filled with their sweet, intoxicating scent. As I wandered through the rose garden at Duryu Park, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the untamed beauty that prevailed despite the absence of meticulous grooming. With its vibrant and varied hues, each rose seemed to tell a story of resilience and natural grace. It was a powerful reminder that even in neglect, nature possesses an innate ability to create beauty that can truly take your breath away. In all its wild and unrefined splendor, this rose garden served as a living testament to the extraordinary artistry of the natural world. Historical Significance: Roses have been admired globally, and Korea is no exception. They symbolize love and passion. Roses have been part of Korean gardens since the Joseon Dynasty when noble families cultivated them for their beauty and scent. Cultural Context: Today, roses are popular in weddings and love stories, symbolizing romance. The Duryu Park Rose Festival in Daegu showcases the flower’s cultural importance and draws large crowds annually. Lotus Flowers in Cheongdo June to July My visit to the Tiyom Pink Cafe in Cheongdo, with its picturesque setting in front of the Yudeungyeonji Pond, was a truly enchanting experience. When I arrived, I was drawn to the beautiful lotus flowers that adorned the pond, casting a serene ambiance. In the heart of the pond sat the historic Gunjajeong Pavilion, which seemed to hold the secrets of centuries past. As I followed the meandering path around the pond, I could view the lotus flowers from various angles, each more breathtaking than the last. The lotus flowers bloom for two glorious months, from June to July, ushering in a profound sense of peace and serenity. Historical Significance: The lotus flower holds deep spiritual significance in Korea, particularly in Buddhism, where it represents purity, enlightenment, and rebirth. It often grows in muddy water, symbolizing rising above life’s challenges. Cultural Context: Lotus flowers are commonly seen in temples and ponds around Korea, and they bloom during the summer. The flower is celebrated in Buddhist rituals and is also depicted in traditional Korean art. Cosmos Flowers in Daegu’s Hajungdo Island September to October As the sun dipped toward the horizon, I stood in a vast field of fiery red, vibrant yellow, and rich orange cosmos flowers, witnessing the beauty of flowers blooming in South Korea. Their petals glowed with an inner light as the sun kissed them goodnight. The colors intensified, painting the entire field in a fiery palette of warm tones. The gentle breeze rustled the blooms, creating a soft, melodious symphony. These cosmos flowers bloom from September to October, swaying in unison to the evening breeze’s rhythm. My favorite place to see them is in the small microcosm of Hajungdo Island. The island is a small river island located in the middle of the Geumho River. I go there at least once a month to see what flowers are blooming all around South Korea. Historical Significance: Cosmos flowers were introduced to Korea in the 19th century. The flower symbolizes modesty, harmony, and balance. Cultural Context: Cosmos fields are a sign of fall in Korea, and their delicate petals sway in autumn breezes. Koreans associate the flower with the changing season and often use it as a metaphor for fleeting beauty and life’s transition from one stage to another. Pink Muhly in Gasan Supia September to October Walking through a field of pink muhly during the months of September to October is like stepping into a fairytale. The delicate, feathery plumes of the grasses create an ethereal, dreamlike landscape. As I meandered through the field, the grasses swayed gracefully in the breeze, their fronds brushing against my skin softly, their look softer than the actual feel. The sheer whimsical beauty of the scene was mesmerizing, as if I had entered a magical realm where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blurred. My favorite places to see the pink muhly grasses near Daegu are Songhae Park and Gasan Supia, and Nari Park Yangju in Gyeonggi Provinces. Historical Significance: Pink Muhly grass is a relatively recent addition to Korea’s natural landscape but has quickly become popular for its unique appearance. Cultural Context: While it doesn’t have deep historical roots, Pink Muhly is associated with beauty and whimsy in Korea. Fields of Pink Muhly have become trendy Instagram spots for locals and tourists alike, symbolizing a dreamlike, fairytale-like aesthetic. Pampas Grass in Uljin August and September I tried to capture the beauty of the pampas grass all around me. I’m sure there are some places closer to Daegu, but I got to experience the pampas grass at the Expo and Botanical Garden in Uljin. It blooms in the autumn months of August to September. The delicate, feathery grass plumes swayed against a backdrop of vibrant fall foliage bathed in soft golden sunlight. I played with my camera’s settings, creating images ranging from sharp HDR ultra-realistic to a whimsical bokeh effect that made the mages in the foreground pop out of the picture. However, I got swept up in the attempt, trying to stay fully immersed in the moment. I learned long ago that photography isn’t just about the image but also about embracing the transient beauty of time itself. Historical Significance: Pampas grass is not native to Korea, but it has become a favorite in modern landscaping due to its dramatic appearance. Historically, it symbolizes freedom and expansive thinking. Cultural Context: Pampas grass is often associated with autumn and signifies the end of the growing season, reflecting the transition into cooler weather. Chrysanthemums at Daegu’s Samunjin Pier October to November As the year nears its end, chrysanthemums symbolize autumn from October to November, often showcased in the hydrangea festival in Yurim Park in Daejeon, where flower blooming in South Korea takes center stage. I discovered some easy telltale signs while wandering through Yurim Park in Gongju during the hydrangea festival. Chrysanthemums, with their intricate, layered petals, give off a distinct floral fragrance, and they come in a variety of warm, earthy tones like reds, yellows, and oranges. On the other hand, hydrangeas, I realized, have a more subtle scent, and their large, globe-like clusters of tiny flowers come in shades of blue, pink, and purple. It was a delightful puzzle, and figuring out which added an extra layer of enjoyment to my autumn outings. One of my favorite places to see the fall flowers is Samunjin Pier in Daegu. Historical Significance: Chrysanthemums have been cherished in Korea for centuries, symbolizing longevity, happiness, and good fortune. During the Goryeo and Joseon Dynasties, they were used in traditional medicine and tea. Cultural Context: Chrysanthemums are a popular flower during Korean autumn festivals and are often seen in memorial ceremonies, symbolizing both life and death. The flower’s resilience against the cold makes it a symbol of strength and endurance. Like it? Pin it! This post is sponsored and/or contains affiliate links, from which I earn a commission at no extra cost to the reader. I appreciate your support and know that all the views expressed are my own. 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These are beautiful pictures, thank you for sharing. I want to see all the flowers in Korea one day. Reply