As the winter chill recedes, South Korea bursts into a sea of soft pink and white as cherry blossoms take over its parks and boulevards. The cherry blossom festivals are undoubtedly one of the biggest highlights of visiting the country in spring. The pleasant weather also makes this the best time to tour historic sites, dive into the K-pop scene, and experience the country’s cultural heritage. Here’s a quick look at South Korea’s must-visit destinations and what awaits you there.

Seoul
Seoul, South Korea’s capital, sees K-pop culture thriving alongside centuries-old traditions. The 7,700-room Gyeongbokgung Palace gives you a peek into the country’s rich history. Just beyond the palace walls, stand the National Folk Museum and traditional homes of the Bukchon Hanok Village. One offers a window into Korea’s heritage while the latter reveals the country’s timeless charm. Not too far away, interactive exhibits at HiKR Ground in downtown Seoul give you a taste of modern Seoul and K-pop culture.

Your visit to Seoul would be incomplete without a little shopping. Like the city, its markets balance the old with the new. Malls like the Starfield COEX Mall house major brand outlets, while stalls at the Gwangjang Market retail handicrafts and some of the best South Korean street food.

Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
The Korean Demilitarized Zone is about an hour’s journey north of Seoul. A guided tour is the only way to visit this region. On one hand, the DMZ is a stark reminder of a war that never officially ended, on the other, it represents the hope of reunification. Highlights of this experience include the views of North Korea from the Dora Observatory, a walk through the Third Tunnel, and a visit to Daeseong-dong, or Unification Village.

Busan
Set at the other end of South Korea, Busan is known for its beaches, seafood, and vibrant culture. The family-friendly Haeundae Beach is one of its most visited spots. Then there’s the Gamcheon cultural village with its colourful houses, murals, and art installations. It isn’t surprising to see this village being referred to as the Santorini of Korea. The UN Memorial Cemetery is another unique spot in Busan. Dedicated to the fallen heroes of the Korean War, this is the world’s only UN-designated cemetery.

If you enjoy seafood, you can’t miss visiting the bustling Jagalchi Market. It’s a truly unique experience - choose your seafood from the day’s catch, pick a cooking style, and sit down to enjoy a delicious meal. Try the octopus sashimi if you’re feeling adventurous!

Jinhae
Like Japan, South Korea hosts several cherry blossom festivals. That said, the vibe is very different. The festivals on this side of the sea are more modern, with live performances and exciting games alongside exhibitions and picnics.

The Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival in Jinhae is the most talked-about amongst these. This is a celebration not only of the pastel blossoms but also of South Korea’s naval history. You can easily spend an entire day here taking in the beautiful views, watching cultural performances and military parades while savouring scoops of cherry blossom ice cream. For the most Insta-worthy photographs, take a walk along the Yeojwacheon Stream and the Gyeonghwa Station.

Gyeongju
Popularly known as the ‘museum without walls’, Gyeongju is one of South Korea’s most historically rich destinations.

The UNESCO-listed Bulguksa Temple is one of the city’s most visited sites. This 8th-century Buddhist temple complex is laid out with stunning pagodas, beautiful gardens, and arched stone bridges. It houses 7 national treasures of Korea, including 2 gilt-bronze Buddha statues.

Back in downtown Gyeongju, the Cheomseongdae observatory and ancient royal tombs at Tumuli-gongwon call out to history buffs. Dating back to the Silla period, these structures highlight the kingdom’s rich scientific and cultural legacy. The nearby Woljeonggyo bridge is recognized as Korea’s longest wooden bridge. At night, the illuminated observatory and bridge turn into stunning backdrops, ideal for photos.

Jeju
Jeju is a short flight or ferry ride from the mainland. This island is famed for its scenic beauty and distinctive culture. From hiking up Hallasan mountain and visiting tea plantations to exploring Manjanggul Cave’s dramatic lava formations, there’s plenty to do here.

Jeju is also the only place where you can meet the legendary Haenyeo. Relying solely on breathwork, these female free-divers harvest abalones and other seafood from the ocean floor. The easiest way to see them at work is at the afternoon diver shows in the cove near Seongsan Ilchulbong.

Planning a Holiday in South Korea
Getting to South Korea from India is relatively simple. There are several direct and connecting flights to choose from. But having to manage day-to-day logistics and find ways around the language barrier can dampen your holiday spirit. Joining an organized tour is a much easier, stress-free way to plan your holiday.

If you’re timing your visit to coincide with the Cherry Blossoms, take a look at the Odyssey 6-night South Korea in Springtime tour. The itinerary includes stopovers at Busan and Seoul, as well as day trips to Gyeongju, the DMZ, and the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival. You can even extend the experience with a few days at Jeju Island.

It’s an itinerary packed with memorable experiences, and you won’t need to worry about accommodation, meals, transportation, or finding an English-speaking guide. To make planning your holiday even smoother, we can also take care of booking flight tickets, processing visa applications, and making sure you have sufficient insurance coverage. All that’s left for you to do is pack your bags!