- Wolmi Park (20s), Incheon Grand Park (30s & 40s), Ganghwa Maehwamareum Habitat (50s+) -
- Incheon Grand Park cherry blossom festival (Apr. 6–7), Goryeosan Mountain azalea festival & Jangbongdo cherry blossom festival (Apr. 6–14) -
It is not easy to predict the peak bloom dates as each year goes by because of the earlier bloom period and the erratic temperature swings. Moreover, since it takes a week to go from blooming to full bloom, each city needs to make preparations ahead of schedule.
In spring, when flowers bloom everywhere, finding the right spot in advance is crucial for a fun outing.
Incheon boasts an array of cherry blossom spots tailored to diverse age groups.
In fact, Wolmido Island (ranked 10th in the 20s and 18th in the 30s) and Incheon Grand Park (ranked 10th in the 30s and 20th in the 40s) were among the top 20 travel and leisure destinations by generation, according to Korea Tourism Data Lab's analysis using GPS data (Mar.–Apr. 2023).
20s: Wolmi Park, Freedom Park, Subong Park
Wolmi Park is a perfect destination for the 20s to enjoy a romantic flower picnic. Nestled against the serene backdrop of the sea, rivers, and lakes cherished by this age group, Wolmi Park also boasts proximity to a bustling theme park, catering perfectly to energetic travelers.
Although it doesn't host any flower festival throughout the year, the enchanting nighttime illumination of its landscape adds a touch of romance to the atmosphere. The park's trails, observatory, traditional garden, and coast guard ship are lit up during the summer season (Mar.–Oct.), from sunset until 9 PM (10 PM at the observation deck), creating a magnificent scene.
Wolmi Park stands out as the sole park in the Seoul metropolitan area where one can relish both mountainous terrain and coastal vistas simultaneously. It offers a unique setting to revel in the beauty of spring blooms like cherry blossoms, azaleas, mountain azaleas, and rhododendrons.
For a blend of history and floral splendor, visitors can explore Korea's first park, Freedom Park, and then take a leisurely stroll around Chinatown, which is nearby. Additionally, Subong Park pairs evening flower viewing with the captivating Byeolmaru Festival, featuring eight themed starry landscapes illuminated along the promenade until 11 PM.
<Subong Park>
30s & 40s: Incheon Grand Park Cherry Blossom Festival (Apr. 6–7)
Incheon Grand Park caters to individuals in their 30s and 40s, embracing diverse life stages from singles to families.
<Incheon Grand Park>
Incheon Grand Park is a renowned site in the city to view cherry blossoms. It is home to over 850 royal cherry trees, some of which are over 40 years old, spread across 1.95 kilometers.
Visitors can enjoy moments of solitude while strolling or biking along the park's lakeside, or they can join the festival grounds for a communal experience among the blooming cherry blossoms.
Scheduled for Apr. 6 and 7, this year's Incheon Grand Park cherry blossom festival offers a lineup of performances, fireworks, busking, carbon-neutral experience programs, a nighttime photo zone, and fascinating landscape illuminations.
The Incheon Metropolitan Government encourages visitors to take public transportation due to the festival's anticipated high turnout.
Last year, the festival drew 170,000 visitors, solidifying Incheon Grand Park's reputation as a premier cherry blossom spot.
50s: Ganghwa Maehwamareum Habitat and a Flower Festival that Brings Back Memories
In May, visitors can catch a glimpse of the endangered Maehwamareum (Ranunculus kadzusensis makino) wild plant in Choji-ri, Gilsang-myeon, Ganghwa-gun. Maehwamareum was commonly observed up until the 1960s; however, the widespread use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers by conventional farmers put them in danger.
<Ganghwa Maehwa Village>
Recognizing its plight, the Ministry of Environment designated Maehwamareum as an endangered wild plant in Feb. 1998. In May of the same year, a colony of Maehwamareum, which was planned for a land consolidation project, was unexpectedly found in the rice fields of Choji-ri on Ganghwado Island. Accordingly, the National Trust of Korea initiated a citizen-led conservation effort, purchasing the land to safeguard the plant's habitat.
The site is the first rice paddy wetland in Korea officially recognized by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (site no. 1846). The Choji-ri area, spanning approx. 200,000 m², underwent rehabilitation through organic farming, marking a significant milestone in Ganghwado Island's conservation efforts. This initiative reintroduced various species including black-faced spoonbills, egrets, river snails, diving bettles, and Seoul frogs.
For those longing to relive the memories of the once-common Maehwamarum, the Maehwamarum festival offers a poignant opportunity for reflection and remembrance.
Flower Picnic Destinations Cherished by Every Age Group
Goryeosan Mountain Azalea Festival & Jangbongdo Cherry Blossom Festival
<Azalea in Ganghwado Goryeosan Mountain>
Goryeosan Mountain (436 m above sea level) on Ganghwado Island has long been Korea's iconic azalea destination, drawing over 400,000 visitors each blooming season. The hike to the summit takes approximately one to two hours, offering breathtaking views of azalea colonies flourishing above 400 m along the northern ridge.
Anticipating the peak of azalea bloom in early April, Ganghwa-gun will host the Goryeosan azalea festival for nine days from Apr. 6 to 14.
Unlike previous editions that featured performances and hands-on activities, this year's festival prioritizes comfort and convenience among visitors through strict traffic control and the installation of temporary parking lots and restrooms.
Meanwhile, the Jangbongdo cherry blossom festival will take place on Apr. 13 on Jangbongdo Island, which is renowned for its scenic trekking routes, welcoming over 350,000 visitors annually. Festival highlights include a 4-kilometer cherry blossom trail leading to Ongam Beach and Malmungogae Pass, alongside guest singer performances and food stalls.
