Seoul Spring Festivals & Events 2026: Complete March-May Guide
Spring transforms Seoul into a festival city. The 2026 season is particularly exciting, with events ranging from iconic cherry blossom festivals to the massive Seoul Spring Festa celebrating K-Culture.
Here's your month-by-month guide to Seoul's unmissable spring festivals and events, from March through May.
March: Spring Awakens with Blossoms & Baseball
Independence Movement Day (March 1)
March 1, 2026 falls on a Saturday (substitute holiday: Monday, March 3). The bell-ringing ceremony at Bosingak Pavilion is the centerpiece event, where Seoul's mayor and descendants of independence fighters ring the bell 33 times to honor the patriotic spirit.
Ceremony Details:
- Time: 10:00 AM
- Location: Bosingak Pavilion, Jongno-gu
- Admission: Free, open to public
- Atmosphere: Solemn and meaningful
The area around Jonggak Station gets crowded, so arrive early morning for the best experience.
KBO Baseball Season Begins (Late March)
Baseball fans, take note! The 2026 KBO League kicks off in late March. Seoul is home to two teams:
Doosan Bears & LG Twins
- Home Stadium: Jamsil Baseball Stadium
- Season: Late March ~ September
- Tickets: Online booking required (weekend games sell out fast)
Korean baseball culture is special. The experience of cheering with chimaek (chicken + beer) is quintessentially Seoul.
Insider Tips: Weekday evening games have better ticket availability and a more relaxed vibe. Outfield seats offer the best atmosphere for experiencing fan chants and energy.
April: Cherry Blossom Peak Season
Yeouido Spring Flower Festival (Early-Mid April)
Seoul's most famous spring event. Over 1,600 cherry trees create a stunning pink tunnel along Yunjung-ro Road.
Festival Highlights:
- Yunjung-ro Cherry Blossom Road: 1.7km tunnel
- Live Performances: Folk, pop, traditional music
- Evening Illuminations: Different atmosphere at night
- Han River Views: Blossoms + river + 63 Building
2026 Estimated Dates: April 6-15 (subject to bloom timing)
Visiting Strategy:
- Weekday Mornings (7-9 AM): Best for photos, fewer crowds
- Weekend Afternoons: Peak crowds, avoid if possible
- Subway: Line 5/9 Yeouido Station Exit 5
- Nearby Cafes: Expect long waits during festival
Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival (Early-Mid April)
This urban cherry blossom spot combines perfectly with Lotte World and Lotte World Tower. The 2.5km path around the lake creates stunning reflection shots.
Highlights:
- Lake reflections with cherry blossoms
- Lotte Tower backdrop photos
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Excellent food and shopping access
Access: Line 2/8 Jamsil Station, 5-minute walk
Hidden Cherry Blossom Gems
Beyond Yeouido and Seokchon Lake, discover these lesser-known spots:
Seoul Forest
- Gwangjin-gu location
- Outdoor picnic + cherry blossom walks
- Perfect for couples and families
- Bring a picnic blanket on weekends
Cheonggyecheon Stream
- Downtown cherry blossom walkway
- Free, 24-hour access
- Popular for evening strolls
Tip: Peak beauty occurs about one week after full bloom. Even falling petals create a romantic atmosphere.
Seoul Outdoor Library Opens (April 23)
Gwanghwamun Square and Seoul Plaza transform into outdoor reading spaces. Enjoy books under spring sunshine.
Operating Info:
- Period: April 23 ~ October
- Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Free admission
- Picnic mats and cushions provided
Grab a coffee from nearby cafes and settle in for the afternoon.
May: K-Culture Festa Season
Seoul Spring Festa 2026 (April 30 - May 5)
The spring season's crown jewel! This massive K-Culture festival takes over the Han River.
Festival Programs:
- K-Pop: Live concerts, fan meetings
- K-Beauty: Beauty experiences, makeup booths
- K-Fashion: Fashion shows, popup stores
- K-Food: Food trucks, cooking classes
- K-Art: Media art, exhibitions
Location: Han River Park (specific location TBA)
Expected Attendance: 500,000+ (based on previous year)
Ticket Information:
- General Admission: Free
- Some Experience Programs: Paid (₩5,000-30,000)
- Advance reservation recommended
This festival is positioned as a cornerstone event for Korean tourism in 2026. If you want to experience K-Culture all in one place, this is it.
Children's Day (May 5)
May 5 is a national holiday in Korea celebrating children. It coincides with the final day of Seoul Spring Festa, creating massive family crowds.
Family-Friendly Destinations:
- Lotte World: Special Children's Day events
- Seoul Grand Park: Zoo and amusement park
- Han River Parks: Outdoor play and picnics
- Children's Grand Park: Free admission, zoo
Note: Expect Seoul-wide crowds with families. Public transportation is essential!
Smart Festival Strategies
Transportation & Accommodation
Transportation Card Options:
- Climate Card 2026: 1-7 day unlimited subway/bus (₩5,000-20,000)
- T-Money Card: Rechargeable, buy at convenience stores
Accommodation Booking:
- Cherry Blossom Season (early April): Book 1+ month ahead
- Spring Festa (early May): Book 2 months ahead
- Near Han River: Best access for Spring Festa
- Yeouido/Jamsil: Near cherry blossom festivals
Weather & What to Wear
March:
- Average Temperature: 5-13°C (41-55°F)
- Still cool, light padding or jacket needed
- Significant temperature swings: Layer up
April:
- Average Temperature: 10-18°C (50-64°F)
- Full spring, cardigan or hoodie sufficient
- Watch for late cold snaps: Bring light outerwear
May:
- Average Temperature: 15-23°C (59-73°F)
- Warm weather, mix of short and long sleeves
- Stronger sun: Sunscreen and hat essential
Crowd Avoidance Tactics
Cherry Blossom Festivals:
- Weekday mornings (7-9 AM)
- Weekend evenings (after 6 PM) for sunset shots
- Rainy days: Blossoms with umbrellas are romantic too
Spring Festa:
- Weekday afternoons (3-5 PM): Relatively quieter
- Weekend mornings: Enter early for experience programs
- Holiday finale (May 5): Peak crowds, prepare accordingly
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When exactly are cherry blossoms at peak?
A: 2026 peak bloom in Seoul is forecast for April 7-12. However, weather can shift this by ±3 days. Check bloom reports one week before your trip.
Q2. Are festival admissions free?
A: Yeouido Spring Flower Festival and Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival are both free. Seoul Spring Festa also offers free general admission, though some experience programs may charge fees.
Q3. Which festivals are best for families with kids?
A: Seokchon Lake (combines with Lotte World), Seoul Spring Festa, and Han River picnics are family-friendly. Children's Day (May 5) at Children's Grand Park is ideal.
Q4. Where do I buy baseball tickets?
A: Book online via Ticketlink (ticketlink.co.kr) or Interpark. Weekend games often sell out one week in advance.
Q5. How expensive are Seoul accommodations during spring festival season?
A: Expect 20-30% price increases. Cherry blossom weekends (early April) and holidays (early May) see the steepest rates. Hongdae/Gangnam hostels start around ₩30,000/night, mid-range hotels from ₩150,000+.
Final Thoughts
Seoul's spring 2026 is beautiful for cherry blossoms alone, but the diverse festivals and events make it extraordinary.
From March's Independence Day commemoration to May's K-Culture extravaganza, each period offers unique experiences. Plan wisely and make the most of Seoul's spring!
My Recommended Itineraries:
- Cherry Blossom Focus: First week of April, weekdays (Yeouido + Seokchon Lake)
- Festival Focus: First week of May (Spring Festa)
- Family Travel: May 5 holiday week (Children's Day events)
Questions? Leave a comment below. See you at Seoul's spring festivals! 🌸
