South Korea Flower Seasons: The Ultimate Flower Lover’s Guide

Writer: Anuja Vijayan (Kolkata, West Bengal, India)

Editor: Ankita Panda (Kolkata, West Bengal, India)

When the Sky is pouring us with rain showers, the ground is blooming with beautiful flowers.

Flowers and greenery will welcome you almost anywhere in South Korea throughout the year, across seasons. The beauty of nature is something that South Koreans celebrate with both joy and solemnity through festivals and other celebrations.

During the spring season, South Korea is filled with breathtaking displays of nature. Summers see a bloom of a variety of flowers, perfect for nature lovers and photographers. At the same time, autumn brings fields of vibrant cosmos flowers, and winter shows the perfect example of the beauty of survival beneath the snow.

AZALEA

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The Korean Peninsula is home to the royal azalea, known in Korean as cheoljjuk (철쭉 ). It’s a small shrub that blooms attractively from late April to early summer and always draws in nature lovers with its beauty. Azaleas are available in various shades such as white, red, pink, and purple. The royal azalea comes in white or pink, with pink being the most common. 

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There are various festivals and viewing spots related to azalea, such as Wonmisan Mountain (Bucheon), Goryeosan Mountain Azalea Festival (Ganghwa-do), Hwangmaesan Royal Azalea Festival (Hapcheon), and Gunpo Royal Azalea Festival (Gyeonggi-do).

GAENARI

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Also known as Golden Bell Tree or Forsythia Koreana. Gaenari (개나리 ) is Seoul’s official flower, reflecting the city’s cooperative attitude. In South Korea, the golden bell bloom is another sign of spring. Golden bellflowers grow on bushes and are abundant along the sidewalks and in parks. The blooming begins in April. 

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Early in the spring, these flowers bloom in clusters, creating heaps of yellow in towns and mountains. A few places to see these flowers are Dongtan Gaenari Park (Gyeonggi-do) and Eungbongsan Mountain (Seoul). 

CHERRY BLOSSOMS

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They are the most popular spring flowers in South Korea, appearing first on the southern Jeju Island. Cherry blossoms, known in Korean as beotkkot (벚꽃 ), are in full bloom from mid-March until mid-April. Among South Korea’s specialties are the King cherry blossoms, which originated from Jeju Island. These cherry blossoms are known for their pretty white-pink petals and have larger blossoms than regular cherry blossoms. 

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There are numerous ways to enjoy cherry blossoms, like visiting the Jinhae Gunhangjae Festival, Yeouido Park in Seoul, Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon, Gakwaonsa Temple (Cheonan), and Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival (Jamsil).

MUGUNGHWA

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The Mugunghwa (무궁화 ), or the Rose of Sharon, is South Korea’s national flower. For centuries, it has been an important symbol of South Korean culture, meaning “eternal blossom that never fades”. The beauty of this beloved flower is also featured in the South Korean national anthem. The words expressing people’s sentiments are “무궁화 삼천리 화려 강산,” which means “three thousand ri (the length of the Korean peninsula) of splendid rivers and mountains covered with mugunghwa blossoms.”

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The flower is also used as a symbol in official emblems, such as the badge of lawmakers and the logo of the Supreme Court, among others. 

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It can be found in different colors like red, purple, blue, white, or a mixture of white, red, and pale pink. The blooming season is from July through September. The best places to view Mugunghwa in South Korea are Mukgok Ecological Park and Dalseong-gun Park. 

CHRYSANTHEMUM

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A popular flower in South Korea, especially in autumn, is the chrysanthemum. It blooms in the autumn, despite the cold. Chrysanthemum in Korean is called Gukhwa (국화 ) and is considered one of the Sagunja (사군자 ) or “the four gentlemen”, along with plum, orchid, and bamboo. 

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In shades like pink-lilac, yellow, and deep red, autumn chrysanthemums can be seen decorating the site. It serves as the symbol of autumn. People can enjoy the flowers in exhibitions at Jogyesa Temple and at events like Dream Park Chrysanthemum Festival. 

PINK MUHLY

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Pink Muhly (핑크뮬리 ) is a grass that is informally called Pink Grass in South Korea. Pink Muhly Grass, which originated in the United States, has become popular as a cultivated ornamental plant in South Korea. The grass turns the country pink from mid-September until early November and maintains its pinkish hue throughout. 

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Its scenery is truly entrancing. Pink Muhly can be seen in Seoul’s Haneul Park, Jeju Island, Cheomseongdae Pink Muhly Field, and Daejeo Ecological Park in Busan.

DONGBAEK

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With a few exceptions, most plants can go dormant in winter in South Korea, except for the flower Dongbaek (동백 ), well known as camellias. These camellia flowers bloom from late winter and peak from January to March. The beautiful blood-red blooms not only look beautiful against the snow but also symbolise resilience, enduring love, faithfulness, and longing. 

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The most exciting way to see dongbaek flowers is to visit Jeju Dongbaek Village and Camellia Hill in Jeju Island, Dongbaekseom Island in Busan, and Suwu Island in Tongyeong. There, the deep-red dongbaek stands out against peaceful blue waters and the craggy shores of the island.

In South Korea, each season brings its own floral charm. It is a bucket-list destination you must visit, especially if you enjoy flowers and wildlife. It has everything, from blooming spring flowers to resilient, vibrant ones blossoming during snowy winters. 

Which South Korean caught your attention the most? Tell us in the comments!!