Thematic Travel

The Joy of Spring Bursting Like Popcorn

Gangneung Cherry Blossom Spots

• The word “spring” carries a sense of excitement. After a long winter, its arrival feels all the more special as the world fills with vibrant energy. Every year, Gangneung’s spring comes alive with cherry blossoms in full bloom, like a fanfare celebrating the arrival of a new season. This year, cherry blossoms in Gangwon-do are expected to bloom from late March to early April. You simply cannot let this spring pass without witnessing the cherry blossoms bursting like popcorn. Here are some of the best spots in Gangneung to experience the most spectacular and abundant cherry blossoms.

Gyeongpodae Pavilion & Gyeongpoho Lake



• Gyeongpodae Pavilion and Gyeongpoho Lake are well-known landmarks and major tourist attractions in Gangneung. Their charm is further amplified in spring when cherry blossoms bloom in full splendor.


• Starting from the entrance to Gyeongpoho Lake from the old National Road 7 and extending to the central pathway passing in front of Gyeongpodae Pavilion, a breathtaking 3 km-long cherry blossom tunnel forms as April arrives. This iconic road, established when Gyeongpo Beach opened in 1960, remains a beloved scenic drive and a romantic walking path loved by both tourists and locals alike.


• Gyeongpodae Pavilion also boasts cherry blossom views just as spectacular as Gyeongpoho Lake. Towering cherry trees, some over 100 years old, stand like loyal guardians around the pavilion. When spring arrives, they burst into delicate white blossoms, further enhancing the beauty of this site.
• Coinciding with the cherry blossom season, the Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival held in this area adds to the joy of visitors enjoying the cherry blossoms. The festival features illuminated night views, hands-on activities, flea markets, and a citizen singing contest, all creating unforgettable memories of a spring day.
  
  
• • 2025 Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival
  • Date : April 4(Fri)~April 9(Wed), 2025
  • Location : Gyeongpodae Pavilion and Gyeongpoho Lake

Gyeongpodae Pavilion & Gyeongpoho Lake
365 Gyeongpo-ro, Gangneung-si

Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park



• Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park is a landmark dedicated to honoring the innovative ideas of Heo Gyun, a mid-Joseon scholar and rebellious thinker of his time, and the cultural legacy of Heo Nanseolheon, recognized as one of the greatest female writers.


• This site, where lush pine forests welcome visitors year-round, becomes even more vibrant in spring with a dazzling array of flowers such as daffodils, forsythias, and red plum blossoms, creating a scene as delicate as embroidery on green silk.


• Especially around the house at the site of Heo Nanseolheon’s birthplace, clusters of fully bloomed cherry blossoms create a mesmerizing scene, as if walking through a dream. At the peak of their blossom, strolling around the house while cherry blossom petals dance in the wind is a truly unforgettable spring experience.



• Be sure to explore the cherry blossom path that winds along a small stream beside the pine forest. The view from the suspension bridge between the Gangneung Metaverse Center and the memorial park’s parking lot is particularly stunning. The soft reflection of cherry blossoms on the calm water brings a warm touch of spring to the heart.

Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park
1-16 Nanseolheon-ro 193beon-gil, Gangneung-si

Gangneung Namsan Park



• Namsan Park is more of a recreational space for Gangneung residents rather than a tourist attraction. With walking trails, badminton courts, fitness facilities, scenic viewpoints, and an outdoor stage, Namsan Park is where the daily lives of Gangneung residents unfold. This tranquil place becomes truly dramatic when the entire mountain is covered in cherry blossoms.


• A magnificent cherry blossom tunnel stretches along the staircase leading up to Namsan Mountain. This section is a popular photo spot, always bustling with visitors eager to capture the perfect shot. Upon reaching the top of the staircase, you’ll find Oseongjeong Pavilion at the highest point of Namsan Mountain. Sitting in the pavilion, which seems to cradle the cherry blossoms like a floral crown, offers a serene viewing experience. You can also bring a picnic mat and snacks to relax and enjoy the blossoms on the park’s grassy lawn.


• During cherry blossom season, Namsan Park hosts a small festival featuring a cherry blossom lighting ceremony, outdoor performances across various genres, and hands-on experience programs, creating a joyful celebration of the season.
  
  
• • 2025 Namsan Park Cherry Blossom Festival
  • Date : April 4(Fri)~April 6(Sun), 2025
  • Location : Namsan Park

Top 3 Hidden Cherry Blossom Spots Known Only to Gangneung Locals