5-Day Seoul and Busan Cherry Blossom Full Tour
Precisely targeting Korea’s two major cherry blossom spots—Yeouido in Seoul and Jinhae in Busan—combined with classic city experiences, this itinerary creates an efficient and romantic cherry blossom-themed journey. The schedule is tight yet well-balanced, blending nature and culture.
Itinerary Overview
· Best travel time: Late March to early April (refer to the annual cherry blossom forecast)
· Main transportation: Seoul → Busan by KTX high-speed train (about 2.5 hours)
· Trip features: Two-city connection, cherry blossom theme, mix of fast and slow pace
Daily Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: First Impressions of Seoul · Myeongdong Night View and Namsan Cherry Blossoms
· Afternoon/Evening: Arrive at Seoul Incheon Airport, take the airport express or pre-book a transfer to a hotel near Myeongdong/Hongdae for check-in.
· Evening:
· Head to Namsan Park, take the cable car up to N Seoul Tower to enjoy the night view of Seoul. At this time, Namsan cherry blossoms are partially in bloom, and the night blossoms under the lights have a unique charm.
· After descending, have dinner on Myeongdong pedestrian street; recommended dishes include Myeongdong dumplings or budae jjigae (army stew).
· Accommodation: Myeongdong or Hongdae area, Seoul
Day 2: Seoul · Yeouido Cherry Blossom Feast
· Morning:
· Take the subway to Yeouido Station and head to Yunjung-ro. This is Seoul’s most famous cherry blossom avenue, about 1.7 kilometers long, lined with over 1,400 cherry trees.
· It’s recommended to go early (7-8 AM) to avoid crowds and capture photos of the empty cherry blossom tunnel.
· Afternoon:
· Picnic at Yeouido Hangang Park to experience local cherry blossom viewing culture (you can buy picnic mats and lunch boxes in advance at convenience stores).
· Then visit the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (Seoul branch) or the 63 Building observatory to overlook the Hangang cherry blossom belt from above.
· Evening:
· Head to the Hongdae district to feel the youthful artistic atmosphere and enjoy dinner at a café or restaurant under cherry blossom trees.
· Accommodation: Seoul
Day 3: Seoul → Busan · Cherry Blossom Railway Journey
· Morning:
· Go to Seoul Station and take the KTX high-speed train to Busan (morning departures recommended, about 2.5 hours).
· Enjoy the rural scenery from central to southern Korea along the way, with scattered cherry blossoms visible.
· Afternoon:
· Upon arrival in Busan, check into a hotel near Haeundae or Seomyeon.
· Take a walk along Haeundae Beach; cherry blossoms line the coastal road here, with a distant view of Gwangalli Bridge.
· Evening:
· Taste fresh seafood at Haeundae’s seafood market, including live octopus and grilled eel, Busan specialties.
· Accommodation: Haeundae area, Busan
Day 4: Busan · Ultimate Jinhae Cherry Blossom Experience
· All day:
· Key activity: Join a Jinhae cherry blossom day tour (advance booking of local tours or private car recommended, as Jinhae is about 1 hour from Busan and traffic control is strict during cherry blossom season).
· Core cherry blossom spots:
1. Yudeungcheon Cherry Blossom Road: The soul of Jinhae, with cherry blossoms like clouds on both sides of the small river, pink lanterns hanging on the bridge, and picturesque reflections.
2. Gyeonghwa Station: Classic scene of old railway tracks and cherry blossoms, very cinematic.
3. Imperial Navy Base: A combination of cherry blossoms and historic buildings.
· Tip: During the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival (usually late March to early April), crowds are huge; stay close to your group and depart early.
· Evening:
· After returning to Busan, visit Gwangalli Bridge to enjoy the night view; the area is lined with cafés, perfect for relaxing.
· Accommodation: Busan
Day 5: Final Busan Tour · Departure
· Morning:
· Flexible according to flight time. You can visit Gamcheon Culture Village (colorful mural village often accented with cherry blossoms) or Jagalchi Market to experience the fish market atmosphere.
· Buy souvenirs like dried fish and seaweed at the International Market.
· Afternoon/Evening:
· Head to Gimhae International Airport to conclude your cherry blossom trip.
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Key Practical Tips
1. Cherry Blossom Information:
· Check the Korea Meteorological Administration’s cherry blossom front forecast before traveling to determine the best dates. Seoul and Busan’s cherry blossom peak usually differ by about 1-2 weeks.
· Follow the official schedule of the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival to avoid missing events but be prepared for large crowds.
2. Transportation and Accommodation:
· KTX tickets: Book 1-2 months in advance on the Korail website or app during cherry blossom season.
· Accommodation: Seoul (Myeongdong/Hongdae), Busan (Haeundae) should also be booked early as prices surge during the bloom.
· Jinhae transportation: Strongly recommend joining a local day tour to avoid the hassle of driving, parking, or crowded buses.
3. Clothing and Gear:
· Early April in Korea has large temperature differences between morning and night; use the “onion layering” method and bring a light jacket.
· Prepare comfortable walking shoes; daily steps during cherry blossom viewing easily exceed 20,000.
· Photography enthusiasts can bring a polarizing filter to reduce cherry blossom glare and capture richer colors.
4. Food Recommendations:
· Seoul: Mapo BBQ near Yeouido, spicy chicken feet in Hongdae.
· Busan: Grandma’s beef soup rice in Haeundae, sashimi sets at Jagalchi Market, pork soup rice.
· Cherry blossom limited: Convenience stores sell cherry blossom-themed lunch boxes, sandwiches, and pink lattes, great for photos.
5. Backup Plans:
· If weather or bloom timing affects your experience, adjust flexibly:
· Seoul alternatives: Seokchon Lake (with Lotte World Tower backdrop), Seoul Forest.
· Busan alternatives: Hwangnyeongsan Beacon Mound, Samnak Ecological Park.
This guide aims to help you experience Korea’s most exquisite cherry blossom scenery and the charm of two cities in the shortest time. Wishing you a successful cherry blossom chase and a journey full of pink memories!