Busan in April: here's what the weather is like in spring, what festivals are being held, where to stay and everything you need to know to plan a trip!
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Spring is one of the best times to visit Busan and Korea. The weather is terrific (not too cold, not too dry, and not too wet)- not quite sunbathing weather, but great for a stroll one the sand- and the blossoms are beautiful.
The only downside is the air pollution, and yellow dust, but the cherry blossoms and beaches in Busan make it worth it. (Nonetheless, fall is still my favorite time to visit Korea. Click through for a fall packing list.)
There are also many festivals and free things to do in Busan in April, which I'll tell you about below!
Weather
April showers bring May flowers, or so the saying goes.
If you go at the right time, Korea's second city is abloom with cherry blossoms and other spring flowers (The cherry blossoms usually last for only for a few days, so whether you see them is dependent on your luck.)
Mornings can be crisp, and evenings cool, so remember to pack layers. (Click here for a full list of what to pack for Busan in spring.) Temperatures range from about 9C to 22C, or 49F to 72F, and Busan is usually much more temperate than in Seoul. (i.e. if it's a cold spring in Seoul, it's usually a bit warmer in Busan, and vice versa. In 2023, I was in a shorts and T-shirt in Seoul, but needed a jacket and scarf in Busan!)
Spring begins in early March and ends in late-June.
How to See Cherry Blossoms
There are SO many cherry blossom tours so I've summarised the best ones for you here:
Note: you can take public transport to see the blossoms, but it can be inconvenient so where suitable, I've linked to good tours to take. If there's no tour from Busan (a lot of tours only go from Seoul), you can also hire a car and drive to take you from Busan to anywhere you want to go. (Note: affiliate link, I get a small fee at no cost to you which goes towards the very enjoyable research behind this blog :))
Chasing Cherry Blossoms in Busan + Blueline Sky Capsule
Dates: March 25th – April 7th, 2024
I really enjoyed Blue Line Park at Haeundae Beach but not everyone does so read my review before you go! (Click the link.)
Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Tour
Dates: March 25th – April 5th, 2024
Jinhae is famous for its pink cherry blossoms. There are many tours from both Seoul and Busan so the city gets super crowded!
There'll also be many events such as performances and parades and, of course, Korean food stalls! (If you can't take spicy food, here's some Korean foods you can eat!)
Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival from Busan
Dates: March 25th – April 7th, 2024
Gyeongju is one of my favorite day trips from Busan! If you love history, you'll adore Busan.
Hadong Cherry Blossom Road + Ssanggyesa Temple + Cable Car
Dates: March 25th – April 5th, 2024
Hadong is West of Busan and has over 1200 cherry blossom trees lining a 5km road. On this cherry blossom tour, which leaves from Busan, besides admiring the beautiful flowers, you'll also:
- Visit Ssanggyesa Temple, which is where the first Korean tea tree was planted
- Enjoy a 360° view of Hallyeohaesang and Namhae Hallyeohaesang National Park on a cable car ride
- Try the specialty of the area, Jaecheop-guk
Note: this tour is perfect for couples, as the cherry blossom road is known as "Wedding Road": legend has it that couples who walk down the flowering cherry blossom road together will get married and live happily ever after. (If you click the affiliate link- I get a small commission at no cost to you if you book via the link- you'll see photos of the gorgeous cherry blossom festival.)
Best Spring Flowers Hotspots
In late March, we see apricot flowers and dandelions emerge while in April, peach blossoms start blooming.
Taean Tulip Festival (Mid April to Mid May)
Taean is only about 30-40 minutes away from Busan and the Taeun Tulip Festival is one of the top tulip celebrations in the world! (Note: there is currently no organised tour from Busan so the link is for a tour from Seoul. However, you can hire a car and driver in Busan to bring you to Taeun (or wherever you want to go) if you don't want to go by public transport.)
There are events such as face painting, caricatures, making herbarium pens, animal feeding, and cultural events. After sunset, there'll be a light show.
On the Seoul tour, you'll see tulips, fawn lilies, golden bell trees, magnolias, and pick strawberries!
Taeun Tulip Park (태안 세계튤립꽃박람회)
Address:
400, Kkotjihaean-ro, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
충청남도 태안군 안면읍 꽃지해안로 400
Entrance Fee: 14,000 Won (concession for kids and senior citizens)
Note: you cannot re-enter once you exit. (You'll need to pay again.)
Daejeo Eco Park: Pink + Yellow Fields of Flowers
For a pink and yellow Sea of cherry blossoms and mustard flowers, visit Daejeo Eco Park. (Mustard flowers start blooming in early April, reaching full bloom in mid-April.)
Daejeo Eco Park is the start of the “Nakdonggangbyeon Samsimni Cherry Blossom Road,” a 12 km-long row of cherry blossom trees blooming along the Nakdonggang River.
How to get there
Address: 2314-11, Daejeo 1-dong, Gangseo-gu, Busan
Take the subway to Gangseo-gu Office Station on Subway Line 3. Leave by Exit 3 then take Bus 125 at Gangseo-gu Office to Busan Hyewon School, after which you have to walk for 8-minutes. (An easier way is to just get a taxi, which is not expensive in Korea, compared to other large cities.)
There is parking at Daejeo Eco Park Parking Lot.
Hwamyeong Eco Park: for tulips
At Hwamyeong Eco Park, you'll see loads of colourful tulips. It's also a lovely place for a walk along Daecheoncheon Stream.
How to Get There
Address: 1718-17, Hwamyeong-dong, Buk-gu, Busan
Take the subway to Hwamyeong Station (Subway Line 2), and leave by Exit 5, then walk for about 10-minutes.
Alternatively, take. Buses 15, 59, 111, and 121, disembark at Buk-Gu Community Health Center, and walk for 10-minutes.
There is parking at Hwamyeong Eco Park Parking Lot.
Odeo Botania
A gorgeous botanical garden off Busan, found on the small island, Geoje. There, you'll see tulips, camellias, and maybe even the most coveted cherry blossoms.
Note: from Busan, you can take ferries to many different islands. Make sure you write down the name of the place you want to go to in Korean. The first time I took a ferry in Busan I ended up in the wrong place, and it was a bit sketchy 😛
Oryukdo Sunrise Park: Sea + Flowers
From Oryukdo Sunrise Park, you get an incredible view of the sea, yellow daffodils, yellow mustard flowers, and the Oryukdo Islets.
From Haeparang Trail Course 1, you can reach Igidae Waterside Park, another famously beautiful spot where you'll find cafes, some with rooftop seating. You can also take a walk on the glass-bottomed Oryukdo Skywalk! (It's open from 9 am, with last entry at 5.50 pm, but note that it is closed in extreme weather conditions and sometimes for maintenance.
How to Get There
Address: 137, Oryukdo-ro, Nam-gu, Busan
Take Kyungsung Univ.–Pukyong Nat’l Univ. Station (Line 2) then leave via Exit 5 and change to buses 131, 24, 27 or Nam-gu 2. Disembark at Oryukdo SK View Apartment
Alternatively, you can take the Busan City Tour Bus from Busan Station (Green Line) and get off at Oryukdo Islets
If you're driving, you can park at Oryukdo Public Parking Lot.
Taejeongdae
If you're seeking a blend of natural beauty and serene landscapes in Busan this April, Taejongdae resort park has amazing coastal scenery, pine trees, and beautiful hydrangeas.
The park is huge though so you'll have to walk quite a bit before you see any flowers.
For those lazy to hike, you can take the Taejongdae Danubi Train, a colorful and convenient way to explore (although the queue to get tickets is loooooong.) It makes a few stops, such as at the majestic Yeongdo Lighthouse.
Other Festivals
Busan Lotus Lantern Festival | 부산연등축제
Dates: TBC for 2024, April 28th – May 14th in 2023
Address: Songsanghyeon Plaza and Busan Citizen’s Park, 121-1, Dongseong-ro 112beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan | 부산광역시 부산진구 동성로112번길 121-1
Holidays
- Arbor Day (April 5): Known as Singmogil/ Sikmogil 식목일 or tree planting day! This has been made a holiday then scrapped as a holiday several times in Korean history.
What to Eat
Korean food is one of my favorite cuisines and Busan has many specialties, from fresh seafood to ssiat-heotteok. For a list of foods to try in Busan, click here.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
- Navigate with ease: Busan's public transportation system is your best friend for getting around on a budget. (I prefer the subway to the bust.) Grab a rechargeable T-Money card from any convenience store to easily hop on and off buses and subways (and save you a bit of money.) Additionally, downloading navigation apps like KakaoMap are essential since Google Maps doesn't work in Korea. (Click here for other Korea travel tips and essential Korean travel apps.)
- Pack smart for Busan weather: April in Busan is a delightful mix of mildly chilly mornings, pleasantly warm afternoons, and colder nights. To stay comfortable and travel light, layering is key. Pack lightweight sweater, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes for exploring Busan landmarks and parks. For a full spring packing list for Busan, click here.
- Embrace local delicacies: Your visit to Busan wouldn't be complete without immersing yourself in the local food scene, especially the very fresh seafood! For a list of the top foods to eat in Busan, click here.
- Explore beyond the famous beaches: While Haeundae Beach gets all the limelight, don't overlook other Busan beaches like Songjeong Beach and Songdo Beach if you prefer a more serene seaside escape. Visiting these less crowded spots can offer a tranquil contrast to the bustling energy of Busan's more popular sites and an insight into how the locals really live.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Busan ranges from luxury hotels with panoramic views of Haeundae Beach, such as Signiel Busan, 5-star hotels downtown (Lotte Hotel Busan review here) to cozy guesthouses, known as pension in Korea, nestled in the heart of Busan’s vibrant neighborhoods. (Click through for a detail review of Signiel Hotel.)
For 5-star luxury close to shops and restaurants, the hotels along Haeundae Beach and Lotte Hotel Busan in downtown Seomyeon are your best bet. (Click here for an overview of the hotels in Seomyeon.)
Note: Since this is a mid to luxury travel blog, I don't cover any hostels or guesthouses, though I've certainly stayed in my far share when I first started visiting Korea. I've even done a homestay programme, where I stayed at a local Korean's house!
Other Things To Do
Any questions about Busan in April? Let me know in the comments!
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