Jeju in Spring

Visiting Jeju in spring is a fantastic option. From late February through May, the island is an explosion of colour – from yellow canola fields, clouds of pale pink cherry blossom, vivid azaleas on the slopes of Hallasan, and orchards coming back to life after winter.

The weather is mild and pleasant, the crowds are smaller than summer, and it’s the perfect weather to explore the trails. If autumn is Jeju’s most dramatic season, spring is its most beautiful.

When Is Spring on Jeju?

Spring on Jeju Island runs from March to May, but the peak season lasts from mid-March until early April. It’s during this time that you if you’re lucky, can enjoy cherry blossoms and canola flowers simultaneously – which is pretty spectacular.

Late February–early March: The very first canola blooms appear, especially in more sheltered areas on the south of the island. The flowers usually continue to flourish throughout March and April. Temperatures are still cool (6–12°C), so make sure you pack a warm jacket.

Late March-early April: Peak cherry blossom season changes each year, but it’s usually mid to late March, until early April (sometimes slightly later). The highlight is the Jeju Island Cherry Blossom Festival, usually held in late March. Dates are confirmed closer to the time depending on when the blossoms are due – so keep an eye out on Visit Jeju. Jeju blooms earlier than the rest of Korea because it hosts the indigenous King Cherry, a larger, fluffier variety that’s unique to the island. The Jeju Fire Festival also typically falls in this period, though it can be cancelled due to the weather.

April: Azaleas bloom in early April, especially around Hallasan National Park, where you can find vibrant pink, purple, and white varieties. Hallim Park runs tulip events throughout April and it’s starting to warm up – expect 10-18°C. It’s perfect weather for taking on a few Olle trails.

May: Late spring brings hydrangeas, bracken ferns in Gotjawal forest, mandarin orange blossoms, and the rosebay rhododendron near Hallasan’s summit. Temperatures are typially around 14–22°C and it’s quieter here than during the busy cherry blossom peak season.

Temperature guide: March 6–13°C, April 10–18°C, May 14–22°C. Pack lightweight clothes you can easily layer – a light cardigan or sweater is ideal, along with waterproof layers, as spring can be surprisingly rainy.

Jeju in Spring – Best Experiences

Here are some of our favourite recommendations for things to do if you’re visiting Jeju in spring time.

Canola Fields

If you’ve seen photos of Jeju in spring, you’ve probably seen the canola. The island is home to fields of intense yellow stretching to the horizon, with volcanic cones rising behind them. It’s as spectacular in person as it looks in pictures!

Canola flowers were originally grown on the island for agricultural purposes such as making oil and cooking, but in recent years the yellow fields have become a trademark image of Jeju Island, used on souvenirs and postcards.

The best canola spots:

• Noksan-ro is the top canola destination on Jeju – a 10km road lined with cherry blossoms and canola flowers in early spring. The pastel pink and canary yellow combination makes for some Insta-worthy shots. The road is somewhat out of the way – it’s easiest to book a Kakao taxi or arrange a private driver/tour guide.
• Seopjikoji Cape on the eastern coast has beautiful canola fields with the ocean behind them. Seongsan Ilchulbong is also visible in the distance. Again – expect some pretty epic photos!
• Sanbangsan in the south offers canola fields at the foot of a dramatic volcanic rock mountain. Some canola fields near Sanbangsan require a small entry fee of around ₩1,000 for access to the whole field.
• Seoubong Peak beside Hamdeok Beach is covered in canola in spring. We recommend combining a beach walk (if it’s not too chilly) with the flower fields for a beautiful morning.
• Hueree Natural Park runs its Canola Flower Festival from January through early April (₩13,000 adults / ₩10,000 children) with activities, horseback riding, and citrus experiences alongside the blooms.

Cherry Blossoms

Jeju’s cherry blossoms are arrive first – before the rest of the country. And Jeju is home to a special type of cherry blossom, the King Cherry, which is said to be the original Korean cherry trees. The blossoms are bigger than other types in Korea – giving more of a full, fluffy flower than a simple blossom.

The best cherry blossom spots:

• Jeonnong-ro in Jeju City is the iconic address for cherry blossoms. This 1.3km street lined with 100-year-old trees runs from the KAL Hotel to Nanjo Intersection. Go during the day but also take a look at night, when it’s lit up by street lights. We recommend arriving early in the morning during cherry blossom season to avoid crowds. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants to choose from when you need a rest.
• Jeju National University campus transforms into a sakura wonderland each spring. With wide walkways, open lawns, and flowering trees, it’s an top spot for photos and a peaceful stroll that’s calmer than the busier city streets.
• Noksan-ro gives you both cherry blossom and canola in the same frame – which is unique to Jeju.
• Yerae Eco Park in Jungmun offers cherry blossoms and canola lining a scenic stream path – Instagram-famous and genuinely beautiful.

The Jeju Fire Festival

The Jeju Fire Festival is based on an ancient agricultural tradition called bangae – the burning of fields during late winter and early spring to renew the grass and exterminate vermin.

The festival is held on Saebyeol Oreum in mid-March and involves the ceremonial burning of the oreum’s hillside. It’s also accompanied by fireworks, folk games, traditional rituals, and performances. It’s known as a celebration of healing and hope for the new season.

Dates vary slightly each year and it has been known to be cancelled due to hot weather and strong winds (to reduce the risk of fire spreading). Be sure to check the official Visit Jeju website to check dates and timings.

Azaleas on Hallasan

The azalea season on Hallasan in April is a spectacular natural experience, but you’ll need to put in some effort. In order to see the feast of royal azaleas that spreads for hundreds of metres in front of the majestic Byeongpungbawi Rock, you’ll have to climb the mountain’s Yeongsil Trail (5.8km, around 2.5 hours one way to Nambyeok Junction).

The azalea species found on Hallasan is the rosebay rhododendron, which features brilliant dark-pink petals. The sight of these flowers spreading across the mountainside, framed by volcanic rock and the ocean visible in the distance is worth the hike!

Later in May, a different species of azalea that’s native only to Hallasan blooms higher up the mountain that’s also well worth exploring.

Gapado Island’s Barley Fields

If you want to see where spring arrives first, head to Gapa Island, located just a short ferry ride south from Moseulpo Port. The island’s famous barley fields are lush green in early spring and turn golden in late April and May. It’s also home to the very walkable Olle Trail 10-1. The trail loops around the island and is suitable for all levels. A half-day trip to Gapado in April or May is a great option if you’re visiting during spring on Jeju.

The ferry from Moseulpo Port takes just 10 minutes; buses from Jeju City run to Moseulpo.

Spring on the Olle Trail

Like autumn, spring is one of the best times to explore the Olle Trails. Temperatures are mild for long walks, the coastal routes bloom with wildflowers, and sections through forest and oreum are alive with new growth.

Best Olle routes for spring walking:

• Route 10 (Hwasun–Daejeong) passes canola fields and the foot of Sanbangsan – it’s a great trail to do in March and April with the flowers in full bloom.
• Route 1 (Siheung–Gwangchigi) offers oreum climbs and coastal scenery with beautiful spring wildflowers.
• Route 14 (Jeoji–Hallim) ends at Hyeopjae Beach via the Gotjawal forest – a great combination of forest spring scenery and the stunning coastline of Jeju.

The Seogwipo Canola Flower International Walking Festival is held every year to enjoy the canola flowers, usually in late March. It combines a scenic walking route with access to canola fields, local food, and cultural activities.

Travel Tips for Visiting in Spring

Here are our top travel tips if you’re planning to visit Jeju in spring time.

• Book early for cherry blossom season. The Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival (late March or early April) is one of the island’s busiest times and Jeju accommodation can fill up fast, especially on weekends.
• Chase the timing. Cherry blossoms only peak for only around 10 days and the window can shift by a week in either direction depending on the year’s weather. Also be mindful that if winds are strong the bloom can disappear – fast.
• Canola lasts longer than cherry blossom. You can enjoy fields from late February through to mid-April, giving you a much wider window to plan around.
• Rain is normal in spring. Spring can be rainy – bring a light waterproof jacket even on days that look clear in the morning (the weather can change fast on Jeju!).
• Yellow dust is a possibility in spring. Don’t forget to pack some masks in case yellow dust from mainland China blows across – it can affect air quality and a mask can mean you can still comfortably spend time outdoors (especially with kids).
• Navigation. Download Kakao Maps or Naver Maps before arriving – Google Maps has limited functionality in South Korea. Hiring a car is usually the easiest and most flexible way to reach the scattered flower spots.

Why Spring Deserves More Credit

Autumn gets a lot of attention on Jeju, but spring is when Jeju Island really comes alive! After the chill of winter, it’s amazing to see how the island transforms – the colours, smells and warmer evenings are enough to put anyone in good spirits!

If you can manage to time your visit in that sweet spot when cherry blossom and canola peak together (typically the last week of March), you’ll understand why Koreans travel from all over the country to be on Jeju in spring.

Flower blooming dates vary year to year depending on temperature. Check Cherry Blossom Forecast trackers for the most accurate predicted peak dates before travelling.

Next in our Jeju Seasons series: Jeju in Autumn | Jeju in Summer | Jeju in Winter