Korea in bloom: Where to catch late spring flowers

Think you’ve missed Korea’s spring blossoms? Think again. While early blooms like cherry blossoms and canola fields may have passed, there’s still time to catch some truly spectacular flowers this May. From rare double-flowering plum blossoms to seas of azaleas and vibrant rose gardens, here are the top places still worth visiting for that late-spring floral fix.

Double-flowering red plum blossoms at Changdeokgung Palace, Seoul

Address: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

These historic blooms are among the last plum blossoms to appear and can linger into early May depending on the weather. If you’ve just missed them, don’t worry — the palace’s beautifully landscaped gardens and spring foliage still offer a lovely, tranquil escape in the city. It’s a peaceful spot where culture and nature meet, perfect for a springtime stroll.

Royal azaleas at Royal Azalea Hill, Gunpo

Address: 1152-14 Sanbon-dong, Gunpo-si, Gyeonggi-do

Peaking in early to mid-May, royal azaleas splash the hillside in vivid pinks and purples. With more than a million shrubs lining the trails near Surisan Station, the area transforms into a painterly dream. It’s an ideal choice for those who missed the earlier cherry blossom season but still want that floral photo moment.

Hwangmaesan Royal Azalea Festival, Hapcheon

Address: Hwangmaesan County Park, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

One of Korea’s most iconic azalea viewing spots, Hwangmaesan offers sweeping mountain views carpeted in magenta. If you're up for a hike, this late-spring gem is worth the trip. The bloom typically lasts until mid-May, so there’s still time to catch it if you move quickly.

Gokseong Rose Festival

Address: Gokseong Train Village, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do

This late-spring festival is a yearly event, usually held in mid to late May. With over 30,000 roses of every variety in bloom, it’s a fragrant and colourful escape from the city. Enjoy vintage train rides, charming picnic spots, and photo zones — a hit with families, couples, and flower lovers alike. Be sure to make a stop if you're visiting between 16 and 25 May 2025.

Everland Rose Garden

Address: Everland Theme Park, Yongin, Gyeonggi-do

Everland’s rose festival is an annual celebration starting in mid-May and running well into the summer months. With more than 3 million roses on display, it offers themed gardens, evening light shows, and interactive installations — all within one of Korea’s most popular amusement parks. Great for visitors heading to Korea from 17 May onward.

Bonus: Korea’s year-round rose spots

Even after the festivals wind down, you can still catch roses in bloom through early summer. Spots like Olympic Park Rose Plaza and the Rose Garden at Seoul Grand Park remain in flower well into June, making them ideal for late spring and early summer travellers.

Travel tip: Pay like a local with TNG eWallet

Whether you’re buying entry tickets, grabbing a snack, or booking transport, TNG eWallet makes travel smoother. Accepted across 50+ countries including Korea, it lets you pay directly in Korean Won with no hidden fees. Simply reload your eWallet in advance and pay via QR code at supported merchants, which includes big names and popular locations such as convenience stores like CU Convenience Stores, Emart, Starbucks and Lotte Mart. Your eWallet will deduct in the local currency — no stress, no surprise charges.

In fact, you can also get your skincare fix from huge Korean beauty brands such as Olive Young, Innisfree, and All Mask Story w. Enjoy seamless payments, currency clarity, and even cashback rewards along the way. Travelling has never been this convenient.

To learn more about paying abroad with your eWallet, read more here.