Cherry Blossom in Seoul: Namsan Park Half-day Itinerary The Calm Chronicle: Your South Korea Travel Blog The Calm Chronicle: Insider's Travel Guide Of South Korea

When the cherry blossom season in Seoul approaches, I would receive questions on my Instagram DM or Facebook messages and the questions are usually: ” What’s the best place to checking out cherry blossom in Seoul?”, Well, I do not have a particular place in mind when the city is turning pink. Because when the cherry trees are blooming, even the neighbourhood cherry blossoms are just as breathtaking.

However, for those who are looking for a half-day itinerary to get a glimpse of the beauty of South Korea’s cherry blossom followed by delicious traditional Korean food, here’s what I have for you!

Though leisure travel is not happening anytime soon, I’d still like to put this itinerary up on the site because looking at these photos (and the video) makes me a little happier! This is a half-day itinerary perfect for the days when you feel like travel slow. As Namsan Park 남산공원 is just a stone’s throw away from Myeongdong, it is also an ideal activity to slot into your itinerary when you plan to check out the shopping heaven of Seoul.

Itinerary Summary:

9.00 am Myeongdong Station Exit 1 → Shuttle Bus to Namsan Cable Car Entrance → Take the cable car to Namsan N Seoul Tower → 11.00 am Take the cable car / walk downhill → Take a stroll to Mokmyeok Sanbang → Lunch.

If you’d like to experience Spring in Seoul, I’d recommend visiting the city in early April because that’s when the cherry blossom trees reach their peak bloom. I have a Spring Blossom Guide prepared for you if you want to dive in a bit deeper to plan your trip.

09:00 am – Myeongdong Station Exit 1

Myeongdong is one of the most convenient neighbourhoods to stay in especially if you’re a first-time-traveller to Seoul. You get your international hotels, money changer, beauty and fashion brands, popular South Korean F&B Chains all in one place. Though the downside of convenience would be that this neighbourhood might feel overly commercialised that it almost felt like you are not in Korea, but when you’re travelling in a foreign country, convenience is King!

We’re starting the trail at Myeongdong Station Exit 1 because that’s the place to take the free shuttle bus all the way from the station to the Namsan Cable Car Entrance. You may also walk from the station to the Namsan Cable Car but it’s a 15-20 mins uphill walk so if you are with your family, I’ll highly recommend the shuttle service instead.

09:30 am – Take Cable Car

Cherry Blossom Namsan — Photo courtesy of Lee Beom Su, Korea Tourism Organisation.

With the longest Cherry Tree Trail in Seoul, Namsan Park is one of the most popular attractions in Spring. You may see a spectacular pink trail on your way up to the Namsan N Seoul Tower. Though it is a tourist attraction, the park is surrounded by a lush forest making it home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Seoul.

Photo Courtesy of Lee Beom Su, Kim Jiho. Korea Tourism Organisation.

10:00 am – Namsan N Seoul Tower

Namsan N Seoul Tower is no stranger to any visitor who frequents the city. I have covered the Namsan N Seoul Tower in my blog years back but this place remains a popular dating spot even for the locals. There is an observatory, and also F&B outlets at this place. If you are an outdoor person, I’d suggest you forgo your cable car ticket and take the scenic path down the hill because it is springtime! : )

Photo Courtesy of Korea Tourism Organisation.

Spring in Namsan. Photo Courtesy of Korea Tourism Organisation.

12:00 noon – Lunch at Mokmyeok Sanbang

One of my favourite restaurants during springtime in Seoul was Mokmyeok Sanbang 목멱산방. It used to be located in a traditional hanok within Namsan Park where you can sit beneath the falling petals while enjoying delicious traditional Korean bibimbap. While the restaurant has moved to a modern building opposite Namsan Park, it has continued to serve amazing bibimbap to its patrons.

I love the Beef Bulgogi Bibimbap and Yukhoe Bibimbap at Mokmeok Sanbang. Vegetarian may enjoy veggie bibimbap here too. Their traditional shaved ice (pat bingsu) is perfect for dessert after the meal too. Do visit the place on a weekday to avoid the crowd!