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← Events ☏
Events

South Korea events guide for Indian families: cherry blossom, lanterns and autumn colour

Written by The Trip Keeper Team Content updated 30 Oct 2026 Facts last checked 30 Oct 2026
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The short answer

Four seasons shape a Korea trip with parents: cherry blossom (the Jinhae festival ran 27 March to 5 April in 2026), the Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul (8 to 25 May in 2026), autumn foliage (mid October to early November nationwide) and the Seoul Lantern Festival (mid December to mid January). For walking comfort, autumn and the winter lantern walk are the easiest. Pick one and build the trip around it.

March

Jinhae Gunhangje cherry blossom festival

Changwon (Jinhae) Typical timing

Usually Late March to early April (2026: 27 Mar-5 Apr). Bloom shifts yearly; 2027 dates not yet announced.. This is the usual time of year, not confirmed dates for a particular year.

About 360,000 cherry trees bloom across Jinhae, and the festival draws more than two million visitors. Visitors can also enter the Korea Naval Academy and Naval Base Command, normally closed to the public.

For families: Jinhae is in Changwon in the south, not near Seoul, so it needs its own days. It is very crowded on weekends. Go on a weekday morning and keep a day flexible for the bloom.

Event website

May

Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeon Deung Hoe)

Seoul, also Busan, Jeonju and Gyeongju Typical timing

Usually Around Buddha's Birthday (2026: Seoul ran 8-25 May). Other cities differ; 2027 dates not yet announced.. This is the usual time of year, not confirmed dates for a particular year.

A UNESCO-listed tradition with lanterns lit at Jogyesa Temple, Bongeunsa Temple and Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul. Seoul draws about 300,000 visitors a year.

For families: Choose daytime or early-evening visits to the temples rather than the busiest festival days. Check the official schedule for the main parade day, as streets are crowded.

Event website

October

Autumn foliage

Seoraksan, Bukhansan, Naejangsan, Hallasan and across Seoul Typical timing

Usually at its peak from mid October to early November. The 2026 KTO forecast predicts Seoraksan around 25 October. This is the usual time of year, not confirmed dates for a particular year.

Colour moves from the northern mountains south through the season. The 2026 Korea Tourism Organization forecast predicts Seoraksan peaking around 25 October, Bukhansan around 4 November, Jirisan around 5 November, Naejangsan around 11 November and Hallasan around 13 November; peaks move with the weather. In Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul Forest and Olympic Park are listed as popular spots.

For families: Cool, dry weather suits older travellers. Pick palace and park walks in the city over mountain trails, and check the foliage forecast again a few days before you fly.

Event website

December

Seoul Lantern Festival

Cheonggyecheon, Seoul Typical timing

Usually Mid Dec to mid Jan (2025-26: 12 Dec-18 Jan, 6-11 pm). The 2026-27 dates are not yet announced.. This is the usual time of year, not confirmed dates for a particular year.

Illuminated installations along Cheonggyecheon and the Ui Stream, with free admission, accessible pathways and wheelchair rental listed on the official Seoul page.

For families: Dress warmly. It is an evening walk along one stream, so it suits a slow pace. Check the dates once the organisers announce them.

Event website

Trips to South Korea

We have no open trip to South Korea right now. Tell us your dates and we will help you find one.

Quick questions

Which season is best for parents?

Autumn (mid October to early November) is the easiest: cool, dry and beautiful, with palace and park colour in Seoul itself. Cherry blossom is lovely but crowded, and the exact week moves every year.

Are these dates confirmed?

The windows on this page are typical timing. The 2026 dates we quote are what Korea's official tourism and festival pages published. Bloom and foliage dates change with weather, so check the forecast before fixing flights.

Is the Lotus Lantern Festival the same date every year?

No. It follows the lunar calendar, around Buddha's Birthday, so it moves between years. Seoul and the other cities also run different date ranges.

Do Indian travellers need a visa for Korea?

Yes. See our South Korea visa guide for Indians for the current rules before you plan dates.

Sources

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