March is the month that marks the beginning of spring in Korea. As the warm sunlight thaws the land of morning calm after the freezing winter, early spring flowers finally start to bloom. Mountains and fields are filled with vivid spring colors and it is time to go on a day trip. Let’s take a look at where to go for your spring day out in Korea.

1. Gwangyang Maehwa (Apricot Flowers or Plum Blossoms)

Gwangyang Maehwa Village is famous for its beautiful apricot trees. Every March, this small village is covered with white Maehwa (apricot flowers or plum blossoms). As Maehwa is known as the first spring flower to bloom, a nice day out at Gangyang Maehwa Village will quench your thirst for long-awaited spring flowers.

Strolling beneath Maehwa trees, tasting local Gwangyang food and taking a tour to the nearby Ssanggyesa Temple will make a perfect spring excursion.

For more information, click here.

Location: Jeollanam-do (southwest province)

• Best time to visit: March 11-19
• Book a shuttle bus

2. Gurye Sansuyu (Cornelian Cherry)

As the weather starts to get warmer, the sansuyu (cornelian cherry) trees welcome the new spring season by decorating Gurye with its bright yellow flowers.

The Gurye Sansuyu Festival is an annual festival held in the base of Jirisan Mountain, located in the Jeollanam-do Province, where you can see the beautiful bright yellow sansuyu flowers in full bloom.

You can also visit nearby Hwaeomsa Temple. It is one of the 10 most famous temples in Korea and a must-visit temple for those who want to relax their minds in the quiet temple and learn about the historic national cultural heritages.

For more information click here.

Location: Jeollanam-do (southwest province)

• Festival date: March 18-26
• Book a shuttle bus

3. Uljin Snow Crab

Uljin is a county down south where snow crabs are most caught in Korea. You can taste the delicious snow crab caught straight from the ocean and enjoy a fun day at Uljin Snow Crab Festival.  The first week of March is the best time to savor snow crabs.

For more information, click here.

Location: Gyeongsangbuk-do (southeast province)

• Festival date: March 2-5
• Book a shuttle bus

Photo Credits
Republic of Korea Gwangyang Maehwa Festival in Spring
barama1 구례 산수유
purunuri 울진 대게(Sculpture of Uljin Snow Crab) via photopin (license)