Seoulites seem to know exactly how best to appreciate this time of year, whether it’s flocking to trendy neighborhoods for a round of café hopping, seeking a charming patio to sip and snack at or gathering friends for picnics along the sprawling Han River.
Here are some of the best ways to spend a spring day.
1. Find a photo-worthy spot to see cherry blossoms in bloom
All eyes turn to the trees when these spectacular flowers make their annual appearance. While the Jamsil area near Lotte World and Lotte World Tower is noted and popular for its blooms that frame the sidewalk – as well as the crowds that arrive to view them – some less-populated spots are just as charming.
The main drag in Hapjeong is a wide boulevard teeming with cherry blossoms on either side, perfect for snapshots before catching a meal at any of the street’s many eateries. For a standout dining experience, consider Damtaek, a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand ramen spot near Hapjeong Station, known for its refined yet comforting shio ramen served in an inviting space decorated with vintage pieces. Another lightly traveled destination for flower-gawking is Seonyudo Park a well-hidden spit of land floating in the Han River. The views are epic, and one photograph can easily include the water, the blossoms and the handsome Seoul skyline. The park is located near Hapjeong Station, too, so you can make a day out of visiting these two stops.
To complete the day, Okdongsik, a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand restaurant nearby, offers its famed dwaeji-gukbap, a pork and rice soup celebrated for its clean yet rich flavors. Its delicate balance of tender pork and aromatic broth makes it a must-visit for those exploring the neighborhood.
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2. Pack a picnic and go biking along the Han River
Springtime means bringing sporting activities back out of doors, including bicycling. The city’s best biking paths surround the Han River, connecting wide open park spaces that sprawl from its banks. Seoul also boasts a ubiquitous city bike program, with racks of green-and-white cycles set up around town and easy to rent through the Ttareungi app.
A straightforward site to start the journey would be at the bike ramp near the south end of Sinsa’s Garosugil shopping street. Just around the corner is a bridge underpass that leads cyclists directly to a bike route that soon takes riders right alongside the river. From there, the grassy, picnic-perfect areas with direct views of the water abound.
For those looking to extend their journey with a MICHELIN-recommended dining experience, Ggupdang, known for its expertly grilled and cured pork, is just a short walk away near Sinsa Station, while Ryunique in the heart of Garosugil offers an innovative fusion of French and Japanese cuisine.
If a comfortable stay is part of the plan, voco Seoul Gangnam provides stylish accommodations within easy reach of Garosugil’s vibrant scene. With world-class dining and boutique hotels within walking distance, the area makes for an effortless blend of outdoor adventure and culinary indulgence.
©Grand Hyatt Seoul
3. Admire Seoul’s greenery from high above
One fact about the South Korean spring: It comes in fits and starts. One day might exhibit summer-adjacent, breezy warmth, and the next can hearken to January. If it’s one of the latter days, high-rise destinations provide a respite from the fussy weather. Seoul has not one, but two skyline-defining towers: Seoul Tower and the Lotte Tower. Each houses cafes and a restaurant from which to relax and take in the view.
Plenty of bars, hotels and fine-dining destinations around Seoul also feature sky-scraping perches and offer vistas of the city below, safe from the ever-changing elements. Many a window at the Grand Hyatt Seoul looks onto nearby Namsan Mountain, which comes alive in spring as the trees that cover it fill out again. A stay, a drink at the bar or the right seat at the aptly named Terrace restaurant is a visual feast.
4. Enjoy vibrant displays at the Leeum Museum of Art
Another indoor activity with a different kind of breathtaking view can be enjoyed at any of Seoul’s museums. Perusing art, architecture or pieces of the city history can provide not just an escape from any iffy spring weather outside but a cerebral getaway that’s as educational as it is immersive. The Leeum Museum of Art, situated in the ritzy Hannam neighborhood, is operated by the Samsung Foundation of Culture with a focus on Korean traditional art and globally sourced contemporary art. Designed by a trio of famed architects, the Leeum space is as wondrous to behold as what’s on its walls.
The Leeum will host 12 works by the noted French contemporary artist Pierre Huyghe’s – his first exhibition in Asia – through July 6.
Leeum Museum of Art : 60-16, Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
5. Discover old Seoul with a stroll through a historical neighborhood
Unsurprisingly, a city whose history spans as many centuries as Seoul is well known for its ancient wall and royal palaces. Just steps beyond Gyeongbukgung, the most visited royal home, lies Bukchon Hanok Village, an entire enclave that immerses visitors in the past from its stone roads to concave roof tiles of the hanoks, or Korean traditional houses. Every enchanting building beckons passersby to step in for a peek. Cafes, bakeries, souvenir shops and even a beer bar in a renovated hanok are scattered throughout the village, all ripe for discovery. Indulging in one of Seoul’s latest obsessions, the self-photo studio, is an easy snap back to modernity.
For those seeking exceptional dining experiences, Bukchon Hanok Village is home to several MICHELIN-recognized establishments within walking distance. ANAM, a Bib Gourmand restaurant, offers a delightful dwaeji-gukbap (pork and rice soup) in a humble setting. Their unique broth is enhanced with a special oil made from Cheongyang chili pepper and kale, creating a rich and flavorful experience. The tender Spanish Duroc baby pork ribs and thin slices of pork butt complement the dish perfectly.
Another nearby gem is Hwangsaengga Kalguksu, also a Bib Gourmand selection. This beloved establishment is renowned for its humble noodle soup and freshly made dumplings. The silky-soft noodles are served in a rich ox bone broth, accompanied by boiled beef slices. Their noodles in cold soybean soup are also a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.
©the Mondrian Hotel
6. Soak up the sun on a bar or restaurant patio or rooftop
Peak springtime provides the ultimate chance to catch some vitamin D before Seoul’s scorching summer sends everyone back indoors. Patios offer the best people-watching, and awning-bedecked French bistros give the best street view for gawking, with shade. Cafes, of course, are a supremely Seoul way to enjoy some streetside sunlight, but rooftops take any outdoor vibe up a notch.
Of course, a rooftop lounge dripping in luxurious touches like the Privilege Bar at the Mondrian Hotel IS the whole vibe. Sleek design, thoughtful craft cocktails and light snacks all pair nicely with the stunning views of the sunset that guests could see from here.
With indoor and outdoor seating, The Griffin at the JW Marriott provides the ideal perch to a wide-angle look at the city, including Seoul’s historic wall. Live jazz, choice liquor options and a cigar menu set the mood for a sexy time.
7. Take a day trip to romantic Nami Island
Though not located in Seoul, this Gangwon Province gem is an easy bus ride away. A ferry ride makes up the last leg to Nami, but thrill-seekers can arrive via zipline to the park-like island, which served as the filming location of a classic K-drama, Winter Sonata. Nami is compact enough to navigate leisurely on foot, but the park also rents bicycles for faster exploration of the scenic grounds that feature numerous photo-worthy vistas. Most visitors, however – especially couples there to soak up the romantic vibes – take it slow, pausing to take in the scenery from ice cream shops, street-food vendors or a park bench.
