Spring has sprung on the peninsula and my heart is happy. Even with our near-constant winter adventures (and an overall positive attitude regarding the cold AND the poor air quality), it’s so amazing to have warm temperatures and budding and blooming plants all around us. And with the beginning of spring in Korea comes the cherry blossoms.
Where to find cherry blossoms near Camp Humphreys
Jungang Park in Asan
Located only about 15 minutes from Camp Humphreys in Asan Techno Valley sits an inconspicuous little park with honestly some of the most beautiful cherry blossoms I’ve ever seen. Now don’t misunderstand: you won’t find any tunnels of trees here. But what you will find are these amazing hanging cherry blossom trees that are absolutely incredible – for pictures and to see in person!
How to visit Jungang Park
Directions: Paste 충남 아산시 둔포면 석곡리 1481 into Naver and it will take you right to the park. The park is free to visit, as is parking. There is a moderate-sized parking lot in front of the park, as well as plenty of street parking available (depending on what time of day you visit).
Baedari Eco Park in Pyeongtaek
Even closer to Camp Humphreys is Baedari Eco Park. Besides being just a really relaxing area to walk around in any day, it’s also a great place to see some more mature cherry blossom trees. Again, you won’t be finding any insane tunnels here, but you really can’t beat the cherry blossoms against the city backdrop.
How to visit Baedari Eco Park
Directions: Paste 경기 평택시 비전동 into Naver and it will take you to the entrance for the park. As far as we could tell, there was only street parking, but the entire road in front of the park is open and there was ample space to park.
Anyangcheon Stream in Seoul
Along the Anyangcheon Stream, there are areas of rich, full, mature cherry blossom trees that create THE perfect tunnels of flowers. The only downside? It’s not the easiest place to get to. Because it’s located in Seoul, parking is a challenge. But, because it’s relatively far from Yongsan, I don’t recommend parking there and taking the train over (which is what we did and, honestly, we kind of regretted it – it was a lot of work for a little reward). I’m guessing there are parking garages in the area. My advice? Use Naver to find out exactly where you want to go, find a parking garage nearby, and use an AMEX to pay for the parking garage (if you don’t have a Korean credit card).
How to visit Anyangcheon Stream in Seoul
Directions: I don’t have an exact pin for where we went – we wandered so much that I’m not exactly where where we even ended up. However, if you paste 서울 구로구 구일로 133 into Naver, it should take you to the Anyangcheon Stream Stroll Trail, which should be bursting with flowers during cherry blossom season.
Gakwonsa in Cheonan
By far my favorite place to see the cherry blossoms is Gakwonsa in Cheonan. Not only is this one of the BEST Buddhist temples near Camp Humphreys, it’s also a great place to see the cherry blossoms – and after they all fall off, the King cherry blossoms take over the show and it is breathtaking. The hard part? Knowing when they’ll actually be in bloom! Typically the King cherry blossoms bloom right after the regular blossoms leave – give or take a week. Larger and more pink than traditional cherry blossoms, if you manage to be at Gakwonsa when they are in full bloom, you’ll be blown away by their beauty.
How to visit Gakwonsa in Cheonan
Directions: Getting to Gakwonsa is as simple as pasting 각원사 into Naver. There are large areas to park in and admission into the parking lots and the temple grounds is free (although donations are always welcome). My advice during cherry blossom season? Get there early – as in 6:00am early, if you can. The parking lots fill up as early as 8:00am and it’s a fight to get decent pictures with the blossoms. So save yourself some stress and just get their early.
