Cherry blossom season brings beauty, joy to Korean campuses amid midterm stress

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Cherry blossom season brings beauty, joy to Korean campuses amid midterm stress

Published: 03 Apr. 2026, 20:21 Updated: 07 Apr. 2026, 17:21

YOON SEUNG-JIN
[email protected]

Audio report: written by reporters, read by AI

Cherry blossoms are in full bloom on the Kyung Hee University campus. [YOON SEUNG-JIN]

Warm breezes sweep cherry blossom petals across Korea as spring reaches full bloom, offering a soft contrast to students buried in midterm preparations.

For college students in Korea, however, enjoying the season doesn’t require navigating the crowds at popular spots like Seokchon Lake or Yeouido. Many campuses themselves transform into cherry blossom havens, offering pink-lined paths just steps away from lecture halls.

On Friday, The Korea JoongAng Daily visited Kyung Hee University in Dongdaemun District, eastern Seoul, to take in the scene firsthand and speak with visitors on campus.

“I heard some Korean universities have beautiful cherry blossoms, but I think this building with cherry blossoms is one of the most beautiful scenes in Korea,” Magdalena, a French student who asked to be identified by her first name, said, referring to the Peace Hall, a neoclassical stone building, on campus.

“I go to Korea University, but I came to Kyung Hee University after seeing the cherry blossoms on Instagram Reels.”

Cherry blossom trees set against the stately backdrop of the Peace Hall at Kyung Hee University [YOON SEUNG-JIN]

Magdalena wasn’t the only one who made the trip to Kyung Hee University on Friday to see its cherry blossoms.

From groups of college students chatting over picnic mats to high school students posing for photos in their uniforms and club members capturing moments for their activities, the campus was filled with laughter beneath the blossoms.

Such popularity has even earned the university the nickname “Kyung Hee Land,” reflecting its reputation as a destination not only for students but also for visitors from across Seoul. The term highlights its landmark-like appeal, with the combination of stately stone buildings and cherry blossoms making it a particular favorite.

One of the most popular viewing spots at the university is the fountain plaza in front of the university’s main hall.

Built in the 1950s, the stone structure showcases classical architectural aesthetics, while the circular fountain and surrounding cherry trees create a balanced, symmetrical landscape. The space offers unobstructed views, making it a popular spot for photography.

While Kyung Hee University stands out as a landmark during cherry blossom season, many other universities across Korea also burst into bloom each spring.

Here are several campuses where students can enjoy cherry blossoms without traveling far.

Cherry blossoms set around the Underwood Hall on the Yonsei University campus in the Seodaemun District, western Seoul [YONSEI UNIVERSITY]

Yonsei University

At Yonsei University, cherry blossom trees line the path from Sinchon Station to Underwood Hall, forming a straightforward route that cuts through the center of the campus.

Walking along this path, visitors can take in rows of blossoms on either side, with the ivy-covered stone buildings adding to the campus’s distinctive atmosphere.

The front yard of Underwood Hall, around 10 minutes by walk from the main gate, is the highlight where a large, mature cherry tree stands in full bloom.

When the flowers peak, the tree fills the space like a giant bouquet set against the Gothic-style building, making it one of the campus’s most popular photo spots.

International students pose for a photo against the backdrop of cherry blossom trees at Ajou University in Suwon, Gyeonggi. [AJOU UNIVERSITY]

Ajou University

Located in Suwon, Gyeonggi, Ajou University is known for its dense concentration of cherry blossoms. Unlike Kyung Hee University’s architectural emphasis, Ajou University’s defining feature is its long, straight main road lined with cherry trees.

From the main gate to the central library, mature trees on either side create a tunnel of blossoms, with the central lawn providing close-up views.

At night, campus lighting creates a softer atmosphere, making it a popular evening walking spot for nearby residents. Visitors can also extend their trip to nearby attractions such as Gwanggyo Reservoir or Hwaseong Fortress, both about 20 minutes away by public transportation.

Cherry blossom trees near Seoul National University's iconic main gate [KAE KANEKO]

Seoul National University

Due to its mountainous terrain, Seoul National University in Gwanak District, southern Seoul, typically sees cherry blossoms bloom about three days to a week later than central Seoul. This timing allows visitors to catch peak blossoms even after petals have begun to fall elsewhere in the city.

The main viewing areas follow the campus loop road from the main gate past the business and humanities colleges to the engineering buildings, where cherry trees lining the slopes create a layered landscape.

Jahayeon Pond, an artificial lake located near the College of Engineering, is another notable spot, with its still water reflecting the surrounding cherry trees.

For those looking to explore beyond campus, Nakseongdae Park can be reached by walking out toward the main gate, while Gwanaksan Lake Park is accessible from the area near the rear gate, offering additional scenic routes.

Cherry blossom trees set around the Soonchunhyang University campus in Asan, South Chungcheong [SOONCHUNHYANG UNIVERSITY]

Soonchunhyang University

Located in Asan, South Chungcheong, Soonchunhyang University is one of the region’s best-known cherry blossom destinations, with more than 800 trees planted since its founding.

Phoenix Square is widely considered the campus’s best viewing point, with cherry blossom trees encircling the expansive plaza. Of the roughly 800 trees on campus, about 160 are concentrated around the square.

Another highlight is the Cherry Blossom Tree Road, which stretches along the outer campus road from Hyangseol Gate. The tree-lined route has also gained wider recognition as a filming location for the popular drama “Extraordinary You” (2019), drawing visitors eager to see the picturesque setting in person.

A smaller path near Hakseongsa Hall 3 offers a quieter yet equally scenic experience, often favored by those seeking a less crowded stroll.

The university also hosts an annual cherry blossom festival, with this year’s event scheduled for April 7 and 8. According to the student council, the festival will feature club performances, food trucks and designated rest areas with beanbags, creating a more relaxed atmosphere for both students and visitors.

Other universities across the country also mark the season with campus festivals. Pyeongtaek University in Gyeonggi and Kyung Hee University’s International Campus in Suwon are among those hosting cherry blossom-themed events in early April, offering performances and seasonal programs for visitors.

BY YOON SEUNG-JIN [[email protected]]