Spring in Seoul is magical. The skies are clear and everyone seems to be out and about, soaking up the sunshine. If you're visiting Seoul during this time, or even if you're a local looking for new ideas, here’s a curated list of 10 things I genuinely recommend doing in Seoul this spring. No tourist traps—just things we locals actually love to do.
South Korea in May 2025
💄 K-Beauty: Hair Salons, Skin Clinics, etc.
Other Monthly Guides
1. Have a Picnic at Hangang Park
This is a must-do, even for Seoulites. Grab a picnic mat (you can rent one nearby), pick up some convenience store goodies or get fried chicken delivered to the park, and lounge under the cherry blossoms. Yeouido Hangang Park is the most popular spot during cherry blossom season, but places like Mangwon and Ttukseom offer more space and a slightly more relaxed vibe.
Yeouido Hangang Park
📍 330 Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
🚇 Yeouinaru Station (Line 5), Exit 2
This park is a favorite among locals for picnics, especially during cherry blossom season.
Mangwon Hangang Park
📍 467 Maponaru-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
🚇 Mangwon Station (Line 6), Exit 1
A quieter alternative to Yeouido, perfect for chill picnics and close to Mangwon Market for snacks.
Ttukseom Hangang Park
📍 139 Gangbyeonbuk-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
🚇 Ttukseom Resort Station (Line 7), Exit 2
Known for its open lawns, riverside views, and seasonal water sports in warmer months.
Nodeulseom Island
📍 445 Yangnyeong-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
🚇 Nodeul Station (Line 9), Exit 2
A culture-filled island in the middle of the Han River, with live music, cafes, and green space to relax.
Most hangang parks will have vendors that sell picnic mats but if you want an aesthetic set, you can book one on Creatrip!
Here are some of our favorite options:
[스팟] Healing Tent Banpo Branch | Han River Park Picnic Set Rental
[스팟] Healing Tent Ttukseom Branch | Han River Park Picnic Set Rental
[스팟] Yongyeon Picnic | Picnic Set Rental
2. Take a Stroll Through Peace Park
Located near Hongdae, Peace Park is a quiet, underrated green space that doesn’t get as much tourist foot traffic. It’s perfect for a slow walk, journaling, or simply sitting in nature. A hidden gem among the chaos of the city.
Peace Park
📍 32 Jeungsan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
🚇 World Cup Stadium Station (Line 6), Exit 1
A tranquil and often overlooked park near Hongdae, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
3. Rent a Hanbok and Visit the Royal Palaces
There’s nothing quite like wandering through Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung in a hanbok, especially in the spring when the flowers are in bloom. Hanbok rental shops are everywhere near the palaces and often include accessories and hairstyling too!
Gyeongbokgung Palace
📍 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
🕒 March–May: 09:00–18:00 (Closed Tuesdays)
*Night Viewings: Open until 9PM from May 8th to June 15th, 2025.
🚇 Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), Exit 5
Wearing a hanbok grants you free entry to the palace, making for a culturally immersive experience.
If you book hanbok rentals in advance, you can get exclusive benefits like free hairstyling or accessories! Book your hanbok rentals on Creatrip.
4. Experience Gyeongbokgung Night Viewings
If you're lucky enough to visit during the limited night opening periods, don't miss this. The palace is lit up beautifully at night, and the experience feels otherworldly. It's even better in a hanbok.
Read more about it here!
5. Go Hiking on a Beginner-Friendly Trail
Seoul is surrounded by mountains, and spring is the best time to hike them. Try easy hikes like Achasan, Inwangsan, Ansan Jarak-gil, or Namsan. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views and fresh air—not to mention a bit of exercise to balance out all the street food.
Achasan Mountain
📍 Acheon-dong, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do
🚇 Gwangnaru Station (Line 5), Exit 1
A beginner-friendly hike offering panoramic views of Seoul and the Han River.
Inwangsan Mountain
📍 Starts near 7-Eleven by Korea Social Science Library, Jongno-gu, Seoul
🚇 Dongnimmun Station (Line 3), Exit 3
A short hike with stunning city views and historical significance.
Ansan Jarak-gil Trail
📍 75-66 Bongwonsa-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
🚇 Dongnimmun Station (Line 3), Exit 2
A gentle, circular trail ideal for a relaxing walk amidst nature.
Namsan Park
📍 83 Sopa-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
🚇 Myeongdong Station (Line 4), Exit 3
Home to N Seoul Tower, this park offers various trails with cityscape views.
6. Explore the Alleyways of Seochon or Samcheong-dong
Just west of Gyeongbokgung are two of my favorite neighborhoods: Seochon, Samcheong-dong and Buam-dong. Full of tiny galleries, vintage shops, and quiet cafés with mountain views, these areas are perfect for a slow day of wandering. It’s a blend of old Seoul charm and creative energy.
Here's our favorite cafes in the area:
7. Attend an Outdoor Music Festival
Seoul comes alive with music festivals in the spring. The Seoul Jazz Festival brings together international jazz and pop artists in Olympic Park, while DMZ Peace Train Festival offers indie, folk, and rock vibes with a message of peace. Pack a picnic blanket and enjoy the music under the sun.
8. Join a One-Day DIY Class
Try something hands-on like making your own skincare (at Whipped) or creating your signature scent (at Greedy Scent). These one-day classes are super popular among locals and make for a unique memory and souvenir.
[스팟] [Creatrip Exclusive] Make Your Own Skincare in SeongsuㅣWHIPPED HOUSE
[스팟] Greedy Scent | Perfume-making Class in Yeonnam
[스팟] Danha Hanbok One-day ClassㅣTraditional Accessory Making (Norigae and Bojagi)
9. Take a Day Trip to the East Coast
Need a break from city life? The east coast towns like Sokcho, Yangyang, and Gangneung are just a couple of hours away by bus or train. Go for the fresh seafood, laid-back beach cafés, and relaxing ocean views. It’s the reset you didn’t know you needed.
It's quite easy to get to the east coast. If you're heading to Sokcho or Yangyang, you can take the express bus. If you're heading to Gangneung, you can also take the express train, or you can take the KTX, a faster & more convenient way to travel, which you can book them on Creatrip!
[스팟] KTX Train Tickets | Book Tickets Online
10. Pop-Up Hopping in Seongsu
Seongsu is the place for trendy pop-up stores in Seoul. Whether it’s limited-edition merch drops, art exhibitions, or brand collabs, there’s always something new popping up—literally. Grab a matcha latte, explore the side streets, and see what you stumble upon.
Here's how to find pop-ups that are happening in Seoul!
Spring doesn’t last long in Korea—just a few weeks of perfect weather before the summer heat hits. So whether you live here or are just visiting, take advantage of the season and make some core memories.
Which of these will you try first? Let me know in the comments!