Flower Lover’s Guide to Visiting Jeju Island, South Korea
Jeju Island, a volcanic island off the southern coast of South Korea, is often referred to as a paradise for nature lovers, and it’s a true haven for flower enthusiasts. With its temperate climate, rich volcanic soil, and diverse ecosystems, Jeju boasts an impressive variety of wildflowers, flowering trees, and unique plant species. Whether you’re exploring lush forests, hiking up volcanic peaks, or wandering through sprawling flower fields, Jeju offers an unforgettable floral experience.
This florist guide will take you through the best times to visit, the top flower viewing spots, and the must-see blooms, so you can make the most of your flower-filled adventure on Jeju Island.
1. Overview of Jeju Island
Jeju Island is South Korea's largest island and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, known for its volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, waterfalls, and subtropical flora. The island's mild climate makes it ideal for growing a wide range of plants, from tropical species to temperate flowers. It’s a perfect destination for flower lovers, offering beautiful blooms year-round, though certain seasons are especially vibrant.
2. Best Time to Visit
Jeju Island has a year-round floral display, but the best times to visit for flower lovers are during spring and summer, when the island is covered with blooms of all types. Here's an overview of the seasons and what you can expect:
Spring (March to May): Spring is arguably the most exciting season for flower lovers, with a spectacular display of cherry blossoms, azaleas, camellias, and other early-blooming flowers. The island’s mild climate ensures that blooms last longer here than in other parts of South Korea.
Summer (June to August): Summer brings an array of tropical flowers and plants to Jeju. This is when you can see vibrant sunflowers, hydrangeas, and roses. The island’s botanical gardens and parks are full of life, with various flowers in bloom.
Autumn (September to November): While autumn is more known for its spectacular foliage, cosmos, chrysanthemums, and asters bloom in the cooler months, adding color to the island's natural beauty.
Winter (December to February): Though Jeju's winters are mild, flowers are less abundant during this season. However, you may still find some camellias and plum blossoms dotting the landscape.
3. Top Flower Viewing Spots in Jeju Island
a. Hallim Park
Located on the western side of Jeju, Hallim Park is a large botanical garden offering a wide range of plant species and stunning floral displays throughout the year. The park is especially well-known for its diverse gardens, including a tropical garden, a cactus garden, and a water lily pond. During the spring, azaleas and cherry blossoms create a colorful backdrop, while summer sees the blooming of lotuses and roses.
Flower Highlights: Azaleas, cherry blossoms, water lilies, lotuses, and roses.
b. Jeju Camellia Hill
Jeju Camellia Hill is a stunning botanical garden dedicated to camellias, with over 6,000 camellia trees on display. It’s especially famous for its blooming camellia flowers in the winter and early spring, making it one of the best places to visit for a dose of floral beauty during these months. In addition to camellias, visitors can enjoy vibrant plum blossoms and azaleas in the spring.
Flower Highlights: Camellias, plum blossoms, azaleas.
c. Seogwipo Yuchae Canola Flower Festival
Held annually in Seogwipo, the Yuchae Canola Flower Festival is a breathtaking event that takes place in late winter to early spring, usually around March. During this festival, the island’s fields are covered with vibrant yellow canola flowers (rapeseed flowers), creating a striking contrast with the surrounding volcanic landscape. The festival features not only the flowers but also a range of cultural activities, making it a great event for flower lovers.
Flower Highlights: Canola flowers (Yuchae flowers), wildflowers.
d. Jeju Flower Garden
One of Jeju’s most well-known flower parks, the Jeju Flower Garden is a massive garden offering a variety of themed areas filled with roses, lilies, tulips, and more. The park is open year-round, but it’s particularly popular during spring and summer when the flowers are in full bloom. The tulip festival in April is one of the highlights, with fields of colorful tulips creating an enchanting spectacle.
Flower Highlights: Roses, tulips, lilies, and irises.
e. Hallasan National Park
The towering Hallasan (Mount Hallasan) is the highest peak on Jeju Island, offering not only scenic hiking routes but also an incredible variety of wildflowers and alpine plants. The foothills and lower slopes are covered with a wide range of flowers in spring and summer, while the summit features more rugged alpine flora. You can find wild orchids, bellflowers, and azaleas in bloom.
Flower Highlights: Wild orchids, bellflowers, azaleas, trollius, and mountain lilies.
f. Jeju Island's Lavender Fields
Jeju’s lavender fields are a must-see during the summer months (typically June to August). The island is known for its lush lavender farms, such as those near Sangumburi Crater and Jeju Lavender Farm, where fields of vibrant lavender stretch as far as the eye can see. The scent and colors of these flowers create a serene atmosphere perfect for flower lovers.
Flower Highlights: Lavender.
g. Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls & Water Lily Garden
Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls, located in Seogwipo, is a beautiful location known for its lush surroundings. The area is famous for its water lily garden, where you can admire the stunning water lilies floating on the pond in summer. The tranquil setting and lush greenery make it an ideal place for flower lovers.
Flower Highlights: Water lilies, ferns, and wildflowers.
4. Floral Highlights in Jeju Island
Azaleas: Jeju’s spring is celebrated by the azaleas that bloom in early April. The island is known for its large azalea fields, especially around Hallasan National Park, where you can find vibrant pink, purple, and white varieties.
Camellias: Camellia trees are one of Jeju’s signature flowers. These stunning blooms are particularly prominent in winter and early spring and can be found in places like Jeju Camellia Hill and other botanical gardens across the island.
Tulips: The Jeju Flower Garden and Jeju Tulip Festival are the places to be in April, where you can witness fields of tulips in every color imaginable, from fiery reds to soft pinks.
Water Lilies: Jeju is home to various water lily gardens, with the largest being located near Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls. These peaceful flowers bloom in summer, providing a magical scene as they float serenely on the water.
Canola Flowers: In early spring, yellow canola flowers bloom across fields, particularly during the Yuchae Canola Flower Festival in Seogwipo. The vibrant yellow fields are a sight to behold and are iconic to Jeju's early spring landscape.
Lavender: In summer, fields of lavender in locations like Jeju Lavender Farm add a serene touch to the island’s floral offerings.
5. Florist Activities and Opportunities
Photography: Jeju Island offers fantastic opportunities for flower photography, with its diverse array of blooms and scenic landscapes. From the dramatic vistas of Hallasan to the serene waters of Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls, you’ll have countless chances to capture the beauty of the island’s flowers.
Flower Picking: While most gardens and parks have strict rules against picking flowers, many of Jeju’s flower farms allow visitors to enjoy the scenery and purchase fresh flowers. Some farms even offer experiences where you can cut your own lavender, roses, or tulips.
Flower Arranging Workshops: In Jeju’s botanical gardens, some locations offer workshops on flower arranging, where you can learn traditional Korean methods of floral design and make your own bouquet or arrangement to take home.
6. What to Carry
Comfortable Shoes: Whether you’re hiking Hallasan, walking through flower fields, or exploring botanical gardens, comfortable footwear is essential for exploring Jeju's natural beauty.
Camera: The vibrant colors and stunning landscapes will undoubtedly inspire you to capture every moment, so don't forget your camera or smartphone for photography.
Sunscreen and Hat: Jeju’s sun can be strong, especially in summer, so be sure to pack sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the elements.
Field Guide: A field guide to the flowers of Jeju Island will enhance your experience, helping you identify the various species you come across during your visit.
Jeju Island is a floral paradise, offering a wide range of flowers that bloom throughout the year. Whether you’re captivated by the cherry blossoms of spring, the lavender fields of summer, or the camellias of winter, Jeju’s diverse flora will delight any flower lover. With its stunning landscapes, peaceful gardens, and vibrant floral festivals, Jeju Island is truly a destination that should be on every flower enthusiast’s bucket list.
