03 April 2026
Cherry blossom season brings beauty, joy to Korean campuses amid midterm stress
Korea JoongAng Daily - Daily News from Korea
About
This article is by Yoon Seung-jin and read by an artificial voice.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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 cat...
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."
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.
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.
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.
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 cat...