Jeju Island in Spring: Canola Fields, Cherry Blossoms, and Perfect Hiking Weather
I've visited Jeju in autumn and spring. Both were excellent. But spring — specifically late March through May — is when the island becomes something almost unfairly beautiful.
Why Spring Is Jeju's Best Season
Jeju's latitude puts it in a subtropical climate zone that's the first place in South Korea to warm up each year. Cherry blossoms arrive here 2-3 weeks before Seoul. Canola flowers (yuchae) blanket entire fields in electric yellow. The temperature sits at a comfortable 14-22°C — perfect for hiking Hallasan without freezing or sweating.
The sea is still cold for swimming (around 16-18°C), but this isn't a swimming season. It's a walking, hiking, eating, and photographing season.
What's Happening Month by Month
Late March
Cherry blossoms arrive. Jeju City's Jeonnong-ro (Cherry Blossom Road) is a 1.2-km tunnel of pink blossoms. The Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival usually falls in the last week of March — free, with food stalls and music.
Canola fields begin blooming in sheltered areas. Seogwipo's coastal orchards have early tangerine blossoms.
April
Peak season. Canola fields hit full bloom across the island. The most photographed spot is the canola fields beneath Seongsan Ilchulbong — the yellow carpet with the volcanic cone rising behind it is Jeju's most iconic image.
Other excellent canola viewing: Hallim Park, the eastern coastal road between Seongsanpo and Pyoseon, and the inland roads around Jeju National University.
Hallasan hiking conditions are ideal — clear skies, moderate temperatures, and snow melting from the summit trail. The Seongpanak trail opens fully by mid-April after winter closures.
Wildflowers bloom on the Olle coastal trails. Route 7 and Route 10 are particularly beautiful in April.
May
Canola fades but hydrangeas and azaleas begin. The pink azaleas on Hallasan's mid-slopes (visible from the Eorimok and Yeongsil trails) are stunning. Temperatures warm to 18-24°C.
The island gets busier as Golden Week brings Japanese tourists and Korean domestic travel picks up. Weekend accommodation can be tight — book ahead.
Spring Events
Event
When
Where
Notes
Cherry Blossom Festival
Late March
Jeonnong-ro, Jeju City
Free, food stalls, music
Canola Flower Festival
April
Various locations
Peak bloom mid-April
Jeju Fire Festival
March (lunar calendar)
Saebyeol Oreum
Ancient tradition of burning grass on volcanic cones
Seogwipo Citrus Festival
Late March
Seogwipo
Tangerine blossom viewing
The Jeju Fire Festival at Saebyeol Oreum is particularly dramatic — locals set fire to the dry grass on the volcanic cone at night, creating a ring of fire. It's an ancient agricultural practice turned cultural event. Dates follow the lunar calendar; check visitjeju.net.
Spring-Specific Activities
Hallasan hike: The best season. Clear skies, cool temperatures, wildflowers on lower trails. The summit crater lake may still have ice edges in early April — dramatically beautiful. Start early (5AM trailhead registration in peak season) to beat crowds.
Olle Trail walking: Spring is the ideal walking season. The coastal trails have wildflowers, migrating birds, and comfortable temperatures. Route 7 (Seogwipo coast) is the most scenic. Most trails are 11-23 km — allow 5-8 hours for a full route.
Photography: Canola fields + Hallasan backdrop = Jeju's defining image. Best light: early morning (7-9AM) or golden hour (5-7PM). The fields are free to access and scattered across the island. Seongsanpo's fields and Noksan-ro (a famous flower road) are the top spots.
Horse riding: Jeju's native ponies are a protected breed. Several ranches offer riding experiences through the spring landscape. About 20,000-40,000 KRW for 30-60 minutes.
What to Pack for Spring
Layers: Mornings start at 10-14°C, afternoons warm to 20+°C. A light fleece + windbreaker handles the range.
Windbreaker: Jeju is windy year-round. Spring wind can be strong, especially at Hallasan's summit and coastal trails.
Rain jacket: April sees occasional showers. Quick-drying rain gear is essential.
Hiking boots: For Hallasan. Trail shoes work for Olle trails.
Camera: Spring Jeju is the most photogenic version of an already photogenic island.
Sunscreen: The subtropical sun is deceptively strong even at mild temperatures.
Spring Food
Spring brings specific seasonal foods:
Ggotdeungsim (flower beef): Jeju beef has distinctive marbling pattern. Spring is when the cattle have been grass-fed through the mild winter and the meat quality peaks.
Jeonbok-juk (abalone porridge): Available year-round but the spring harvest produces the sweetest abalone.
Wild garlic and fernbrake: Foraged mountain vegetables appear in bibimbap and side dishes at local restaurants.
Hallabong tangerines: The late-season variety peaks in March-April. Sweeter and larger than the winter harvest.
Crowd Levels
Late March: Moderate. Cherry blossom seekers arrive but it's not yet peak.
Early April: Building. The canola bloom draws photographers and tour groups.
Mid-late April: Peak. Weekends are busy at Seongsan, Hallasan trailheads, and the canola fields.
May: High, especially around Golden Week (late April-early May). Accommodation books out on weekends.
The sweet spot is early to mid-April on weekdays. You get full canola bloom, manageable crowds, and ideal hiking conditions.
My Recommendation
If you're choosing one season for Jeju, choose the first two weeks of April. The canola fields are in full bloom, cherry blossoms linger in sheltered areas, Hallasan's summit trail is open and clear, and the temperature is ideal for spending entire days outdoors. For more, check out our travel journal to Jeju Island.
Fly from Seoul on a Tuesday or Wednesday (cheapest fares, lightest crowds). Rent a car. Hike Hallasan on day one when you're freshest. Drive the coastal roads with the windows down and canola fields blurring past. Eat black pork after sunset. Travelers who enjoy this often also love Okinawa. If you're exploring the region, Tokyo offers a compelling comparison.
Spring Jeju doesn't need a filter. It's already oversaturated with yellow, pink, and the deep green of volcanic slopes. Your camera will work overtime, and your memory card will thank you for the extra storage. For a different perspective, consider Bali as well. Travelers who enjoy this often also love Seoul.
