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This post is Part 2 of my Seoul series, where we spent nine beautiful days exploring the city at its most magical time of year. If you missed the beginning of our trip, you can read Seoul Part 1 where we covered our first adventures around the city.

For this second half, we experienced Seoul in full spring mode — cherry blossoms lining entire streets, palace grounds dusted in soft pink petals, peaceful temple visits, café hopping in trendy neighborhoods, and even a little luxury staycation.

In this Seoul spring itinerary, we’ll take you through:

• Cherry blossom hunting across the city
• Palace hopping with the Royal Palace Pass
• Exploring creative neighborhoods like Seongsu
• Scenic sunset views from N Seoul Tower
• A relaxing stay at The Shilla Seoul

Whether you’re visiting Seoul for the first time or returning during cherry blossom season, this guide will help you plan a balanced mix of iconic sights and local gems.

You can also watch the full experience here:

Because of the weather—and probably because it was a Saturday—it was absolutely packed. But at the same time, it felt like the perfect place to hide from the rain.

It’s a bakery café that feels like a little escape from the busy mall. Think warm pastries, good coffee, and soft lighting—aka the kind of place where time slows down a bit.

We had a relaxed brunch here, and honestly, it was exactly what we needed on a rainy morning.

It’s one of those aesthetic bookstores that feels more like a concept space—arched shelves, curated displays, and lots of little corners to explore.

From here, you also get a lovely view of Seokchon Lake. The cherry blossoms were just starting to bloom—not quite there yet, but enough to get us excited. We made a little promise to come back when they’re in full bloom (because priorities 😄).

This is actually a well-known Korean coffee brand that takes its coffee very seriously—like specialty-level serious.

It was buzzing with people, but we managed to grab a seat. I honestly forgot what we ordered. 😂

With its towering curved bookshelves, it’s just as stunning in real life… even with the crowds.

If you read Seoul Part 1, you might remember the Starfield Library in Suwon. That one has tall, pointed shelves, while this one feels a bit softer and cozier. Both are beautiful—but I personally found the Suwon branch more spacious (and less chaotic).

They offer a wide range of scents, from fresh and floral to deeper, more unique blends. And the best part? The prices are surprisingly affordable. It’s a great place to find a unique, personal souvenir that isn’t the usual magnet or postcard.

Korean pork is next-level juicy and flavorful. Watching it sizzle on the grill, cutting it into bite-sized pieces, wrapping it in lettuce with garlic and sauce… it’s a whole experience.

The café overlooks Eunpyeong Hanok Village, with mountains in the background. It felt calm, open, and so far removed from central Seoul.

Tip: Come early or be prepared to wait. Window seats are the real prize here.

Unlike Bukchon, the hanok houses here look newer—almost like a modern take on traditional Korean architecture. With the mountains behind them, the whole area feels peaceful and less touristy.

Tip: Respect that people actually live here—keep noise low and be mindful when taking photos.

In the days leading up to Buddha’s Birthday, the path is lined with colorful lanterns. You literally just follow the lanterns, and they guide you all the way to the temple. It felt quiet and spiritual — a beautiful contrast to the busy city.

What’s interesting is that it used to be a water treatment plant, but it’s been transformed into a green park—so you’ll see a mix of nature and industrial structures.

It’s a popular weekend hangout for locals, and even without peak cherry blossoms, it felt like such a relaxing escape.

We waited about 30 minutes in line (a common theme in Seoul 😅), but it was worth it. Rich broth, perfectly cooked noodles—simple, comforting, and done really well.

Tip: Go early or expect a queue. But don’t worry—it moves pretty fast.

It’s another local fragrance brand with a wide range of scents—and again, super affordable compared to what you’d expect. I love discovering little local brands like this when traveling. It feels more personal.

Tip: Great place to pick up gifts (or accidentally buy something for yourself… which is what happened 😅)

This is one of those traditional markets where you’ll find street food, fresh produce, and everyday local life all in one place. It’s lively, a little chaotic, and full of delicious smells everywhere.

Tip: Come hungry. Seriously.

The space has this vintage, slightly nostalgic vibe. Think old-school bakery meets cozy café, with freshly baked bread and that comforting smell of coffee in the air. It’s the kind of place where you plan to stay for 30 minutes… and end up staying way longer.

Tip: Try their bread—it’s what they’re known for. Also, mornings are calmer before it gets busy.

Cherry blossoms. Fully bloomed. Almost no people. Meanwhile, the famous spots were just around the corner… packed.

The lake is surrounded by walking paths lined with cherry trees, and during peak bloom, it turns into a soft pink dream.

Even though it was a Monday, it was still pretty crowded—but honestly, once you see it, you understand why.

When the wind blows, petals fall like rain. There’s even a saying: if you catch a falling petal, you can make a wish. (Yes, I tried. No, I didn’t catch one 😄)

Tip: Go early morning or near sunset for fewer crowds and softer light.

Surrounded by modern buildings, this Buddhist temple offers a quiet, peaceful escape. During spring, the colorful lanterns (especially leading up to Buddha’s Birthday) make it even more beautiful. It reminded me of Jogyesa Temple from Part 1—same calming energy, just a different setting.

Tip: Visit respectfully (it’s an active temple), and take a moment to just sit and enjoy the stillness.

So we did what every traveler ends up doing—we pivoted. We booked a table for the next day and ate at a Japanese restaurant just across the street instead. And honestly? It turned out great.

Tip: For popular restaurants in Seoul, reservations (or coming early) make a huge difference.

No plans. No expectations. Just “let’s go in and see.” And those are usually the moments that stick with you the most.

Tip: Leave a little room in your itinerary for spontaneity—you won’t regret it.

Starting the day here just feels right. Slow morning, warm pastries, coffee… and that soft spring air.

We ate the bread we bought from the bakery here. There are picnic benches and tables around the park, so it’s actually a perfect spot to enjoy breakfast outdoors.

On our way to the famous cherry blossom path, we passed through an area where the blossoms were already in full bloom. And when we finally reached the main path… it was stunning. Totally worth the wait.

Last time we were here, the blossoms were still just buds. Seeing them fully bloomed this time felt extra special—like we timed it just right.

It’s a huge park, and during spring, it turns magical with all the blooming cherry blossoms. Wide paths, open spaces, and soft pink trees everywhere.

I’m honestly so happy we caught them in full bloom here in Seoul. I know we already saw so many in Jeju, but I’m still not over it.

Cherry blossoms lined the stream, locals walking their dogs, people jogging and biking… it felt calm, everyday, and very “real Seoul.”

It’s a small, cozy restaurant known for its beautifully presented Korean dishes (especially marinated crab). Very popular, very aesthetic, and definitely worth the effort.

Nothing fancy—just a quiet, simple breakfast to ease into the day. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need before a full itinerary.

This is the largest and most famous palace in Seoul, originally built during the Joseon Dynasty. The grounds are massive, with grand gates, traditional halls, and mountain views in the background.

We got the Royal Palace Pass, which gives access to multiple palaces—super worth it if you plan to visit more than one. Also, fun fact: if you wear a hanbok, you can enter for free.

Seeing people walking around in traditional hanbok made the whole place feel like stepping back in time. And with cherry blossoms scattered around? Even better.

Tip: Visit early morning to avoid crowds—and rent a hanbok if you want the full experience.

Inside, the exhibits are modern and interactive, making it easy (and actually fun) to learn about Korean culture and daily life. Outside, there’s even a recreated village showing what Seoul looked like in the 70s and 80s. It honestly felt like walking through time.

Tip: Don’t skip the outdoor section—it’s just as interesting as the inside.

It’s tucked away from the busy city, which makes it feel like a little hidden retreat.

And yes… more cherry blossoms.

It started to drizzle a bit, but it didn’t last long. At the top, we found a small flower garden with tulips and cherry blossoms in full bloom. Totally worth the climb.

We were lucky—we got called almost immediately.

This restaurant is known for North Korean cuisine, which made the whole experience even more interesting and unique.

This palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for blending beautifully with its natural surroundings, unlike the more grand and structured Gyeongbokgung.

We arrived early to secure tickets for the Secret Garden, which only allows a limited number of visitors per time slot. If you’re planning to visit, this part requires a bit of strategy. While waiting for our 10 AM entry, we wandered around the palace grounds—quiet, peaceful, and honestly one of the most relaxing palace experiences we had.

Tip: Come early if you want Secret Garden tickets—they sell out quickly.

Because entries are limited and guided, it wasn’t crowded at all—which made everything feel even more calm and intentional.

Ponds, pavilions, trees, and carefully designed landscapes… everything felt balanced and elegant.

Tip: You need a separate ticket and must enter at your assigned time—don’t miss it!

It’s often overlooked, which is exactly why we loved it.

Wide open spaces, fewer crowds, beautiful architecture—and yes, more cherry blossoms scattered around. At this point, I’ve accepted that every place in Seoul just casually has cherry blossoms during spring. 😄

Tip: Pair it with Changdeokgung—they’re right next to each other.

This is one of those lesser-known cherry blossom spots that locals love. The area isn’t huge, but wow—it was completely covered in blossoms. It genuinely felt like walking through a pink cloud.

We stopped at Nakwon Café—a simple, cozy spot to recharge before continuing our very serious cherry blossom mission.

During this time of year, the roads around the park are closed to vehicles, so people can freely walk under the cherry blossom trees. It feels lively, festive, and full of spring energy.

And then—completely unplanned—we stumbled into the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival. Food stalls, live performances, people everywhere… it felt like a full-on celebration of spring. Honestly, we didn’t even plan this part, which made it even better.

Tip: Go in the late afternoon and stay into the evening for the full atmosphere.

Fresh bread, good coffee, and that calm, no-rush energy.

Almost every street in the Mapo area was lined with soft pink trees. It looked completely different from just a few days ago. Sometimes, all you need is a little patience—and suddenly everything changes.

The building itself is huge and beautifully designed, with open spaces and a calm, modern feel. Outside, the garden area even gives you a clear view of Namsan Tower in the distance. Inside, the exhibitions cover everything from ancient artifacts to traditional art—and they’re really well presented.

It was a bit busy, but the line moved faster than expected (small miracles do happen). As we went up, the city slowly opened up beneath us—and that view just kept getting better.

Tip: Time your visit around sunset—it’s worth it.

There were small food stalls, couples with love locks, and people just waiting for the sunset. We didn’t go up the tower this time—and honestly, we didn’t feel like we missed out. The views from the base were already stunning.

Watching the sky shift from soft pastel tones to deep blue, and then seeing the city lights slowly turn on… it felt a bit magical.

Crispy, saucy, perfectly fried… exactly what you want after a long day.

Tip: Myeongdong has tons of options—just follow the crowds (or the smell 😄).

This is one of Seoul’s most iconic luxury hotels—known for its elegant design, top-tier service, and peaceful setting right near Namsan.

Since it was still early, we dropped off our bags and went for a walk behind the hotel. There’s a quiet trail surrounded by trees, and for a moment, it didn’t even feel like we were in the city anymore.

We stayed in one of the suites, and the view of the Seoul skyline was stunning—especially as the light started to change in the afternoon.

The room itself was spacious, elegant, and filled with thoughtful details… including an electric shoe cleaner and a clothes freshener.

This café is designed like a traditional Korean herbal medicine shop (“hanyakbang”), and it leans fully into that concept—dim lighting, vintage details, and a nostalgic atmosphere. It honestly felt like stepping into another era.

Tip: It’s a bit hidden—keep an eye out, or you might walk right past it.

It’s a colorful concept store packed with souvenirs, skincare, toys, accessories, and random cute things you didn’t know you needed. We walked in “just to look”… and somehow ended up buying some stuff.

The artist worked so fast—like, impressively fast—and in just a few minutes, we had our caricatures.

Tip: Great for couples or friends—and it doesn’t take much time.

This was included with our stay, and it honestly felt like a reward after days of walking 20k+ steps. Delicate pastries, savory bites, and tea—with a beautiful view of N Seoul Tower in the distance. Calm, quiet, and just a little bit fancy.

And wow—there were so many options. Korean dishes, international cuisine, seafood, desserts… it felt like traveling around the world without leaving the building.

The desserts looked like little works of art—perfectly crafted, beautifully displayed, and almost too pretty to eat. Almost.

It felt a little bittersweet—knowing it’s our last day—but also cozy and familiar at this point. One last slow morning before heading out again.

Often called the “Brooklyn of Seoul,” it’s known for its mix of industrial spaces, local brands, and creative energy. Old factories have been transformed into stylish stores and cafés. It’s the kind of area where you don’t just shop—you explore.

If you like simple outfits that still look put together, this is your place.

The space itself felt incredibly curated—very chic, very polished. It has that New York-meets-Seoul energy. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth stepping inside just to see the design.

It was a warm day, so this felt like the obvious choice. Cold, sweet, and exactly what we needed after walking around all afternoon.

They only allow a limited number of people inside at a time, so yes… there’s usually a queue.

But once inside, it doesn’t even feel like a store—it feels like an art installation. Bold designs, unexpected layouts, creative details everywhere. It’s like walking through a museum… that also happens to sell clothes.

Bright colors, playful design, and quirky seating areas—it feels like a creative playground. Definitely one of the most Instagrammable spots in Seongsu.

A calm, minimal space—perfect for a quick reset before our final dinner.

Sizzling meat, shared plates, laughter at the table… and that quiet moment of realizing the trip is coming to an end.

Nine days in Seoul—full of cherry blossoms, cafés, long walks, and little surprises in between. And honestly? I’d do it all over again.

After spending these nine days following our own Seoul spring itinerary, I can honestly say — it’s hard to beat.

Cherry blossoms transform the entire city. Streets feel softer. Palaces look even more dramatic framed by pink trees. Even simple walks through neighborhoods like Hapjeong or Seongsu become unforgettable.

Of course, spring also means crowds. Popular spots like Seokchon Lake and Yeouido can get busy, especially on weekends. But somehow, the beauty makes it worth it. The atmosphere feels festive, light, and full of energy.

If you’re willing to go early in the morning or explore lesser-known spots, you’ll still find peaceful moments.

Spring in Seoul is not just about cherry blossoms — it’s about:

• Palace hopping under blooming trees
• Discovering hidden cafés
• Watching the skyline light up from N Seoul Tower
• And slowing down enough to enjoy it all

If you’re planning your own trip, I hope this Seoul spring itinerary gives you ideas and inspiration.

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