Flowers on Yonsei’s Campus

Now that spring is in full swing, I’ve started noticing all the beautiful flowers I pass by every day on my way to class. I can’t help but stop and take pictures. Some were easy to identify, but others piqued my curiosity! I’ve compiled a list of flowers you might encounter in South Korea during the spring! 

Arguably, the most popular flowers in South Korea are cherry blossoms (벛꽃). During spring, there are several cherry blossom festivals. Some great spots to see them are Seokchon Lake, Olympic Park, and Yeuido Han River Park. Seokchon Lake is especially pretty at night because the cherry blossom trees around the lake are lit up. 

However, you don’t have to go far to enjoy the blooms! Yonsei’s campus and Sinchon also have many cherry blossom trees. Cherry blossoms usually only last one to two weeks, so enjoy them while they last! The popular cherry blossom spots are beautiful, but I also loved strolling through Sinchon and Gyeongui Line Park, where I could enjoy them in a quieter setting.

I thought cherry blossoms would be my favorite flower to see, but so far, I’ve really been loving the azaleas. They’re everywhere on campus and come in so many shades. Azaleas, or Korean rhododendron (진달래), are one of the first flowers to bloom on Yonsei’s campus. Azaleas are actually a flowering shrub. They bloom by Underwood Hall and in the green space on the way to SK Global. They’re easy to spot because of their bright pink color, and a little later in the spring, a red version blooms alongside the pink ones. Traditionally, these flowers are used to make hwajeon (화전), a flower rice cake eaten during Samjinnal and Buddha's Birthday.

Two more flowering shrubs are the Korean golden bell flower, or Korean forsythia (개나리), and Bridal wreath (조팝나무). Korean golden bell flower is another early blooming flower in South Korea. These yellow bushes bloom all over campus as well as on nearby mountains. Because they bloom so early, the flowers are a sign of spring. Festivals are also held for this flower! The bright yellow flowers are a striking contrast to the grey and brown underbrush. Bridal wreath is also everywhere! The arching branches are covered in tiny clumps of white flowers. The Korean name literally means “millet tree” because of their resemblance to millet plants. 

I’ve also seen some familiar flowers around campus, including lilacs, magnolia trees, and violets. Interestingly, most magnolias (백목련) here are white, which surprised me since I’m used to seeing pink magnolias back home! It was comforting to see flowers I recognize, especially when I’m so far from home.

The flowers on campus and throughout Seoul are a beautiful reminder that spring and warm weather are here. I hope you’ll be able to spot and enjoy some of these flowers the next time you’re on campus!