While Cherry Blossom in Korea is most famous as a spring blossom with its pale pink color, Spring in Seoul also hits different with another kind of blossom – magnolia. This flowers is best known for its elegant and pure beauty, white magnolia flowers are truly a sight to behold.
What could be more delightful than enjoying a delicious coffee while admiring the beauty of white magnolias? If you’re planning to explore tourist spots in Korea, join Your Favorite K-Cult in noting down the top five cafes in Seoul where you can admire white magnolia flowers in the lovely spring breeze.
When Will White Magnolia Flowers Reach Full Bloom?
The magnolia usually blooms in March and April, at the same time as the cherry blossom in Korea. However, white magnolia flowers has a shorter blooming period, only lasting about 2 – 4 weeks.
The optimal time to admire magnolias is when the flowers are 70 – 80% in bloom. During spring in Seoul, the large and beautiful magnolia display their vibrant colors in the morning sun. You can commonly find magnolias in parks, gardens, cafes in Seoul with picturesque views, or alongside main roads.
The Meaning of White Magnolia
While the cherry blossom in Korea represent the beauty of the soul and the beauty of human life, white magnolia flowers, known as Muklyon (목련) in Korean, are symbolic of spring in this country. Renowned for their pure white color, these flowers also hold a special significance in Korean culture.
- Symbol of elegance and nobility The magnolia is elegantly beautiful, pure with large, soft petals. This flower is considered a symbol of elegance and nobility, and is often used in important ceremonies in Korea.
- Symbol of courage and resilience According to Korean legend, the magnolia flowers are closely associated with the story of general Kim Yu-shin. Kim Yu-shin general used this flower to inspire the spirit of the soldiers before going into battle. Therefore, the magnolia also symbolizes courage, resilience, and determination.
- Symbol of good luck and prosperity The magnolia flower has 4 different colors, but the most common are white and pink. Magnolia flowers symbolizes purity and good luck, while the pink one symbolizes wealth and prosperity. Koreans believe that having a magnolia tree in the house will brings good luck and wealth.
- Symbol of spring Magnolias bloom in spring, signalling a hopeful new beginning. This flower brings a feeling of joy, excitement, and full of energy.
- A flower loved by Koreans The magnolia is loved and cherished by Koreans. This flower is planted in many places such as parks, schools, private homes… Magnolias are also one of the popular themes in Korean art and literature.
5 Cafes in Seoul that You Should Visit during Magnolia Season
If you’re planning a trip to Korea, be sure to visit the top five cafes in Seoul known for their stunning views and beautifully decorated spaces from Yeonnam dong to Yongsan during magnolia bloom season. Don’t hesitate to add these places to your list of must-see tourist destinations!
오네스토 – Onesto (Yongsan)
- Where? Hangangdae-ro 52gil 19, Yongsan, Seoul
- When? From 11:00 to 23:00 on weekdays, 11:30 to 23:00 on weekends, and closed on Monday
Not only is Onesto in Yongsan district a strikingly beautiful café, it’s also a place where everyone can enjoy a light glass of wine alongside appealing European dishes like pasta and pizza. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, you can savor a robust cup of Korean coffee and some light snacks in the refreshing spring breeze.
굿뉴스 카페앤모어 – Good News Cafe & More (Yongsan)
- Where? Wonhyo-ro 93gil 18-6, Yongsan, Seoul
- When? From 10:00 to 22:30 on weekdays, 11:00 to 22:30 on weekend
Order a warm cup of coffee and step up to the rooftop of Good News Cafe & More to immerse yourself in the extremely poetic scene of this sparkling beautiful view cafe in Seoul.The white magnolia tree canopy that covers the entire rooftop of this location will surely enhance your experience of Spring in Seoul like never before!
콘하스 한남 – Conhas Coffee (Itaewon)
- Where? Itaewon-ro 55nagil 22, Yongsan, Seoul
- When? Everyday from 11:00 to 22:00
Featuring minimalist architecture, this delightful coffee shop in Seoul’s Itaewon neighborhood is a popular destination for the city’s youth every white magnolia flowers blooming season. Conhas Coffee is certainly a must-visit spot for tourists traveling to Korea. There’s a small pool situated beneath a magnolia tree. From the second floor, you get a great high angle. K-Cult guarantees that regardless of how you pose, your photo will turn out stunning!
마가렛 – Margaret (Yeonnam Dong)
- Where? Seongmisan-ro 29gil 10, Mapo, Seoul
- When? Everyday from 10:00 to 22:00
Located near the bustling Hongdae street, Margaret nestles in a corner of the small Yeonnam dong neighborhood, bathed in sunlight, with the highlight being the magnolia tree right in the middle of the building. This is a cafe in Seoul that you must visit if you plan to visit Hongdae, K-Cult suggests you should go in the morning, when Yeonnam dong still retains its tranquility, so you can peacefully enjoy a hot cappuccino at this beautiful view cafe.
빈스로드 – Beans road (Jungnang)
- Where? Bonghwasan-ro 111, Jungnang, Seoul
- When? Everyday from 10:00 to 21:00
Situated at the base of Bonghwa Mountain, the Beans Road in Jungnang district boasts more than just picturesque scenery. It’s a sight to behold when white magnolia flowers bloom in radiant white at a corner of the road. This is a cafe in Seoul also renowned for its affordable coffee and tea menu. Followers of K-Culture, please don’t forget to visit and soak in this poetic scenery on a sunny day in Seoul!
Spring, the season when both white magnolia and cherry blossom in Korea are in full bloom, Your Favorite K-Cult introduces you to five cafes in Seoul that offer the best views of white magnolia blossoms from Yongsan District to Yeonnam Dong. We hope you will have interesting experiences enjoying coffee under the magnolia canopy here and have a beautiful and memorable spring in Seoul!
May good skin be with you, kimchi 🙏
