The Biseulsan Azalea Festival was one of my favorite things to do in Korea in Spring! Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the pink and purple mountain peaks of Daegu.
I’ve been a little flower crazy this year but who knew that South Korea was filled with vibrant explosions of color? Cherry blossoms, azaleas, canola flowers and more!
After a great recommendation from my co-teacher and spotting a single banner advertising the event in the metro, seeing the blooming azalea fields at Mt. Biseul was my top priority after cherry blossom season came to an end. Biseulsan is a mountain on the outskirts of south-eastern Daegu.
Here’s the lowdown on the Biseulsan Azalea Festival!
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When is the Biseulsan Azalea Festival?
The Azalea Festival in Deagu is held when the flowers are in peak bloom, which means it changes each and every year. It’s typically held in April or early May, with the flowers blooming earlier if the weather is unseasonably warm or later if it’s a cooler year.
Make sure to check out the official Biseulsan website to learn when exactly it will be held for the most up to date information.
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Things to Do at the Biseulsan Azalea Festival
Every year in the spring, the fields in between Biseulsan’s two peaks transform from a drab gray valley, to one filled with vivacious shades of purple and pink life – it truly is a sight to see! So it’s no wonder that there’s a festival hosted amongst the blooms in celebration of the coming of spring and the spectacular sight.
The main thing to do at the Biseulsan Azalea Festival is to see the azaleas! There are hiking trails and boardwalks throughout the valley that make it easy to snap photos and admire the flowers.
Once you’ve finished hiking and snapping photos, there are numerous food tents selling Korean and springtime goodies. I recommend trying a flower cookie while you’re there! There’s also a stage for entertainment and other tables selling various items.
Hiking Biseulsan in Daegu
Biseulsan is one of the best hikes in Daegu. It has an elevation of 1,054 meters and a couple different trail options. However, the most popular route, is about 15km (9 miles) long and takes you up to the valley. Along the way, you’ll witness lush greenery and historic landmarks like the Yugasa temple. If the season and weather works out, you may even get to see cherry blossom trees on your hike up to see the Azaleas.
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How to Get to the Biseulsan Azalea Festival (비슬산) via public transport:
The mountain is a bit outside of Daegu’s city center, and there’s no straight forward way to get there, and quite frankly, it was quite an ordeal. We had to take a bus, to take the metro, to take another bus to eventually take a taxi. But it was totally worth it to witness the beauty of the flowers.
Here’s how to get to Biesulsan:
- From Daegu, you’ll take the red metro line to Daegok Station.
- From here you’ll want to hop on the express/red 8 bus all the way to the Daegu National Science Museum bus stop.
- You can choose to take another bus or opt to take a taxi the short remaining duration to the trailhead. I recommend a taxi. The buses this far out of the city are generally slow and do not pick up frequently. At this point you’re nearly close – a taxi shouldn’t cost more than 10,000 won. Ask to be taken to the recreational forest entrance of Biseulsan.
- Beware of crowds if going during the festival – there was an INSANE number of buses and cars! It was faster for us to get out at the taxi at one point and walk past the line of idling vehicles.
The Azalea Festival is held at the recreational forest entrance. It takes about 2 hours to get to the azalea fields and about 4 hours total including the time to eat lunch amongst the flowers, wander around the boardwalks and descend.
If you don’t have the patience for public transport, a taxi is definitely an option right from the get-go, however, it may be a bit expensive since the mountain is a way outside of the city. You can read more on the official tourist website at www.english.visitkorea.or.kr
Happy spring hiking in Daegu! Share below!
