South Korea's cherry blossoms bloom weeks early as climate shifts accelerate spring

Spring flowers are arriving unusually early across South Korea this year. Plum blossoms opened in January, nearly a month ahead of schedule, while other species like adonis and cherry trees are also blooming sooner than expected. Experts link the shift to rising temperatures and long-term climate trends.

The first signs appeared on January 17, when plum blossoms opened at the Seogwipo observatory. This was 27 days earlier than in 2023 and 30 days ahead of the usual date. Adonis amurensis followed on February 5 at Hongneung Arboretum, 13 days sooner than the average of February 18.

Cherry blossoms have also shifted their timing. In 2023, they bloomed on April 4, four days early. This year, they appeared on March 31, eight days ahead of schedule. Records show that since the 1980s, cherry blossom season in Seoul has moved forward by 10 to 14 days, now starting in early to mid-April instead of late April.

Forecasts predict forsythia will bloom from March 14 to 30, roughly 3.9 days earlier than normal. Azaleas are expected from March 18 to 28, about 4.5 days ahead of their usual time. The Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival has been set for April 8 to 12, aligning with the earlier flowering season.

Warmer weather is driving these changes. Last year, ten out of twelve months saw above-average temperatures, with March 2024 averaging 6.9°C—0.8°C higher than normal. Studies confirm that a 1°C rise in spring temperatures moves blooming dates forward by about 4.1 days.

The trend of earlier blooms reflects broader climate shifts, with data showing a steady advance of spring over decades. This year's Yeouido festival and other seasonal events will take place against a backdrop of warmer, earlier springs. Official bloom dates in Seoul are still determined by observations at the Seoul Weather Station in Jongno, where three open flowers on a designated branch mark the start.