Late March Forsythia Blooms, and Mt. Eungbong the Rest of the Year

Mt. Eungbong shows a completely different face during the late-March forsythia festival than the rest of the year — and even those forsythia bushes were originally planted for a practical reason, not for scenery.

Key takeaways

Forsythia was originally planted on Mt. Eungbong not for scenery, but to prevent erosion of the sandy soil exposed by development on the slope. Fact Today, though, it's known as one of the first places in Seoul where spring arrives, and a forsythia festival is held here every year in late March. Fact

During the festival, crowds gather around the summit pavilion and foot traffic gets congested; outside that window, the mountain returns to a quiet walking path with a peaceful view over the Han River.

What to look for on site

Crowds gathered in front of the summit pavilion during festival season
The quiet walking path and river view during an ordinary visit
Forsythia planted throughout the hillside, and its practical origin

Visitor tip

If you want a quiet, spontaneous walk, avoid festival season. If you want the flowers in full bloom, check the blooming dates in advance.