January, the beginning of the new year, went by, and so did February with the final few portions of winter. It seemed that spring had finally arrived in March with everything coming to life, but spring is not quite here yet. We look around in the hope of quickly finding signs of spring. Then we’re reminded of Seoul Flower Markets, where we can hold a bunch of spring in our arms. Our hearts began to flutter. Feeling the gentle brushes of the spring breeze, we headed to the most fragrant market in Seoul.

Spring is a festive season. When spring reaches its peak, flowers invite us to festivals of their own. Imagine the colorful flowers and green leaves scattered throughout a vast field. A smile is drawn on our faces. However, the winds are still fierce, jealous of spring, and we can hardly enjoy flowers. It is just the right time to visit Yangjae Flower Market, the biggest flower market in Seoul. It will feel like standing in the middle of a flower festival. Located in Seocho-gu, Seoul, Yangjae Flower Market is the biggest flower market in Korea that opened in 1991. Yangjae Flower Market consists of a joint market for natural flowers, a greenhouse for potted flowers, trees, and relevant supplies, and “F Square,” a pavilion for cultural experiences related to flowers.

At the natural flower market in the joint market, you not only find roses all year long but also freesia, one of the most popular spring flowers. Some flowers, like the tulip, are commonly known to the public, while some may not be as popular but still makes people happy with their beautiful looks. You can enjoy and purchase different flowers imponderable in terms of types and numbers. The stores for potted flowers are located throughout two buildings. It feels like a greenhouse with trees and plants, including orchids, foliage plants, wildflowers, and bonsai trees.

When you are fond of someone, you want to know more about that person. The same goes for plants. While some people have companion animals, some have companion plants. The F Square at Yangjae Flower Market offers opportunities to learn about your flowering plant. You can enjoy flowers through floral arrangement and gardening classes and engage in various experiences at F Square, which also offers classes for foreigners. Unfortunately, F Square is temporarily closed due to COVID-19, but we believe that we will soon be able to participate in various flower-related experiences.

Natural flowers captivate our eyes and nose with flashy colors and a dazzling scent resembling festival firecrackers. Albeit covering their body with thorns to survive, cactuses are gentle and soft on the inside. Monsteras that have a meaning of “good news” is great for interior purposes with massive leaves. You can enjoy countless plants at Yangjae Flower Market, so why not bring some spring home? New flowers and trees come in stock on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and the earlier you visit, the fresher the flower and plants are. You can also get discounts on parking fees by showing your purchase receipt. (50% off for the first hour, free one-hour parking for purchases of KRW 50,000 or more, free two-hour parking for purchases of KRW 100,000 or more.) Gift-wrapped flowers are also for sale on the basement floor. You may be able to start spring with some romance by bringing with you the spring you have been capturing in your eyes or presenting spring to your loved one.

Oddly, our minds tend to wander with the shift of seasons. Small living creatures begin to sprout, and flower buds wince as if they will open any minute. Our heart seems to be the only place where winter remains. Maybe it’s spring fever. If you wish you were standing amidst spring, why not go and bring home spring for yourself? Let’s head to Gangnam Express Bus Terminal Flower Market.

This flower market is located in the bus terminal, where buses departing from Seoul are bound for all regions across the country. Located in subway line no. 3, the most significant merit of the Express Bus Terminal Flower Market is that it is highly accessible. With the Express Bus Terminal, the Express Bus Terminal Underground Shopping Center, and the department store put together in a single point, the Flower Market becomes an optimal shopping location.

Gangnam Express Bus Terminal Flower Market has natural and artificial flower markets. It features many different types of imported flowers and has various subsidiary materials and interior goods related to flowers, which is why it is frequently visited by people who want to make their own wedding bouquet or decorate their home interior. Imported flowers come in stock soon after Wednesday midnight, so the market is more vibrant and busier after two in the morning. As for most markets, the price goes down as the closing time approaches. Since the Gangnam Express Bus Terminal Flower Market is closed on Sundays, you can purchase flowers at an even lower price on Saturdays.

Experiencing a sleepless night? Then, head to Gangnam Express Bus Terminal Flower Market. With the liveliness of the early morning market and the vitality of the flowers, you will be able to sense the vividness of spring. You can also feel the small yet warm, thoughtful acts of the merchants who have labeled the flowers with their names for customers who don’t know much about flowers. Spring is awaiting right by our side from a near distance. All we have to do is reach out.

Many of us wish spring to be longer. We want to enjoy the spring flowers a bit longer and wear our trenched coat that briefly hangs in the wardrobe for a few more weeks. Nonetheless, it’s no easy task to continue something for a long time. Well, there is a place that did just that. This time, we head to the longest-standing flower market in Seoul.

Daedo Flower Shopping Center in Namdaemun is the oldest flower market in Seoul that has been sitting through for more than four decades. Unlike other markets, Daedo Flower Shopping Center remains open well into the afternoon, so you can visit the market even if you are not an early bird. It may be smaller compared to Yangjae Flower Market or the Express Bus Terminal Flower Market, but the flowers are more affordable since most of the shops at Daedo Flower Shopping Center are retailers. Although the business hours of Daedo Flower Shopping Center are longer than other flower markets, many of the shops wrap up their day in the early afternoon, so it is best to visit before 2 PM. Since Daedo Flower Shopping Center is located near the busy Namdaemum Market, there is no parking space available, so we recommend public transportation. Falling flowers doesn’t mean spring is over. We can always enjoy spring at Seoul flower markets open all year round. With one lovely flower, spring is always here.

In spring, we unconsciously look around, constantly checking the whereabouts of spring. We rejoice in finding a small flower on the streets and even read an unknown scent to the fragrance of spring. At this location, we run into spring by chance while walking along with the sunlight that seems to be a bit warmer than yesterday. We come across spring in the streets of Jongno, the heart of Seoul.

This small flower market was started by people who used to sell seeds near Dongdaemun Market in the 1950s. At Jongno Flower Market, you can find tree saplings, orchids, cactuses, and succulents, which is why the Market is often visited by those who like simple and plain saplings and succulents than fancy flowers.

With street vendors along the roads, Jongno Flower Market also has fruit trees with fruits. You can purchase lettuce or sesame leaf seedlings at moderate prices. The Market also has different herbs, and when you buy a flower pot, the merchants offer repotting services free of charge.

Jongno Flower Market is neighbored by Chungsin Market, Gwangjang Market, and other traditional markets celebrated for their plentiful, delicious foods. It is the perfect course to fulfill your mental desire through plants and satisfy your hunger with tasty food. Spring is not far away. Let’s head to Jongno Flower Market in the vicinity to pick up some spring.