Kakao Map, a location-based lifestyle platform operated by Kakao, has launched a cherry blossom map service to coincide with the cherry blossom season. This service is a feature designed to allow users to check the blooming status and location information of famous cherry blossom spots nationwide on a single screen. Users no longer need to physically search and compare multiple regions to see how much the blossoms have bloomed; they can check the blooming situation directly within the map.
The Kakao Map Cherry Blossom Map features over 100 famous cherry blossom spots nationwide, including Seoul Forest, the Jinhae Naval Port Festival, and the Hadong 10-Mile Cherry Blossom Road. Each location is provided along with real-time blooming information. The blooming status is displayed in three stages: pre-bloom, start of bloom, and full bloom. The map is designed so that users can quickly determine how much the flowers have bloomed in a specific area simply by looking at the pins on the map.
Detailed information has also been included. When a user taps a cherry blossom pin, they can check the estimated blooming period along with information about the location. Specific schedules are displayed, such as Seoul Forest between April 3 and 10, and the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival between March 27 and April 3. A key feature is that information is organized around schedules, making it easier to plan outings. Users can explore not only famous cherry blossom spots but also cherry blossom festival venues across the country.
The location detail page also incorporates seasonal staging. An animation of falling flower petals plays automatically, conveying a spring atmosphere on screen. This suggests a direction in which the map service aims to go beyond simple route finding and place searches to include seasonal exploration experiences.
Using it is simple. After updating the Kakao Map app to version 6.17.0, simply enter "Cherry Blossom Map" into the search bar or press the Cherry Blossom Map button at the bottom of the search bar. Kakao announced plans to further expand seasonal place categories using this feature as a starting point. This method provides location information relevant to the season—such as cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage in fall—right within the map.
