Best Time of Year to Visit South Korea

Seasonal Planning for South Korea Travel

To experience South Korea's natural beauty to its fullest potential, plan to travel in late spring (April to May) or early fall (September to October). Both spring and fall offer mild weather ideal for outdoor sightseeing and exploring major cities. Spring paints South Korea's landscapes blush pink with cherry blossoms, bringing millions of tourists annually to the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival. In autumn, falling ginkgo leaves gild the countryside, enticing visitors to the autumnal views of South Korea's national parks.  

While summer in South Korea is hot and humid, the high temperatures provide the perfect opportunity for beachgoing. Take part in one of Busan's popular beach festivals or travel to Korea's largest island, Jeju Island, for snorkeling and water sports. Summer is also monsoon season, coinciding with most of the country's annual precipitation. If rain is in the forecast, the capital city of Seoul presents many indoor activities, from shops and cafés to museums and historical sites. 

Adventure travelers should take advantage of offseason prices during wintertime to visit one of South Korea's world-renowned ski resorts. Winter in Korea is cold and clear, with freezing temperatures and heavy snow in the northern part of the country. Bundle up in your warmest coat and embrace the wintry weather at one of the country's seasonal festivals, where you can ice skate, bobsled, peruse giant snow sculptures, and even try your hand at traditional ice fishing.

Spring in South Korea (March to May)

The freezing temperatures of winter give way to a mild springtime ideal for experiencing the country's natural beauty. The weather in March is cool, averaging 39°F (4°C), but quickly warms to temperatures in the 50s and 60s throughout April and May. The season is characterized by abundant cherry blossoms that burst into life across the country, reaching peak bloom in late March and early April. Though it's good to be mindful that yellow dust season (fine dust originating from the China and Mongolian deserts) takes place in spring (sometimes winter) and can last from a week to three. 

Nowhere is more picturesque for flower devotees than the city of Jinhae on the south coast, which hosts the country's largest and most famous cherry blossom festival. The 10-day event, also known as the Jinhae Naval Port Festival, honors the Korean military hero Yi Su-Shin and brings more than 2 million visitors to the city annually. Book flights and accommodations well in advance for the best rates and availability. 

Later in the spring, visitors can celebrate traditional Buddhist culture during the Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeondeunghoe) in Seoul. More than 100,000 lanterns—many in creative shapes of animals, flowers, or even historical figures—brighten the city as they are paraded through the streets for Buddha's birthday. The tail end of spring is ideal for exploring South Korea's major cities, including Seoul, Busan, and Incheon, before the arrival of summer crowds and monsoon rains.

Events in Spring

Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival, Jinhae. The largest cherry blossom festival in South Korea features thousands of cherry trees in peak bloom. The festival is held in honor of a famous Korean military hero, Admiral Yi Sun-Shin.

Yeondeunghoe, Seoul. The Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul celebrates the birth of Buddha in the fourth month of the lunar year with the hanging of colorful lanterns across the city and a lantern parade.

Jeju Fire Festival, Jeju. An annual festival that takes place in early March to welcome the start of spring, including a ceremonial field burning that symbolizes ancient Korean agricultural practices.

Summer in South Korea (June to August)

Summer in South Korea is hot and wet, with average temperatures in the low to mid-70s and maximum temperatures often exceeding 80°F (27°C). Monsoon season (also known as Jangma) begins in June, bringing heavy rainfall that accounts for nearly 60% of the country's annual precipitation. Despite the weather, summer is a popular time to visit. With school out of session, the summer months can generate large crowds at major tourist sites.

Travelers looking to beat the heat can visit one of South Korea's popular beaches, such as Haeundae Beach in Busan or Daecheon Beach, home to July's Boryeong Mud Festival. Another popular summertime destination is Jeju Island, South Korea's largest island in the Korea Strait. Tourists can experience the island's stunning biodiversity while snorkeling or scuba diving and enjoy a variety of water sports, including surfing, kayaking, and parasailing. 

Rainy summer days present the perfect opportunity to sample coffee and pastries at one of Seoul's world-famous cafés. If you're craving something sweet, treat yourself to bingsu, a Korean shaved ice dessert topped with fruit or red bean. Seoul also boasts more than 100 museums and galleries that can offer a respite from the rain or heat, from the classic National Museum of Korea to the quirky Ice Museum, featuring year-round life-size ice sculptures.

Events in Summer

Boryeong Mud Festival, Daecheon Beach. In July and August, Daecheon Beach in Boryeong transforms into a festival honoring the region's mineral-rich mud, including mud wrestling and a giant mudslide.

Waterbomb Festival, Seoul. The largest music and water-themed festival in Korea, featuring EDM and hip-hop music and an epic water gun battle. The main event occurs in Seoul, with offshoots in other major cities.

Busan Sea Festival, Busan. Spanning five beaches across Busan, this summertime festival offers vibrant nightlife, concerts, and dance parties.

Fall in South Korea (September to November)

As the rainy season comes to an end, fall dawns with mostly dry and sunny days. Summer crowds dissipate as children return to school, making early autumn an ideal time to visit for sightseers hoping to avoid the lines. Temperatures remain balmy in September and October, averaging between 60°F (15.5°C) and 70°F (21°C), before steeply dropping off in November with lows in the high 30s. Pack layers for warm days and chilly nights throughout the season. 

Fall in Korea is known for the rich colors of its foliage. The leaves begin to change at the end of September, peaking from mid-October to early November. For the best early autumnal views, travel to Seoraksan National Park in the northeast, which boasts more than 30 peaks crowned with vibrant red and gold leaves. Adventure travelers will love hiking the park's unique granite rock formations, while leisure travelers can take in the views from the Seoraksan Cable Car.

At the conclusion of the foliage season, journey south to Naejangsan National Park to catch a final glimpse of red maple and golden ginkgo trees amid the park's temples and waterfalls. Hiking, camping, and "glamping" are popular autumn activities at South Korea's national parks, drawing visitors to the mountains and countryside. Avoid travel to major cities during the Chuseok harvest festival, typically celebrated in September, as most Koreans return to their hometowns and many shops and tourist attractions close. 

Events in Fall

Chuseok, nationwide. During this three-day national holiday, Koreans travel home to spend time with family and give thanks for the autumn harvest.

International Fireworks Festival, Pohang. The skies of Pohang come alive during this September festival as companies from across the world compete to put on the most spectacular fireworks display.

Jinju Lantern Festival, Jinju. Famous for floating hundreds of lanterns along the Namgang River, this festival held at the beginning of October includes a parade and a fireworks show.

Winter in South Korea (December to February)

Winter is the offseason in South Korea. Expect cold and often freezing weather, with temperatures averaging in the mid-30s and low-40s (Fahrenheit) throughout the season. Travelers should pack cold weather gear, including a winter coat, gloves, warm boots, and thick socks. Along the southern coast and Jeju Island, daytime temperatures remain moderate well into the season but drop significantly once the sun sets. Snow is expected in the north, making South Korea a popular destination for winter sports fans.

The ski season officially kicks off in early December and lasts until the beginning of March. For the best winter sports conditions, travel to the county of Pyeongchang in the northwest. Once the host of the 2018 Winter Olympics, Pyeongchang is now home to more than five major ski resorts. Spend the day hitting the slopes before relaxing at a traditional Korean bathhouse (jjimjilbang). A day trip to nearby Odaesan National Park allows adventure travelers to trek through a true winter wonderland with woody and mountainous landscapes blanketed in snow.

Embrace the spirit of the season by attending one of Korea's unique winter festivals. In Taebaek, South Korea's highest city, the Mountain Snow Festival showcases hundreds of life-size snow sculptures. Visitors can warm up with a cup of coffee inside the festival's igloo café, seated on furniture constructed entirely of ice. At the Ice Festival in Hwacheon, tourists can try out traditional ice fishing techniques to catch trout in the frozen Hwacheoncheon Stream. 

Events in Winter

Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival, Taebaek. Held at the end of January or the beginning of February, the Snow Festival features hundreds of ice statues carved by sculptors from around the world.

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, Hwacheon. Try ice fishing along the frozen Hwacheoncheon Stream during this January ice-themed event, including bobsledding and ice skating.

Busan Christmas Tree Festival, Busan. From December to January, take in the spectacular lights and Christmas tree display in the heart of Busan. 

Seogwipo Penguin Festival, Jeju Island. Kick off the new year with an icy plunge in the waters of Jeju Island during this unique festival hosted on the first day of January.