Weather
Spring in South Korea draws to a close in May. Increasing temperatures and rainfall throughout the month herald the approach of a hot and wet summer, but for now, visitors can enjoy the last vestiges of springtime. The weather this month is comfortable, with primarily sunny skies. Temperatures range from mild to warm, with an average daytime low of 52°F (11°C) and an average high of 72°F (22°C). Sunny days call for short sleeves, while cooler nights and spring rains may require a light jacket and umbrella. While cherry blossom season is over, May boasts vibrant green landscapes perfect for outdoor exploring.
Of note, spring in South Korea can bring yellow dust storms from the Gobi Desert. Be sure to monitor air quality during your visit, particularly in larger cities where pollution can combine with yellow dust particles to make for particularly smoggy days.
Crowds & Costs
May falls between two of the busiest times for tourism in South Korea: peak cherry blossom season in April and the start of the summer holiday in June. As a result, crowds are lighter in May than in the preceding and following months, though the pleasant weather still draws plenty of visitors. The break in crowds makes May a particularly attractive month to experience the season, with many spring festivals and outdoor activities. Even better, savvy travelers can often snag a deal on accommodations and airfare before prices jump at the beginning of June.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Where to Go
For city lovers, now is the time to visit the country's top tourist destinations in major cities like Seoul and Busan before the arrival of summer crowds. In Seoul, get a feel for ancient Korea at Bukchon Hanok Village and Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung palaces. And for more recent history, join a guided tour to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the "no man's land" that borders the two Koreas since the Korean War. In Busan, visit European-style Gamecheon, hit the beach, and feast on seafood at the Jagalchi Market. Meanwhile, outdoorsy travelers might like to visit Seoraksan National Park, the Yosemite of South Korea, and pick a trail to hike.
For a cross-country road trip featuring South Korea's top sights, plan to spend a few days each in South Korea's four largest cities. After arriving at Incheon International Airport, spend two to three days exploring the Seoul Capital Area, including the grand parks of Incheon and Seoul's famous Gyeongbokgung Palace. Then, head south to Daegu, an artistic and cultural center designated as a UNESCO City of Music. Conclude your trip in Busan, a short 35 minutes from Daegu by train, where you can stroll along the beaches and shop at traditional Korean markets.
Alternatively, to gain an appreciation for South Korea's natural beauty, travel to the tea plantations of Boseong in the south. While the tea fields are green year-round, they can be seen to their best advantage in late spring and summer. Travelers can admire the countryside, visit the Korea Tea Museum, and sample green tea ice cream and other tea-flavored delicacies. After spending one to two days in Boseong, it's a short trip to several different outdoor destinations, including the bamboo forests of Damyang (an hour by car) and the hiking trails of Wolchulsan National Park (45 minutes by car).
What to Do
Outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and glamping, are popular throughout the springtime, and the mild weather of May makes these activities especially attractive for visitors. Explore South Korea's top hiking spots, such as the scenic trails of Jeju Island, home to Hallasan National Park. The island, located in the Korea Straits, was named a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique system of lava tubes. Advanced hikers can take on a challenge by trekking to the top of Hallasan Mountain, South Korea's tallest mountain at 6,400 feet (1,950 m), which blooms spectacularly in the spring with hundreds of azaleas.
May is also an ideal time to attend outdoor festivals, including the Boseong Aromatic Tea Festival and the Damyang Bamboo Festival in the South Jeolla province. The two festivals celebrate the country's iconic natural resources and allow visitors to appreciate South Korea's forests and countryside. For a different kind of outdoor scene, kids and adults alike will love attending the Haeundae Sand Festival on the beaches of Busan, featuring larger-than-life sand sculptures you'll have to see to believe.
Events in May
Jindo Miracle Sea Road Festival, Jindo. In late April or early May, a natural phenomenon causes the Yellow Sea to drop 138 feet (42 m), leaving a walkable path between the islands of Jindo and Modo, where tourists gather to celebrate the "miracle" of the sea parting.
Boseong Aromatic Tea Festival, Boseong. Visit the birthplace of the tea industry during Boseong's Aromatic Tea Festival, where you can pick tea leaves, make tea, and try local snacks.
Damyang Bamboo Festival, Damyang. Explore South Korea's largest bamboo forest during this early May festival, which celebrates the beauty and value of the bamboo plant.
Haeundae Sand Festival, Busan. This festival in late May or early June takes place on one of the country's most popular beaches and includes life-size sand sculptures, fireworks, concerts, and more.
More Helpful Information
South Korea in April
South Korea in June
Best Time of Year to Visit South Korea
How Many Days to Spend in South Korea