The best time to visit South Korea: by season
Last Updated on September 2, 2024 by Alex
One essential factor to consider when planning a holiday is the weather. You might wonder when the best time to visit South Korea is.
Korea has four distinct seasons with significant differences in temperature and humidity. So, depending on what you would like to do during your holiday, you should choose the right time to visit. Rest assured, though, there is no wrong time to visit Korea.
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Table of Contents
- The best time to visit South Korea (including activities)
The best time to visit South Korea (including activities)
Spring in South Korea (March-May)
Spring is my favorite season, and probably the best time to visit South Korea. It is the best time to explore the country’s natural beauty, forested mountains, and nature reserves.
March is the coldest of the three spring months in South Korea, with temperatures between 4°C (39°F) and 9°C (48°F). If you are traveling during April, expect a daily average temperature of around 17°C (63°F), while May sees temperatures rise to an average of 24°C (75°F).
What Can You Do in Spring?
We spent most spring weekends traveling outside Seoul, drinking coffee on the banks of Majang Lake in Paju, enjoying a breathtaking mountain panorama in Chunchon, or strolling the pedicured lanes of The Garden of Morning Calm.
It is also a great time to visit one of the tranquil mountain-top temples.
The temple on Naksam Mountain in the country’s east was the first we saw.
Apart from the charming architecture and the carefully maintained grounds of the temple complex, I clearly remember our gratitude as we stood at the cliff’s edge, gazing at the sparkling sea below us.
After all, we reached the opposite end of the Old World, a moment I had dreamed of since childhood.
For a few minutes, I imagined myself in the shoes of the great explorers of old, embarking on a journey on that mysterious sea towards wonderous and unchartered lands.
Seoul in Spring
If you happen to be in Seoul during spring, the city’s countless parks return to life after the winter slumber, and everything shines in the bright yellow sun. You can hike up one of Seoul’s mountains and enjoy a majestic view of a sprawling world city.
Or, you can have a picnic on the shores of the Han river, Korean style—you don’t need to pack and carry snacks, you order a basket from your mobile, and they’ll bring it directly to your picnic spot. You only need a local Korean number.
Cherry Blossom Time
However, if you are in Korea from late March to early April, you are in for a colorful, magical experience—cherry blossom season. Words can’t begin to describe its beauty—it is stunning!
But wait, it can get even better. How would you like to be a fairy tale princess or prince for a day?
One weekend during the cherry blossom season, we rented traditional Korean clothes and walked the storied streets of Seoul’s old city, the Bukchon Hanok.
Unlike my beautiful wife, I am a rather bland, average-looking, middle-aged guy. So, imagine my surprise when Korean ladies, young and old, repeatedly asked me to pose for pictures while dressed in hanbok.
Read everything you must know about renting a hanbok in Seoul!
Once we left our admirers behind, we arrived at the grounds of one of Seoul’s main medieval palaces.
The blossoming cherry trees enhanced the impressive Gyeongbokgung palace complex with its gardens, pond, and mountainous background.
As a bonus, wearing a hanbok came with free admittance to all of Seoul’s palaces.
Summer in South Korea (June-August)
Although at similar latitudes, the Korean summer differs from the sunny and dry European season. The weather is rainy and cloudy, in addition to hot, due to the country being on a peninsula surrounded by the ocean.
While June is still pleasant, July and August are characterized by frequent showers and steamy and hot temperatures. Still, despite the occasional rain, it is the best season to enjoy the seaside.
Average temperatures by month during summer in South Korea:
June – Minimum 18.3 °C ( 65 °F); Maximum 27.5 °C (82 °F)
July – Minimum 22 °C ( 72 °F); Maximum 28.9 °C (84 °F)
August – Minimum 22.6 °C (73 °F); Maximum 29.9 °C (86 °F).
Despite the heat and humidity, summer is the best time to visit South Korea if you are into beach and water sports.
Read also: Rainy Season in South Korea – what to know and what to do
Busan in Summer
One of our favorite places in South Korea is its second-largest city, Busan.
The city’s proximity to Japan made it an ideal staging post for Kublai Khan’s attempted invasion of Japan and the landing spot of the invading Japanese armies a few centuries later.
Moreover, Busan became the temporary South Korean capital and the last bastion of the UN-led troops during the early stages of the Korean War (1950-1953).
Despite its war-ridden past, Busan is a colorful and cosmopolitan metropolis and, in my opinion, the best city to live in Korea.
It has several urban beaches, including the famous Haeundae, and countless restaurants and bars overlooking them. Also, its skyscrapers, diverse population, and party vibe reminded us of our earlier home in Hong Kong.
Yeosu & Boseong Tea Fields
Another good seaside option is the area around the southern city of Yeosu.
Although it is a small and tranquil place compared to Seoul and Busan, there are plenty of things to do in and around the city.
For example, you can visit the Boseong tea fields. This place should be on anyone’s South Korea bucket list!
Having ridden the train between the green tea plantations of Sri Lanka, our expectations were relatively modest when we decided to go to Boseong one summer morning.
South Korea is not known for its tea, at least not in the West. Well, I am glad to say that we were pleasantly surprised.
The lush green hills were breathtaking, and we had the chance to sample the delicious tea-based local cuisine. Green tea ice cream, coffee, green tea cold-noodle soup…you name it.
Also, a small but beautiful bamboo forest is open to the plantation’s visitors.
You can rent a car and drive there from Yeosu or Busan or go on a day trip from Seoul or Busan.
The Boriam Temple complex is a must-do if you are holidaying around Yeosu.
Perhaps we were lucky, but a thick fog blanketed the mountain complex during our trip. As we climbed the footpath to the main temple, the fog suddenly lifted, uncovering centuries-old buildings perched on cliffs’ edges at almost impossible angles.
Despite my pragmatic nature, given the location and architecture, I could see the attraction of the spiritual life chosen by the resident monks.
YangYang & The East Coast
If you prefer surfing or similar water sports, the Yangyang area on the East Coast is the best option.
Apart from the wavey ocean, the area has plenty of things to do. For example, we had one of the best crab dinners ever in the nearby city of Gangneung.
Camping in the Mountains
Lastly, you can always choose a mountain camping spot if you are not into the seaside.
Just be aware that Korean camping is more like what we call glamping in Europe, meaning that you’ll have almost all the comforts of a hotel even if you stay in a tent or camper van: running water and sanitation, high-speed internet, grocery store, hot showers, barbecue equipment and so on.
It is not the luxurious glamping experience of Hong Kong, nor is it the wild-nature camping practiced in East Europe.
Autumn in South Korea (September- November)
Autumn is probably the most colorful season in Korea, with nature putting on its Sunday clothes. The temperatures are pleasant, and the humidity is low compared to summer.
It is the best time to visit South Korea if you plan to spend your time outdoors and enjoy the painting-like vistas.
Average temperatures by month during autumn in South Korea:
September – Minimum 17.2 °C (63 °F); Maximum 26.1 °C (79 °F)
October – Minimum 9.9 °C (50 °F); Maximum 20.1 °C (68 °F)
November – Minimum 2.4 °C (37 °F); Maximum 11.7 °C (53 °F)
Read also: Autumn in Seoul and 20 EPIC Fall Foliage Destinations in Seoul
Seoul in Autumn
Seoul is amazing in autumn!
The warm sunlight and the red, yellow, brown, and green of its countless parks lend the city a painting-like feel. You can explore the city’s high-tech streets and long historical heritage without fearing a sudden shower.
Korean Spa
Also, it’s a great occasion to enjoy a uniquely Korean experience, the jjimjilbang.
A jjimjilbang is a typical Korean spa and bathhouse with traditional saunas, hot tubs, and massage tables. The smaller ones are fully segregated by gender, but some of the larger ones, except for the hot tub area, can be enjoyed by couples with children.
Popular jimjilbangs to try in Seoul: LK SPA near Myeongdong and Dongdaemun; Hwanggeum Sauna in Myeongdong; Dragon Hill Spa & Resort in Yongsan; and Aquafield in Goyaing or Hanam.
If you are traveling to Busan, you should not miss the Busan SPA Land Centum.
The Royal City of Gyeongju
Outside of Seoul, I recommend a trip to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of one of the iconic Korean kingdoms (the Kingdom of Silla). It is a two-hour journey from Seoul via the express train, but it is worth it.
The old city area is a UNESCO World Heritage site; once you walk its streets, you will understand why. It is like literally going back into the past.
You can also visit Rich Man Choe’s former residence to see how a wealthy Korean family used to live.
Moreover, you’ll have the chance to admire the earthen Royal tombs of the kings of old, erected in a beautiful natural setting—these guys had good landscaping tastes.
Since you are there, you should dine in one of the traditional restaurants operating in the historic buildings. We had an exquisite 15-course lunch in one of the romantic wood and paper buildings, sitting on the wooden floor—allegedly, this was considered an average meal by the former kings and queens.
Bulguksa Temple Complex
A few kilometers from Gyeongju’s old city is another UNESCO site, the Bulguksa temple complex. The temple is a masterpiece of the golden age of Buddhist art in the Silla kingdom. Currently, it serves as the district head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.
Busan in Autumn
I have already mentioned Busan as a seaside destination, but you should consider it in autumn. For instance, I was swimming in the ocean in late September. It was a bit cold but enjoyable.
Since the weather is better, this is the optimal time to visit Busan’s Gamcheon Culture village or the Ahopsan Bamboo Forest.
Suwon
If you are not in the mood for a relatively long train trip to the South-East, Suwon is an exciting destination close to Seoul. The main tourist attraction is the Hwaseong Fortress or Suwon Hwaseong, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The fortress’ wall surrounds Suwon’s center, and once, it encircled the entire city. Walking around its walls through the wooded areas can take your mind away from the hustle and bustle of the 21st century.
Today’s visitors can admire the impressive fortress’s several gates and sentry towers. Moreover, Suwon is famous for its local beef dish, the Suwon Galbi. Make sure you try it because it is delicious.
One red flag, though, if you are planning an Autumn vacation. Try to avoid the Korean Thanksgiving celebration, Chuseok.
The entire nation is on holiday for circa a week, so everything is crowded, and accommodation prices are higher than usual. Chuesok is usually in September, but the dates change yearly based on an arcane formula.
Please consider the dates before booking your visit.
Winter in South Korea (December-February)
Due to the ocean’s proximity, winter is colder than expected. Seoul’s temperatures can go below -20 degrees Celsius, and given the high humidity, it feels even colder.
However, due to some meteorological peculiarity that I can’t explain, cold days and warmer days alternate. During the winter we lived there, every bone-chilling day was followed by a few warmer days (around 0 degrees Celsius).
Average temperatures by month during winter in South Korea:
December – Minimum -4.1 °C (25 °F); Maximum 4 °C (39 °F)
January – Minimum -6.2 °C (21 °F); Maximum 2 °C (36 °F)
February – Minimum -3.8 °C (25 °F); Maximum 5 °C (41 °F)
Like any North and East European metropolis, the grey cityscape is brightened by winter-specific decorations and neon lights.
During the cold season, there are countless public events and concerts, and the enormous Korean department stores are bustling with shoppers.
So, if you like shopping and skiing, winter is the best time to visit South Korea.
Read also: The complete list of the best things to do in Korea during winter
Seoul in Winter
Surprisingly, although South Korea has a majority Christian population, Christmas is not an official public holiday. However, no self-respecting Korean would forego the chance to do a bit of shopping.
So, if you are in Seoul in December, you’ll have a veritable Christmas experience with carols echoing in all the major shopping and entertainment areas.
The winter holiday season doesn’t end on 31st December, though. South Korea is an excellent place for those looking for a “Christmas” in January and February.
In late January or early February, depending on the year, Koreans celebrate the Lunar New Year. Parties, shopping, spending time with family and friends—basically, it is a re-run of late December, but instead of Mr. Santa Claus, you’ll have firecrackers and dragons.
Due to its mountainous geography and frequent snowing, South Korea is one of the favored ski destinations in the region. Many of our Hong Kong friends preferred to ski in Korea instead of Japan due to the high quality of service at more affordable prices.
Here are a few of the most popular ski resorts in South Korea.
Vivaldi Park Ski World
The perfect ski escape outside of Seoul, Vivaldi Park Ski World is set in the Gangwon-do province, roughly 2 hours away from the city.
You can go on a weekday to avoid the crowds and choose the type of activity you like most, from skiing to snowboarding. Anything is possible.
Book a day trip, and transportation and equipment will be covered, along with professional instructors who will teach you some basic skills.
Book your day trip to Vivaldi Park here!
Do you have more time and want to spend a few days longer? Rent a car and stay at one of these cool hotels, which offer easy access to the Ski Resort.
Where to Stay in Vivaldi Park
Sono Felice Vivaldi Park is one of the few resorts in the area. Set between mountains, the hotel offers an internal and an external swimming pool. It is recommended that you stay here when traveling with a larger group of family and friends. See more here!
This pension is worth checking out in Moonlight Blue Pension – a little further away but still in a nice area, surrounded by nature and offering rooms with a stunning river view. See more here!
Yongpyong Ski Resort – an excellent resort located at the foot of Yongpyong ski slopes. At the site, there are two restaurants where you can choose from traditional Korean food or Western-style meals. See more here!
Conclusion
South Korea is a year-round destination, offering unique travel and leisure opportunities every season.
We prefer to go there in spring or autumn (or both), but if you don’t mind a bit of hot rain or cold snowfall, summer and winter are also good.
The most important thing is to align your desired activities with the right season. If you are an outdoor person, spring and autumn are the right times. If you prefer water sports, summer might be a good time to go.
Finally, winter is the appropriate season for shopping, partying, and skiing.
Now that you know the best time to visit South Korea, what are you waiting for? Start planning your vacation.
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