Looking for the best time to visit Korea? Korea is a country with four distinct seasons, each of which brings its own colorful beauty. The freshness of spring, the heat of summer, the crispness of fall, and the majesty of winter offer visitors a variety of experiences. In this article, we’ll take a look at the joys of traveling to Korea by season, and specialize in each season’s attractions.
Spring: A beautiful season
Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons in Korea, a time of blooming flowers and budding leaves. In early spring, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, turning the entire country pink and creating a beautiful landscape. Cherry blossom festivals are also held at places like Namhansanseong Fortress, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the Seoul Forest, where you can enjoy traditional Korean culture and nature at the same time.
- Months: March through May
- Weather: You can expect warm and pleasant spring weather.
- Climate: Temperatures rise gradually during the spring months, and you can expect a pleasant climate.
- Temperature: The average temperature is between 10℃ and 20℃.
- Recommended destinations: Gyeongbokgung Palace and Namhansanseong Fortress in Seoul, Yeosu and Suncheon in Jeollanam-do, and Gyeongju and Pohang in Gyeongbuk-do, where you can experience the beauty of spring with cherry blossom festivals.
- What to wear: Lightweight, easy-to-wear clothes are recommended.
- Seasonal foods: Wildflower bibimbap, blue crab soup, and cold miso soup
- Recommended food: Enjoy cherry blossom drinks and cherry blossom ice cream at cherry blossom-themed cafes.
Summer: Cool summer vacations
In the summer, South Korea’s beaches and mountains are popular destinations. Sokcho and Gangneung on the east coast and Tongyeong and Busan on the south coast are famous for their beaches and beaches, and you can enjoy a summer vacation in the cool ocean. In addition, the alpine mountains of Gangwon Province, such as Mount Taebaek and Mount Seoraksan, are great places to go mountain climbing in the summer.
- Months: June through August
- Weather: It’s a hot summer, and cool beaches are popular for cooling off.
- Climate: Humid weather and showers are common.
- Temperature: The average temperature is between 20℃ and 37℃.
- Recommended destinations: Cool beaches in South Korea, including Sokcho and Gangneung beaches in Gangwon Province, Tongyeong and Busan beaches on the south coast, and Wando and Mokpo foodie destinations in Jeollanam-do.
- What to wear: Pack lightweight clothing and a swimsuit.
- Seasonal foods: Mul Naengmyeon (cold noodles), Dwaeji Gukbap, makgeolli
- Recommended food: Enjoy fresh seafood and beer at a seafood party restaurant.
Autumn: leaves and hanok
Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons in Korea, when the leaves turn golden and the country’s many mountains and valleys create stunning landscapes. You can visit Namhansanseong Fortress, Nami Island with its stunning fall foliage, or Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, which is famous for its fall foliage. You can also experience traditional Korean culture at Jeonju Hanok Village or Gyeongju Bomun Tourist Complex, where you can experience traditional Korean food and culture.
- Month: October through November
- Weather: Pleasant, dry fall weather.
- Climate: This is the time of year when the weather gradually becomes cooler with cool breezes.
- Temperature: The average temperature is between 8℃ and 18℃.
- Recommended destinations: Pyeongchang and Inje in Gangwon Province, Gyeongju and Andong in Gyeongbuk Province, and Namhansanseong Fortress in Gyeonggi Province.
- What to wear: Thin jackets and light, warm clothing are recommended for fall.
- Seasonal foods: Gamjatang, seafood pajeon, gomtang
- Recommended food: Try a traditional Korean restaurant with fall flavors.
Winter: Korea’s snowy landscapes
Korea has its own charms in winter, too. Pyeongchang, Inje, and Hongcheon in Gangwon Province, known for its beautiful snowy landscapes, are perfect for winter sports. Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, and Changdeokgung Palace are even more spectacular in the snowy winter months. You can also experience the warmth of Korea’s culture by sampling tteokguk and dumplings, two of the country’s traditional foods.
- Months: December through February
- Weather: Expect dry and cold winter weather.
- Climate: You can enjoy tranquil winter landscapes with crystal clear skies.
- Temperature: Average temperatures range between -10℃ and 3℃.
- Recommended destinations: Pyeongchang and Hongcheon in Gangwon-do, Namsan and Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, Gongju and Andong in Gyeongbuk, and more to experience snowy landscapes and winter culture.
- What to wear: Pack a winter coat and heavy clothing for the cold weather.
- Seasonal foods: Bulgogi, tteokgalbi, bibimbap, chicken stew, budae jjigae
- Recommended food: Try seolleongtang and chicken stir-fry, two of Korea’s signature winter dishes
Best time to visit Korea Conclusion
Korea is a country that offers colorful beauty throughout the four seasons. The freshness of spring, the coolness of summer, the brilliance of fall, and the majestic scenery of winter provide visitors with unforgettable memories. Each season has its own charm, so visit Korea to experience nature and culture at the same time. Korea is always waiting to be a beautiful place to travel.
FAQ. – Best time to visit Korea
Q. What destinations do you recommend for spring?
A. In spring, we recommend Gyeongbokgung Palace and Namhansanseong Fortress for cherry blossom viewing, as well as Yeosu and Suncheon in Jeollanam-do.
Q. Where should I go in Korea in the summer?
A. In summer, we recommend Sokcho and Gangneung on the east coast, Tongyeong and Busan on the south coast, and Mount Taebaek and Seoraksan in Gangwon Province.
Q. What are the best destinations for fall?
A. In the fall, we recommend Gyeongju and Pohang for their fall foliage, as well as Wando and Mokpo in Jeollanam-do.
Q. Where should I visit in winter?
A. In winter, we recommend Pyeongchang and Hongcheon in Gangwon-do, Seoul’s Namsan and Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Gongju and Andong in Gyeongbuk.
Q. What should I keep in mind about how to dress when traveling to Korea?
A. Korea has four distinct seasons, so it’s important to dress for the season. We recommend packing lightweight clothes and swimwear for summer, light and easy-to-wear clothes for spring, jackets and warm clothes for fall, and coats and thicker clothes for winter.
