Best time to visit Korea: seasons, holidays and festivals month by month

TUREFF• •0

Korea has four distinct seasons, and the season changes what a trip feels like more than in many destinations. Here is what each one is like, plus the holidays that can make travel easier or much harder.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is one of the two most popular seasons. March can still be cold, but by April the weather is mild and the cherry blossoms arrive.

Cherry blossoms usually bloom in late March on the south coast (Jinhae, Busan) and around early April in Seoul, moving north over a couple of weeks. The exact timing shifts with the weather each year, and forecasts are published in early spring.
Yellow dust and fine dust can make some spring days hazy. Check the air quality forecast and carry a mask if you are sensitive.
May is warm and green, good for hiking and day trips.

Summer (June to August)

The rainy season (jangma) usually runs from late June through July, with heavy downpours on many days rather than constant rain.
August is hot and humid, often with high night-time temperatures. Indoor attractions, cafés and the beaches of Busan and the east coast become the focus.
Typhoons can affect the south, especially Jeju and Busan, in late summer and early autumn. Watch the forecast if you are flying or taking ferries.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is the season many people would pick if they could choose only one: clear skies, low humidity and comfortable temperatures.

Autumn foliage starts in the northern and high mountains in October and reaches Seoul and the south from around mid to late October into November. Seoraksan, Naejangsan and the palaces in Seoul are popular spots.
Late November turns cold quickly.

Winter (December to February)

Winters are cold and dry, with Seoul often below freezing and a harsh wind chill. Pack a proper coat, gloves and a hat.
Snow falls more reliably in the mountains of Gangwon, home to the ski resorts around Pyeongchang.
It is the cheapest season for flights and hotels outside the holidays, and markets, street food and hot drinks are at their best.

Holidays: Seollal and Chuseok

The two big family holidays follow the lunar calendar, so their dates move every year.

Seollal (Lunar New Year): in 2027, Seollal Day falls on Sunday 7 February, and the government's calendar guidance gives a four-day break from 6 to 9 February including a substitute holiday.
Chuseok (harvest festival): in 2026 it fell on 25 September and has already passed. In 2027 it is expected in mid-September.

During these holidays, millions travel to their home towns. Long-distance trains and buses sell out quickly, roads out of Seoul are jammed, and some small shops and restaurants close for a few days. On the other hand, Seoul itself becomes noticeably quieter, palaces and folk villages often hold special events, and many big shops and attractions stay open. If you visit then, book transport early and check opening hours. Other public holidays, such as Children's Day on 5 May and the long weekends they create, also make domestic tourist spots busier.

Festivals worth planning around

Jinhae Gunhangje: one of the best-known cherry blossom festivals, in early spring.
Lotus Lantern Festival: Seoul's lantern parade before Buddha's Birthday, usually in spring.
Boryeong Mud Festival: a summer beach festival on the west coast.
Busan International Film Festival: in early autumn.
Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival: lanterns floating on the river in the autumn.

Festival dates change every year, so check the official Korea tourism site or each festival's own page before booking.

So when should you go?

For mild weather and scenery, aim for April to early May or late September to mid November, avoiding the lunar holidays unless you want the quiet city experience. For lower prices, consider winter outside Seollal. Summer works if you plan around the rain and heat. When did you visit Korea, and would you go in the same season again? Share your experience in the comments.