The best time to visit South Korea, season by season

Spring (March to May): cherry blossoms

Spring is short, mild and spectacular. Cherry blossoms open first on Jeju and in Busan around late March, reach Jinhae and Gyeongju from late March to early April, and arrive in Seoul in early to mid April — Yeouido and Seokchon Lake are the classic spots. Full bloom usually comes about a week after the first flowers.

Spring can also bring days of fine dust; checking the air-quality forecast in a weather app is a local habit worth adopting. May is warm, green and one of the most pleasant months of the year.

Summer (June to August): monsoon and beaches

The rainy season, jangma, arrives first in the south. On average it runs from about 19 June to 20 July on Jeju, 23 June to 24 July in the south and 25 June to 26 July in Seoul and the centre — dates vary each year. After that, July and August are hot and humid, and typhoons can affect the south between July and September.

Summer is still beach season in Busan and on Jeju, and the time of big festivals such as the Boryeong Mud Festival on the west coast.

Autumn (September to November): the favourite season

Clear skies, cool air and mountains turning red and gold make autumn the most popular season. Colours appear first in Seoraksan National Park in early October and peak there in the second half of the month. Seoul is at its best from late October to early November, and the south follows in early to mid November. October is also the month of the Busan International Film Festival.

Winter (December to February): snow and skiing

Winters are cold and dry, especially in Seoul and the mountains, where temperatures regularly drop below freezing. It is ski season in Gangwon Province, Christmas illuminations light up the cities, and palaces under snow are unforgettable. With fewer visitors, it is also a good time for museums, markets and Korean hot dishes.

Public holidays to plan around

Two holidays move millions of people across the country:

• Seollal (Lunar New Year) — in 2027, from 6 to 8 February, with a substitute holiday on 9 February.
• Chuseok (harvest festival) — in 2027, from 14 to 16 September.

During these periods, trains and roads are packed and many small shops close, although major attractions, palaces and department stores usually stay open. Book KTX seats as early as possible if you travel then.

So, when should you go?

• First visit, mild weather: April–May or mid-September to early November.
• Blossoms: late March to mid April, depending on the region.
• Autumn colours: mid-October to mid-November.
• Fewer crowds: winter, avoiding Seollal.

Whatever season you choose, sort out your entry documents first: a K-ETA should be applied for at least 72 hours before departure, and travellers from the 22 temporarily exempt countries will likely need one for trips from 2027.