Four Seasons, Four Completely Different Countries

South Korea is one of those rare destinations where the season you visit fundamentally changes your experience. This is not a tropical country where temperatures shift by a few degrees. Korea cycles through four dramatically distinct seasons: a pastel spring with cherry blossoms, a hot and humid monsoon summer, a blazing autumn with some of the best foliage in Asia, and a dry, crisp winter with excellent skiing.

Each season offers something remarkable, and each comes with tradeoffs. This guide will help you decide which version of Korea matches your travel style, then give you the specific dates, costs, and planning details to make it happen.

Understanding Korea's Climate

South Korea occupies a peninsula roughly the size of Indiana, but its climate varies meaningfully from north to south and from coast to mountains.

Seoul: Continental climate with wide temperature swings. Summer highs of 30-35 degrees Celsius with oppressive humidity. Winter lows of -10 to -15 degrees Celsius.
Busan: Milder coastal climate. Summer is hot and humid but slightly cooler than Seoul. Winter rarely drops below freezing.
Jeju Island: Subtropical influence. The warmest part of Korea in winter (5-10 degrees Celsius) and the first place cherry blossoms appear in spring.
Gangwon Province (mountains): Heavy snowfall in winter makes this Korea's ski country. Summer is cooler and less humid than the lowlands.

The Monsoon Factor

Korea's monsoon season (called jangma) typically runs from late June through mid-to-late July, with a secondary rainy period in August and early September. During the monsoon, expect heavy, sustained rainfall -- sometimes 100+ millimeters in a single day. Seoul floods occasionally during extreme events. The monsoon is the single biggest weather factor to plan around.

Month-by-Month Guide

January and February

Temperature: Seoul -6 to 2 degrees Celsius | Busan 0-8 degrees Celsius | Gangwon -12 to -2 degrees Celsius

Korea's winter is cold, dry, and sunny. If you have proper cold-weather clothing, winter is an excellent time to visit. The air is clear (air pollution is lowest in winter), crowds at major attractions are thin, and the country takes on a quiet beauty.

Winter Highlights:

Skiing and Snowboarding: Korea's ski resorts, developed significantly for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, are world-class. Major resorts include Yongpyong Resort (the largest, runs from November through early April, day passes 60,000-85,000 KRW / $45-65 USD), Alpensia, High1 Resort, and Vivaldi Park. Weekend prices are 20-30% higher than weekday rates.
Korean Comfort Food: Winter is the season for hot, hearty Korean dishes. Kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew), budae jjigae (army stew), galbi-tang (short rib soup), and tteok-guk (rice cake soup, traditionally eaten on Lunar New Year) are at their most satisfying in the cold.
Jjimjilbang Culture: Korean bathhouses and sauna complexes are a winter essential. Dragon Hill Spa in Seoul (open 24 hours, entry 15,000 KRW / $11 USD) offers hot pools, saunas, sleeping rooms, and restaurants. Spending a winter afternoon in a jjimjilbang is one of Korea's most authentic cultural experiences.
Lunar New Year (Seollal): Falls in late January or February (varies yearly based on the lunar calendar). This is Korea's most important family holiday. Expect: many restaurants and shops in Seoul close for 3-5 days as people return to their hometowns, trains and buses sell out weeks in advance, and tourist sites are quieter than usual. If your trip overlaps, plan accordingly.

Costs: Low season for international tourism. Hotels in Seoul run 30-40% below peak. A mid-range hotel in Myeongdong costs 80,000-130,000 KRW ($60-100 USD) per night.

March

Temperature: Seoul 0-11 degrees Celsius | Busan 4-13 degrees Celsius

March is transitional. Early March is still winter, but by late March the thaw begins. It is too early for cherry blossoms (those arrive in April) but late enough that the worst of the cold has passed. Crowds are low, and prices remain in the low season range.

Best For: Budget travelers who want Seoul's cultural attractions (Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, the National Museum) without crowds or peak pricing.

April: Cherry Blossom Season

Temperature: Seoul 7-18 degrees Celsius | Busan 10-18 degrees Celsius | Jeju 10-18 degrees Celsius

April is Korea's most popular month with international visitors, and the cherry blossoms are the reason. The bloom sweeps north across the country over a period of roughly three weeks:

Cherry Blossom Progression (Typical Dates):

Location	Typical First Bloom	Full Bloom
Jeju Island	Late March	Early April
Busan/Gyeongju	Early April	April 5-10
Seoul	April 5-10	April 10-15
Gangwon Province	April 10-15	April 15-20

These dates shift by up to a week depending on winter temperatures. The Korea Meteorological Administration releases annual cherry blossom forecasts in March -- check their website or follow English-language Korea travel accounts for updates.

Top Cherry Blossom Spots:

Yeouido Park, Seoul: The most famous spot. Yunjung-ro, the street lined with over 1,800 cherry trees along the Han River, becomes a tunnel of pink. Extremely crowded on weekends.
Gyeongju: The ancient Silla Dynasty capital is stunning in cherry blossom season. The trees around Bomun Lake and along the road to Bulguksa Temple create postcard-perfect scenes with far fewer crowds than Seoul.
Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival (Changwon): Korea's largest cherry blossom festival, with over 360,000 trees. The Yeojwacheon stream, where cherry petals carpet the water, is one of Korea's most photographed spring scenes. The festival typically runs for 10 days in early-to-mid April.
Jeju Island: The earliest blooms in Korea. Jeju's cherry trees (a unique species, Prunus x yedoensis) bloom along Route 1132 and around Hallasan National Park.

Costs: Peak season for tourism. Seoul hotels spike 30-50% above baseline. Book accommodation 6-8 weeks in advance for the cherry blossom window.

May

Temperature: Seoul 13-24 degrees Celsius | Busan 14-22 degrees Celsius

May is an underrated gem. Cherry blossoms are gone, but the weather is arguably the best of the entire year -- warm, sunny days with low humidity and clear skies. The monsoon is still two months away. Lush green landscapes replace the cherry blossoms, and outdoor activities from hiking to temple stays are at their best.

Children's Day (May 5): A national holiday. Theme parks, zoos, and family attractions are extremely crowded. Avoid Lotte World and Everland on this date.

Buddha's Birthday (varies, usually early-to-mid May): Temples across Korea hang colorful lanterns in the weeks before the celebration. The Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul features a massive parade through Jongno with thousands of illuminated lanterns. It is one of Korea's most visually spectacular events.

Costs: Moderate. Slightly above baseline but well below cherry blossom peak.

June

Temperature: Seoul 19-29 degrees Celsius | Busan 18-25 degrees Celsius

Early June is excellent -- warm, increasingly humid but not yet oppressive. Late June marks the typical start of the monsoon, and conditions deteriorate rapidly. If visiting in June, aim for the first two weeks.

July and August

Temperature: Seoul 23-33 degrees Celsius | Busan 22-30 degrees Celsius

Summer in Korea is dominated by the monsoon (late June through mid-July) and a subsequent heat wave (late July through August). Humidity is crushing -- consistently above 80%. Seoul's subway system becomes a refuge of air conditioning.

Summer Highlights Despite the Weather:

Boryeong Mud Festival (July): One of Korea's most famous festivals, held at Daecheon Beach in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province. Mud wrestling, mud slides, and general mayhem. Hugely popular with young international travelers.
Busan Sea Festival: Beach parties along Haeundae and Gwangalli beaches.
Beaches: Korea's beaches open for swimming in July and August. Haeundae Beach in Busan is the most famous. Expect packed conditions on weekends. For quieter options, try the east coast beaches in Gangwon Province or Jeju's Hyeopjae Beach.
Water Parks: Everland's Caribbean Bay and Lotte Water Park provide all-day entertainment.

Costs: Domestic tourism peaks in late July and August (Korean school vacation). Hotel prices in beach areas and Jeju spike. Seoul can actually be a relative bargain as Koreans leave the city for coastal and mountain retreats.

Typhoon Risk: Late August through September is typhoon season. Most storms that affect Korea hit the southern coast. Jeju is most exposed. Monitor forecasts through the Korea Meteorological Administration.

September

Temperature: Seoul 17-27 degrees Celsius | Busan 19-26 degrees Celsius

September is another transitional month. The monsoon is over, humidity drops through the month, and by late September the air has the first crisp edge of autumn. It is a solid month for visiting Seoul and Busan.

Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving): Falls in September or October (lunar calendar). Similar to Seollal, it is a major family holiday. Expect transportation to sell out, many restaurants to close, and tourist sites to be either very quiet (locals are home with family) or very crowded (the few open attractions absorb all the tourists).

October: Autumn Foliage Season

Temperature: Seoul 8-20 degrees Celsius | Busan 12-22 degrees Celsius

October is tied with April as Korea's most spectacular month. The autumn foliage is extraordinary -- intense reds, oranges, and yellows that rival New England but with ancient temples and mountain monasteries as the backdrop.

Foliage Progression (Typical Peak Dates):

Location	Typical Peak Color
Seoraksan National Park	October 10-20
Naejangsan National Park	October 25-November 5
Seoul (Namsan, Bukhansan)	October 25-November 5
Gyeongju	November 1-10
Jeju (Hallasan)	October 20-November 1

Top Foliage Spots:

Naejangsan National Park: Widely considered Korea's best autumn destination. The tunnel of maple trees along the path to Naejangsa Temple is iconic. Go on a weekday -- weekend crowds in peak foliage are intense.
Seoraksan National Park: The earliest foliage and some of Korea's most dramatic mountain scenery. Cable car to Gwongeumseong Fortress offers panoramic views.
Changdeokgung Palace Secret Garden, Seoul: The garden behind the palace is at its most beautiful in autumn. Guided tours only, limited daily visitors. Book online through the Cultural Heritage Administration.
Bukhansan National Park, Seoul: Outstanding hiking with foliage views, accessible directly by Seoul's subway system.

Costs: Peak alongside April. Accommodation near popular foliage areas (Seoraksan, Naejangsan) should be booked 4-6 weeks in advance.

November and December

Temperature: Seoul -1 to 10 degrees Celsius (Nov-Dec range) | Busan 5-15 degrees Celsius (Nov) to 1-9 degrees Celsius (Dec)

November's first half catches the tail end of autumn foliage in the south (Busan, Gyeongju). By late November, winter has arrived. December is cold but festive -- Seoul's holiday illuminations and shopping district energy create a different kind of appeal.

Holiday Season: Christmas is not a traditional Korean holiday in the family sense, but December 25 is a public holiday, and Korean cities go all-in on Christmas decorations and illuminations. The Starlight Festival at the Garden of Morning Calm (Gapyeong, about 90 minutes from Seoul) runs from December through March and is one of Asia's best light festivals.

K-Culture Calendar: K-Pop Events and Hallyu Experiences

South Korea's cultural exports -- K-pop, K-dramas, K-beauty -- draw a significant portion of international visitors. If K-culture is part of your motivation, timing matters.

Major K-Pop Events

Event	Typical Timing	Venue
MAMA Awards (Mnet Asian Music Awards)	Late November/December	Varies (often Seoul)
MBC Gayo Daejejeon	December 31	MBC Broadcasting Center, Seoul
SBS Gayo Daejeon	December 25	SBS, Seoul
KBS Song Festival	December	KBS, Seoul
K-pop concerts (individual groups)	Year-round	Various, Olympic Park KSPO Dome, Gocheok Sky Dome

Ticketing: Major K-pop concert tickets sell out within minutes on platforms like Interpark (ticket.interpark.com) and Yes24 (ticket.yes24.com). International fans can purchase through these platforms with a Korean phone number or through authorized resellers. Fan club pre-sales occur weeks before general sales.

K-Culture Experiences Available Year-Round

Filming Locations: Visit sites from popular dramas. The Goblin filming locations in Incheon, Descendants of the Sun in various Seoul locations, and the Squid Game-themed experiences that have emerged.
K-beauty Shopping: Myeongdong in Seoul is ground zero for K-beauty products. Brands like Innisfree, Sulwhasoo, Laneige, and COSRX have flagship stores with testers and samples. Olive Young stores are the budget-friendly option.
Hanbok Rental: Wear a traditional Korean hanbok for free entry to major palaces. Rental shops near Gyeongbokgung charge 15,000-25,000 KRW ($11-19 USD) for 2-4 hours. Spring and autumn are the most popular seasons for this.

Budget Comparison by Season

Daily Budget Estimates (Per Person, USD)

Category	Peak (Apr, Oct)	Summer (Jul-Aug)	Shoulder (May-Jun, Sep, Nov)	Low (Dec-Mar)
Budget	$50-70	$45-65	$35-55	$30-50
Mid-Range	$100-160	$90-140	$70-120	$60-100
Luxury	$250-400+	$200-350	$150-280	$120-250

Specific Costs

Gyeongbokgung Palace entry: 3,000 KRW ($2.30 USD), free in hanbok
Bukchon Hanok Village: Free (public streets)
DMZ tour: 50,000-80,000 KRW ($38-62 USD) including transport from Seoul
KTX (bullet train) Seoul to Busan: 59,800 KRW ($46 USD) one-way, 2.5 hours
Subway single ride (Seoul): 1,400 KRW ($1.08 USD) with T-money card
Street food meal: 3,000-8,000 KRW ($2.30-6.15 USD)
Korean BBQ dinner: 15,000-25,000 KRW ($11.50-19.25 USD) per person
Soju (bottle): 4,000-5,000 KRW ($3-4 USD) at a restaurant
Jeju Air/Jin Air flight Seoul to Jeju: 40,000-100,000 KRW ($30-77 USD) one-way

Getting Around South Korea

The KTX High-Speed Rail

Korea's KTX network is the backbone of intercity travel. Trains are punctual, clean, and comfortable.

Route	Duration	Cost (Standard)
Seoul to Busan	2 hours 30 minutes	59,800 KRW ($46)
Seoul to Gyeongju	2 hours	53,000 KRW ($41)
Seoul to Gangneung	2 hours	27,600 KRW ($21)
Seoul to Jeonju	1 hour 40 minutes	34,600 KRW ($27)

Book through the Korail website (letskorail.com) or the Korail Talk app. The Korea Rail Pass (KR Pass) offers unlimited KTX travel for 3-5 days and can save money on multi-city itineraries ($110 for a 3-day pass, $210 for a 5-day pass -- foreigners only).

Seoul's Subway

One of the world's best metro systems. 23 lines, clean, safe, and easy to navigate with English signage everywhere. Buy a T-money card at any convenience store (2,500 KRW for the card, then reload as needed) for discounted fares.

Buses

Express and intercity buses connect cities that the KTX does not reach. The Kobus (kobus.co.kr) and Express Bus (txbus.t-money.co.kr) websites handle reservations.

Plan Your South Korea Trip with TripGenie

Korea's seasonal events -- cherry blossom forecasts, foliage peaks, K-pop schedules, and festival dates -- make timing-sensitive planning essential. TripGenie can build a day-by-day itinerary that aligns your arrival with the specific week of cherry blossom peak in your target region, sequences your city visits to avoid holiday closures, and optimizes your KTX routing for both time and cost. Input your travel dates and interests, and get a plan calibrated to Korea's seasonal rhythms.

The Bottom Line

Best overall: Mid-April (cherry blossoms) or late October (autumn foliage). These are Korea's two showstopper seasons, and the visual spectacle justifies the higher prices and crowds.

Best for budget travelers: January through March (excluding Lunar New Year) or November. Cold weather keeps prices low and crowds thin, while Korea's indoor culture (jjimjilbang, shopping, restaurants, museums) keeps things interesting.

Best for K-culture fans: Late November through December for year-end music awards, or time your trip around specific concert dates.

Best weather without crowds: May. Warm, dry, uncrowded, and the landscapes are lush from spring rains.

Avoid if possible: Late June through mid-July (monsoon) unless you are specifically attending a summer festival and do not mind getting soaked.

South Korea packs an astonishing amount of culture, food, nature, and modernity into a small geographic area. Whatever season you choose, you will find a country that is warm in hospitality even when the weather is not.

Best Time to Visit South Korea: Cherry Blossoms, Foliage, and K-Culture