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South Korea

The increasingly popular destination of South Korea effortlessly combines modernity with a proud historical heritage to provide a captivating destination for your holiday in Asia. The global city of Seoul is at the cutting edge of electronic technology, giving you the opportunity to browse the latest gadgets at one of the city’s superstores. Use the efficient public transport system to explore the city, taking in the temples and the K-Pop culture in between sampling delicious Korean barbecues. Further afield, the Korean countryside offers a glimpse at a more relaxed lifestyle to contrast with the buzzing cities, whilst a day trip to Panmunjom on the northern border is a sobering, but fascinating way to understand more about the politics of the Korean peninsula.

What you’ll love most about South Korea

Visit the bustling capital city of Seoul and explore its historical landmarks such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village
Try Korean cuisine such as kimchi, bulgogi, bibimbap, and Korean barbecue
Explore the ancient city of Gyeongju, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto
Take a hike up Seoraksan Mountain, one of Korea’s most scenic natural wonders
Visit the coastal city of Busan and enjoy the beaches, seafood, and the famous Jagalchi Fish Market
Relax at a traditional Korean spa (jjimjilbang) and experience Korean sauna culture

Please note that the estimated temperature, rainfall and recommended months of when to go are based on Seoul’s weather patterns

Holiday Highlights

Average temperature

Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.

2℃J
5℃F
11℃M
18℃A
23℃M
27℃J
29℃J
30℃A
26℃S
20℃O
12℃N
4℃D

3J
3F
4M
5A
5M
6J
13J
10A
7S
4O
6N
3D

Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.

Rainfall

When to Visit

Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

January

January brings cold weather to South Korea, with temperatures averaging -5°C to 1°C, particularly in the northern regions. The country is quiet, but it’s the ideal time for winter sports, especially in ski resorts like Yongpyong and Vivaldi Park. Traditional Korean New Year celebrations (Seollal) also take place this month, where you can experience customs like ancestral rites and enjoy tteokguk (rice cake soup).

February

In February, temperatures remain chilly, up to around 5°C during the daytime. This is a quieter time for tourism, but it’s perfect for visiting cultural sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace or the Bukchon Hanok Village without the crowds. The Seoul Lantern Festival typically begins at the end of the month, lighting up the city with colourful displays.

March

March sees temperatures beginning to rise to around 10°C. Early spring is one of the best times to visit as the cherry blossoms start to bloom in southern regions, with Jeju Island and cities like Busan showcasing their spectacular flower festivals. March is also when the famous Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival takes place.

April

By April, the spring bloom is in full swing, with temperatures peaking at around18°C. Cherry blossom festivals are still ongoing, but now you can also enjoy the beautiful azaleas and magnolias in bloom across parks and temples. The weather is mild, making it perfect for hiking in the mountains, such as the beautiful trails of Seoraksan.

May

May offers pleasant temperatures getting into the 20°Cs, ideal for outdoor activities. This is a great month to visit South Korea’s national parks, such as Bukhansan or Jirisan, for hiking, as the spring flowers are still in bloom. The Buddha’s Birthday on May 8th is a highlight, celebrated with lantern displays and special ceremonies at temples across the country.

June

In June, the weather warms up to the mid-20°Cs, and you can expect more sunshine. The summer crowds haven’t yet arrived, so it’s a good time to explore Seoul’s vibrant neighbourhoods like Insadong or Myeongdong. June also marks the beginning of the rainy season, though it usually starts later in the month, bringing refreshing rain showers and lush greenery.

July

July sees temperatures climb to about 30°C, and with the monsoon season in full swing, expect frequent rain. However, this also means fewer tourists. It’s the perfect time for indoor activities, like visiting museums or the vibrant Korean spas (jjimjilbang). Summer festivals like the Seoul Kimchi Making & Sharing Festival are also happening this month.

August

August can be hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 31°C. Many locals head to the beaches, like those in Jeju Island or on the East Coast, to escape the heat. The city of Seoul holds outdoor performances and water events, such as the Seoul Water Fight Festival, offering fun for those who love water sports.

September

By September, temperatures start cooling down a little, offering more comfortable weather for sightseeing. The Chuseok holiday (Korean Harvest Festival) takes place in September, a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture. You can enjoy traditional dances, music, and special food like songpyeon (rice cakes).

October

October brings autumn, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 18°C. It’s the best time to visit if you love autumn foliage. The mountains are ablaze with red, orange, and yellow hues. The Andong Mask Dance Festival takes place this month, celebrating traditional Korean mask dances and folklore with lively performances and street parades.

November

November sees temperatures ranging from 5°C to 12°C, signalling the end of autumn. The autumn leaves start to fall, creating beautiful landscapes in places like Namsan Park and Naejangsan National Park. It’s a quieter month, perfect for exploring historic sites like Gyeongju, which has UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto.

December

December brings cold temperatures, ranging from -4°C to about 5°C, with the winter chill setting in. This is a festive time in Korea, with Christmas celebrations in the cities, including light displays and events. Ski resorts are in full swing, and it’s also a great time to experience winter markets and try warming foods like hotteok (sweet pancakes) and odeng (fish cakes).

Our Ratings

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