Spring in South Korea is an experience like no other. With heaps of places to visit and things to do in the country, you’re in for a journey of culture, food, and tons of memories to keep for a lifetime! Consider this your guide to everything you should know about spring in South Korea!
When is the spring season in South Korea?
See cherry blossom trees in South Korea. Credits to Timothy Ries on Unsplash
Spring in South Korea lasts from April to June and is considered the best time to visit the country. You’ll most likely encounter pleasant weather daily; flowers and green spaces blanket the whole landscape.
To experience spring, you can visit South Korea as early as mid-March, when the sun shines past the winter clouds!
What can I expect in the spring season in Korea?
Get a different view of Korea with these cherry blossom trees all around it
Spring in Korea is a delightful season marked by cherry blossoms, known as "벚꽃" or "beotkkot" in Korean. These iconic pink and white flowers create breathtaking landscapes, inviting locals and tourists alike to engage in the tradition of cherry blossom viewing.
When spring in Korea comes, you can also expect milder temperatures, with daytime averages ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius.
The season also means outdoor festivals, celebrating Korean culture through events like music festivals, food festivals, and more. Culinary offerings during spring showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients, like cherry blossom food in Korea, highlighting light and refreshing flavours.
Spring also holds significance for students as it marks the end of their academic year, with school graduations symbolizing new beginnings. Traditional holidays like Buddha's Birthday (Seokga Tansinil) and Children's Day (어린이날) add cultural depth to the season, making spring in Korea a vibrant and lively time marked by natural beauty and a sense of renewal.
Is it cold during spring in Korea?
Generally, it isn't extremely cold in Korea in spring, but the early part of the season can still have cool days, especially in March. As the season progresses, temperatures gradually rise, bringing more comfortable and mild weather.
As we said earlier, daytime temperatures typically range from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius.
While spring is known for its pleasant weather, we definitely recommend having some layers and a light jacket on hand, especially during the early weeks when cooler days may still happen.
If this is a bit too chilly for you, you can always go visit a trusty Korean jjimjilbang.
What do Koreans wear during spring?
Image credit: Jeju Tourism Website
During the spring season in Korea, Koreans tend to wear something great for the milder and more comfortable cold temperatures. Here are some common choices for Koreans during spring:
- Light Layers: As temperatures rise gradually, Koreans often opt for light layers. This may include long-sleeved shirts or blouses paired with lightweight jackets or cardigans that can be easily added or removed as needed.
- Trench Coats and Jackets: Spring can still have cool days, so trench coats or light jackets are popular choices for outerwear. These clothes give you warmth without being too heavy, making them great for the transition from winter to spring.
- Jeans and Trousers: Denim jeans and trousers are all-around choices during spring. They can give you a comfortable and stylish option that can be paired with different tops depending on the occasion.
- Dresses and Skirts: Spring often inspires the use of dresses and skirts in lighter fabrics. Floral patterns and pastel colours are particularly popular during this season, reflecting the vibrant and blooming surroundings.
- Casual Footwear: Comfortable and casual footwear, such as sneakers or loafers, is commonly worn during spring. Since people have more outdoor activities to do during this time of the year, Koreans like to wear practical and stylish shoes.
- Accessories: Scarves and lightweight scarves are popular accessories during spring. They can add a touch of style while providing some warmth on cooler days.
- Hats and Sunglasses: With the sun coming out more often around this time of the year, hats and sunglasses become staple accessories. Not only do they offer you protection from the sun, but they also complement spring outfits.
Why should I visit South Korea in spring?
Most neighbourhoods are adorned with cherry blossom trees. Credits to Jean-Pierre Tran on Unsplash
Beautiful blue skies, vibrant Korean festivals, and cherry blossoms—need we say more?
If you need more convincing, well, South Korea spring is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit the country. You’ll be welcomed by clear, warm days and you’ll get to see the streets lined with blossoming trees. At night, the weather turns cool, so you won’t have to worry about breaking into a sweat when you sleep. Since the weather is so lovely during spring, most festivals also happen during this season, which means more fun activities in South Korea to add to your itinerary!
Cherry blossom festivals in South Korea
Make a flower crown with fallen cherry blossom flowers! Credits to @vladahere and @wondertour_official on Instagram
Much like Japan, South Korea also has its fair share of cherry blossom festivals. The largest festival in the country is the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival. A 10-day festival packed with float parades, street food stalls, performances, and more—it’s where all the buzz is. This is great to add to your itinerary in April in Korea
It’s cherry blossom fever during spring in South Korea! Credits to @kieranporey on Instagram
Staying in Seoul? Join the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival and picnic under the cherry blossom trees lining the Han River. Two hours from Seoul is Gyeongju, where the annual Cherry Blossom Marathon happens. If you don’t mind tightening your laces, you should participate in one of the four courses: the 5 km run, the 10 km run, the 21.09 km, and the 42.19-kilometre marathons.
What can I do during spring in South Korea?
Heaps of activities in South Korea await you when you visit during the springtime. Check out below for our recommendations:
1. Nami Island Day Tour
Feed alpacas straight from your hand. Credits to @kim_myon on Instagram
Adorable alpacas, blooming flowers, and a nice sunny day—if this is your idea of a fun trip, join this wonderful Nami Island day tour! An island in the Gangwon Province, Nami Island is brimming with fun places to visit during spring in South Korea.
You can visit Alpaca World, Petite France (for the Little Prince fans out here!), and the Garden of Morning Calm. If you want to soak in nature views a little more, you can ride the Gangchon Rail Bike and enjoy the green landscape surrounding you.
2. Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Tour
Enjoy the 10-day Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival with your family. Credits to @misskuek on Instagram
Did you know that two of Korea's best cherry blossom spots are in Jinhae? In this quaint village, Yeojwacheon Stream and Gyeonghwa Station are brimmed to life with delicate cherry blossom flowers.
Yeojwacheon Stream is also known for its Romance Bridge, featured in the 2002 K-drama Romance. Here, you can also join the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival!
3. Gwangyang Maehwa and Jeonju Hanok Village Tour
Dress in traditional hanbok when you tour Jeonju Hanok Village. Credits to @indrieprimanto on Instagram
Plum trees are also something to watch out for when you visit South Korea, and Seomjin Village is the best place to learn more about how these fruits are grown. In the spring, plum trees bloom snow-like flowers before bearing ripe plums in Korea.
In fact, there's an annual Plum Blossom Festival every March to celebrate when they are in full bloom. After a visit to Seomjin Village, head towards Jeonju Hanok Village, where you can see 800 traditional Korean hanok houses!
4. Chasing Cherry Blossoms Tour
Don’t forget to snap pics for Insta!
Wanna chase cherry blossoms all over South Korea? This Cherry Blossom Random Tour will indulge you with the best viewing spots, which the guide will tailor to fit your group! As the name suggests, there is no set itinerary. You'll be given options on which sites to visit, and your guide will also ensure that you'll be touring the best places for the best photo opportunities.
5. Jeju Canola Flower and Cherry Blossom Private Day Tour By Wondertrip
Canola flower fields are must-sees when in Jeju Island. Credits to @chicjeju
Tucked in Jeju Island is a must-visit destination during spring in Korea: the canola flower fields! These mesmerising yellow blooms are abundant in Jeju from the end of winter until spring.
In fact, you'll almost certainly pass by a field every time you go out. Cherry blossoms in Jeju are also something to watch out for. They're different from those on the mainland as they have larger petals and are more vivid in colour.
6. Cherry Blossom Hunting Tour from Seoul
Bring your fur babies when you tour Seoul.
Prefer cherry blossom hunting in Seoul? Then this tour is for you! Aside from cherry blossom spots in Seoul like Seoul Forest Park, Jeongdok Public Library, and Mt. Ansan, your time will take you to Chungcheong Province and Gyeonggi Province areas as well. Once you've taken in all the cherry blossoms you want to see, you'll get to dine at a Blue Ribbon restaurant, the Korean equivalent of a Michelin star!
Need more ideas for your trip to Seoul? Check our five-day itinerary here:
7. Cherry Blossom Hunting tour from Busan
Let your guide take care of your tour itinerary! Credits to @e_tea_time
If you're staying in Busan or Gyeongju, this cherry blossom hunting tour is something you should go for when you visit South Korea during the spring! On this tour, a visit to Gyeongju Bulguksa Temple and Busan Democracy Park is fixed.
Still, your guide will check on the day which cherry blossom spot is the best to visit for your group. Depending on the weather conditions, you may go to Bomun Lake, Samnak Ecological Park, Oryukdo Island, and many more!
Written by: Elle David
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