Best Time to visit Korea

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT?

In terms of travel, there are three main seasons in South Korea.

Peak seasons (March to May and September to November): During these months, the weather is most suitable for outdoor activities, as it tends to be sunny and dry. In spring, the flowers are in bloom, and green spaces are bathed in the vibrant pink hues of the cherry blossom. This iconic flower represents the fragility and the beauty of life in Asia. The blooming period of cherry blossom lasts only around two weeks, but the best time to enjoy them in all its glory is between four and seven days after peak bloom starts. When the cherry blossom trees bloom for a short time, they remind us of how lovely and how tragically short life is. The date of blooming can be different each year, depending on the weather patterns, so planning a trip can get quite tricky. As the weather is the least likely to be inclement, many festivals also take place in spring. On the other hand, for those who want to see the majestic view of landscapes coming alive when the leaves change their color into orange and red, autumn would be the best time to visit. Autumn in South Korea is almost another spring as every leaf appears to be like a flower. Festivals in Autumn are considered to be even more ceremonious than their spring counterparts.

The cold season: The winter months, from December to February, are cold but not unbearable. A trip to South Korea in winter has its unique charm. You will have slightly limited options when it comes to the types of outdoor activities on the trip, but the beauty of the snow-covered national parks is quite intriguing.

Monsoon season: The summer, from June to the end of August, is when heavy rains are constant. The days are not only hot but distressingly humid. Such weather can make the trip very difficult.

WHAT SORT OF WEATHER SHOULD I EXPECT?

South Korea is affected by the Asian monsoon regime, meaning in winter, cold air masses from Siberia prevail, while in summer, warm and moist air masses of tropical origin dominate. Thus, in South Korea, the driest season is winter, while the rainiest one is summer. Japan and China protect the Korean peninsula from most of the Pacific typhoon, but one or two still manage to get through each year during the summer months. Unlike many other Asian destinations, there are only minimal regional variations in temperatures throughout South Korea. The main differences are accounted for by the country’s altitudinous interior and its warmer but windier coastline. Seoul is the region most exposed to cold winds due to the influence of the Siberian high-pressure system.

In the southernmost cities, such as Mokpo and Busan, the climate is much milder. Jeju, an island known for its natural wonders, is warmer than Seoul and the rest of Korea. Even in winter, the temperature never falls below 0 °C (32°F) on the island.