Korea’s Four Seasons, Every Moment is a Journey
Korea is a country with distinct four seasons. In spring, flowers bloom profusely; in summer, greenery fills the landscape; in fall, autumn foliage is beautiful; and in winter, snow flowers paint the world white. Each season overflows with unique charms and things to enjoy, so Korea presents new experiences whenever you visit.
In this article, we introduce Korea’s four seasons and share tips for traveling fully according to each season. If you want to properly enjoy Korea’s beauty, please pay attention from now on!
Spring: Season When Life’s Energy Awakens (March ~ May)
Spring is a time when life awakened from winter sleep stretches. Warm weather continues nationwide, and nature that shrank during winter begins to show off brilliant colors.
Spring’s Charm
- Flower Festival: Various spring flowers like cherry blossoms, forsythia, and azaleas cover the nation. Especially cherry blossom spots are crowded with visitors at spring’s peak.
- Mild Weather: With average temperatures between 10 and 20 degrees, it’s the best weather for outdoor activities. Neither too hot nor too cold, incomparably good for traveling.
- New Beginnings: A time overflowing with vibrant energy as new school years and new semesters begin.
Spring Travel Tips
Recommended Travel Destinations:
- Seoul: You can enjoy spring flowers along with palaces like Yeouido cherry blossom road, Gyeongbokgung, and Changdeokgung.
- Jinhae: Where Korea’s largest cherry blossom festival, Gunhangje, is held, where you can experience cherry blossom tunnels.
- Gyeongju: You can enjoy history and nature by touring Silla Dynasty historical sites like Cheomseongdae and Bulguksa along with cherry blossoms.
- Jeju Island: The scenery where canola flowers and cherry blossoms blend is beautiful.
Recommended Activities:
- Flower Viewing: Participate in spring flower festivals like cherry blossoms, forsythia, and azaleas, or walk beautiful flower roads.
- Hiking/Trekking: Feel spring’s atmosphere by walking mountains or trails using mild weather.
- Outdoor Picnics: Enjoy leisurely picnics in parks or riversides.
Clothing: It’s good to prepare thin long-sleeved clothes and jeans during the day, and light outerwear or cardigans in the evening. Since temperature differences are large, pack clothes you can layer.
Precautions: Prepare masks in preparation for spring yellow dust or fine dust, and if you have pollen allergies, it’s good to pack medicine in advance.
Summer: Season of Hot Passion and Freshness (June ~ August)
Summer is the season when full-scale heat begins. However, it’s also a time accompanied by passion as hot as the heat, green nature, and various festivals.
Summer’s Charm
- Fresh Greenery: The entire nation is covered with deep green foliage, overflowing with vitality.
- Various Festivals: Exciting festivals like beach festivals, water play festivals, and music festivals are held everywhere.
- Cool Vacation: There are various choices to cool the heat such as seas, valleys, and water parks.
Summer Travel Tips
Recommended Travel Destinations:
- Beaches: You can enjoy water play at beautiful beaches like Busan Haeundae, Gangneung Gyeongpo, and Jeju Hyeopjae.
- Valleys: You can escape the heat in cool valleys like Hongcheon in Gangwon-do and Gapyeong in Gyeonggi-do.
- Islands: If you want to spend a special vacation with the blue sea, besides Jeju Island, we recommend Tongyeong, Geoje, and Ulleungdo.
- Water Parks: You can enjoy thrilling water play at large-scale water parks like Caribbean Bay and Ocean World.
Recommended Activities:
- Water Play: Enjoy cool summer at seas, valleys, and water parks.
- Summer Festival Participation: Participate in various summer festivals held by region and have enjoyable times.
- Night Market: Enjoy various food and sights while receiving cool evening breezes.
Clothing: Prepare summer clothing like cool short sleeves, shorts, and sandals. Since sunlight is strong, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential. Since indoor air conditioning can be strong, it’s good to pack one thin long-sleeved garment.
Precautions: Sufficient water intake and rest are important to prevent sunstroke and heatstroke from strong sunlight. Also, you should prepare for sudden heavy rain or typhoons in summer.
Fall: Season of Romance and Abundance (September ~ November)
Fall is counted as one of Korea’s most beautiful seasons. Along with cool weather, enchanting autumn foliage reaches its peak, and you can feel the joy of abundant harvest.
Fall’s Charm
- Enchanting Autumn Foliage: Autumn foliage at famous mountains nationwide like Seoraksan and Naejangsan is the highlight of fall travel.
- Cool Weather: With average temperatures between 10 and 20 degrees, incomparably pleasant for outdoor activities and travel.
- Abundant Food: You can taste delicious fall foods like seasonal fruits and fresh grains.
- Cultural Events: Various cultural events such as fairs, exhibitions, and performances are held.
Fall Travel Tips
Recommended Travel Destinations:
- Famous Autumn Foliage Mountains: Appreciate beautiful autumn foliage at famous mountains nationwide like Seoraksan, Naejangsan, Jirisan, and Bukhansan.
- Palaces: The harmony of autumn foliage with palaces like Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Deoksugung presents deep elegance.
- Traditional Villages: You can feel the serene fall atmosphere at Bukchon Hanok Village, Jeonju Hanok Village, etc.
- Festivals: Silver grass festivals, reed festivals, and various regional specialty festivals are held.
Recommended Activities:
- Autumn Foliage Viewing: Visit autumn foliage spots to enjoy beautiful nature.
- Hiking/Trekking: Enjoy fall mountain hiking in pleasant weather.
- Fall Festival Participation: Share abundance and joy at regional fall festivals.
- Stargazing: Appreciate the night sky at star observation spots on clear and cool fall nights.
Clothing: It’s good to prepare shirts or thin knits during the day, and jumpers or light coats in the evening. Since temperature differences are large, prepare to dress warmly.
Precautions: During autumn foliage season, popular spots can be crowded, so consider making reservations in advance or visiting on weekdays. Also, you should be careful of safety during mountain hiking.
Winter: Season Where Quietness and Warmth Coexist (December ~ February)
Winter is a season where you can feel warm affection even in the cold. Scenery covered in white snow is peaceful, and winter activities enjoyed indoors present special joy.
Winter’s Charm
- White Snow Scenery: Mountains and cities covered in snow create peaceful and beautiful landscapes.
- Various Winter Sports: You can enjoy winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and sledding.
- Warm Indoor Activities: You can spend leisurely time at warm cafes, art museums, museums, etc.
- Christmas and Year-End Atmosphere: Streets shine with gorgeous lighting along with the excited atmosphere of the year-end season.
Winter Travel Tips
Recommended Travel Destinations:
- Ski Resorts: Enjoy winter sports at famous ski resorts nationwide like Pyeongchang, Yongpyong, and Phoenix in Gangwon-do.
- Snow Flower Famous Mountains: Visit mountains with beautiful snow flowers like Seoraksan and Deogyusan to feel winter mountain hiking’s charm.
- Hot Springs: You can relieve fatigue at warm hot springs that melt cold weather.
- Ice Festivals: Enjoy winter theme festivals like Hwacheon Sancheoneo (Mountain Trout) Festival and Hongcheon River Kkongkkong Festival.
- Cities: Enjoy city winter atmosphere like Christmas markets and year-end sales.
Recommended Activities:
- Winter Sports: Enjoy winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and sledding.
- Hot Spring Bathing: Melt body and mind in warm hot springs.
- Ice Fishing: Have special experiences at winter festivals.
- Warm Indoor Cultural Life: Enjoy cultural life through art museums, museums, performance viewing, etc.
- Enjoying Warm Food: Taste winter delicacies like hot soup dishes, steamed buns, and fish-shaped pastries.
Clothing: You must thoroughly prepare cold weather gear like thick padding, warm knits, scarves, gloves, and hats. It’s good to wear shoes with anti-slip functions.
Precautions: Be careful not to slip on icy roads, and pay attention to maintaining body temperature to avoid frostbite during long-term outdoor activities. Also, you should prepare for possible traffic control due to heavy snow.
Korea’s Four Seasons, Which Travel is Right for Me?
Korea’s four seasons each have different charms, so you can have special experiences in whichever season you visit. Choose the best season according to your preferences and purposes.
- If you want active and vibrant travel: Summer (sea, valley, festivals)
- If you want to enjoy beautiful nature and romance: Fall (autumn foliage, cool weather)
- If you prefer warm and peaceful atmosphere: Winter (snow, skiing, hot springs)
- If you like bright and exciting atmosphere: Spring (flowers, mild weather)
Conclusion
Korea’s four seasons await you with different colors and charms. From spring’s brightness, summer’s vitality, fall’s romance, to winter’s quietness. Refer to the tips provided in this article to make your Korea travel plans even richer.
- Before traveling, check each season’s weather and major festival information in advance.
- Thoroughly pack clothing and preparations appropriate for the season.
- If you decide travel destinations and activities you want to do in advance, you can have more fulfilling travel.
Now it’s time to embark on your special Korea travel!
