Overview of South Korea
Explore the diversity of South Korea, from ultra-modern technology to ancient Buddhist temples, on a bespoke Hayes & Jarvis holiday planned by our specialists.
Spring – South Korea’s spring season runs from March to May and is celebrated with much pomp and joy. Cherry blossoms decorate the country’s parks, streets, and green spaces from late March to mid-April, making it one of the best seasons to visit South Korea. This is also, expectedly, the peak travel season in the country. Temperatures are typically in the 60s and mid-70s, and conditions are perfect for outdoor adventures and sightseeing.
Summer – Summer in South Korea, which runs from June to August, is a season of high temperatures, often reaching the 80s, and high humidity. It is also the busiest period for domestic travel as locals escape to the beaches. Coastal cities such as Busan and Jeju Island are a beehive of activity as people throng its beaches for respite from the heat. The country also receives the highest amount of rain during this period.
Autumn—The first signs of winter appear by the second half of November. By December, the cold season sets in firmly, and it’s time to dress up in your warmest layers. Temperatures plummet to the single digits or sub-zero, particularly in the northern parts of the country. These conditions continue into the first half of March. The mountains come alive with winter sports enthusiasts heading to the slopes for their share of skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.
Winter – The first signs of winter appear by the second half of November. By December, the cold season sets in firmly, and it’s time to dress up in your warmest layers. Temperatures plummet to the single digits or sub-zero, particularly in the northern parts of the country. These conditions continue into the first half of March. The mountains come alive with winter sports enthusiasts heading to the slopes for their share of skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.
Cherry blossoms – The best time to visit South Korea to experience the magical cherry blossom season is from the end of March to mid-April. The cherry blossoms first begin to appear in the southern parts of the country, such as Busan and Jeju Island, during the last week of March, and move north towards Seoul by the first week of April.
Autumn foliage – While South Korea’s cherry blossom season may steal the spotlight, the autumn season is a hidden gem. The months of October and November unveil a breathtaking palette of fall colours. In Seoul, the Gyeongbokgung Palace and Seoul Forest are the perfect spots to immerse yourself in this natural spectacle.
Sightseeing and outdoor activities—The spring and fall months, from the end of March to May and September to mid-November, are perfect for city tours, temple visits, hiking, and other outdoor activities in South Korea.
Water sports – South Korea’s beaches see the most action from June to August, during the country’s summer season when weather conditions across the rest of the country turn hot and humid. Destinations such as Busan provide plenty of sun, surf, sand, and a host of other activities for a memorable and fun-filled beach vacation.
Winter activities – The mountains, especially in the northern part of the country, come alive during the winter months. If you want to ski or snowboard, the best time to visit South Korea is from December to February. For a quick day trip from Seoul, head to Jisan Ski Resort, a 40-minute drive from the city. If you are looking for world-class slopes, spend a weekend at the Yongpyong Ski Resort, the venue for the 2018 Winter Olympics.
South Korea has four distinct seasons with varying temperatures and weather conditions, so what you pack depends on when you plan to visit.
Packing layers is advisable if you are travelling during the popular spring and fall seasons, as temperatures vary from region to region and also between daytime and nighttime. Whether you are planning on city sightseeing or enjoy exploring the countryside, a pair of good-quality walking shoes is a must when visiting the country.
For a summer trip, pack clothes made of natural fabrics such as linen and cotton to stay comfortable whilst the daytime temperatures and humidity levels are high. Since this period also sees the maximum rainfall, pack an umbrella or good-quality rain jacket.
If you are travelling to South Korea during the winter months, bring your warmest layers, including winter jackets, thermals, gloves, caps, and boots.
Opt for modest clothes that provide good coverage, if a temple visit is part of your South Korea itinerary,
Explore the diversity of South Korea, from ultra-modern technology to ancient Buddhist temples, on a bespoke Hayes & Jarvis holiday planned by our specialists.
Our popular sample itineraries offer a mix of dynamic cities and scenic landscapes and beaches, fascinating cultural destinations and culinary experiences.
From Seoul to Busan and Andong, South Korea is brimming with cultural, culinary and natural treasures that you can plan to discover on your holiday with us.
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