Bursting with cherry blossoms and vibrant landscapes, the mild spring months are a colourful and pleasant time to explore Korea.
As the winter chill fades away, Korea welcomes spring with a burst of colour and energy. Starting in late March, the country’s beloved cherry blossoms begin to appear, transforming the landscapes into various shades of pink.
Spring is a time of mild temperatures and lush green landscapes, making it the perfect season for outdoor pursuits. It is also a time of festivals, providing guests with the opportunity to see and experience more aspects of Korean culture.
April is one of the busiest months in Korea, as tourists flock to the country to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom. By May, the crowds thin out a bit before picking up again in June.
Read on to learn about visiting Korea in spring.
Thanks to mild temperatures, vibrant landscapes and clear skies, spring is the most popular season to visit Korea.
Spring Weather in Korea:
Spring in Korea, spanning from March to May, is marked by a significant warming trend. The season starts with crisp mornings and evenings, gradually transforming into pleasantly warm days.
Average temperatures range from 10°C to 18°C (50-65°F), but it’s wise to pack layers for cooler mornings and evenings. During the spring, occasional showers bring the landscapes to life however the rains are rarely long or heavy enough to disrupt a day of sightseeing. An umbrella or raincoat is recommended during this time of year.
Thanks to mild temperatures, vibrant landscapes and clear skies, spring is the most popular season to visit Korea.
Spring is a great season to be outdoors in Korea, for sightseeing as well as active pursuits.
Spring destination highlights
With warmer temperatures and vibrant landscapes, spring is a great season to be outdoors in Korea, for sightseeing as well as active pursuits.
Seoul and Busan are particularly photogenic in spring, when famous landmarks are surrounded by vivid cherry blossoms. Many Korean towns hold cherry blossom festivals to herald this beautiful time of year, with the celebrations in Gyeongju and Seoul being among the most interesting for tourists. (See below for a list of the best festivals)
In Spring, trekkers should head to Seoraksan National Park and Jeju Island, where pleasant temperatures and lush landscapes create perfect conditions for hikes.
Korean food relies heavily on fresh, local ingredients and spring is a time of abundant delicacies.
Spring culinary delights:
Korean food relies heavily on fresh, local ingredients and spring is a time of abundant delicacies. Among the highlights are:
Seafood: In early spring, March and April, king crab and octopus are at their most bountiful. King Crab is usually served steamed while octopus is often seared alongside pork belly, rice cakes, vegetables and a spicy sauce.
Hwajoen: This traditional Korean dessert consists of glutinous rice flour pancakes topped with edible, seasonal flowers and honey.
Strawberries: Early spring signals the start of strawberry season and they are added to a wide array of dishes, from waffles to ice cream, shaved ice and more.
Wild vegetables: Edible greens grow in abundance in the spring and are often served as side dishes, dipped in a brown rice vinegar sauce.
Festivals throughout the country celebrate the cherry blossoms and their burst of colour.
Festivals & Cherry Blossom viewing:
No springtime visit to Korea would be complete without viewing the cherry blossoms. Festivals throughout the country celebrate this burst of colour- here are some of the most popular:
Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival, Jinhae: The largest cherry blossom festival in South Korea features thousands of cherry trees in peak bloom. The festival is held in honour of a famous Korean military hero, Admiral Yi Sun-Shin, and parades and other events are held to commemorate the naval history of the city.
Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival, Seoul: One of the most popular spots to view cherry blossoms in Seoul, Seokchon Lake reflects the blossoms of more than 1000 tress that line its shores. The festival also includes cultural performances and art installations.
Yeouido ( Lotus Lantern) Festival, Seoul: This festival celebrates the birth of Buddha with street performances, the hanging of colourful lanterns across the city and a lantern parade- and, of course, cherry blossoms.
Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival, Gangondo: During the spring, Gyeongpo Lake- located on Korea’s eastern coast- is a popular place for cherry blossom viewing. The lake’s 4.3-km path is lined with beautiful blooming cherry trees and vendors selling local delicacies.
Korea is a year-round destination, offering diverse travel experiences tailored to each season.
Summer (June to August) offers verdant landscapes and the opportunity for soaking in the sun on Busan’s shores. Come Autumn (Sept to Nov), the leaves begin to change, painting landscapes with vibrant foliage that form an ideal backdrop for trekking and other outdoor pursuits. Winters (Dec to Feb) transform Korea into a snowy retreat, with mountain resorts beckoning skiiers and snowboarders to their powdery slopes.
Check out more of our tips for visiting by clicking here.
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