If you're wondering what the best time to visit South Korea is, the country changes with each season, offering a new experience every time. One month you’re walking under cherry blossoms, and a few months later you’re surrounded by golden autumn leaves. That’s why figuring out the best time to visit South Korea can make a huge difference in your trip!
Best Time to Visit South Korea
🌸 Spring (March–May)
Cherry blossoms frame a historic palace during spring in South Korea
Spring is often considered the best season to visit Korea, especially for first-time travelers. The weather is cool but comfortable, flowers bloom across the country, and outdoor sightseeing becomes a joy instead of a chore. March starts a bit chilly, but April and May bring sunny days that are perfect for walking tours and café hopping.
This is also the most popular time for cherry blossoms. You can walk around parks, riversides, and historic sites that turn pink almost overnight. Spring trips are super refreshing and fun, making it a great time to check out South Korea if you're into nature and photography.
One popular spring escape is a day trip to Nami Island, which you can easily plan through this Nami Island and Garden of Morning Calm Tour.
Klook Tip: Book early during cherry blossom season, especially in April, as hotels fill up fast. Pack light layers to stay comfortable as temperatures change throughout the day.
🌿 Early Summer (June)
Lush summer scenery at a historic Korean palace surrounded by mountains | Photo from Winged Jedi on Unsplash
June is one of South Korea’s most underrated months. The weather is warm but not overly humid, and the heavy summer rains haven’t arrived yet. Nature looks lush and green, and popular spots feel less crowded compared to July and August.
If you’re searching for the best time to travel to Korea with fewer tourists and better hotel deals, June is a smart pick. You still get long daylight hours, making it easy to pack more sightseeing into each day, especially when getting around is simple with the AREX Airport Express Train, which takes you straight from Incheon Airport to central Seoul.
This is also a great time to explore the capital comfortably. Walking around neighborhoods like Hongdae or Insadong feels relaxed and enjoyable during this time, without the rush of peak summer crowds.
Klook Tip: Dress in light, breathable layers and kick-start your trip with the AREX Airport Express Train for a smooth, time-saving ride into Seoul. Pair it with the Seoul Discovery Pass to enjoy easy access to top attractions while exploring the city during cooler mornings and evenings.
☀️ Summer (July–August)
N Seoul Tower surrounded by green hills in early summer
Summer in South Korea is hot, lively, and full of energy. July and August bring higher temperatures and humidity, but they also come with festivals, beach trips, and late-night city life. Coastal cities like Busan shine during summer, while Seoul stays active with night markets and rooftop cafés.
This season may not be the best time to visit South Korea for everyone, but if you love vibrant crowds and cultural events, it can be incredibly fun. Just plan indoor activities during the hottest hours and enjoy evenings outdoors.
One great summer-friendly activity is heading up to N Seoul Tower, where you can enjoy cooler breezes and panoramic views of the city after sunset. Summer is also a good time to explore museums, shopping districts, and air-conditioned attractions. For easy access, book your N Seoul Tower tickets through Klook! You can also use the Klook Pass Seoul to bundle popular attractions and explore the city at your own pace.
Klook Tip: Beat the heat by planning indoor attractions during the day, then head out after sunset to enjoy night markets and city views. Stay refreshed by carrying water and keeping a small umbrella handy for sudden summer showers.
🍁 Autumn (September–November)
Autumn colors light up a peaceful park in South Korea
Many travelers agree that autumn is the best time to visit South Korea overall. The weather is cool and dry, the skies are clear, and the fall foliage is breathtaking. Mountains, palaces, and city streets glow with shades of red, orange, and gold.
October is often named the best month to visit Korea because it offers the best balance of scenery and comfort. It’s ideal for hiking, cultural festivals, and exploring historic sites without breaking a sweat.
Autumn is also a fantastic time for multi-city trips. With efficient trains and pleasant weather, traveling between Seoul, Busan, and other regions feels effortless.
Klook Tip: Plan your trip in October for cool weather and beautiful fall colors across the country. Make sure to bring a light jacket for cooler evenings, especially when hiking or moving between cities.
❄️ Winter (December–February)
Snowy ski resort scene showcasing winter travel in South Korea
Winter is the coldest season in Korea, but it comes with unique rewards. Cozy snow-covered scenes, festive lights, and street food attract travelers as ski resorts open nationwide. For an easy snow escape, the Jisan Forest Winter Day Tour from Seoul is a great option, offering a fun and hassle-free way to enjoy skiing without planning transport on your own.
Surprisingly, it is also the most budget-friendly season to travel! If you’re watching your spending, this can be the best time to visit South Korea for lower airfare and hotel prices, while still enjoying rich cultural experiences, especially in cities like Seoul, where indoor attractions and seasonal events shine.
Klook Tip: Layer up to stay warm and balance your itinerary with cozy indoor attractions. Enjoy lower travel costs and make the most of winter-only festivals and seasonal comfort food.
FAQs about best time to visit South Korea
Which month is best to visit South Korea?
October is generally considered the best month thanks to cool temperatures and stunning autumn foliage. April is another favorite due to cherry blossom season. Both months showcase Korea at its most beautiful.
What is the cheapest time to go to South Korea?
January and February are usually the cheapest months. Flights and accommodations are more affordable, making winter ideal for budget travelers who don’t mind the cold.
How many days in South Korea is enough?
Seven to ten days is perfect for a first trip. This allows time to explore Seoul, enjoy a day trip, and visit at least one other city without rushing.
Which season is the most beautiful in Korea?
Spring and autumn are equally beautiful in different ways. Spring offers soft cherry blossoms, while autumn delivers dramatic fall colors and clear skies.
What month is the cherry blossom in Korea?
Cherry blossoms typically bloom from late March to early April. Bloom dates vary slightly by region and weather conditions each year.
Find your season and plan your adventure!
There’s really no bad time to visit, but the best time to visit South Korea depends on what you want to experience. Even if you’re chasing flowers, festivals, fall colors, or savings, there’s a perfect season waiting for you!
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
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