Korea by season: cherry blossoms, monsoon, autumn leaves and snow
What each season in Korea is really like, the best months for travel and outdoor work, and the holidays when everything books out.
Korea has four very different seasons. On a working holiday you’ll probably see all of them, so it helps to plan your travel and your jobs around the weather.
At a glance
| Season | Months | Weather | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | April – May | Mild, sunny, some yellow dust | Cherry blossoms, hiking, city walks |
| Summer | June – August | Hot, humid, rainy season | Beaches, Jeju, cool indoor cafés |
| Autumn | September – November | Clear, dry, cool | Autumn leaves, hiking, festivals |
| Winter | December – February | Cold, dry, some snow | Skiing, hot springs, cheap travel |
Spring (April – May)
- Cherry blossoms arrive first in the south. Jeju and Busan usually bloom in late March to early April, Seoul in early to mid April. They only last about a week, so watch the forecast.
- March can still be cold. Pack a warm layer until May.
- Yellow dust and fine dust (미세먼지) can be bad on some spring days. Check the air quality in your weather app, and wear a KF94 mask on bad days.
Summer (June – August)
- Rainy season (장마, “jangma”) usually runs from late June to late July. Expect several days of heavy rain in a row.
- August is hot and humid, often above 30°C. Air conditioning is everywhere, but outdoor work is tiring.
- Typhoons can hit the south and Jeju in late summer. Ferries and flights to Jeju may be cancelled.
- Beaches open around July. Busan’s Haeundae and Gwangalli get very busy.
Autumn (September – November)
Many people say autumn is the best season in Korea.
- Skies are clear and the air is dry and cool.
- Autumn leaves start in the north and the mountains in early to mid October and reach Seoul and the south by late October to early November.
- It’s peak hiking season. Popular national parks get crowded on weekends, so go on a weekday if you can.
Winter (December – February)
- Seoul regularly drops below –10°C in January, with a cold wind. Buy a long padded coat (롱패딩). Everyone has one.
- Ski season runs from about December to March in Gangwon-do. It’s also the busiest time for ski resort jobs. See Seasonal jobs.
- Winter is quieter and often cheaper for travel, except around the holidays.
Holidays to plan around
Two holidays follow the lunar calendar, so the dates change every year:
- Seollal (Lunar New Year), in January or February
- Chuseok (harvest festival), in September or October
Each lasts about three days. Millions of people travel to their family homes, so trains and buses sell out weeks ahead and roads are jammed. Big cities get quiet and some small shops and restaurants close. If you want to travel then, book KTX tickets as soon as they go on sale. See Getting around Korea.