The Best Time to Visit South Korea?
If you ask a guidebook when to visit Korea, it will always say the same thing: "Spring and Autumn."
And sure, the weather is perfect then. But numbers on a thermometer don’t tell the whole story. I have lived in Korea my entire life. I have walked these streets in every weather imaginable. I know the specific smell of the air when winter turns to spring, and the noisy energy of a summer night by the river.
Travel isn’t just about temperature. It’s about the mood. It’s about whether you want to see the pink flowers, or if you prefer the cozy feeling of eating hot soup while the wind blows outside. Here is the honest truth about Korea’s four seasons, told by a local.
Spring (April – May)
The Vibe: Beautiful, Busy, and Very Short
Spring in Korea feels like a celebration. After a long, cold winter, everyone is desperate to go outside.
What it really feels like: The best part of spring isn't just the flowers; it's the people. If you visit in April, you will see office workers walking in groups during lunch time, holding iced coffees, taking photos under the cherry blossom trees. Everyone is smiling. There is a happy energy in the air. But be warned: Spring is very short. One day the flowers are there, and a week later, rain washes them away. It teaches us to enjoy the moment.
My Local Notes:
The Good: The world turns pink and yellow. It is incredibly pretty.
The Bad: It can be crowded. Also, some days the air quality isn't great (we call it "Yellow Dust").
My Tip: Don't go to the famous spots like Yeouido Park on weekends. It’s too crowded. Instead, walk around a university campus on a Tuesday morning. It’s just as beautiful and much quieter.
Summer (June – August)
The Vibe: Hot, Sticky, but Full of Life
I won’t lie to you—Korean summers are tough. It is hot, and the humidity is high. It feels like a sauna. But this is also the most energetic time of the year. I was born in the middle of summer, and maybe that’s why I love this season so much. Even when it’s so hot that you feel like you're melting, there is something about the Korean summer that feels incredibly alive.
What it really feels like: Because the day is so hot, the city comes alive at night. My favorite summer memory is sitting by the Han River at 9 PM. The heat breaks a little, there is a cool breeze, and people are eating fried chicken and drinking beer on picnic mats. Also, when the heavy rain (Monsoon season) comes in July, stepping into a cool, dry cafe with a good book is the coziest feeling in the world.
My Local Notes:
The Good: Everything is green. The cafes and malls have amazing air conditioning. Bingsu (shaved ice) tastes like heaven.
The Bad: You will sweat. A lot. July has a lot of rain.
My Tip: Do like the locals do—carry a small handheld fan. You can buy them at any convenience store for a few dollars. It is a lifesaver.
Autumn (September – November)
The Vibe: Perfect Sky, Crispy Air, and Nostalgia
This is my personal favorite season. We have a saying in Korea: "The sky is high and the horses get fat." It means the weather is perfect and the food is delicious.
What it really feels like: One morning in September, you will wake up and realize the humidity is gone. The air feels crisp and dry. Walking in autumn is a joy. You can walk 20,000 steps and not feel tired. The mountains turn red and orange, and the smell of roasting chestnuts is on the street corners. It feels a little romantic, and a little nostalgic.
My Local Notes:
The Good: The weather is perfect. Not too hot, not too cold. The photos you take will look amazing because the sky is so blue.
The Bad: Everyone knows it’s the best season, so flight tickets and hotels are more expensive.
My Tip: Pack a light jacket. The days are warm, but it gets chilly as soon as the sun goes down.
Winter (December – March)
The Vibe: Cold Hands, Warm Floors
Korean winter is sharp. It’s not the wet, grey cold of London. It is a dry, freezing cold with bright blue skies.
What it really feels like: There is a special magic to Korean winter called 온돌 Ondol. It is our traditional floor heating system. There is nothing better than coming in from the freezing cold, taking off your shoes, and feeling the heat rise from the floor into your feet. It melts your stress away. Also, street food tastes 10 times better in winter. Standing at a stall eating a hot 호떡 Hotteok (sweet pancake) while seeing your breath in the air? That is a core Korean memory.
My Local Notes:
The Good: There are fewer tourists. It’s quiet. You can see the palaces covered in snow.
The Bad: It is really freezing. You need a proper coat and gloves.
My Tip: Don't worry about looking stylish. Bring your thickest coat (we wear "Long Puffer" coats that go down to our knees). And bring good moisturizer—the air is very dry.
So, When Should You Come?
Forget the statistics for a second. Think about what you like:
If you love walking and history: Come in October. The weather is your best friend.
If you love photos and romance: Come in early April. The flowers are waiting for you.
If you want to shop and cafe-hop: Come in Summer. The AC is cold and the sales are good.
If you want a quiet, cozy trip: Come in January or February. Enjoy the warm floors and hot soup.
Every season has its own charm. The most important thing is that you are coming.
If you are ready to plan your trip, check out our Goodmate Original Tours. We know exactly where to go in every season to make sure you have the best experience possible.
