What's the best time of year to visit Korea?

ETA portal | Updated on 2024-07-31

What's the best time of year to visit Korea? Korea has four distinct seasons, each with its own unique characteristics and beauty. ETAPORTAL is your go-to for the best Korean travel destinations to enjoy spring, summer, fall, and winter!


Spring (March to May)

Spring is when nature in Korea comes alive again. Temperatures rise, the cold melts, and flowers bloom everywhere, especially in April when cherry blossoms are in full bloom, turning the entire country pink. In spring, the weather warms up and people enjoy outdoor activities like spring flower festivals.

 

The Jinhae Gunhang Festival in Spring : The Cherry Blossoms Along the Railroad

The Jinhae Gunhang Festival is a local cherry blossom festival held every spring in Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do. This festival is held at the same time as the cherry blossom season in the Jinhae area, and it's the largest cherry blossom festival in Korea. When 360,000 king cherry trees bloom at once, the whole city turns pink. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom along the riverside and railroad during the festival, creating a spectacular sight for visitors. At night, the lights are turned on, and the night view from the observatory is particularly impressive. Jinhae is home to the Republic of Korea Navy, and the military band and honor guard of the Republic of Korea Navy and Marine Corps take part in the festival, putting on a great parade and performances. There are also various experience programs and local specialty markets to keep visitors entertained.

Cherry blossom along the railway line

 

Seokchon Lake in Jamsil in Spring : The Cherry Blossom Festival in Seoul

The Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival is a springtime event held every year at Seokchon Lake in Songpa-gu, Seoul. It's a great cherry blossom festival in downtown Seoul. You can enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom along the road surrounding the lake. Seokchon Lake is a lake in downtown Seoul, and there's a 2.5km walking trail around it. In the spring, the cherry blossom trees planted along the walking trail bloom, creating a tunnel of cherry blossoms that is a truly spectacular sight. The cherry blossoms along the lake are a great way to appreciate nature in the city. There are lots of cultural events, including music, performances, and exhibitions, as well as food and experience booths that you can enjoy with your family, friends, and loved ones. During the festival, they put lights on the cherry blossom trees and sculptures around the lake, which makes the night view different from the daytime. The illuminated cherry blossoms create a truly magical atmosphere, and many people visit in the evening to enjoy the night view.

Cherry blossoms in full bloom at Seokchon Lake Park in Seoul


Summer (June to August)

Summer is when it's hot and humid. There's a rainy season between July and August. Stay indoors to avoid rain or check the weather forecast before going out. During the summer, we suggest you enjoy some water sports on Korea's beaches and rivers or relax indoors in the cool air conditioning.

 

Haeundae Beach and Gwangandaegyo Bridge in Busan in Summer : An Unforgettable Summer Beach Trip

Haeundae Beach is Busan's go-to spot for clear blue water and white sand. In the summer, you can enjoy sunbathing in the warm sunlight or cool off by jumping into the sea. There are also plenty of water sports and amusement rides along the beach, making it a great place to enjoy some thrills. Haeundae has lots more to offer than just the beach. Dongbaek Island, located along the beach, is a great place to take a walk and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery. You can also take a cable car at Haeundae Blue Line Park and enjoy the beautiful ocean scenery while moving along the coastline.

Gwangandaegyo Bridge, Busan's most well-known landmark, is particularly beautiful at night. The calm sea under the bridge, the high-rise buildings of Haeundae in the distance, and the city lights create a wonderful scene. On a clear night, the lights reflected on the sea are especially beautiful. The night view of Gwangandaegyo Bridge is a must-see when you're in Busan. It offers a unique experience that combines the excitement of the city with the calm of the sea. You've got to experience the incredible night view from Gwangan Bridge, which really lights up Busan at night.

Night view of Gwangandaegyo Bridge in Busan

 

Caribbean Bay  in the summertime : A Great Way to Beat the Heat

Caribbean Bay is a one-of-a-kind water park with a pirate and Caribbean theme. Some of the main attractions are the wave pool, water slides, and lazy river. The large water slides, such as Mega Storm, are a big hit with thrill-seekers. There's also a kids' pool and a children's play area for families, and we always have life jackets and lifeguards on hand to make sure everyone's safe. The water park also has comfortable shelters and rest areas for the whole family to enjoy. Caribbean Bay is a great place to have fun in the water and relax in an exotic atmosphere. It's perfect for spending a special day away from the city with family, friends, or loved ones.

People sliding down the waterslide at the water park

 

Naengmyeon and Bingsu : Summer delicacies and sweet desserts

Naengmyeon, with its refreshing broth and chewy noodles, is a popular summer menu item. A bowl of naengmyeon is a great way to cool down and get your appetite going on a hot day. Bingsu is a summer dessert made from shaved ice, and you can find a lot of different flavors of bingsu at cafes and dessert shops. Naengmyeon and bingsu are two classic summer foods in Korea. They're perfect for enjoying the season with their refreshing taste and coolness. If you're looking for a way to cool down on a hot summer day, we suggest trying refreshing naengmyeon and sweet bingsu.

Shaved ice topped with strawberry and vanilla ice cream


Fall (September to November)

Autumn is a gorgeous season with cool weather, clear blue skies, and the peak of fall foliage. It's a great time to enjoy the fall foliage as the mountains and forests turn red, yellow, and orange.

 

Nami Island in Autumn : A Place of Maple Leaves and Romance

Nami Island is a gorgeous spot located on the border of Gapyeong-gun and Chuncheon-si in Gyeonggi-do. It has a lot to offer, and it looks different throughout the year. In particular, the red and yellow maple leaves create a spectacular view in the fall. Nami Island is the perfect place to enjoy autumn for those looking for a romantic atmosphere and beautiful natural scenery. In the fall, the maple, ginkgo, and metasequoia trees on Nami Island turn red and yellow, creating a beautiful display of colors throughout the island. As you explore the island, you'll find walking paths and gardens adorned with vibrant maple leaves, offering plenty of photo ops. If you're looking to take in some of the island's most impressive fall foliage, the Milky Way Road and Metasequoia Road are the places to go. They're also great spots to enjoy the changing autumn atmosphere. You can explore Nami Island on foot, but it's probably easier to rent a bicycle or electric scooter. There's nothing quite like riding a bike or electric kickboard through the streets covered in autumn leaves for a unique autumn travel experience. Nami Island in the fall is the ideal spot to soak in the romantic ambiance as the autumn leaves transform the landscape. The great outdoors, art, and a whole range of experiences come together to create special memories with your family, friends, and loved ones. The autumn scenery of Nami Island will leave you with some great memories.

Autumn park scenery

 

Gyeongbokgung Palace in Autumn : A Harmony of Tradition and Nature

Autumn is a special time to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. It's a great place to experience Korean tradition and the beauty of nature. Gyeongbokgung Palace is a Joseon Dynasty palace with a lot of historical significance and architectural beauty. The autumn leaves really add to the tranquil atmosphere of the palace. In the fall, the yellow leaves of maple and ginkgo trees create a beautiful landscape throughout Gyeongbokgung Palace. Some of the most notable spots include the ginkgo tree-lined street in front of Geunjeongjeon Hall and the pavilion at Hyangwonjeong Pavilion. The palace, all aglow with autumn leaves, is a sight that visitors will remember for a long time. If you're looking for something different, the night view of Gyeongbokgung Palace is also a must-see in autumn. In the fall, the palace is often open at night, so you can enjoy a romantic autumn night with the palace lit up. The peaceful atmosphere of the palace and the colors of the autumn leaves offer a chance to appreciate the essence of traditional Korean beauty. Take a one-of-a-kind autumn trip and experience history, culture, and nature all at once.

Gyeongbokgung Palace with fall foliage


Winter (December to February)

Winter is all about cold, dry weather and frequent snowfall. Winter in Korea is especially gorgeous with snowy landscapes, which is why so many people head to the mountains to enjoy winter sports. Skiing and snowboarding are two of the most popular winter activities.

 

Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do in Winter : A Heaven for Snow Fun and Winter Sports

When winter comes around, Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do, becomes a popular travel spot for its gorgeous snowy views and a variety of winter sports. Pyeongchang shot to world-famous status as the host of the 2018 Winter Olympics. It's the ideal travel spot for winter sports fans, thanks to its numerous modern and well-equipped ski resorts. Pyeongchang's ski resorts have great snow, lots of different slopes, and all the amenities you could need, whatever type of skier or snowboarder you are. Pyeongchang's ski resorts also offer a range of other winter activities on top of skiing and snowboarding. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, including sledding, snow tubing, and cross-country skiing, suitable for people of all ages and abilities. There are also plenty of other winter nature experiences off the slopes, such as snowshoeing and ice fishing. Pyeongchang is the ideal winter travel destination, offering stunning snow-covered landscapes and a wide range of winter sports. Make some special memories with your family, friends, or loved ones while you enjoy some winter activities like skiing and snowboarding in the beautiful snowy scenery. Pyeongchang's gorgeous winter scenery and wide range of experiences will make your winter even more special.

Person snowboarding at ski resort

 

Jeju Island Sanbangsan Carbonated Hot Springs in Winter : A Time of Warm and Comfortable Rest

Sanbangsan Carbonated Hot Springs is the perfect place to relax and unwind in the winter on Jeju Island. Sanbangsan Carbonated Hot Springs, located in Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, has gorgeous natural scenery and a one-of-a-kind natural carbonated water, making it the perfect place to relax and recharge in the winter. What really sets Sanbangsan Carbonated Hot Springs apart is that it's natural carbonated water. The hot spring water contains a lot of carbonic acid, which gives your skin a unique feeling of fine bubbles when you touch it. These carbonated hot springs are great for soothing the skin, improving blood circulation, and relieving fatigue. Sanbangsan Carbonated Hot Springs has a range of facilities, including indoor and outdoor hot springs, as well as private hot springs for families. The open-air hot springs are a big draw because you can enjoy an open-air bath in a natural setting. There are also saunas and steam rooms inside the hot springs, so you can experience the hot springs in different ways. As well as the hot springs, you can also enjoy a range of spa programmes and massage services. Professional spas and massages are a great way to relieve fatigue and recharge your body and mind. These services are a great way to relax, especially when combined with a hot spring bath. They're a big hit with our visitors. We hope you enjoy your time on Jeju Island, and that you'll find a warm hot spring bath a great way to warm up on these cold winter days.

Woman relaxing by a swimming pool

 

Hotteok, Roasted Sweet Potato, Bungeoppang : Sweet snacks for winter

Korean winter street food is a big hit for its sweet and savory taste and warmth. Some of the most popular winter snacks in Korea are Hotteok, Roasted Sweet Potato, and Bungeoppang. They have a unique taste and flavor that makes Korean winters even more special. Hotteok is a Korean pancake made with flour, sugar, honey, cinnamon, and nuts, and fried in oil until golden brown. The sweet filling melts in the oil, and when you take a bite of the pancake, the sweet and fragrant cinnamon flavor fills your mouth. Roasted Sweet Potato is a sweet potato that is baked with its skin on and eaten warm. When baked, the skin slightly bursts, revealing the soft and sweet flesh inside. Bungeoppang is loved for its cute fish-shaped shape and sweet red bean paste flavor. Take a bite and the sweet and soft red bean paste will fill your mouth, and will give you a sweet flavor. Try these snacks that will make your Korean winter more enjoyable and warm, and create special winter memories.

People enjoying street food


Korea's four seasons each have their own unique charms and activities, offering a chance to experience different scenery and cultures with each season. Which season in Korea do you enjoy the most? Apply for KETA at ETAPORTAL and come enjoy the seasons in Korea!

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