The Best Seasons to Travel to South Korea: Part 2: Spring

Last fall I posed the question: what’s the best time of year to travel to South Korea? And I quickly canceled out June/July because it’s the monsoon season and July-September because they’re disgustingly humid and hot, and it’s frigidly freezing in January and February. That pretty much just leaves autumn, from Oct through Dec…and spring, from March through June.

Spring is one of the most magical times to visit South Korea. As the chill of winter fades, the country transforms into a pastel wonderland of cherry blossoms, plum blooms, golden forsythia and lush climbing roses. Parks, palace grounds, and even city sidewalks burst into color, making every stroll feel like you’re walking through a painting.

The season typically stretches from late March through June, offering ideal weather…not too hot or humid…which makes sightseeing and photography a pleasure. It’s the perfect time for exploring outdoor landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace, the hanok villages, or the fortress walls of Suwon. You’ll also find plenty of spring festivals, especially cherry blossom celebrations in places like Jinhae, Seoul’s Yeouido Park, or Gyeongju.

Autumn might tie with spring for best season, thanks to its vivid foliage, but spring holds a certain kind of soft, fleeting beauty that feels especially Korean…graceful, hopeful, and full of life.

In addition to nature bursting into bloom, mild spring evenings invite locals and tourists to enjoy sidewalk pojang machas (tent bars) in the city,  offering hot street food and cold beer or soju under plastic canopies. There’s something so exquisitely joyful about eating spicy tteokbokki or marinated, grilled skewers at a plastic table while spring breezes carry laughter and music through the streets.

And throughout the month of May, the country glows with bright paper lanterns in celebration of Buddha’s birthday. Temples, streets, and neighborhoods are strung with thousands of colorful lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere. The highlight is the Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul, where floats, dancers, and light displays honor peace, compassion, and renewal, perfect themes for spring. Hopefully next time I’m in Korea in the spring (maybe…2027?) I’ll be able to see that.

If you’re planning a visit, really consider coming in spring. It’s a season that truly captures the heart of Korea.

More springy pictures…

Happy Travels!