Are you planning a visit to Asia’s gem, South Korea? The country has picturesque scenery and a splendid culture that any travel enthusiast would love to explore. Regardless of the type of tourist you are, whether you’re a nature lover or an adventure junkie, a trip to South Korea will not disappoint. This country has some of the most intriguing places that have exciting activities for all kinds of travellers.
But when should you schedule a trip to South Korea? Which is the best season or time to explore the country to its fullest? Fortunately, there’s always something interesting to experience in South Korea, no matter the time of year.
Climate and Temperature Overview
South Korea is a country that experiences all four seasons and it holds activities that complement each season. You are bound to find a list of exciting activities that will suit your preferences. For instance, adventure junkies can get their blood pumping when they go sky-diving in the summer or have a go at winter sports in one of their many ski resorts.
That said, read on to get a gist of the numerous things to do during each season and figure out which suits you the most.
A Visit to South Korea in Spring (March-May)
Spring is the birth of a new season wherein flora and fauna will bloom once again to greet us after a long chilly season. Savour the scenery whilst witnessing cultural street performances at the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival. Explore Jindo Island’s mysterious pathway that is revealed only once a year, during low tide. Or hop on to one of the many Korean scenic train tours that will bring you to the breathtaking routes and offer experiences unique to each train tour.
Weather-wise, it’s generally pleasant throughout March till May. The temperature for this period can range anywhere from 7 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius. It remains chilly when it first transitions from winter to spring, due to the last cold snaps, but will gradually warm up at the end of March. Even so, the temperature may still drop after sunset, so it’s advisable to bring a light outerwear to keep you warm.
Summer Trip to South Korea (June-August)
Bask in the sun and reward yourself with a chilled drink after a long day. Get a tan at one of Korea’s beautiful beaches such as the Naksan Beach and Hajodae Beach. Apart from the famous Jeju Islands, you can also head down to Ganghwado Island or Ulleungdo Island to experience blissful serenity that only nature can deliver. For those who yearn for something more adventurous, feel the wind in your face when you paraglide or get one of those heart-stopping moments in a white water rafting course. For those who wish to party all night long, have a blast at Korea’s music festivals such as Ultra Music Festival and Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival.
Summer may be the hottest season, but it is also the wettest. Korea receives a majority of its annual rainfall in June till August. In the daytime, the temperature will rise to anywhere between 35 degrees to 40 degrees. Applying sunscreen is highly recommended, and bring an umbrella or poncho everywhere you go, just in case it rains.
Experience Autumn in South Korea (September-November)
The hot and humid summer moves aside to welcome the refreshing autumn season. Displays of stunning shades of orange and red appear as the leaves change colours. Witness this autumn foliage at Korea’s beautiful spots such as the famous Seoraksan, Gyeongju and Naejangsan. Enjoy their Seoul Lantern Festival and witness another mesmerising scenery. Recharge in a temple-stay program held by several South Korean Buddhist temples. Film lovers can now rejoice because the notable Busan International Film Festival is held in October.
Humidity from the summer leaves and the cold snaps return. The temperature is pretty chilly, in the range of low 20 degrees to 10 degrees, especially when transitioning to winter. Thus, outerwear is essential lest you shiver and fall sick during your stay.
Explore the Winter in South Korea (December-February)
Winter is a season that many Singaporeans look forward to, especially since the cold is a direct opposite of the hot and humid weather we have here in Singapore. The cold and snow are not the only things to look forward to when you travel to Korea during this period. Head over to the Annual Pyeongchang Trout Festival to get a taste of freshly caught trout or witness a scenic layout as you ski down one of the highest summits at Deogyusan Ski Resort.
The arrival of winter in South Korea leads to a significant drop in the country’s temperature. Temperature can drop to -6 degrees, and sometimes even below -10 degrees. It’s a haven for those who seek reprieve from Singapore’s weather but bring your coats and scarves to keep your body warm.
So, why wait? Before you travel to Korea, however, be sure to pick up basic Korean words and phrases. Whilst you can navigate fairly easily in the metropolis, it cannot be said the same if you head over to the more rural areas. At Sejong Korean Language School, you can learn basic Korean to make your travels more comfortable. Get excellent advice from our native Korean teachers about both the language and the country itself. With the help of Singapore’s #1 Korean Language School, your Korean travels will be almost effortless.