South Korea is known for its biting winters and hot summers.
Perhaps the best moments to visit this exciting city are between the long-awaited but all- too-fleeting pockets of perfectly enjoyable weather. Every season in South Korea offers something worth traveling for, which might make it hard to decide on a trip.
The summer months bring the most international visitors to the city. Spring and fall have become in-demand times to visit in recent years.
We have a guide to the best times to visit the city.
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Heavy rains can last all day in July and August, while June is pleasant. There are a lot of things to do in the city to keep it cool and dry. In Asia's largest underground shopping mall, COEX, you can find an aquarium, library, movie theater and casino, as well as museums and galleries.
In the winter, with dry winds that wreak havoc on the skin and throat, Korea's capital city is wonderful. The city feels smaller and more intimate because of the reduced crowds. Think snow-dusted palaces, with shopkeepers sweeping the snow from their front stoops and roasting chestnuts and sweet potatoes in the air. The most affordable time to visit is during the cold winter months.
The lowest number of incoming visitors was recorded by the city. There is something special about January's austerity as the bustling megacity shrinks to its core. It's a good time to take advantage of short lines and lower costs. You can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or ice fishing in the winter.
The Korean New Year is celebrated in late January and early February. In the lead-up to the holiday, be on the lookout for special celebrations and traditional performances at folk villages and palaces, before Seoulites empty out of the capital to travel back to their hometowns. You should try to find a bowl of ddeokguk, South Korea's quintessential new year's dish, if you're in the area.
The Korea grand sale is a key event.
During the month of March, the temperature in the city goes up to a high of 10oC (50oF). The second-oldest marathon in the world after Boston and the longest running marathon in Asia are both examples of this. 35,000 runners come to the event every year. Anyone who signs up in advance is qualified to participate.
The key event is the marathon.
When the cherry blossom trees bloom in cotton-candy swirls, April is the loveliest time of the year in Korea. Two of the best places to view flowers are Yeouido Park and Namsan Park. hwangsa, the yellow dust that rolls through this time of year from the Gobi Desert, is bad for the lungs and can cause asthma. There are face masks that are useful.
The key event is the cherry blossom festival.
Buddha's birthday is celebrated in the city in late April or May each year, with lotus lanterns illuminating the city. You can see the paper lights at the Jogye-sa and Bongeun-sa temples. The Royal Culture Festival and Changdeokgung palace are bookable in advance.
The key events are the Royal Culture Festival and the Lotus Lantern Festival.
As the climate continues to change, the temperature in June can be as low as 15oC (60oF) for a week and as high as 26oC (80oF) the next. It is a good time to travel to South Korea.
The key events are the queer culture festival and the drum festival.
July is the beginning of the monsoon season in South Korea and is usually the wettest month of the year. Pay attention to weather advisories and be aware of the high ground as you wander the city because flash floods can be caused by heavy rains. Since the heat is off in July, it's a good idea to eat naengmyeon or bingsu outside at the water gun festival.
The key event is the water gun festival.
When Korean students are on summer vacation, certain attractions like shopping centers, amusement parks and swimming pools are likely to be crowded. This month is a good time to visit the nearby beaches if you want to take advantage of the monsoon rains and typhoons that may be on the way.
There are a number of key events, including the Incheon Pentaport rock festival.
In September, people in South Korea go to their hometowns to eat songpyeon and perform ancestral rituals. The ceremonial ritual of Sajik Daeje is a 50-minute procession that winds through the city and pays homage to the ancient gods of earth and grain.
The key events are Chuseok and Sajik Daeje.
The average daily high temperature in October is 20oC. October is a great time to go hiking in the mountains, as the trees go from green to burnished gold, rust and rubies. The fireworks festival and fashion week are going to impress people.
The key events are the international fireworks festival and the fashion week.
November is a less expensive month to visit because of the dry weather and the temperature dropping. There are many events happening this month, the most notable of which is the Seoul Lantern Festival.
The key event is the lantern festival.
The mercury goes down in December. The city has three outdoor ice rinks where you can get your body moving and take in the Christmas decorations all around.
The key event is the christmas festival.
The article was first published about a year ago.
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