One of the most amazing times to travel to South Korea is unquestionably during the springtime months of March, April, and May.
Even while spring is unquestionably warmer than winter, it stays rather cold until mid-April. Therefore, don't let the lovely flowers deceive you—you still need a decent jacket to stay warm. Expect at least some rain, of course.
Weather and clothes
In Korea, spring officially begins in March. Nevertheless, it can still be extremely cold in the morning and at night, it can still dip to zero degrees Celsius. The temperature will rise by about 10 degrees during the day.
April will warm up gradually, with highs of over 20 degrees in May. Should you find March to be a little too chilly, May is most likely the best month to visit. Springtime brings comparatively little rain, with March being one of Korea's driest months. Although there is more rain in April and May, only a few days of rain should be expected each month. Spring is generally a rather dry season.
However, the worst season for fine dust is spring. These arid months are typically when air pollution peaks, and spring is worse than winter in this regard. Many travelers don't even give fine dust much thought.
That is a really important factor, though, and one you should take into account. Prior to visiting, make sure you educate yourself on fine dust in Korea and have a quality fine dust mask.
Since the temperature fluctuates by more than 10 degrees between March and May, the appropriate attire can also shift slightly during the spring.
As long as you have an outer layer, you can wear lighter apparel during the start of spring. This indicates that this is the season when cardigans and lighter coats are very in. In springtime in Korea, long pants that aren't too warm are great, like slacks and jeans. You'll see lots of individuals sporting scarves and light-colored gloves, among other accessories, which are also very popular.
You'll notice that people start dressing lighter and lighter as spring draws to a close. You can survive in May with just one layer—but make sure it's a warmer one!
Even in early spring, open shoes can be a little chilly. In the end, though, they're perfect. Neither too much heat nor cold is present!
Main Holidays in Spring
Movement for Independence Day on March 1st
Spring's first day is a public holiday. The Declaration of Independence was declared on March 1st, the day of Japanese colonization.
National Assembly Election Day is April 15th
It is a public holiday in many places and marks the day the national assembly is chosen.
The Buddha's birthday is April 30
In Korea, several ceremonies are held at temples all around the nation to commemorate Buddha's birthday. Additionally, lanterns are strung in various places and create breathtaking landscapes.
Children's Day is May 5th
In a nation like Korea that values children, children are an integral component of the family. You can anticipate a lot of crowds at several attractions on Children's Day.
The biggest blooms are known as:
Azaleas (WONMISAN AZALEA FESTIVAL | 원미산 진달래 축제 (LATE MARCH – EARLY APRIL))
Cherry Blossoms (GYEONGJU CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL | 경주 벚꽃축제 (LATE MARCH)) / HWAGAE CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL | 화개장터 벚꽃축제 (LATE MARCH)
King Cherry Blossoms (JEJU KING CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL | 제주 왕벚꽃축제 (EARLY APRIL))
Plum Blossoms (GWANGYANG MAEHWA FESTIVAL | 광양매화축제 (MID-MARCH))
Sansuyu (GURYE SANSUYU FESTIVAL | 구례산수유꽃축제 (MID-MARCH)) / ICHEON BAEKSA SANSUYU FESTIVAL | 이천백사 산수유꽃축제 (LATE MARCH)
Canola (JEJU CANOLA FESTIVAL | 제주 유채꽃축제 (MID MAR-APRIL))
Roses (GOKSEONG ROSE FESTIVAL (곡성 세계장미축제) | (MID-MAY))
Tulips (EVERLAND TULIP FESTIVAL 에버랜드 튤립축제 | (APRIL)) / TAEAN INTERNATIONAL TULIP FESTIVAL (태안 세계튤립축제) | (MID APRIL – MID MAY)
For more accurate information about these festivals check the official pages.
Spring Food
In Korea, it appears that there is a dish for every season, and spring is no exception. The top dishes to try in March, April, and May are listed below.
NAMUL SPRING | 킘물
In Korean cuisine, namul refers to a range of edible grasses or leaves that are frequently served as banchan or side dishes. Namul are extremely flavorful, fresh, and full of vitamins in the spring. Keep an eye out for wild chives, fernbrake, gondre, and mugwort. These are typically used to make bibimbap.
BIBIMBAP | 비빔밥
People attempt to make the spring cabbage bibimbap recipe whenever spring arrives. You may eat this kind of cabbage uncooked, and March through May is when it's considered to be at its best. People adore how each taste gradually becomes sweeter.
JJUKKUMI | 쭈꾸미
From March to May, the freshest and tastiest webfoot octopus are known as jjukkumi. Its flavor and chewy texture will make it a hit whether you eat it grilled, stir-fried, or in a shabu shabu.
KING CRAB | 왕게
In Korea, the best time to get fresh king crabs is from February until mid-March. Usually steamed whole, you can savor the finest form of the creamy meat. Major towns like Seoul and Busan have specific seafood restaurants where you may enjoy this, while Uljin or Yeongdeok in Gyeongsangbuk-do have entire streets devoted to the king of crabs.
STRAWBERRIES, SWEET, SWEET | 딸기
Korean strawberries have a wonderful scent, are quite sweet, and are a great source of vitamin C. Grown in greenhouses from December to June, strawberries are harvested when their flavor is at their peak in Spring time.
We hope this full guide was helpful for you if you want to visit Korea during Spring.
There is much more to do in Korea during spring than what is included in this list of activities. Not to mention all of the year-round activities that are especially wonderful in the spring! Would you suggest adding anything to this list? Please leave a remark below with whatever you would want to say!
KOREAN SPRING: IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND FAQS
1. When is Korea's springtime?
In Korea, March, April, and May mark the start of spring.
2. How does spring weather impact us?
Springtime brings a mixed bag of weather. Although the months get milder, March is still rather cold.
3 What should I wear in Korea in the spring?
Since the weather can change quickly in the spring, layering is advised. Water-resistant shoes and umbrellas are also wise purchases!
4. Is fine dust a concern in the spring?
Regretfully, the answer is yes. You will need to keep an eye out for fine dust during the spring. Make sure you monitor the air quality and buy a fine dust mask.
5. When will cherry blossoms be visible?
Every year is different for cherry blossoms. Still, by late March, they are frequently discovered in southern Korea; from there, they move northward and eventually show up in Seoul in early April.
