Best Time to Visit Seoul: Seasonal Travel Tips & Attractions

To truly immerse yourself in Seoul’s vibrant tapestry, consider how its seasonal transformations align with your travel aspirations. Beyond simply experiencing the weather, each period offers a unique cultural lens through which to view this dynamic city.

The best time to visit Seoul depends on what you’re hoping to see and do on your travels. South Korea has four distinct seasons, which means that every month brings new weather and new activities. From going shopping at Dongdaemun Night Market on a warm spring evening to watching the stunning fall leaves in Namsan Park in October, each season has its charms because Seoul’s seasonal shifts reveals more than just temperature changes.

Spring (March to May) is a time of delicate beauty, with cherry blossoms transforming the city into a pink wonderland. Yet, it’s also a season of variable weather, where sudden cool snaps can disrupt outdoor plans. Summer (June to August), however, brings intense humidity and monsoon rains, but also vibrant festivals and the chance to experience Seoul’s energetic nightlife at its peak. In Autumn (September to November), it is arguably the most picturesque, with clear days and a kaleidoscope of foliage. This is the ideal time for hiking and exploring the city’s historical sites, though it’s also a popular period, so expect higher prices and more tourists. Winter (December to February) offers a different kind of magic, with snow-covered landscapes and festive markets. While temperatures can drop significantly, it’s a fantastic time for ice skating, skiing, and indulging in warm, comforting Korean cuisine.

Each season presents a unique opportunity to experience Seoul’s multifaceted character, from its natural beauty to its cultural vibrancy, ensuring that every visit offers a distinct and memorable adventure. Here is a guide to help you decide when you should book your trip to South Korea’s capital.

1. Best time to visit seoul | In early spring when Seoul cherry blossoms bloom

Seoul is a wonderful place to visit in the spring. While March temperatures can still dip a little, especially at night, it’s a great time to explore the city as long as you’re equipped with a good spring jacket. Everything begins to warm up by the beginning of April, with average temperatures reaching daily highs of 64°F and average lows of 55°F. You’ll still want to bring a jacket for evenings, but daytimes will be nice and mild. Tourism peaks in April, so expect larger crowds. The reason for this is that the cherry blossoms typically bloom starting at the beginning of April, painting the city, and especially the city parks, in lovely shades of pink. If you’re looking to travel in the springtime, then it’s worth it to try planning your trip to coincide with the cherry blossom blooms. There are many spots around the city to see the beautiful flowers.

Best places to see the cherry blossoms in Seoul

• Yeouido Park: One of the city’s most popular cherry blossom viewing spots, Yeouido Park hosts an annual Spring Flower Festival that’s not to be missed.
• Children’s Grand Park: A large park home to an amusement park, a zoo, and a botanical garden, Children’s Grand Park is also a great place to see cherry blossoms.
• Gyeongbokgung Palace: See the cherry blossoms and one of Seoul’s most notable landmarks with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Consider renting a traditional hanbok dress to wear while you are there.
• Seoul Forest: Dotted with cherry trees that bloom beautifully in the spring, Seoul Forest has numerous walking paths and great picnic areas.
• Seokchon Lake: The perimeter of Seokchon Lake near Lotte World is lined with cherry trees, making it a wonderful place for a walk.

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2. Best time to visit seoul | In late spring for fun festivals, Korean food & lively night markets

The cherry blossoms may be gone, but there are a variety of other beautiful and sweet-smelling flowers blooming throughout the city later in spring. This is arguably the best time to visit Seoul weather-wise. The sky tends to be sunny, the temperatures warm and pleasant, and the humidity mild, allowing you to ditch the layers and dress in short-sleeve shirts and shorts instead. Make sure you bring along sunblock and a sunhat as well. On top of the lovely weather, don’t forget that Seoul is one of the food capitals of the world, and late spring is when bars and restaurants throughout the city open their terraces, allowing you to enjoy world-class dining outdoors. It is also the perfect time to explore Seoul’s many night markets as well as the numerous festivals held this time of year, most notably the Lotus Lantern Festival that occurs every May.

Downtown Seoul Lotus Lantern Festival

The Lotus Lantern Festival is a huge celebration of the birthday of Buddha. With a history stretching back more than a thousand years, the festival first began during the Silla Kingdom. While religious in origin, today the Lotus Lantern Festival is a must-attend event for Seoulites and visitors of any faith and background. The festivities kick off with the annual Lotus Lantern Parade, which passes by the Dongdaemun Gate of Seoul Fortress and continues all the way to Jogyesa Temple, showcasing beautiful and ornate lanterns along the way. The festival also features an exhibition of traditional lanterns and many traditional cultural events.

Best restaurants in Seoul

• Imun Seolnongtang: The oldest restaurant in Seoul. Make sure you try the seolleongtang (ox bone soup).
• Doore Yoo: Bukchon Hanok Village restaurant serving traditional Korean dishes.
• Balwoo Gongyang: The best spot in Seoul for traditional Buddhist temple cuisine.
• Hoban: Restaurant serving specialty Korean food alongside specialty Korean drinks.
• Mokmeoksanbang: The best place to go for some of the tastiest bibimbap in the country.
• Wooraeok Wooraeok: You’ve never truly had Korean barbecue until you’ve had it at this restaurant.
• Soigne: Michelin-starred restaurant serving a tasting menu of global cuisines.
• Hadongkwan: The best place in the city to try a Korean beef soup known as gomtang.

Top Seoul night markets

• Myeongdong Night Market: The most famous night market in Seoul, this market is particularly popular among tourists.
• Gwangjang Market: The oldest street food market in South Korea, you’ll never run out of new and delicious things to try at the many food stalls.
• Dongdaemun Night Market: Located in Seoul’s most famous shopping area, this market is typically open until as late as 5 a.m.
• Namdaemun Market: Open until the sun comes up, this market is a great place to find clothing, household goods, and, of course, street food.
• Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market: This night market is actually spread out over numerous locations throughout Seoul, each offering a distinctive experience and unique goods.

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3. Best time to visit seoul | In early summer to enjoy warm weather & the beach

It is generally recommended that travelers avoid Seoul during the summer monsoon season, which lasts from July to September and is accompanied by soaring temperatures and high humidity. However, visiting from mid-June to early July is perfect if you’re looking to experience the city’s restaurants and night markets in hot summer weather. It can also help you miss some of the later summer crowds. Temperatures near the end of June can climb to 90°F during the day and remain pleasantly warm even at night. Make sure you pack shorts, short-sleeve shirts, sunglasses, sunhats, and sunscreen. You should also bring along a bathing suit to take a dip in the ocean. While landlocked Seoul itself doesn’t have any beaches, early summer is a fantastic time to take a day trip to one of the beaches accessible from the city by car or by bus.

Best beach day trips from Seoul

• Eurwangni beach: Located near Incheon International Airport, Eurwangni beach has clean white sand and shallow water, making it a popular spot for families.
• Naksan beach: A long sandy beach that stretches on for over a mile, Naksan beach is a great spot for watching the sunrise and enjoying a variety of water activities.
• Daecheon beach: About three hours from Seoul in the city of Boryeong, Daecheon beach is the largest beach on South Korea’s west coast.
• Muchangpo Tideland: 30 minutes away from Daecheon beach, Muchangpo Tideland is a manmade beach ideal for watching sunsets.

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4. Best time to visit seoul | In October & November to see stunning autumn leaves

Many people consider fall to be the best time to visit Seoul, and for good reason. The days are sunny but still relatively warm, with temperature highs of 68°F in October and 53°F in November. You may need a light jacket at certain times of day early in the season, but you won’t really need to bundle up. Near the end of November, a light winter jacket will serve you well. Hotel and airfare rates have dropped from their summer highs and the crowds have thinned out. You will, however, encounter plenty of locals and tourists walking around the city and the city parks enjoying the stunning fall foliage. The city is awash in reds, yellows, and oranges and there are many great places to enjoy some leaf-viewing.

Best places to see the autumn leaves

• Changdeokgung Palace: The Secret Garden at Changdeokgung Palace is one of the most magical places to see fall foliage, with overhanging branches encasing visitors and muffling any outside noise.
• Deoksugung Palace: The Stone Wall Road at Deoksugung Palace is lined with yellow ginkgo trees and perfect for a romantic stroll.
• Namsan Park: The largest park in Seoul, Namsan Park is home to a large network of hiking trails lined with dense trees sporting beautiful foliage.
• Seoul Fortress: Enjoy the fall sights on a stroll around the old city outline by taking the Wall Trail from Seoul Fortress.
• Seoul Forest: Just as it is a great place for spring cherry blossom viewing, Seoul Forest is also one of the city’s top spots for fall leaves.

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5. Best time to visit seoul | In winter (December to February) for skiing & travelers on a budget

Winter in Seoul is not the best time to visit Seoul for activities such as sightseeing, as it can get quite cold and unpleasant to be outside if you are not prepared. However, the winter season does have its perks. Seoul is much less crowded this time of year, and you’ll be able to save a lot of money on flights, accommodations, and dining. If you dress in the proper winter gear – such as a warm coat, boots, a hat, a scarf, and gloves – then exploring the city can be just as fun as any other time of year. There’s a lot of festive decor and merrymaking going on in the city over the holiday season as well. Plus, South Korea is home to some truly fantastic skiing resorts, many of them not far from Seoul in the surrounding mountainous areas.

Best ski resorts near Seoul

• Jisan Forest Resort: With a good mix of beginner and intermediate slopes and fantastic amenities, Jisan Forest Resort is the perfect place for a day or weekend ski trip.
• Daemyung Vivaldi Park Ski Resort: Though one and a half hours away from the city, Daemyung Vivaldi Park Ski Resort is a popular destination among Seoulites.
• Bears Town Ski Resort: Located about 50 minutes from Seoul, Bears Town Ski Resort is a popular destination for families and snowboarders.
• Phoenix Snow Park: One of the venues for the 2018 Pyeongchang winter games, Phoenix Snow Park is known for its excellent snow quality.
• Star Hill Resort: A cozy resort just a short distance outside of Seoul, Star Hill Resort has six slopes, each with a dedicated lift.

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