The world may currently be in a near-lockdown – but it doesn’t mean you can’t be dreaming of your next overseas trip already.
One all-time favourite destinations for tourists is South Korea, due to its wonderful blend of nature, culture, and food. Whichever type of traveller you are, you’re bound to find something right up your alley!
The neverending charms of South Korea also greet travellers differently year-round. Some people say the best time to visit is in spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant, but did you know that the region also offers exciting activities and sights at other times of the year? You might be missing out if you only visit once!
Marvel at romantic spring blooms
Those who dream of walking down a cherry-blossom lined path don’t need to limit themselves to Japan. South Korea also boasts beautiful spring blossoms that will brighten up any flower lover’s day! While you’re there, you might also want to take in the sights of other pretty flowers like the cornelian cherry, yellow canola, and azalea.
The weather in spring is cool and pleasant at around 7-18 degrees Celsius, so don’t forget to bring some light outerwear if you’re visiting then. For those specifically looking to view the cherry blossoms, be sure to check out the forecasted date of bloom for the area you’ll be going to.
Dip into water activities in summer
June to August is undeniably the hottest time of the year for South Korea, where temperatures can soar to 30 or more degrees Celsius. Due to the sweltering heat and frequent rain, visitors tend to avoid travelling to Korea in summer. However, that’s not to say there’s nothing fun to do then.
Soak up the summer sun at one of the beaches with some water activities at Jeju, or take a trek to the cool valleys of Yongchu or Sogeumgang. South Korea is also home to numerous waterparks, like Everland, which guarantee fun-filled days for chilling out and having fun! If you want to heat things up even more, you can check out some of the many summer festivals going on in town.
Photoshoot with beautiful autumn foliage
The rusty, warm hues of autumn leaves are really something else! You can take a hike up one of South Korea’s many mountains for a bird’s eye view of vermillion painted hills, or take a dreamy walk through a forest. This is a wonderful time to be taking a lot of pictures, so head on to all the notable photo spots like Nami Island, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and more!
In these months of September to November, the weather starts to get chilly again, especially in the evenings, so it’s time to brandish those fashionable cardigans and coats once again. Some must-catch events during this time are the Busan International Film Festival, and the Seoul International Fireworks Festival.
Snow–filled fun in winter
December to February sees South Korea transform into a winter wonderland! The temperature hovers around 0 degrees celsius, but cold fronts can have temperatures drop to -10 degrees or colder. Apart from the inconvenience of needing to pack your thick jackets and warm innerwear, winter offers a slew of hidden gems, especially for those of us who’ve never experienced snow.
Snow-capped landscapes are breathtakingly beautiful and gives you the chance to do all those snow things (e.g. snowball fights, snow angels, and snowmen!). Try out skiing or sledding at one of the winter resorts, and then escape into a steaming hot 찜질방 [jjimjilbang (bathhouse)].
Indeed, South Korea is filled with unique charms at any time of the year, giving it endless new experiences for even repeat travellers! Although now is not a good time to go travelling, you can take your time to list out your must-see attractions for your next Korea trip! And meanwhile, why not pick up some Korean through a Korean language course?
At Sejong Korean Language School, we’re committed to helping individuals learn the Korean language through engaging and interactive lessons. Our lessons are currently being conducted online, but we’ll be most excited to meet you once we can!