A green outdoors and a sage people.South Korea is a country swathed in green, prodding its stony fingers skyward, and the Koreans are a people obsessed with nature, and with mountains in particular. Wherever you travel, you’ll see Koreans out in the open air, clad in the latest adventure fashions, pushing ever onward and upward.
With China looming to its west and Japan nudging it from the east, it’s no wonder the country has played unwilling host to centuries of war games. But no matter how many times its neighbours try to swallow it, South Korea manages to survive intact.
South Korea: When to Go
Korea has four distinct seasons, with a wet monsoon/summer in the middle of the year, and a very cold winter from November to March. Jeju-do off the south coast is the warmest and wettest place in the country.
If you possibly can, time your visit to South Korea for autumn (September to November). It’s sunny, the skies are blue, and Korea’s spectacular autumn foliage is a real draw. Winter is cold but dry, and a good time to visit if you like skiing, snow-draped temples, a dearth of tourists and crisp (ie below freezing) weather. Spring (April to May) can be beautiful, but it’s also the most popular time with Japanese tourists and you’ll have trouble getting mid to top-end accommodation. Summer is hot, muggy, crowded, wet, typhoon-prone and expensive.
Weather
South Korea has the dubious distinction of having the coldest temperatures at its latitude so unless you enjoy multi-layer clothing, stick to the months from May to September. On the up side, Korean winters tend to have an abundance of blue skies. Rain is moderate to quite heavy in July and when mixed with high 20°C (78-85°F) days can make things a bit sticky. Whether you enjoy the steamy summer or the crisp winter will depend on your temperament.
South Korea: Events
The first day of the first moon is Seollal (lunar new year; January/February), when South Korea grinds to a halt. The Cherry Blossom Festival in Jinhae in the province of Gyeongsangnam-do usually falls in early April (if the weather and trees cooperate). Lantern parades are held for Buddha’s Birthday , celebrated in late April or early May. In Seoul, there is an evening parade from Tapgol Park to Jogyesa on the Sunday prior to the actual holiday. June sees processions of shamans and mask dances at the Dano Festival , and in September the National Folk Arts Festival showcases Korean culture. South Korea’s biggest holiday is Chuseok (Harvest Moon Festival/Korean Thanksgiving). At this time (September/October), cities throughout the country empty as people return to their family homes to pay homage to their ancestors.