Spring in Korea usually begins in the last week of March and ends in the last week of June. It’s the time when the flowers start to bloom. The time when the withered trees grow new leaves.
A few months ago, I created a blog post about Autumn in Korea. Apparently, it helped a lot of people in choosing when to go and where to go in Korea during Autumn. This time, I’ll try to show some of my pictures of last Spring as well as the places I’ve been to experience the cherry blossoms.
Last Week of March
Most of the trees are still withered but some trees are starting to have some leaves. Some people still wear thick jackets. The temperature ranges from 0-15°C.
Check out my blog post in Two Monkeys Travel Group: Guide to Mt. Bukhansan
1st week of April
Cherry Blossoms are now blooming. People wear long sleeves but some girls can now manage to wear short skirts. During April, it’s cold in the morning and at night but it’s sunny and hot in the afternoon. The temperature ranges from 1-20 °C.
Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is celebrated during the first week of April.
Check out my blog post in Two Monkeys Travel Group: Yeouido Island
2nd week of April
There are still cherry blossoms and other spring flowers around. The temperature ranges from 5-20 °C. You may now wear sleeveless and shorts, but you still have to bring a cardigan.
Check out my blog post in Two Monkeys Travel Group: Soul Searching at Seoul Forest
3rd week of April
It’s a good time to take a walk along the Cheonggyecheon stream during the daytime because it’s really relaxing to see all those green trees, clear waters, and some animals. The temperature ranges from 8-23°C. You can also visit it at night to see some lanterns during the Lotus Lantern Festival.
This year the Lotus Lantern Festival will be held on April 28-30, 2017.
4th week of April
The temperature ranges from 10-30°C. It’s quite warm. Some days it’s hot, other days it’s rainy. Exploring Seoul Grand Park is not a bad idea.
1st week of May
The temperature ranges from 10-30°C. I didn’t have any plans of going out that time but this temple is really photogenic.
2nd week of May
The temperature ranges from 10-30°C. It rains a lot. Always bring umbrellas.
3rd week of May
The temperature ranges from 15-30°C. You should visit some parks along Han River. Visit Seorae Island!
4th week of May
It’s a good time to visit the Rose Festival in the Theme Garden at Seoul Grand Park. The temperature ranges from 17-30°C.
1st week of June
Enjoy the rides and the beautiful landscapes around Seoul Land. It’s the filming location of My Sassy Girl and Strong Woman Do Bong Soon. The temperature ranges from 17-32°C.
2nd – 3rd week of June
I explored the Bukchon Hanok Village and Namsangol Hanok Village. Anyway, I just realized that I haven’t made a comparison about it yet. I shall make it soon. If you’re really interested in these kinds of structures, I highly recommend going to Korean Folk Village.
4th week of June
I went to Ewha Womans University to do some shopping for summer clothes!
All the pictures were taken last 2016. It’s 2017 and I’m still exploring the beautiful spring destinations around Seoul. I’ll upload more pictures to give you more ideas on where to go and what to wear.
Your blog is really helpful for those who are planning to go in Korea. I’ve been dreaming on going there during spring because of the cherry blossoms and as i read your blog post about it, you’re making me want to go there as soon as possiblee.
It’s great that you’ve been able to get out and see so many places. In the spring, it’s definitely one of my favorite times to explore because everything just starts to come to life again.
Ooooh I def want to get over to Seoul Grand Park & Ewha Womans University (I heard it’s really photogenic there as well!) I missed the majority of cherry blossoms but hopefully I’ll see some pretty blooms during Buddha’s Birthday.
Beautiful collection of photos! You sure have been busy the past few weeks! We managed to visit a few of these spots too, I loved Seoul Forest such a great place to relax and enjoy Spring time. Such a shame that the cherry blossom has almost finished, it’s so pretty and always over too fast!
Wow, Karla it’s impressive how well you’ve documented what spring is like in Korea on a weekly basis! I would consider adding that while we do enjoy lovely sunny and warm weather, rain is also quite typical during spring, just so people are aware 🙂 I am excited to attend Seoul’s lantern festival this year as I hear it’s quite the celebration!
These are some interesting suggestions, and very comprehensive for the Seoul area. I remember living in Seoul and feeling a major urge in the Spring to get out of the city and see more nature than Seoul or Gyeonggi-do have to offer. This is a great list for people in Seoul, though, and might just be the guide people need to get them up and out the door after a long winter.
Thanks for this breakdown of when to enjoy the springtime. Busan got nice a warm really quickly and it was nice to enjoy the beach. Happy Spring!
Karla, I feel like the weather is not as predictable as you mention. For example, this weekend is unseasonably hot – highs of 26-29C in Daejeon. Yea it’s toasty to say the least…
One of my favorite parts of the city is the river walk way of Cheonggyecheon stream even though I haven’t been in years. Your article is a great reminder of all the beautiful places in Seoul to go and get moment of peace and quiet in the big city! Thanks!