Korea Weather: A Seasonal Guide for Foreigners. While most countries have their own unique weather, Korea has four distinct seasons, each with its own charm and weather characteristics. This makes for a very different experience for foreigners coming from, for example, a desert country or a country with a tropical climate, where there is only one type of weather.
However, having four distinct seasons also means that you need to be prepared for all of them when you’re in Korea, so if you’re planning to visit or stay for an extended period of time, it’s important to be prepared for the seasonal weather changes. This guide will introduce you to the weather characteristics of each season in Korea and what you need to prepare for, making it easier for foreigners to adapt to the country’s climate. The Complete Guide to Living in Korea for Expats Check out our third article, The Complete Guide to Living in Korea for foreigners, for very basic information.
Contents
Korea Weather: Spring (March – May)
Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons in South Korea, with warm and pleasant weather. Many Koreans love spring because it’s the best time to be alive.
Korea Weather Features
- Mild climate: Winter’s chill is gone and warmer weather is here. Statistics show that the average temperature in spring is 12.8°C as of 2021.
- Flowering season: Cherry blossoms and forsythia are in full bloom, and spring flower festivals are held everywhere. The cherry blossom festivals, especially around the beginning of April, offer a truly spectacular sight.
Preparation
- Light coat: Since we’ve moved from winter to spring, it can be chilly in the mornings and evenings, so bring a light jacket or cardigan.
- Prepare for allergies: Spring brings lots of flowers in bloom and lots of pollen. If you’re allergic to pollen, it’s a good idea to have antihistamines on hand. At the very least, bring a mask if you’re allergic.
Korea Weather: Summer (June – August)
Summer in South Korea is characterized by hot and humid weather. In recent years, there have been many days with tropical nights (nighttime lows of 25°C or more) and high temperatures of 30°C or more during the day. Korea’s summer weather is characterized by high temperatures and high humidity due to the rainy season. While the high temperatures are not uncomfortable, the high humidity can make it difficult to stay healthy if you are not prepared for it. However, various summer activities are popular. There are many festivals and festivals where you can enjoy the outdoors.
Korea Weather Features
- Hot and humid: Temperatures rise significantly, and the high humidity makes it feel muggy. As of 2021, the average summer temperature was 24.2°C.
- Rainy season: The rainy season starts around mid-July and brings a lot of rain. It can be quite heavy at times, so we recommend avoiding outdoor activities during this time. Also, typhoons occasionally affect South Korea, so it’s a good idea to pay attention to the weather forecast in summer.
Preparation
- Dress cool: Wear short sleeves, shorts, and lightweight clothing. If you’re outdoors, it can get very hot, so short clothes are fine, but please consider clothing that may offend others.
- Umbrella and raincoat: It’s a good idea to carry an umbrella or raincoat in case of sudden rain.
Korea Weather: Fall (September – November)
Fall is known for its cooler weather and colorful foliage. Along with spring, it’s also one of the best seasons to live in – it’s a nice, crisp transition from summer to winter. The temperature is perfect for living, and you can easily see autumn colors and fallen leaves everywhere. However, due to the recent weather changes in Korea, there is a feeling that autumn is getting shorter and shorter. If you’re traveling to Korea, I recommend visiting in the fall as well as the spring to enjoy the outdoors.
Korea Weather Features
- Cool and dry: The heat is gone and the weather is crisp, making it easy to dress light and enjoy whatever you’re doing indoors or out. As of 2021, the average temperature for fall weather is 14.9°C.
- Fall foliage season: Mountains and parks offer beautiful fall foliage, especially in South Korea, where there are many mountains even close to cities, and many trees in the mountains show their colors at the same time. If you love the changing colors of nature, we recommend going hiking in Korea during this time of year.
Preparation
- Dress for the cooler months: Long sleeves, thin sweaters, and light jackets are appropriate. When wearing a jacket, it’s also useful to wear short sleeves underneath to help regulate your body temperature, depending on the weather.
- Take care of yourself: Drink plenty of water during dry weather, and consider using a moisturizer as the weather becomes increasingly dry.
Korea Weather: Winter (December – February)
Winters in South Korea can be very cold and sometimes snowy. Recently, the weather has been very cold and snowy, but you can still have a lot of fun in winter. There are various festivals that utilize ski slopes and frozen ice. If you are a foreigner from Southeast Asia or a desert climate, the cold of Korean winters can be hard to bear, so be sure to pack warm clothes and supplies.
Korea Weather Features
- Cold temperatures: There are many days with temperatures below freezing, and some days with strong winds. As of 2021, the average winter temperature was 0.4°C.
- Snowy season: There is a lot of snow, especially in the northern part of the country, and it’s a great time to go skiing and snowboarding. There are many famous ski resorts in Gangwon-do, so take note when planning your winter activities.
Preparation
- Warm winter clothing: Bring a heavy coat, snowshoes, hat, and gloves, and consider wearing close-fitting clothing like underwear or leggings in the winter, as well as shirts and pants.
- Thermal gear: A heating pad or hot pack can help in cold weather.
The weather in South Korea has a lot to offer in each season. We hope this guide will help foreigners enjoy the four seasons of Korea and make the right preparations for each season. Korea has four seasons, each with its own charming weather, even from a foreigner’s perspective. No matter when you visit Korea, you’re sure to find something different in each season.
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