After the deep freeze of Korea in January, and February, Korea in March brings a milder climate, bright flowers, and an optimistic vibe. It’s time to shed the heavy parkas and step lightly into the season of freshness and new life.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- what the March weather in Korea is like
- the Seoul weather in March and other major cities and tourist hotspots, including Busan, Jeju, Gangneung and the East Coast
- the best spring festivals to attend in South Korea in March
- what to wear and the best things to pack for a successful trip to Korea in March
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Visiting Korea in March
After one of the quietest months of the year, travel picks up again in South Korea in March. Visitors from all over the world head to Seoul en-masse for a spring season full of flowers, cultural festivals, and some of the best weather of the year.
Ice thaws, pretty plum blossoms and vivid sansuyu peek their heads out from under the snow, and streets are full of people enjoying the warm glow of the sun. March in South Korea is truly wonderful – particularly in the last week of the month, when cherry blossoms turn the entire country into a romantic pink paradise.
It gets much more challenging to book good value accommodation in popular neighbourhoods like Myeongdong and Hongdae from mid-March onwards. It’s wise to reserve in advance if you can.
With all the usual travelers from Asia plus an influx of new western tourists traveling to Korea, I expect that accommodation choices will be in much shorter supply during peak travel seasons, for the foreseeable future.
READ NEXT: From Myeongdong to Gangnam: The 7 Best Areas in Seoul for Travellers EXPLAINED
How’s the weather in South Korea in March?
March in Korea is a shoulder month, as winter transitions fully into summer. Average temperatures across the country range from a low of 1°C | 35°F in Gangneung, and up to 13°C | 55°F on Jeju Island.
It’s still cool at the beginning of the month, but there’s a definite warming trend. By the end of March in Korea, I’d even call it balmy in some areas of the country. I was roasting in jeans and a cardigan in Daegu last year, at this time.
Free of humidity, with little precipitation, long days, and lots of sunshine – the Korea weather in March is very, very comfortable for spending lots of time outdoors exploring – for most travelers.
Those of you not used to a 4 season climate however, might find it cold. If you’re coming from Southeast Asia or other hot countries, definitely prepare with layers of clothing to stay warm, especially at the beginning of the month and at night.
At the beginning of March, it can still be cold enough in some parts of Korea for a winter coat.
READ NEXT: Complete Guide to Spring in Korea | The Best Festivals, Things to Do & What to Eat
Seoul Weather in March
Seoul in March gets progressively more comfortable with average temperatures increasing 6°C | 10°F from February. Average temperatures range from 2°C | 35°F to 10°C | 51°F.
It rains for about 7 days of the month, totalling 47-mm | 1.85-inches over the course of the month. In March in Korea, the days get longer and the sun gets stronger. It’s definitely time to pull out sun protection, or wear a hat when exploring outdoors – particularly if you’re prone to burning.
* Personal note: It can feel very warm by the end of March in Korea, with cherry blossoms and many other spring flowers in full bloom. Last year, we were sweating in jeans and cardigans by the end of the month. Unless you really can’t tolerate cold at all, a jacket is only required at night, after the sun goes down.
Planning a trip to Korea?
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Korea Travel Essentials
Don’t board that plane to Seoul until you’ve sorted out accommodation, transport from the airport, and your data on the ground.
Busan Weather in March
March is a pleasant month to wander around Busan, with average temperatures ranging from 7°C | 44°F to 12°C | 53°F. It’s a little wet, with an average of 9 days of rain per month, totalling approximately 27-mm | 1 inch of precipitation, but it’s really nothing to be concerned about.
Even though the overall temperature is higher, the sea water around Busan is at its absolute coldest in March, at 13°C | 56°F. This temperature is considered life-threatening, so swimming is out of the question, no matter how warm it feels.
HIGHLIGHTS OF BUSAN TOUR | Short on time? Explore the best attractions in Busan with this affordable tour to the Busan Skywalk, Gamcheon Culture Village, Songdo Cable Car, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, and more. Lunch and transport included. Check details here.
Jeju Island Weather in March
Apricot flowers, cherry blossoms, and canola vividly colour Jeju Island in March. Average temperatures range from 6°C | 43°F to 13°C | 55°F, with 11 days of rainfall totalling 89-mm | 3.5 inches of precipitation.
Though it’s a bit cooler, March is actually an excellent time to visit Jeju Island. There’s zero risk of typhoons and potential flight cancellations due to strong winds.
Like Busan though, at 13°C | 56°F, the sea temperatures around Jeju in March are low enough to be considered life-threatening. Admire the sea from afar.
GETTING AROUND JEJU ISLAND | Public transit on Jeju Island is not as efficient as in Seoul. Distances are long, and it’s a lot slower, so most visitors either take day tours, hire a taxi, rent a car, or book a private car charter. To rent a car as a traveller to Korea, you MUST have: a book type international driver’s permit (obtained in your home country), your passport, and your driver’s license from home. Check prices here.
Gangwon-do Weather in March
The Korea weather in March on the East Coast beaches is still quite cold, with average temperatures ranging from 1°C | 35°F to 8°C | 46°F.
There’s about 9 days of rain in the Gangneung area in March, and the sea temperature is a frigid 8°C | 47°F. Entering the water unprotected at this temperature risks maximum intensity cold shock and hyperventilation.
Gangneung in March is one of the few areas of Korea that still gets snowfall. Over 3 days, 42-mm | 1.65 inches of snow falls in Gangneung. That’s why ski resorts like Yongpyong Resort and Alpensia located in Gangwon-do stay open later than other ski resorts that are closer to Seoul.
SEORAKSAN + NAMI ISLAND | Seoraksan is one of Korea’s most beloved mountains, and Nami Island is a spring wonderland of flowers and forest paths. See them both on this tour to Gangwon-do’s best sights. Get details here.
Air Quality in Korea in March
Bad air quality used to be something we mostly only had to deal with for a few months during spring in South Korea, but this is unfortunately no longer the case. I’m writing this in mid-February, and we’ve just gone through a week of truly horrendous air.
This icky air can be incredibly harmful to your health, so if you’re visiting Korea in March, you may need to protect your lungs with some sort of air pollution mask.
There’s no need to buy something in advance at home. You can pick up disposable air pollution masks in any pharmacy, convenience store or Daiso in Korea for less than a few thousand won. Look out for ones labeled KF94. This is the Korean equivalent of an N95 mask.
Limited Edition Spring Tours in Korea
Plum blossoms in Gwangyang Maehwa Village are usually the first sign of spring in Korea, with petals bursting into bloom from mid-March. Like cherry blossom season, the dates for these spring tours in Korea is incredibly limited. Most run for just a few short weeks, so catch them while you can.
These are the updated dates for 2026.
- Gwangyang Maehwa & Jeonju Hanok Village Tour | March 13th – 27th
- Jeju Cherry Blossom Tour with Hotel Pick-up | March 15th – April 19th
- Spring Flowers + King Cherry Blossoms at Hwaseong Fortress | March 26th – April 18th
- Jeonju Hanok Village + Spring Flower Festivals | March 29th – April 29th
- Seoul Seasonal Hot Attractions Tour | March 18th – May 13th
- Jeju Island Cherry Blossoms and Canola Private Taxi or Van Tour | March 20th – April 10th
- Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Tour from Seoul or Busan | March 23rd – April 15th
- Haeundae Sky Capsule + Cherry Blossom Hunting in Busan | March 23rd – April 10th
- Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Tour from Busan | March 28th – April 10th
- Chasing Cherry Blossoms in Seoul | March 30th – April 17th
- Taean Tulip Festival + Strawberry Picking Experience | April 3rd – May 5th
- King Cherry Blossom Tour from Seoul | April 16th – 30th
Are there public holidays in Korea in March?
There’s 1 major national public holiday in South Korea in March: Independence Movement Day is on Sunday, March 1st, 2026. Since it falls on a Sunday, the following Monday has been designated as the alternative holiday date for all Koreans.
This is a holiday for most Koreans, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have trouble finding things to do. Almost all tourist sites, restaurants, and attractions will be open to the public.
In past years, special events to commemorate this important day in Korean history have taken place at the Seodaemun Prison History Hall, the Bosingak Bell, Sejong Centre, and Gwanghwamun Square, so keep your eyes open for those.
Independence Movement Day
The March 1st movement or Samil (3-1) Independence Movement was a series of protests against Japanese occupation. Organized by 33 Korean cultural and religious leaders, it began on March 1st, 1919 in Seoul, and spread throughout the country.
Before the Japanese suppressed the movement a year later, 2-million Koreans had demonstrated in over 1,500 public protests. The cost was high, with 7,000 people losing their lives, many more wounded, and houses, churches, and schools destroyed.
KOREA’S DARK HISTORY TOUR | Explore Korea’s dramatic history from colonization to democracy on this meaningful small group walking tour. Check details here.
Korea in March | Best Festivals and Events
Festivals start to ramp up in South Korea in March. It starts with the first spring flower festivals down in Jeollanam-do, and continues into April and May, with a host of cherry blossom, nature, and cultural festivals.
You’ll need a ton of energy to get to all the glorious spring events in Korea, but it’s so worth it.
Visiting Korea at another time of the year? Learn about weather and festivals for other months in Korea, in the following detailed guides.
- Korea in January: The Coldest Month of the Year
- Korea in February: The Final Month of Winter
- Korea in April: Chasing Cherry Blossoms
- Korea in May: In Full Bloom
- Korea in June: The Best Month of Summer
- Korea in July: The Peak of Summer
- Korea in August: Summer Vacation for EVERYONE!
- Korea in September: Autumn Relief
- Korea in October: Full on Fall Foliage
- Korea in November: Autumn to Winter Transition
- Korea in December: Christmas Lights Galore
Essential Day Tours from Seoul
I really encourage you to travel around Seoul independently as much as possible. It’s safe, easy, and a great way to experience local culture. There are however, a few places where it’s way more convenient and cost / time effective to take a day tour… it’s actually necessary (DMZ).
What | Where | Cost | Why Join this Tour | Full Details |
DMZ Tour | Demilitiarized Zone / Paju / Imjingak | from 72,100 won | Parts of the DMZ MUST be visited on a guided tour, due to security clearances. Optional add-ons like suspension bridge, or DMZ gondola available. | ; |
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress + Korean Folk Village | Suwon and Yongin | 78,500 won | Hwaseong is a majestic UNESCO Fortress. The Korean Folk Village is a vast living museum of the Joseon Dynasty. Both are south of Seoul in satellite cities. | ; |
Nami Island + Surrounding Region | Gapyeong / Chuncheon | from 38,000 won | Most popular day tour near Seoul, but spread far apart from each other, with few public transit options. Huge range of add ons to choose from, like Alpaca World to the Rail Bike to the Garden of Morning Calm. | ; |
Jeju Hueree Apricot Flower Festival | 제주 휴애리 매화축제
Festival Dates: February 14th – March 15th, 2026
Address: 256, Sinryedong-ro, Namwon-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do | 제주특별자치도 서귀포시 남원읍 신례동로 256 (남원읍)
Apricot flowers and plum blossoms are different names for the same bloom. They’re both referred to as maehwa. Every March in South Korea, you can celebrate their delicate beauty at Hueree Natural Park on Jeju Island.
Hueree Natural Park is located at the base of Hallasan Mountain, so you can enjoy majestic views while breathing in the sweet, fragrant scent of these gorgeous flowers.
HUEREE NATURAL PARK DISCOUNTED TICKETS | Hueree is one of Jeju’s most beautiful parks, with seasonal festivals, hands-on activities, and even a hot spring to soak your feet in! Check into here.
Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival | 정월 대보름
Festival dates: March 3rd, 2026
Address: Haeundae Beach, 264, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan | 부산광역시 해운대구 해운대해변로 264 (우동)
The Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival takes place on the first full moon after Korean Lunar New Year. There are a number of traditional customs meant to pray for good health and fortune in the coming year, including Jisin-balgi (tribute to the Earth God), a Korean Circle Dance, and the burning of the Daljip.
The Daljip is basically a huge straw bonfire. It’s burnt on Jeongwol Daeboreum by the light of the full moon and definitely should not be missed.
Jeongwol Daeboreum events take place all over Korea. Check out my full guide to this uniquely Korean event here.
Jeju Fire Festival | 제주들불축제
Festival Dates: March 9th – 14th, 2026
Address: San 59-8, Bongseong-ri, Jeju-si, Jeju-do | 제주 제주시 애월읍 봉성리 산59-8
In South Korea in March, the dramatic Jeju Fire Festival used to light up the night sky with red flames and fireworks, when huge bonfire structures called daljip (moon houses) were set aflame. It was believed that these fires would bring good fortune, protection from evil and a bountiful harvest.
The event was held at the Saebyeoloreum Volcanic Cone in Jeju, but it’s been on hold for the last few years due to environmental concerns. Debate was raging about whether this important cultural tradition should still be observed held, and the answer is YES!
This year’s Jeju Fire Festival is going ahead, with some tweaks to respect the environment. Still – it promises to be a doozy, with food trucks, torch shows, performances, and a volcanic cone set ablaze (albeit with LED lights).
JEJU CHERRY BLOSSOM TOUR (with hotel pick-up) | Cherry blossoms grace Jeju from about mid-March, and there are some absolutely incredible places to see them on the island. This tour makes it easy to see it all with hotel pick-up and drop-off service! Check details here.
Gwangyang Maehwa Plum Blossom Festival | 광양매화축제
Festival Dates: March 13th – 22nd, 2026
Address: 1563-1, Seomjingangmaehwa-ro, Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do | 전라남도 광양시 다압면 섬진강매화로 1563-1
Plum blossoms are often mistaken for cherry blossoms, but plum blossoms (or maehwa) bloom weeks earlier than their more famous cousins. Their appearance in Korea in March, is one of the first signs of spring in Korea.
The Gwangyang Maehwa Plum Blossom Festival is definitely the place to check out these gorgeous blooms. There’s 200,000 square metres of plum trees near the Seomjin River, in an area known as Maehwa Village (매화마을) in Gwangyang. Be sure to try maesil (plum) ice cream and alcohol.
* Plum blossoms are uniformly round on each petal, while cherry blossoms have a small split on the end of each petal.
GETTING TO GWANGYANG | It’s pretty difficult and time-consuming to get to Gwangyang Maehwa Village using public transport, so your best option is definitely to drive yourself (like we did), or join a tour. This one includes a stop at the lovely Jeonju Hanok Village. Get full details here.
Gurye Sansuyu Festival | 구례산수유꽃축제
Festival Dates: March 14th – 22nd, 2026
Address: 1019-36 Jwasa-ri, Sandong-myeon, Gurye, Jeollanam-do, South Korea
Bright, yellow sansuyu are another one of the flowers that blooms in South Korea in March. Celebrate the growth of these vivid blooms at the base of Jirisan Mountain in Gurye at the Sansuyu Festival, with experiential activities and traditional folk performances.
If you have time, make a detour to visit Hwaeomsa Temple to see a historic and beautiful plum tree that’s been designated as a natural monument by the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) of South Korea.
EARLY SPRING FESTIVALS IN JEOLLANAM-DO | Plum blossoms in Gwangyang Maehwa Village and Sansuyu in Gurye Village are the first places to greet spring flowers in Korea. I’ve been to both villages and they are absolutely stunning. Due to their rural locations however, public transport is quite challenging. If you plan to go, it’s easier to join a group tour from Busan. Get full details here.
BTS the City Arirang Seoul
Festival Dates: March 20th – April 12th, 2026
Address: All over Seoul
The free BTS Comeback Concert at Gwanghwamun Gate is a big, big deal, but Seoul is set to become a city-wide BTS experience starting at the end of March in Korea.
BTS the City Arirang is sure to bathe Seoul in purple, but watch out for there are some special events, like media facades on Sungnyemun Gate and the N Seoul Tower, and an ARMY Madang at Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
Eungbongsan Mountain Forsythia Festival | 응봉산 개나리축제
Festival Dates: March 26th – 28th, 2026
Address: 1540, Geumho-dong 4-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 성동구 금호동4가 1540 (일대)
During March in South Korea, Eungbongsan Mountain is coloured with bright, yellow forsythia flowers. After hiking through a flower-lined trail, you can enjoy views over the Han River and see Palgakjeong Pavilion at the peak.
It’s easy to access Eungbongsan Mountain from Seoul Forest (which is covered in cherry blossoms) so this is a great hike for families. We hiked to the peak when my daughter was 6, and I’m sad / proud to say she got up the mountain much faster than I did.
Check out my full guide to the hiking Eungbongsan here.
Nonsan Strawberry Festival | 논산딸기축제
Festival Dates: March 26th – 29th, 2026
Address: 110 , Cheyuk-ro, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do | 충청남도 논산시 체육로 110 육상보조경기장,종합운동장,화장실
The Nonsan Strawberry Festival is your chance to head into the not very touristed Chungcheongnam-do Province for wonderfully sweet Korean strawberries. With rich soil and clean air, this region is the largest producer of strawberries in Korea.
At Nonsan Strawberry Festival, pick your own strawberries, visit the strawberry dessert cafe, take a helicopter ride, or enjoy special performances. Strawberry season is nearing its end in March in Korea, so be sure to pick up a few packs before heading home. Get more details here (Korean only).
STRAWBERRY PICKING NEAR SEOUL | Try searching for strawberry farms in Pocheon or Gwangju if you want to do it independently. Otherwise, join a day tour that includes stops at popular places like Nami Island, and the Gangchon Rail Bike, along with a strawberry picking experience. Check into here.
Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival | 진해군항제
Festival Dates: March 27th – April 5th, 2026
Address: Gyeongsangnam-do, Changwon-si, Jinhae-gu, Tongsin-dong | 경상남도 창원시 진해구 통신동
Many travellers visit Korea in spring, with the sole intention of attending the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, and this year, they’re in luck. The Jinhae Gunhangje Festival is back in Korea in March, with expanded venues and events.
Gaze at pale pink petals as they drift sentimentally down onto the train tracks of Gyeonghwa Station, or snap a pic at one of the most iconic spots to see cherry blossoms in Korea – the tunnel of cherry trees atop Jinhae’s Yeojwacheon Stream.
JINHAE CHERRY BLOSSOM TOUR FROM SEOUL OR BUSAN | Make your trip totally hassle-free by booking a guided tour that stops at all the most famous cherry blossom spots in Jinhae. The best part? It costs almost exactly the same as getting there independently using public transit. Get more info here.
2026 KBO Baseball Season
Season Start: March 28th, 2026
The Korea Baseball Organization is made up of 10 teams, all of who will start the season at 14:00 on March 28th. In Seoul, watch out for defending Korean Series champions LG Twins matched up against the KT Wiz at Jamsil Baseball Stadium.
If you’ve never gone to a baseball game in Korea, definitely make the effort. It’s a completely different experience than what you’re probably used to, and something you’ll never forget.
It can be challenging to get tickets, but you can try heading to the stadium on game day to try to get tickets, or join an experiential tour, with tickets included.
Yeongchwisan Yeosu Azalea Festival 영취산진달래축졔
FESTIVAL DATES: March 28th – 29th, 2026
Address: 160 Hongguksa-gil, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do | 전남 여수시 흥국사길 160
Jeollanam-do will probably always be my favourite province to explore in Korea. Amazing food, incredible nature, and warm people. What’s not to love?
Make a trip down to Yeosu’s Yeongchwisan at the end of March in Korea, and you’ll be rewarded with an explosion of azaleas. Make sure to stop in at the gorgeous Hyangiram Hermitage while you’re there. It’s got to be one of my top 3 Buddhist temples in Korea!
Daegu E-World Blossom Picnic | 이월드
Festival Dates: late March 2026
Address: 200, Duryugongwon-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu | 대구광역시 달서구 두류공원로 200 (두류동)
Cherry blossoms bloom early at E-World in Daegu. Check them out around the 83 Tower, and be sure to look out for the red double decker buses and merry-go-round for gorgeous spring pics. Check their website for full details.
Korea in March | What to Wear
Korea’s weather in March is quite varied – both by temperature and geography. At the beginning of the month, you’ll likely need warmer coats, layers of clothing, and maybe even gloves and a hat if you’re prone to feeling cold. This is also the case, if you’re planning to visit areas of Gangwon-do or the East Coast.
By the end of the month, it warms up significantly. You’ll still need long-sleeved shirts, pants, and sweaters, but you’ll probably be okay without a jacket during daylight hours, unless you’re from a hot country.
It’s a good idea to have layers on hand though, in case the weather takes a strange turn. March in South Korea is a shoulder month between winter and spring, so this is a definite possibility.
I’d bring along at least a light jacket for colder evening temperatures. It can feel downright chilly after the sun has gone down, especially if it’s windy.
You will log a ton of steps while exploring Seoul, so comfortable shoes for lots of walking are a MUST when visiting Korea. Blistered feet on a trip here would be a real bummer.
Tips for What to Wear in Korea in March
1. It’s colder at the beginning of March in South Korea than at the end, so prepare accordingly. If you’re visiting in the first few weeks of March, you’ll need a warm coat for the night time hours.
2. The Korea weather in March changes quite a bit – even over the course of a single day – so it’s wise to prepare with multiple weights and layers of clothing.
3. It can take some time for heating to be turned off in Korea in March, so it can feel very, very hot indoors – almost suffocating. Look out for lockers in subway stations and inside malls to stash your coats while you wander around.
Visiting Korea in March | Packing List
Here’s a rough guideline of items to pack for the Korea weather in March.
Bring from Home
- travel documents – passport, itineraries, hotel reservations, plane tickets, travel visas, insurance
- adaptors / plugs
- reusable air pollution mask – Vogmask or similar
- t-shirts and long-sleeved shirts
- jeans, trousers or long pants of some kind
- sweaters, hoodies, cardigans
- skirts or dresses with leggings or tights
- light jacket, windbreaker or waterproof shell | warmer coat if you’re visiting at the beginning of the month or plan on skiing
- sunglasses
- deodorant, feminine hygiene items
- comfortable shoes for lots of walking
- any special medications you need
- allergy medications if you’re sensitive to pollen and dust
Buy in Korea
- umbrella if it rains
- disposable air pollution / medical masks
- batteries / charging cables (super cheap at Daiso)
- skincare products like sunscreen (high quality and cheap in Korea!)
- eyeglasses and contact lenses can be purchased just by walking into a store (a free eye test will be provided)
- birth control can be purchased over the counter, without a prescription (but all brands may not be available)
Korea in March: Essential Info and FAQs
1. Is March a good time to visit Korea?
March in South Korea is a wonderful time to visit – particularly in the latter half of the month, when spring flowers and cherry blossoms turn the country into a pretty paradise.
2. Is it cold in Korea in March?
Average daily temperatures in Korea in March range from 1°C | 35°F to 13°C | 55°F. Some areas, especially in Gangwon-do Province are very cold, and even get snowfall at the beginning of the month!
3. Is Korea hot in March?
South Korea in March is definitely not hot. Though it can feel quite warm by the end of the month, average high temperatures only reach 13°C | 55°F.
4. What is there to do in Korea in March?
Spring festivals start to ramp up in mid-March in Korea, with cherry blossom and other flowers in full bloom. The Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival is the biggest one, but there are plenty of others. It’s also a good time for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and picnicking – especially at the end of the month.
All ready for the perfect trip to Korea in March? What have you got planned?
