Korea in April 2025 | Weather + Best Festivals in Seoul and Beyond

In Korea in April, the lethargy of winter is officially taken over by glorious pink cherry blossoms, colourful flower festivals, and bright sunshine.

Add in the comfortable weather experienced in South Korea in April, and its undeniably one of the best months of the year to visit the country.

April is one of the best times of the year to visit Korea!

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• what the weather is like during April in Korea
• the Seoul weather in April and other major cities and tourist hotspots, including Busan, Sokcho, and Jeju
• how to deal with the air quality
• the best spring festivals to attend around the country in April
• what to wear and the best things to pack for a successful trip to South Korea in April

How’s the Weather in South Korea in April?

Like all shoulder months, the Korea weather in April has a little bit of everything. This is the first month of true spring in Korea, so while daytime temperatures get increasingly comfortable, it’s still relatively chilly in the evenings, and can be downright cold at night. Especially at the beginning of the month.

In April, there’s some rainfall in Korea… but not enough to really stress about.

In April, average daily temperatures in Korea range from 7°C | 45°F to 20°C | 67°F across the country. Towards the end of the month, there can be days that reach into the low 20s°C.

There’s little humidity, but expect some rainfall. Keep in mind that it can still get quite cold in the evenings, with temperatures falling as low as 5°C | 41°F.

A Summary of Korea’s April Weather

READ NEXT: From Myeongdong to Gangnam: The 7 Best Areas in Seoul for Travellers EXPLAINED

Busan Weather in April

Busan is located on the southern part of the Peninsula, so you can expect it to be a couple of degrees warmer than Seoul. It has average temperatures of 10°C | 50°F – 18°C | 64°F. The sea temperature hovers around 15°C | 59°F, so I definitely wouldn’t plan on swimming in Busan in April.

The Busan weather in April is lovely © Lee Bumsu, Korea Tourism Organization

This is the ideal month to take a ride on the adorable Sky Capsule Busan on Haeundae Beach!

Jeju Island Weather in April

Jeju is known as the “Hawaii of Korea,” but in April, temperatures are not much different than in Seoul. Averages range from 10°C | 50°F to 16°C | 61°F, with 8 days of rain. Jeju is notorious for wind, so be sure to bring a warm jacket or windbreaker if you plan to visit.

It looks warm enough to swim at Gwakji Beach in Jeju in April, but trust me… it’s not.

Sokcho Weather in April | East Coast

Korea’s East Coast tends to be a bit cooler than the interior. In Sokcho in April, average daily temperatures range from 7°C | 45°F to 16°C | 61°F. In my experience, it can feel quite chilly, even in summer, so plan accordingly.

Views of Jeongdongjin Beach from the Sun Cruise Resort

In fact, we took a trip to Jeongjongjin Beach near Sokcho in July one year, and it was so cold and windy, it was impossible to go swimming!

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Korea in April | Air Quality

The one downside to traveling to Korea in April, might be the air quality.

In spring, windstorms originating in the Gobi Desert, travel across China, and land squarely on top of Korea in the form of yellow dust. This “hwangsa” colours the sky, with a grainy, yellowish cast. And unfortunately, it’s full of ultrafine and fine dust pollution.

Yellow dust and pollution can be an unfortunate part of visiting Korea in April.

It’s not just ugly, it can also be incredibly harmful to your health. If you’re visiting Korea in April, be sure to equip yourself with some kind of air pollution mask.

Those rated N95 or N99 are the best, since they filter out almost 100% of pollutants. There’s no need to prepare something in advance. You can pick up disposable air pollution masks in any pharmacy, convenience store or Daiso in Korea for just a few thousand won. The Korean equivalent of an N95 mask is called KF94.

Bad air is an unfortunate part of Korea weather in April, but at least the masks are cute?

READ NEXT: A Complete Guide to Spring in Korea | Weather, Best Festivals & What to Eat

Are there public holidays in Korea in April?

There are NO public holidays in Korea in April! It’s business as usual in Seoul and all over the rest of the country.

Limited Edition Spring Tours in Korea

April in South Korea is positively alive with colour and wonderful things to do. Here are the spring tours to take advantage of this month. Like cherry blossom season, the dates for most of these tours is incredibly limited. Most run for just a few short weeks, so catch them while you can.

Cherry Blossoms peak in Seoul at the beginning of April.

• Gwangyang Maehwa & Jeonju Hanok Village Tour | March 10th – 21st, 2025
• Spring Flowers + King Cherry Blossoms at Hwaseong Fortress | March 18th – April 24th, 2025
• Jeonju Hanok Village + Spring Flower Festivals | March 18th – April 25th, 2025
• Seoul Seasonal Hot Attractions Tour | March 18th – May 13th, 2025
• Jeju Island Package: Flight, Private Tour + Hotel Option | March 20th – April 10th, 2025
• Jeju Island Cherry Blossoms and Canola Private Taxi or Van Tour | March 20th – April 10th, 2025
• Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Tour from Seoul or Busan | March 22nd – April 6th, 2025
• Haeundae Sky Capsule + Cherry Blossom Hunting in Busan | March 25th – April 7th, 2025
• Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Tour from Busan | March 28th – April 7th, 2025
• Chasing Cherry Blossoms in Seoul | April 2nd – April 13th, 2025
• Taean Tulip Festival + Strawberry Picking Experience | April 11th – May 4th, 2025
• King Cherry Blossom Tour from Seoul | April 14th – 24th, 2025

King cherry blossoms bloom at the end of April © Yang Sungyoung, Korea Tourism Organization

Korea in April | Best Festivals and Events

In spring, cherry blossom festivals rightly steal everyone’s attention for the first weeks of the month. But never fear, because even after all the pink is long gone, there’s always another festival happening somewhere in Korea!

Here’s what you can get up to during April in Korea.

The Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon takes place every April in Korea.

Korea in April | Cherry Blossom Festivals

Cherry blossoms festivals take over Korea in April every year. These are are some of the most popular festivals of the entire year, with spectacular trees venues and a ton of great activities to take part in.

Seeing cherry blossoms in Korea in April is a must ⓒ Live Studio, Korea Tourism Organization

It seems like cherry blossoms bloom earlier and earlier every year, and a lot of festivals have followed suit. Some of the biggest, most popular cherry blossom festivals have mostly moved to the end of March in Korea, but don’t worry, because there ARE still others happening all over the country.

You can check them all out in my complete cherry blossoms in Korea guide.

Hwagae was still gorgeous (but no crowds!) AFTER the festival ended.

Besides which, even if there isn’t a festival happening, you can still enjoy those popular spots. I’ve had some of my best cherry blossom experiences in Korea AFTER the crowds left.

Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival | 진해군항제

Festival Dates: 2025 TBA, March 23rd – April 1st last year

Address: Gyeongsangnam-do, Changwon-si, Jinhae-gu, Tongsin-dong | 경상남도 창원시 진해구 통신동

If you hurry, you can still catch the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival at the beginning of April in Korea. This year, after 4 long years of cancellations, the Jinhae Gunghangje Festival is back in a big way, with newly expanded venues and events.

Yeah, you need to see this ⓒ Lim Bo-hyeok, Korea Tourism Organization

Highlights include the pale pink petals drifting romantically down onto the train tracks of Gyeonghwa Station, or seeing the iconic tunnel of cherry trees atop Jinhae’s Yeojwacheon Stream. Don’t miss all the other activities though – including fireworks, a military parade, and traditional performances.

Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival | 영등포 여의도 봄꽃축제

Festival Dates: April 2nd – 6th, 2025

Address: Yeouiseo-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 영등포구 여의서로

The Yeouido spring flower festival is slated for the beginning of April this year, but keep in mind that these dates can be changed last minute based on blooming conditions.

The Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is a huge event © Lee Beomsu, Korea Tourism Organization

This is one of the most popular places in Seoul to one of the best places to see azaleas, forsythia, AND cherry blossoms in full bloom, with over 1,800 cherry blossom trees lining a 1.7-km route near the National Assembly Building, and Yeouido Hangang Park.

With food trucks, activity zones, and performances happening, it’s easy to spend an entire day AND night at the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival.

Gyeongpodae Cherry Blossom Festival 2024 | 경포대 벚꽃축제

Festival Dates: 2025 TBA, April 5th – 10th last year

Address: 365, Gyeongpo-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

We had a late March cold snap last year, and one result was that the Gyeongpodae Cherry Blossom Festival was pushed back by about a week.

Now slated for early April, it’s a great opportunity to see a 4.3-km string of cherry blossom trees line that line gorgeous Gyeongpo Lake if you’re arriving in Korea a bit later in spring.

Gyeongpo Lake Cherry Blossom Festival by © gangwon.to

Festival activities and exhibitions centre around Gyeongpodae Pavilion, one of Korea’s regional tangible cultural treasures, but there are blooms surrounding the entire lake.

If, for some strange reason, you get overwhelmed by all the effervescent pinkness, you can take a short stroll over to Gyeongpo Beach, one of my very favourite escapes from Seoul. Drink in some East Sea views, and indulge in fresher than fresh seafood from one of the seafront restaurants.

Gyeongpo Beach is steps from Gyeongpo Lake

Directions: From Gangneung Intercity/Express Bus Terminal, take Bus 202 and get off at Gyeongpodae.

Gapyeong Eden Cherry Blossom Festival | 가평 에덴벚꽃길 벚꽃축제

Cherry Blossom Festival Dates: 2025 TBA, April 6th – 14th (weekends) last year

Address: 139 , Edenbeotkkot-gil, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 가평군 청평면 에덴벚꽃길 189

Visiting Korea a bit later in April, and thought you missed all the cherry blossoms? You didn’t! Because the Eden Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates these pink blooms a bit later than you’d think.

Cherry blossoms bloom a bit later in Gapyeong / Chuncheon area © Jeon Hyeongjun, Korea Tourism Organization

This cherry blossom festival is a bit outside of Seoul in the cooler Gapyeong area, and this makes all the difference in the world to peak blooming dates.

This is a great festival to attend, along with popular hotspots like Nami Island, the Gangchon Rail Bike,and Alpaca World, which are nearby. Check out tour options here.

The 3 Essential Day Tours to Take from Seoul

Don’t get so lost in the beauty of the cherry blossoms in April, that you forget about Korea’s other incredible attractions and sights.

Everland Tulip Festival | 에버랜드 튤립가든

Festival Dates: March 21st – mid-June 2025

Address: 199, Everland-ro, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 용인시 처인구 포곡읍 에버랜드로 199

Starting in March and continuing throughout the month of April in South Korea, Everland is the place to be if you want to see hundreds of thousands of colourful tulips. There are a staggering 1.2 million tulips from 110 different varieties at the Everland Spring festival this year.

Go tulip crazy at Everland, if you’re visiting Korea in April © jaeeun/@Flickr (CC BY-ND 2.0)

If you’re obsessed with My Melody, Cinnamaroll, and Kuromi, you’re in luck. The Everland Tulip Festival is collaborating with Sanrio for a Season 2 filled with all your favourite San Rio characters! Be sure to catch an original dance performance featuring the Sanrio characters – which I’m sure is just too cute to imagine.

When you’re done admiring the beautiful bulbs, try riding South Korea’s first wooden roller coaster, the T-Express, see the giant pandas at Panda World, or visit one of 5 themed zones in the park

Nami Island Spring Festival | 남이섬 봄 축제

Dates: 2025 TBA, April 6th – 21st (weekends) last year

Address: 1, Namiseom-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do | 경기도 가평군 가평읍 북한강변로 1024

Nami Island’s Spring Festival © 남이섬 – Nami Island

Nami Island is enduringly popular in every season, but visit in April for a cherry blossom picnic, market, and other pretty spring sites.

You can also enjoy live performances, Holi Hai on April 13th, and a number of fun events and activities.

Taean Tulip Festival | 태안 세계튤립공원

Festival Dates: April 11th – May 4th, 2025

Address: 400, Kkotjihaean-ro, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do | 충청남도 태안군 안면읍 꽃지해안로 400

Held every April in South Korea at Kkotji Beach Park, the Taean Tulip Festival is one of the biggest 5 tulip festivals in the world. There are literally millions of vibrant tulips arranged in stunning scenes and structures.

There are literally millions of tulips in Taean. This is just one small section!

I checked out this festival a few years ago, and while there are definitely A LOT of tulips, there are also other flowers, including king cherry blossoms!

Seoul Lotus Lantern Festival 2025 | 연등회

Festival Dates: April 25th – 27th, 2025

Address: 55, Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 우정국로 55

Seoul’s YeonDeungHoe or Lotus Lantern Festival is a centuries old event that celebrates the day of Buddha’s birth. In 2025, the Eoulim Madang (Buddhist cheer rally), Lotus Lantern Parade, and post-parade party take place on Saturday, April 26th.

The Lotus Lantern Parade has to be seen to be believed © 대한민국 정부 문화체육관광부 문화재청 (CC BY-SA 2.5)

There are a number of separate events to attend during the festival, including a lighting ceremony, cultural performances, traditional lantern exhibition, and lantern making experiences.

The highlight is undoubtedly the Lotus Lantern Parade, where literally thousands of Buddhists carry lovely glowing lanterns, along a route that starts at Heunginjimun Gate and ends at Jogyesa Temple. It starts at 7:00PM, but I suggest arriving a bit earlier to get a good spot on the parade route.

Show up early to get a good spot on the parade route. Your kids can play tag on the street.

On April 27th, you can participate in cultural events like lantern making, and watch traditional performances, while eating favourful temple cuisine. All events will be held on the street directly in front of Jogyesa Temple.

If you can’t make it to Yeon Deung Hoe on either of those days, you can still see traditional lanterns colourfully displayed at Jogyesa Temple, Bongeunsa, and Gwanghwamun Square for another few weeks.

Lanterns will be on display at Bongeunsa, Jogyesa, and Gwanghwamun Square for about a month.

READ NEXT: 10 Secret Spots to See Cherry Blossoms in Seoul

Icheon Ceramics Festival | 이천도자기축제

Festival Dates: April 25th – May 6th, 2025

Address: 123 Dojayesul-ro 62beon-gil, Sindun-myeon, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 이천시 신둔면 도자예술로5번길 109

Icheon is a UNESCO-recognized City of Creative Culture and considered the birthplace of pottery here. This April in Korea, you can make ceramic darts out of raw clay or sample freshly baked bread straight out of a kiln at the Icheon Ceramics Festival.

Icheon is the birthplace of Korean ceramics

We’ve spent a few wonderful days in Icheon, playing with clay and learning about ceramics, and I totally recommend a day trip to check out this relaxed and creative town.

Goyang Flower Festival | 고양가을꽃축제

Festival Dates: April 25th – May 11th, 2025

Address: 595, Hosu-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 고양시 일산동구 호수로 595

The Goyang Flower Festival celebrates the beauty of spring flowers, with a huge expo at Ilsan Lake Park. This is the largest flower festival in Korea, with international exhibitors from over 40 countries taking part. Join a tour with hotel pick up to Goyang here.

Prepare to be wowed at the Goyang Flower Festival © Yeon So Jeong, (CC BY-SA 3.0)

You’ll be wowed by spectacular indoor and outdoor exhibits, made up of creative floral arrangements. There are also a number of experience areas, where you can try your hand at pressing flowers, wood art, and natural dying using flowers. Magic and bubble shows, musical performances, and flower water bikes on Ilsan Lake will keep the whole family entertained.

Directions: Jeongbalsan Station on Line 3, Exit 2. Walk for approximately 10 minutes to Ilsan Lake Park.

K-Royal Culture Festival | 궁중문화축전

Festival Dates: April 26th – May 4th, 2025

Address: Gyeongbok, Changdeok, Deoksu, Changgyeong and Gyeonghui Palaces, Jongmyo, and Sajikdan

If you haven’t had a chance to visit any of Seoul’s 5 Joseon Dynasty palaces yet, the Royal Culture Festival is a good time to do it.

Korea’s rich cultural heritage will be highlighted with performances, rituals, moonlight tours, and interactive activities for kids at these venues throughout the month.

The K-Royal Culture Festival takes places at Seoul’s Joseon Palaces.

The K-Royal Culture Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary this April in Korea, so there’s sure to be plenty of free activities and special events. Some – like the Changdeokgung Moonlight tours, require advance reservation. Find more details here.

Seoul Spring Festa | 서울스프링페스타

Festival Dates: April 30th – May 6th, 2025

Address: Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul Plaza, Deoksugung-gil, Seoul World Cup Stadium

The Seoul Spring Festa kicks off with a mega K-pop concert called the Seoul Wonder Show at World Cup Stadium. Tickets are free (except for a ticket issuing fee), but you’ll have to fight to get them, with pre-reservation taking place on Interpark from February 11th – 15th at noon.

Seoul’s Spring Festa will include free drone shows!

Not to worry if you can’t grab tickets for that though – there’s plenty more to do, including interactive street programs, drone shows, events, marketplaces, and food (of course!). Get full details on the Seoul Festa website.

Busan Lotus Lantern Festival | 부산연등축제

Festival Dates: April 18th – May 5th, 2025 (TBC)

Address: 121-1, Dongseong-ro 112beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan | 부산광역시 부산진구 동성로112번길 121-1

Buddhist or not, this is a festival that absolutely everyone can enjoy. Admire the lotus lanterns of every shape and size that are on brilliantly on display at Songsanghyeon Plaza and Busan Citizen’s Park.

40,000 lanterns is something you need to see

Make sure to check out Samgwangsa Temple, which is also illuminated by 40,000 lotus lanterns in the weeks leading up to Buddha’s birthday. I saw this event last year, and it was SPECTACULAR.

Check festival details here.

Don’t Let Daddy Know Korea 2025

Festival Dates: 2025 TBA, April 20th last year

Gwacheon Seoulland Address: 181, Gwangmyeong-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 과천시 광명로 181

Don’t Let Daddy Know is an epic EDM Festival from the Netherlands that successfully debuted in Seoul last year.

Don’t Let Daddy Know is a 19+ event.

With headliners Don Diablo, Illenium, 𝘛𝘪𝘦𝘳 2, Jonas Blue, Maddix, and many more – this is a 19+ event. ID WILL be verified.

Korea in April | What to Wear

To best deal with Korea’s weather in April, layers are the name of the game. Jeans, trousers, skirts with leggings or tights, and long-sleeved shirts or sweaters work well. Bring along a hoodie, cardigan or light jacket, in case the wind starts up, or there’s a brief cold snap.

Trenchcoat, jeans, layers – Naia and her friend nailed it for what to wear for the Korea weather in April.

There is some precipitation in April, but rather than carry a cumbersome umbrella with you everywhere you go, I recommend picking one up on the fly at a convenience store or street stall, if it starts to rain. Umbrellas will pop up every which way you turn, as soon as the drops start falling.

Visiting Korea in April | Packing List

What you decide to pack to deal with the Korea weather in April has a lot to do with your personal style, but here’s a rough guideline of items to consider.

Cherry blossoms are one of the best parts of visiting Korea in April

Korea in April | Bring from Home

• travel documents – passport, itineraries, hotel reservations, plane tickets, travel visas, insurance
• adaptor / plug
• reusable air pollution mask – Vogmask or similar
• t-shirts
• jeans, trousers or long pants of some kind
• sweaters, hoodies, cardigans
• skirts or dresses with leggings
• light jacket, breaker or waterproof shell
• 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 masks
• skincare products like sunscreen (high quality and cheap in Korea!)

Temples around Korea are decorated in lanterns in April and May for Buddha’s birthday.

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All ready for the perfect trip to Korea in April? What have you got planned?