Visiting Korea in April | Weather, Best Festivals + Packing List [UPDATED 2023]

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

Korea in April | Weather

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 18°C | 64°F across the country. Towards the end of the month, there can be days that reach into the low 20s. 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.

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

Korea in April | Seoul Weather

Seoul in April, has average temperatures of 7°C | 45°F to 18°C | 64°F. Climate wise, it’s one of the best times of the year to visit Korea. Daylight hours increase to 13, and there’s quite a bit of sunshine and blue sky during the day.

The Seoul weather in April has low humidity, but there are about 5 days of rain, totalling approximately 65-mm, on average. It gets progressively warmer over the course of the month, but keep in mind that it’s still quite chilly at night. You’ll definitely need a jacket in the evenings.

April is a perfectly lovely time of year to be in Seoul, climate-wise.

Is it cold in Seoul in April?

This is subjective. If you’re traveling from Southeast Asia or other tropical climates, you would probably find Seoul in April to be quite cold, especially at night. If you were raised somewhere like Canada, you’d find this month to be extremely comfortable, weather wise (like I do).

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Korea Weather in April | Busan

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

Korea Weather in April | Jeju Island

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.

Korea Weather in April | Sokcho (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!

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

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 in spring. 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.

Jeonju Hanok Village is gorgeous in spring.

Spring Tours from Seoul

• Jeju Island Package: Flight, Private Tour + Hotel Option | March 20th – April 9th, 2023
• Jeju Island Cherry Blossoms and Canola Private Taxi or Van Tour | March 21st – April 10th, 2023
• Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Tour from Seoul or Busan | March 27th – April 6th, 2023
• Daegu E-WORLD Land & Spring Cherry Blossom Day Tour | March 28th – April 7th, 2023
• Chasing Cherry Blossoms in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do | April 5th – 16th, 2023
• Ganghwa Island Cherry Blossom & Luge Ride Experience | April 9th – 17th, 2023
• Eden Cherry Blossom Festival + Alpaca World + Nami Island | April 11th – 18th, 2023
• Goryeosan Mountain Azalea Festival + Oepo Port Seafood Market | April 14th – 22nd, 2023
• Taean Tulip Festival + Strawberry Picking Experience | April 14th – May 7th, 2023
• Pink King Cherry Blossom Tour from Seoul | April 15th – April 30th, 2023
• Seoul Festa K-pop Concert & Everland | April 30th, 2023
• Jarasum Flower Festival + Nami Island & Sheep Ranch | May 26th – 31st, 2023
• Goseokjeong Flower Fields + Herb Island Night Tour | May 20th – June 30th, 2023

Spring Tours from Busan

• Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Tour from Busan | March 24th – April 9th, 2023
• Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Tour from Seoul or Busan | March 27th – April 6th, 2023
• Chasing Cherry Blossoms in Busan | March 27th – April 12th, 2023
• Cherry Blossom Hunting Tour from Busan | March 24th – April 9th, 2023
• Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival from Busan | March 27th – April 8th, 2023
• KING Cherry Blossom Hunting Tour from Busan | April 17th – April 30th, 2023

Cherry blossoms are at peak in South Korea in April.

Korea in April | Best Festivals and Events

In spring, cherry blossom festivals rightly steal everyone’s attention for the first few weeks of the month. But never fear, because even after al 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

After 3 to 4 long years of cancellations, cherry blossoms festivals are back in full force in Korea in April 2023. I’d expect these to be incredibly busy, with expanded venues and a ton of great activities, as local economies are finally revitalized.

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

I’ll cover the biggest, most popular cherry blossom festivals in detail below, but there are many others happening all over the country. You can check them all out in my complete cherry blossoms in Korea guide.

They include:

• Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival
• Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon and Festival
• Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival
• Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival
• Cheongpong Lake Cherry Blossom Festival

Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival | 진해군항제

Festival Dates: March 25th – April 3rd, 2023

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

The Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival is probably the most popular festival happening in Korea in April. 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 Cherry Blossom Festival | 영등포 여의도 봄꽃축제

Cherry Blossom Festival Dates: April 4th – 9th, 2023

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

Yeouido is undoubtedly one of the best (but maybe most crowded) places in Seoul to see just cherry blossoms in Korea in April. You can also see other lovely spring flowers like azaleas and forsythia in full bloom. With 1,400 to 1,600 trees in the park, you’re guaranteed a stunning and dramatic sight.

Cherry blossoms are also stunning at night © Lee Beomsu, Korea Tourism Organization

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

Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival | 석촌호수 벚꽃축제

Festival Dates: April 5th – 9th, 2023

Address: 47 Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 송파구 잠실동 47

The Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival in Korea is one of the biggest spring festival happening in Korea in April.

Seokchon Lake is ringed with cherry blossoms in April © Song Seungwook, Korea Tourism Organization

READ NEXT: 7 Fantastic Things to do at Seokchon Lake Park in Jamsil

Everland Tulip Festival | 에버랜드 튤립가든

Festival Dates: March 16th – April 29th, 2023

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

Starting in mid 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 1.2 million tulips, from 110 different strains at the festival this year.

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

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

Gyeongbokgung at Night | 경복궁 야간 특별관람

Dates: April 5th – May 31t, 2023

Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161 (세종로)

For a limited time, Gyeongbokgung Palace is opened up to the public at night. It’s definitely a special experience to see this gem of the Joseon Dynasty illuminated brilliantly against the night sky.

Seeing Gyeongbokgung Palace at night is a special experience.

It’s open for viewing everyday from 7:00 to 9:30PM, except Mondays and Tuesdays, with the last entrance at 8:30. There are a limited number of tickets available online and limited tickets available for purchase (by non-Koreans) at the on-site ticket booth every night. Cost: 3,000 won.

This event is the perfect time to rent a hanbok in Seoul if you haven’t already done so, and get some epic pictures… especially since you can enter Gyeongbokgung totally free while wearing one (whether the maximum limit has been exceeded or not).

Gyeongbokgung is an amazing backdrop for a photoshoot in a hanbok.

Taean Tulip Festival | 태안 세계튤립공원

Festival Dates: April 14th – May 7th, 2023

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.

Tulips on the brain? Head to Taean © Live Studio, Korea Tourism Organization

Jindo Miracle Sea Road Festival | 진도 신비의 바닷길

Festival Dates: April 20th – 22nd, 2023

Address: Modo-ri, Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do | 온라인개최

This April in South Korea – a miracle occurs in Jindo. The Yellow Sea parts in true Moses style, and forms a 3-km long pathway between Jindo Island and Modo Island.

This April in South Korea, the sea miraculously parts in Jindo © Korea Tourism Organization

Walk through the sea between these 2 islands, searching for abandoned clams, shells, and abalone. This is a one-of-a-kind natural event that you won’t regret attending.

Goyang Flower Festival | 고양가을꽃축제

Festival Dates: TBA for 2023, but usually last week of April

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.

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.

Busan Lotus Lantern Festival | 부산연등축제

Festival Dates: April 28th – May 14th, 2023

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.

Temples in Korea are decorated with lanterns leading up to Buddha’s birthday.

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?