Spring in Korea 2025 | Weather, Best Spring Festivals, and Things to Do

Korea’s spring months of March, April, and May are absolutely one of the most magical times to visit Seoul, Busan, and other popular places around the country. The streets are lined with cotton candy pink, spring blossoms burst with colour, temperatures are comfortable, and the mood is one of buoyant optimism.

Spring is the most optimistic time of the year in Korea!

In my complete guide to visiting South Korea in spring, I’ll fill you in on:

• the climate and weather for March, April, and, May in Korea
• the best spring festivals to attend in Seoul and beyond
• what to wear and pack to enjoy spring comfortably in South Korea
• which Korean food to eat in spring

What is Spring in Korea like?

In Korea in spring, the crazy cold climate of winter beats a steady retreat, and fresh shoots begin to colour the country with the most delicate of greens. The tea plantations around Boseong are ready for harvest, the sea magically parts in Jindo, and flowers burst with colour. It really is a lovely time of year to explore South Korea.

Spring landscapes in Korea are utterly stunning

The spring months of March, April, and May are one of Korea’s top travel seasons for good reason. From mid-March, temperatures start to improve across the country, the sun starts to shine, and the greys of winter in Korea become a distant memory.

Within these months, late March to mid-April is the tourism peak. Travellers from all over the world flock to Korea for a chance to gawk at cherry blossoms in Seoul, and go to various spring flower festivals around the country.

Tourists flock to Korea in March and April for a chance to see cherry blossoms.

If you’re planning your travels to Korea for this time of year, it’s wise to book accommodation and any spring tours far, far in advance, since the most popular places get booked up right away during this peak tourism season.

READ NEXT: From Myeongdong to Gangnam: The 7 Best Areas to Stay in Seoul, with Hotel Recommendations and Travel Tips

When is Spring in Korea?

Spring in Korea spans the months of March, April, and May. There’s a rapid rise in temperature from the deep freeze of winter to the balmy climates we enjoy over the course of 3 months, but also fine dust pollution to contend with.

Here’s what to expect from the Korea weather in spring, month by month.

The climate is ideal for new life to bloom in Korea in spring.

Spring Weather in Korea | March

March is still a relatively cool, dry month during spring in Korea. Temperatures range from 1 to 10°C on average, and get progressively warmer as the month continues. It’s warmer in the south of the country, and cooler the further north you go. It’s cold enough in some areas of the country to still ski and snowboard at the beginning of March.

It can still be cold enough in Korea for frozen ice in March.

You’ll want to keep multiple layers of clothing on hand – especially for evenings, when it can still feel downright cold.

READ NEXT: Visiting Korea in March: Weather, What to Wear + Best Festivals

Spring Weather in Korea | April

Korea’s weather in April has a little bit of everything. The transition from winter to spring in South Korea continues with daytime temperatures getting increasingly comfortable. In April, average daily temperatures in Korea range from 7 to 18°C across the country.

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

Towards the end of the April, there can even be days that reach into the low 20s. There’s little humidity, but you can expect some rainfall. Keep in mind that it can still get cold in the evenings, with temperatures falling as low as 5°C, so be prepared with a light coat or multiple layers of clothing for spring in Korea.

READ NEXT: Visiting Korea in April: Weather, What to Wear + Best Festivals

Spring Weather in Korea | May

The warming trend of spring in Korea continues during May, with day time temperatures reaching as high as the mid-20s by the end of the month. Some would say this is one of the best times of the year to visit Korea climate-wise, with ideal temperatures, little humidity, and sunny days.

May brings flowers and sunshine to Korea.

May is probably one of my favourite months of the year in Korea, with beautiful light, stunning flowers, and ideal weather.

READ NEXT: Guide to Korea in May: Weather, What to Wear + Best Festivals

Fine dust pollution in Korea in Spring

Unfortunately, fine dust pollution is at its worst in Korea during spring. Called hwangsa in Korean, this yellow dust blows in from the Gobi Desert, picks up pollution along the way, and sits squarely on top of Korea due to wind currents.

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

You’ll want to be prepared with fine dust pollution masks during this time. Fortunately, you don’t need to buy these in advance. They’re easy to purchase in pharmacies, groceries, and convenience stores for just a few thousand won or less.

For the most protection, look out for masks labeled KF94. These filter out 94% of pollutants.

READ NEXT: 49 Indoor Activities and Activities in Seoul for a Rainy Day

Public Holidays during Spring in Korea 2025

There are 3 major national public holidays, and several observances in Korea, during the spring of 2025.

The holidays you need to concern yourself with as a tourist are:

• Saturday, March 1st, 2025: Independence Movement Day (national holiday on Monday, March 3rd)
• Wednesday, May 5th, 2025: Children’s Day and Buddha’s Birthday (national holiday on Tuesday, May 6th)

Buddha’s birthday is on May 15th in 2024. The date changes every year based on the Lunar Calendar.

All are days off for all Koreans, but you definitely won’t have trouble finding things to do.

Typically, all tourist sites and many restaurants will be open to the public, and there’ll be a ton of special events planned… especially for Buddha’s Birthday, when a massive Lotus Lantern Parade takes over the streets of Seoul.

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Best Festivals and Events to Attend during Spring in Korea

From ice fishing to music to food, there’s always a festival happening somewhere in Seoul or beyond. And while cherry blossom festivals are the undeniable highlight of visiting at this time, there are plenty of other festivals to amuse yourself at during spring in South Korea, if pinkness isn’t your thing.

Cherry blossoms begin to bloom in Korea in late March

Here’s a rundown of some of Korea’s best spring festivals, but be sure to check out my detailed monthly guides for more wonderful events to check out.

Top Spring Tours in Korea

Gwangyang Maehwa Plum Blossom Festival | 광양매화축제

Festival Dates: March 7th – 16th, 2025

Address: 1563-1, Seomjingangmaehwa-ro, Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do | 전라남도 광양시 다압면 섬진강매화로 1563-1

Plum blossoms are uniformly round on each petal.

The appearance of maehwa or plum blossoms is one of the first signs that spring in Korea is on its way! It’s easy to mistake plum blossoms for cherry blossoms, but plum blossoms bloom a few weeks earlier than their more famous cousins.

You can recognize them because they’re uniformly round on each petal (cherry blossoms have a small notch on the end of each petal).

Plum blossoms are one of the first signs of spring in Korea.

Maehwa Village in Jeollanamdo is definitely the place to check out these gorgeous blooms. You’ll find nearly 200,000 square metres of plum trees near the lovely Seomjin River.

At the festival – which takes place every March in Korea, you can try maesil (plum) ice cream, alcohol, and more. Check out my full guide to visiting the Gwangyang Maehwa Festival, for all the details of how to get there, and what to do.

Jeonju Hanok Village is lovely.

Gurye Sansuyu Festival | 구례산수유꽃축제

Festival Dates: March 9th – 17th, 2025 (TBC)

Address: 1019-36 Jwasa-ri, Sandong-myeon, Gurye, Jeollanam-do, South Korea

Bright, yellow sansuyu are another one of the flowers that heralds the arrival of spring in South Korea. 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.

Vivid, yellow sansuyu heralds the beginning of spring in Korea.

If you have time, make a detour and visit Hwaeomsa Temple – which is the site of a historic and beautiful plum tree that’s been designated as a natural monument by the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) of South Korea.

Hwaeomsa is one of Korea’s most important temples, and it also happens to be incredibly beautiful. Budget at least a few hours for a good wander around its large grounds.

Hwaeomsa’s plum tree is Natural Monument No. 485.

I’ve visited Gurye during spring in Korea, the last 2 years running, and definitely recommend it. The concentration of cherry blossoms lining the roads of Gurye and nearby Hadong are absolutely stunning!

Jindo Miracle Sea Road Festival | 진도 신비의 바닷길

Festival Dates: March 29th – April 1st, 2025

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

Every spring in 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.

Every spring in Korea, the sea miraculously parts in Jindo © Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization

You can actually WALK through the sea between the 2 islands, searching for abandoned clams, shells, and abalone. This is a truly spectacular natural event that you won’t regret attending.

Everland Tulip Festival | 에버랜드 튤립가든

Festival Dates: late March 2025 (TBC)

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, Everland is the place to be if you want to see tulips during spring in Korea. At this festival, you can gawk at 1.2 million tulips, from 110 different strains.

This year, Everland has collaborated with Sanrio to bring you a Fairy Village Tulip Festival, where you can also see your favourite Sanrio characters, like Cinnamarol, My Melody, and Kuromi.

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

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

Watch a KBO League Baseball Game

Season Start: March 22nd, 2025

Address: Various

Spring in South Korea means the start of baseball season! Each of the 9 teams in the KBO baseball league, has a dedicated and rabid fan base. The atmosphere at a game is super lively and you really don’t need to understand a thing about baseball to have a good time.

You’ll be amazed by the total dedication of the crowds as they cheer their favourite team, with never-ending chants and unique songs for individual players.

Watching a baseball game in Korea is a unique experience

In Seoul, games take place at Jamsil Baseball Stadium near Sports Complex Station on Line 9, but you can find games all over the country. You can buy tickets in advance on Interpark, attempt to get tickets on-site, or join a baseball game + K-Food Local Experience tour, if that feels easier to you.

Check the location of games and full schedule on their website.

Jeju Fire Festival | 제주들불축제

Festival Dates: TBC for 2025

Address: San 59-8, Bongseong-ri, Jeju-si, Jeju-do | 제주 제주시 애월읍 봉성리 산59-8

This dramatic festival lights the night sky with red flames and fireworks during spring in Korea, when huge bonfire structures called daljip (moon houses) are set aflame. It was believed that these fires would bring good fortune, protection from evil and a bountiful harvest. The location of the event is the Saebyeoloreum Volcanic Cone.

The dramatic Jeju Fire Festival © Jeong Sung-joo, Korea Tourism Organization

It was cancelled a few years back due to environmental concerns, but currently, there is ongoing debate about whether the Jeju Fire Festival will go in its original form in 2025. Keep your eye on their website for updates.

Limited Edition Spring Tours in Korea

Spring in Korea is positively alive with colour and wonderful things to do. Here are the spring tours to take advantage of for the months of March, April, and May. Like cherry blossom season, the dates for most of these spring in Korea tours is incredibly limited.

*Will be updated as 2025 dates are announced.

Plum blossoms are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring in Korea.

• Taean Tulip Festival + Cheongsan Arboretum | from March 3rd, 2025
• Gwangyang Maehwa & Jeonju Hanok Village Tour | March 10th – 21, 2025
• Jeju Cherry Blossom Tour | March 15th – April 20th, 2025
• Pocheon Art Valley + Strawberry Farm Experience | March 20th – June 30th, 2025
• Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Tour | March 22nd – April 6th, 2025
• Gangwondo Cherry Blossom Tour | April 1st – 11th, 2025
• Eden Cherry Blossom Road, Nami Island + Alpaca World | April 1st – 25th, 2025
• Cherry Blossom Hunting in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do | April 2nd – 13th, 2025
• Hwadam Forest Cherry Blossoms + Spring Flowers | April 5th – July 30th, 2025
• Seoul Seasonal Hot Attractions Tour | TBA
• Spring Flowers + Cherry Blossoms at Hwaseong Fortress | TBA
• Spring Flower Festivals at Jeonju Hanok Village | TBA
• Incheon Cherry Blossom + Wonmisan Azalea Festival | TBA

Jinhae is the most popular cherry blossoms festival in spring in Korea ⓒ Live Studio, Korea Tourism Organization

READ NEXT: The 5 Most Breathtaking Places to See Cherry Blossom in South Korea

April | Spring Cherry Blossom Festivals

Cherry blossom festivals cover Korea from top to bottom in April. The biggest and most famous of these is the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, but there’s plenty of others.

Yangjaecheon Stream has a (short) cherry blossom festival every year

In Seoul, cherry blossom festivals are held at (but are not limited to):

• Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival
• Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival
• Yangjaecheon Cherry Blossom Festival
• Seoul Grand Park Cherry Blossom Festival

In other parts of Korea:

• Cherry Blossom Marathon and Festival in Gyeongju
• Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival
• Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival
• Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival
• Cheongpung Lake Cherry Blossom Festival

The Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon takes place in Korea every April

READ NEXT: 10 Hidden Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Seoul

Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival | 진해군항제

Festival Dates: 2025 TBA (March 23rd – April 1st, 2024)

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. After 4 long years of cancellations, the Jinhae Gunghangje Festival is back in a big way, with expanded venues and events.

Jinhae is the must-see cherry blossom festival during Spring in korea

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 during spring in Korea – the tunnel of cherry trees atop Jinhae’s Yeojwacheon Stream.

Lotus Lantern Festival | Yeon Deung Hoe (연등회)

Festival Dates: Apri 25th – 27th, 2025

YeonDeungHoe, or the Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul is one of the most brilliant spectacles in Korea during spring. On the weekend before Buddha’s Birthday (which changes every year based on the Lunar Calendar), a massive lantern parade takes over the streets of Jongno District in Seoul.

The Lotus Lantern Parade is a colourful spectacle.

Picture 100,000 people walking with glowing lanterns, the steady beat of drummers, and colourfully lit floats, and you have a small idea of what to expect. Be sure to head to Jogyesa Temple in Insadong at the conclusion of the parade, for more dancing, drumming and festivities. If you’re in Korea in spring, this is a can’t miss event!

In 2025, the lantern parade and all related events take place around April 25th (though lanterns will be on display throughout the month of April and May).

Lanterns will be on display at Bongeunsa, Jogyesa, and Cheonggyecheon Stream.

READ NEXT: Bongeunsa is a 1,200 Year Old Temple where Traditional and Modern Meet in Seoul

May | Culture and Flower Festivals

Cherry blossom and flower festivals are not the only game in town during spring in Korea. Here’s what else to watch out for in May.

Damyang Bamboo Forest Festival | 담양대나무축제

Festival Dates: 2025 TBC, May 3rd – 7th last year

Address: 119, Jungnogwon-ro, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do | 전라남도 담양군 담양읍 죽녹원로 119 (담양읍)

Juknokwon or the Damyang Bamboo Forest is a vast forest of serene bamboo trees, walking paths, and even a hanok village. It’s full of oxygen, cool temperatures and the majesty of nature.

The Juknokwon Bamboo Garden is simply stunning

Held every spring in Korea, the Damyang Bamboo Forest Festival is one of the only bamboo themed festivals in the world. You’ll be treated to traditional art and culture performances, as well as bamboo-related programs, such as riding bamboo rafts, catching fish with bamboo baskets, and making bamboo water-guns.

Boseong Green Tea Festival | 보성다향대축제

Festival Dates: 2025 TBC, April 29th – May 7th last year

Address: 775, Nokcha-ro, Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do | 전라남도 보성군 보성읍 녹차로 775

If you’re looking for calm, green views to welcome spring in Korea, head down to Boseong for the Aromatic Tea Festival. You can explore the largest tea plantation in Korea and see green tea leaves at their lovely peak.

Boseong is a peaceful place to spend a spring day © Yu Ji-hun, Korea Tourism Organization

There’s something incredibly calming and rejuvenating about wandering through these symmetrical bushes. So, grab a green tea ice cream, pick your own tea leaves, and learn everything you ever wanted to know about green tea.

Hapcheon Hwangmaesan Royal Azalea Festival | 황매산군립공원

Festival Dates: 2025 TBC, first 2 weeks of May last year

Address: 4, Hwangmaesangongwon-gil, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do | 경상남도 합천군 가회면 황매산공원길 4

Spring in Korea is most known for cherry blossoms, but azaleas are also a flower not to be missed. The azalea habitat in Hwangmaesan County Park is the biggest and most breathtaking in Korea.

Dawn is one of the most beautiful times to see the azaleas on Hwangmaesan © Choi Soo-jin, Korea Travel Organization

Located near the top of an 1108-metre mountain, Hwangmaesan County Park, it’s an easy hike up to the peak, or you can simply drive up to the fields instead. There’s parking nearby.

READ NEXT: How to Rent a Hanbok in Seoul in 9 Easy Steps

Best Korean Foods to eat in Spring

There seems to be a food to go with every season in Korea, and spring is no different. Here are the best meals to chase down in March, April, and May

Spring Namul | 나물

Namul refers to a variety of edible grasses or leaves, that are commonly served as banchan or side dishes in Korean cuisine. In spring time, namul are super fresh, packed with vitamins and incredibly tasty. Look out for mugwort, gondre, fernbrake, and wild chives.

Namul is super fresh and packed with vitamins in spring © Junho Jung (CC BY-SA 3.0)

READ NEXT: Seoul Food Guide: The Best Things to Eat & Where to Eat it

Jjukkumi | 쭈꾸미

Jjukkumi are webfoot octopus that are freshest and tastiest from March to May. Whether you have it stir-fried, grilled, or in a shabu shabu, you’ll love it’s chewy texture and delicious flavour.

King Crab | 왕게

From February until mid-March, king crabs are at their freshest in Korea. They’re generally steamed whole, so you can enjoy the creamy meat at its purest. There are specialized seafood restaurants in major cities like Seoul and Busan to eat this, but head to Uljin or Yeongdeok in Gyeongsangbuk-do for entire streets dedicated to the king of crabs.

Sweet, sweet strawberries | 딸기

Korean strawberries are incredibly sweet, smell amazing, and are an excellent source of vitamin C. Strawberries are grown in greenhouses from December to June, but they’re at their flavour peak from February to April, so be sure to indulge during spring in Korea.

Be sure to seek out some strawberries during spring in Korea

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