Spring Is Probably The Most Unforgettable Time To Visit Korea. Here’s Why
With this guide, your love for Korean springtime will blossom.
Published for AIR ASIA, 22 Feb 2016, 12:06 PM
South Korea experiences four seasons throughout the year, and spring is typically from the month of late March until early May
Located in East Asia, South Korea experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year – spring, summer, fall, and winter. It’s known for its bitter cold months and heavy snow during winter from December until mid-March. It’s followed by spring, which usually lasts from late March until early May and is typically one of the busiest periods, the main attraction being the cherry blossoms in full bloom. The hot and humid summer season, on the other hand, lasts from June to early September, while autumn, said to be the best season to visit, is from September to November.
Springtime in Korea is the perfect temperature as it's not too hot and not too cold, hence locals and tourists alike enjoy spending time outdoors to bask in the perfect spring weather
Springtime in Korea is arguably the best season. As far as temperature goes, spring saves us from the bone chilling cold of winter. Visually, the colors in your surroundings start to fill back in, highlighted by the bright rays of the sun.
seoulsync.comThis also means that there's no need to worry about packing thick clothing with you. Just bring along a couple of light outerwear and you're all set!
Spring, the transition period between winter and summer is the perfect temperature to enjoy outdoor activities. The average temperature ranges between 7.1℃ and 17.8℃. It can get a little chilly at night times, but nothing a light jacket can’t fix. The weather begins to warm up at the end of March.
There is also abundant of fresh, highly nutritious seasonal food to enjoy in spring, from vegetables to fruits
There are many different spring vegetables in Korea, including ssuk (mugwort), gondeurae (cirsium setidens), gosari (bracken), dalle (wild chive), and naengi (shepherd’s purse). These spring greens are packed with nutrition and help make for a well-balanced meal.
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Strawberry season in Korea takes place between March and April. With their bright red color, sweet flavor, and mouth-watering aroma, strawberries are always a big hit.
visitkorea.or.krBesides that, with Korea's seasonal catches like king crabs and other seafood, you can be sure to dine like royalty!
From February to mid-March is the best time to eat king crabs. Mostly caught off Korea's east coast, king crabs are so delicious that they used to be specially presented to kings during royal banquets.
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To treat yourself to the freshest seafood, Busan's Jagalchi Market, the largest fish market in South Korea, houses a sizable variety for you to choose from
Jagalchi Fish Market is the largest in South Korea, and if you’ve never been to an Asian fish market, it’s a must see. Stall after stall line the inside of the market selling an amazing variety of seafood. Many of the offerings are familiar to the average westerner, but some will certainly amaze.
If you’re feeling adventurous, sample some of the seafood raw, directly from the seller. If that’s a bit too exotic, the fish market is surrounded by many amazing seafood restaurants.
The season allows for some great bonding time, especially over a night or two of camping between friends or family
Take advantage of the gorgeous weather and reserve a spot at one of Seoul's many camping spots. Like picnicking, camping is a favorite outdoor activity of Koreans which involves barbecue, drinking and lots of laughs with friends and family. For a luxurious experience, take a day trip outside of Seoul to Raventree Camp Grounds in Gapyeong.
Of course, a mention about spring in Korea isn't complete without the obvious - cherry blossoms
It is said that the best period to catch the cherry blossoms in full bloom in Korea is during the last week of March and first week of April.
Many spring festivals are held throughout the country to celebrate the blossoming of cherry blossoms and other beautiful, magical spring flowers
Spring announces its arrival in Korea with a blanket of yellow and white blossoms spreading over the country. Cherry blossoms, apricot flowers, and cornus fruit trees bloom from the beginning of March when the air is still cool. The warmer season sees a host of festivals take place in Korea where visitors can stroll amidst the glorious blossoming flowers and see the country at its best.
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One of the more prominent ones is Jinhae's Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival, featuring the Romance Bridge made famous by the Korean TV drama, “Romance”
About a four-and-a-half hour bus ride south of Seoul and less than an hour bus ride from Busan, Jinhae is a sleepy naval town that’s home to the biggest cherry blossom festival in South Korea.
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The Gyeonghwa Station is also another top spot in Jinhae to witness and snap amazing photos of the cherry blossoms
Gyeonghwa Station in Jinhae is renowned for the fairytale atmosphere created when thousands of cherry blossom petals drift to the ground in a pink blizzard whenever a train passes by.
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You won't mind getting your breath taken away by the cherry blossoms in Jinhae, just an hour's drive away from Busan. With flights fares going on deal on AirAsia, it will be a well-worth trip of a lifetime!
Aside from festivals, you can easily marvel at the beauty of these spring blossoms elsewhere, like along the road at the drive up to Dalmaji Hill in Busan
Dalmaji-gil Road is a small walkway on the corner to Songjeong Beach. and boasts beautiful cherry blossoms and pine trees, which are located just beyond Haeundae Beach, on the slope of Mt. Wausan. The Dalmaji Hill has 8km driving course and at the peak of Mt.Wau is a Dalmaji hill.
visitkorea.or.krIn addition to the cherry blossoms, the vibrant and breathtaking Lotus Lantern Festival is also a sight to behold
Held in honour of Buddha’s birth anniversary, the annual Lotus Lantern Festival is a colourful celebration that transforms Seoul into an illuminated paradise filled with light and beauty.
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During the two weeks of the Lotus lantern Festival, there will also be a showcasing of several cultural programmes including Korean folk music performances, art exhibitions and traditional dance performances. There are also several fun activities for tourists including lotus lantern making, face painting, temple food sampling and folk games.
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Also, Jeju Island transforms into a playground of lush, colourful, and vivid nature
Jeju’s spring is the first in the nation and has a particular hold on the national psyche. “During spring, the island is a patchwork of pinks, yellows, and greens. Of course, this is not unique to Jeju. The world over, poets have written about spring and flowers. But in Korea, Jeju is a scenic haven for romantic poets.”
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“Spring [in Jeju Island] is a pleasant time not only for the people but also for nature. Flowers decorate fields stretching from the sunny seashore to the island's highest point, the 1,950-meter peak of Mt. Halla. After spending a long, boring winter in barns, horses and cattle wander about the fields, grazing on fresh green sprouts.”
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Springtime is also the perfect time for a pleasant stroll in the national parks or even challenging hike if you're up for the endeavour
Witnessing the picturesque sceneries of Korea’s traditional villages and palace will feel like fairy tale drawings coming to life
Whether it's going for a walk, sightseeing, or marvelling at cherry blossoms, Korea's spring weather is too beautiful to be staying indoors!