Good Time to Visit

Weather

South Korea has a continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. The hottest part of the year falls between July and August, which is also the rainy season and the time of possible typhoons. December and January are very cold. Spring and autumn are mainly dry and mild and are generally considered the best times to visit. Average daily temperatures at Seoul are -9 to 0°C (January) and 22-31°C (August), with a minimum rainfall of 2 cm in February and the maximum falling in July (38 cm).

Visitors are advised to bring linens and lightweight cottons during summer, with light- to medium-weights in spring and autumn. Those visiting in winter should bring medium- to heavyweights.

More information about South Korean weather may be found in Climate in South Korea.

Festivals

South Korea celebrates many festivals throughout the year. One of the most significant is Buddha's Birthday in May or June, during which the Feast of Lanterns is performed in city streets. Other events include annual village rituals, when mountain spirits, great generals and royalty of the past are remembered and celebrated. Festivities are often characterised by processions, dancing and music, with traditional costumes and masks.

Public Holidays

The following table shows the public holidays celebrated in South Korea: