As an Asian living in the U.S., I often encounter friendly individuals who express curiosity about my background. When I mention that I am from Korea, a common follow-up question is about the weather in Korea. Therefore, I have put together this lesson for those interested in learning about Korean weather. 🤣
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Introduction
Korea is a Peninsula that lies between 33 and 44 degrees north latitude. So, it has four distinct seasons; spring, summer, fall, and winter. I'll show you the details of the specific weather patterns and characteristics of Korea's four seasons along with various activities and festivals that can be enjoyed.
spring | |
summer | |
fall | |
winter |
⚐ If you want to know how to talk about weather in Korean, please click here to check out my related lesson.
1. 봄 Spring
Spring in Korea lasts from March to May, transitioning from winter's cold to warmer weather. It is a season where flowers bloom and new sprouts emerge, showcasing the beauty of nature. The average temperature ranges from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius (50 to 68 Fahrenheit), making it an excellent time for outdoor activities.
Spring is relatively dry and windy. During this time, yellow dust and pollen are common, so people with allergies should take precautions. These days, fine dust (or micro dust) is a severe issue. So, you can often see people with masks.
Cherry blossom festivals are well-known during the spring season, with prominent events such as the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival in Seoul and the Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival. Additionally, popular spring activities include hiking in Namsan and cycling along the Han River. Schools often organize field trips during this time.
2. 여름 Summer
Summer in Korea spans from June to August. It is very hot and sticky due to high temperatures and humidity.
The rainy season, called "장마 [jangma]," occurs from late June to mid-July, bringing heavy rainfall. After the rainy season, the temperatures often soar above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).
Typhoons also pass through Korea sometimes. It usually happens from the midsummer(July) to early fall(September). As you see, precipitation is highest in summer.
Beaches and swimming pools are popular summer destinations, and various music festivals and outdoor concerts are held. Notable locations include Haeundae Beach in Busan and Gyeongpo Beach in Gangneung. Unique festivals like the Boryeong Mud Festival also draw many visitors.
Sometimes, the temperature does not go down below 25°C (77°F) even at night. Those nights are called 열대야 [yeol-dae-ya]. Many night street markets are held. Popular areas in Seoul like Hongdae or Itaewon are very busy even at night.
People enjoy traditional cold food like 냉면 [naeng-myeon] cold noodles or 빙수 [bing-su] ice shaved dessert. In the picture, I added the picture of 팥빙수 (shaved ice with red bean paste) on the top-right. It's very sweet and (of course) cold.
3. 가을 Fall
Fall in Korea lasts from September to November and is known for its cool and clear weather. The heat of summer fades away, and the sky becomes clear, with beautiful autumn foliage. The average temperature ranges from 10 to 20°C (50 to 68°F).
In the weather-wise, I'll say it is the best time to travel to Korea. It's personally my favorite season too.
As getting close to winter, significant temperature differences between morning and evening. While mornings and evenings are chilly, daytime remains warm. So, you'd better pack various clothes. Layers of clothes will be helpful.
Autumn is the best time for viewing fall foliage. You'll be able to see the beautiful fall colors everywhere in Korea. If you love hiking try these popular places. You can visit Namsan in Seoul, Seoraksan, and Jirisan.
Chuseok, the Korean Thanksgiving Day, also occurs in the fall. It offers a chance to experience traditional activities and foods.
If you thinking to go Korea in the fall, consider visiting at the end of September or early October. The capital city Seoul held the Seoul International Fireworks Festival. It's one of the best fireworks festivals in Korea. (There will be really many people though!)
4. 겨울 Winter
Winter in Korea extends from December to February and is cold and snowy. Temperatures often drop below freezing, with January and February being the coldest months. The average temperatures range from -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F).
During winter, the Siberian Anticyclone affects Korea. Winter is very cold, but strong winds make it feel even colder. Snow is frequent, and heavy snowfall warnings are common. If you think of traveling to Korea in winter, you'd better pack thick and warm clothes!
Despite the cold, winter days are often sunny, with clear skies and crisp air. So, many people enjoy the winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding. Well-known ski destinations consist of Alpensia Resort and Yongpyong Resort in Pyeongchang(평창), which hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics.
During winter, people enjoy the warm and hot street food from food trucks. (Well, you can enjoy all-year-around if you want to!) Popular food is 붕어빵 [boong-eo-bbang] fish shape cake, (It is also known as taiyaki in Japanese).
호떡 [ho-tteock] and 호빵 [ho-bbang] are well-known too. 호떡 is a delightful Korean pancake stuffed with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. 호빵 is a bun filled with red bean paste. People also like to try it with various other fillings. You can find a wide range of flavors such as custard cream, pizza, vegetables, or kimchi!
Conclusion: Korea's Weather
Korea's four seasons are unique in their own ways, providing a diverse range of activities and making it an ideal destination year-round. From strolling among blossoming flowers in spring to cooling off at beaches and attending festivals in summer, and from admiring the stunning autumn foliage in fall to engaging in thrilling winter sports in winter, there is something for everyone. By recognizing and embracing these seasonal variations, one can truly immerse themselves in Korea's rich natural beauty and cultural offerings.
I hope this article gave you an idea of Korea's weather! If you are interested more Korean culture, please click the box to go to the culture lesson section.