Seoul, the fascinating capital of South Korea, is a city that exhibits a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern technology. This modern city has been able to take the 17th rank among the developed countries of the world. While in the heart of this modern city, you can observe the traces of history step by step and enjoy seeing all this beauty.
If you are looking for a unique experience full of adventure, a trip to Seoul is a great option for you. But one of the important questions that arise for all travelers is when is the best time to travel to Seoul? In this article from tourism magazine fly todaywe will examine this issue and try to encourage you to make the right choice for traveling to this amazing city.
The best time to travel to Seoul based on the weather
One of the main factors that influence the choice of the best time to travel to Seoul is the weather conditions. Seoul has four completely different seasons; From mild spring and beautiful blossoms to snowy and cold winters. If you are interested in warm and mild weather, spring and autumn can be good options for you.
These two seasons are known as the best time to visit Seoul due to the mild weather and stunning natural scenery. On the other hand, if you love snow and winter activities, winter can be a different and attractive experience for you.
The best time to travel to Seoul according to the seasons
The beautiful city of Seoul has its beauty in every season. So, you have the opportunity to make the best experience of your stay in Seoul with proper planning.
Travel to Seoul in spring March to May
Spring, the months of March to May (March 10 to June 10), can be considered the best time to travel to Seoul. In this season, cherry blossoms and spring flowers turn the city into a small paradise. The temperature is usually mild and pleasant, and walking in the parks and streets of Seoul, with its stunning natural scenery, is a double pleasure.
The weather in Seoul is very pleasant in this season. The average temperature in this city is 10 to 24 degrees Celsius. So, feel free to pack your bags for a trip to Seoul, the capital of South Korea.
Summer season June to August
Summers in Seoul, from June to August (June 11 to September 9), are hot and humid, but still considered the best time to visit Seoul for travelers who like to experience summer events and festivals. Of course, accommodation and travel costs may increase during this season, but the experience of Seoul’s summer festivals is worth the cost.
Autumn season September to November
If you are looking for unique autumn scenery, autumn, from September to November (September 10 to December 9), is undoubtedly the best time to travel to Seoul. In this season, the warm colors of nature turn the city into an artistic landscape. The air temperature is cool and pleasant and provides ideal conditions for sightseeing and visiting the historical and natural attractions of the city.
One of the most attractive things you can see in autumn is Chuseok Festival, which is known as the traditional holiday of Seoul people and is equivalent to Thanksgiving in European countries. If travel costs are important to you, autumn is not the right season for you. Because the costs increase to a great extent these days.
Winter season December to February
The winters of Seoul, from December to February (December 10 to March 9), are cold and snowy. The temperature of -1 to -7 in this city has made winter sports very popular. Winter can be the best time to travel to Seoul for those interested in skiing and winter sports. You can enjoy winter markets and special New Year festivals during this trip. Also, the streets covered with snow give a magical effect to the city. This season, like autumn, is a popular season for tourists. Having said that, it can be predicted that traveling to Seoul in winter will be busy.
The best time to travel to Seoul for festivals and events
In addition to the weather, festivals and cultural events are another important factor in choosing the best time to travel to Seoul. Each season, Seoul has unique events that double the charm of your trip.
Seoul is one of the dynamic and lively cities in the world that hosts many festivals and cultural events throughout the year. From historical traditions to modern celebrations, these festivals give travelers a chance to experience Korean culture more deeply. In the following, we will examine some of the most famous festivals in Seoul along with their time and place details.
Spring festivals
Spring in Seoul takes on a beautiful face. Cherry blossoms blend with the beautiful nature and pleasant weather of this city and create a pleasant effect.
Yeongdengpo Yueido Spring Flower Festival Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival
During this festival, millions of cherry blossoms bloom along the banks of the Han River. It is interesting to know that Ueido has 1,886 cherry trees, in addition to this, flowering shrubs of azalea, yellow jasmine, etc. double the beauty of Seoul in spring. The streets of Yueido Island are amazingly covered in pink and white blossoms. Tourists and local people enjoy this festival by walking in the parks and taking pictures of the spectacular scenery. Traditional music performance, light dance and art exhibitions are also other parts of this event.
- Time of holding: early April (approximately from 12 to 20 April)
- Venue: Ueido Island, Yongdangpo District, Seoul
Lotus Lantern Festival Lotus Lantern Festival
This festival is held on the occasion of Buddha’s birthday and is one of the most beautiful traditional festivals in Korea. Streets and temples are lit up with thousands of paper lanterns and a huge lantern parade is held. This event is very important from a spiritual point of view, and Koreans participate in this ceremony to pay respect to the Buddha.
Also, tourists can participate in lantern making activities and experience the religious customs of this festival. The history of this festival is 1300 years and during all these years people celebrate a week and celebrate. The big lantern parade in this festival continues for 2 and a half hours from 19:00.
- Time of holding: mid-May (around May 27 to June 2)
- Venue: Buddhist temples throughout Seoul and central streets such as Jongno Street
Summer festivals
In the summer season, Seoul has attractions that attract every viewer. In this season, various festivals are held in this beautiful city that you can enjoy.
Seoul International Cartoon and Animation Festival Seoul International Cartoon & Animation Festival
This international festival is one of the biggest animation events in Asia and cartoon and animation enthusiasts from all over the world participate in it. Programs such as animation films, art competitions and educational workshops are held in this festival. The atmosphere of this event is very fun for families and young people. Every year this festival is held in July for three days.
- Time of holding: end of July (approximately from July 30 to August 3)
- Venue: Major cinemas and cultural centers throughout Seoul
Seoul Fringe Festival Seoul Fringe Festival
This festival is very attractive for independent and street art lovers. Artists from all over the country and even the world gather in Seoul for live performances, art exhibitions, music and street performances. This event represents freedom of artistic expression and an opportunity to discover unknown talents. This festival was held for the first time in 1998 and since then it has become one of the biggest and most attractive events in Seoul.
- Time: August (from 20 to 30 August)
- Venue: Seoul’s various art districts, especially the parks and streets of Hongdae
Autumn festivals
The autumn season, when the leaves of the trees begin, Seoul becomes one of the most spectacular cities in the world. Especially if it is accompanied by attractive and magnificent traditional festivals.
Chusuk | Chuseok
Chusuk is one of the most important traditional Korean holidays, similar to Thanksgiving in the West. On these days, Korean people return to their ancestral homes to gather with their families and hold ceremonies for their ancestors. Special traditional dishes such as Songpyeon rice cake are prepared. In Seoul, public celebrations and traditional ceremonies are held in historical places such as Korean palaces, which is a great opportunity for tourists to get to know Korean culture more deeply.
- Time: mid-September (approximately from 23 to 25 September, at the same time as the traditional Korean Thanksgiving celebration)
- Venue: All over South Korea, especially in homes and temples
Seoul Autumn Festivals
In these festivals, various cultural events, art exhibitions and music performances are held. Autumn with its colorful scenery adds a lot of charm to these celebrations. These festivals are usually held outdoors and provide an opportunity to enjoy the cool autumn weather and local culture.
- Time: early October (approximately from 10 to 17 October)
- Venue: Various areas of Seoul such as parks and public squares
Winter festivals
In the winter season, Seoul becomes an attractive destination for those interested in culture and celebration. The city’s winter festivals are a combination of Korean traditions and modern activities that create an energetic and cheerful atmosphere in the heart of the cold weather. From lighting festivals to ice festivals and winter sports events, these festivals are an opportunity to experience the beauty of winter and learn about Korean culture.
South Korean New Year Seollal
Korean New Year or “Seoullal” is one of Korea’s biggest traditional events, celebrated according to the lunar calendar. During this celebration, people wear traditional Korean clothes (Hanbok) and gather with their families. Traditional dishes such as “tok gok” (rice cake soup) are served. The temples and palaces of Seoul are the places where religious ceremonies and cultural performances are held. By participating in this ceremony, tourists can observe the deep and ancient culture of Korea.
- Time: early February (approximately from 10 to 13 February)
- Venue: All over Seoul, especially in temples and palaces
Name of the festival | Time of holding | venue | Traditions |
Yongdengpo Yueido Spring Flower Festival | April 12 to 20 | Yuido Island | Cherry blossom show, walk and music performance |
Lotus Lantern Festival | May 27 to June 2 | Buddhist temples and streets of Jongno | Lantern parade, participation in lantern making and Buddhist religious ceremonies |
Seoul International Cartoon and Animation Festival | July 30 to August 3 | Cinemas and cultural centers of Seoul | Screening of animation films, art competitions and educational workshops |
Seoul Fringe Festival | 20 to 30 August | Hongdae area | Street art performances, art exhibitions and live concerts |
Chusuk | 23 to 25 September | All over South Korea | Family gatherings, memorial ceremonies for ancestors, preparation of traditional foods |
Seoul Autumn Festivals | 10 to 17 Mehr | Seoul public parks and squares | Art exhibitions, music performances and outdoor cultural events |
Korean New Year | 10 to 13 February | Temples and palaces of Seoul | Wearing hanbok, eating tukguk, religious ceremonies in temples and palaces |
Best time to travel to Seoul based on accommodation costs
Another important factor in determining the best time to travel to Seoul is accommodation costs. In spring and autumn, according to favorable weather conditions, hotel prices may increase. But if you’re looking for cheaper travel, winter is a good time to cut down on accommodation costs, as long as it doesn’t coincide with the holidays and winter festivals. Summer season may be a bit more expensive due to festivals.
When should we go to Seoul? | Choosing the best time to travel to Seoul
Choosing the best time to travel to Seoul depends on your personal preferences. If you are looking for mild weather and cultural festivals, spring and autumn are the best options. But if you love summer events or experience snowy winters, you can plan your trip in these seasons.
In any case, Seoul will be a unique destination for travelers with its mix of history, culture, and modernity in any season of the year. Traveling to Seoul can be a unique and lasting experience, and choosing the best time to travel to Seoul will help you fully enjoy this experience.
If Seoul has been one of your travel destinations, share your experiences with us.
Frequently asked questions about the best time to travel to Seoul
When is the best time to travel to Seoul in terms of weather?
For tourists, the best time to travel to Seoul in terms of weather is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the temperature is mild and pleasant.
Is it suitable to travel to Seoul in winter?
Yes, winter can also be the best time to visit Seoul if you are into snow and winter activities. Also, winter festivals and special Korean New Year markets add special charm to the trip.
Is it worth traveling to Seoul in summer?
Summer is very busy due to festivals and cultural events, so travel costs are somewhat higher than other times.
In what season is Seoul quieter and accommodation costs are lower?
The best time to travel to Seoul is in the quiet of winter, unless it coincides with its famous festivals.
When can you see cherry blossoms in Seoul?
Spring, especially April, is the best time to visit Seoul to see the cherry blossoms.
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