Dressing for Korean weather month by month

January is usually the coldest time of year, with many Seoul mornings below freezing and wind making it feel even colder. A thick padded jacket or wool coat plus a scarf, gloves and a hat is a good idea. Underneath, wear several thin layers so you can peel them off indoors.

February is still mostly winter, so you will need warm outerwear much like in January. Toward the end of the month some afternoons feel milder, but mornings and evenings stay cold. Make a padded jacket or heavy coat your base and keep inner layers light so you can adjust if the day warms up.

March marks the start of spring, but sudden cold snaps known as kkotsaem chuwi are common. Rather than packing only light spring clothes, bring a light down jacket or a heavier coat as well. Mornings and afternoons can differ a lot in temperature, so pack pieces you can layer.

April afternoons are warm, but the gap between morning, midday and evening temperatures tends to be large. A light knit or shirt under a trench coat or light jacket works well all day. Evening blossom walks and riverside spots can feel chillier than expected, so always bring an outer layer.

May brings many clear, mild days and is often called one of the best months to travel. Some afternoons are warm enough for short sleeves, while mornings and evenings can be cool, so pack a thin cardigan or overshirt. The sun starts getting strong, so a hat and sunglasses help.

June is early summer and grows steadily hotter and more humid. Light, breathable clothes are the basics, and the monsoon season usually begins in the central region around late June, bringing more rainy days. Pack a folding umbrella, quick-drying clothes and shoes you do not mind getting wet.

July combines the monsoon with summer heat, so many days are hot and humid. Pack clothes in sweat-wicking fabrics and plenty of spares to change into. Heavy rain can arrive suddenly, so carry an umbrella at all times, and choose sandals or sneakers with slip-resistant soles.

August is usually the hottest time of year, with many days of intense heat and tropical nights that stay warm. Loose, light-colored cotton or linen clothing, a hat and a parasol all help. On days with a heat wave warning, cut back on midday outdoor activities and drink water often.

Early September often still feels like summer, and it gradually cools from mid-month. Pack mostly summer clothes and add a thin long-sleeved top or light jacket. Typhoons can occur in September, so check the weather forecast before and during your trip, and carry a folding umbrella.

October brings many clear, cool days, and a knit or shirt with a light jacket is often enough. Mountains famous for fall colors are colder than the city, though, and mornings get quite chilly late in the month. If you plan to hike, add a windbreaker and a warmer layer.

November is the shift from late autumn to early winter, so the weather changes a lot. Early in the month a coat or heavy jacket is fine, but late November can bring mornings near freezing, when a light padded jacket may be needed. Easy add-ons like a scarf are especially handy.

December is when winter properly begins, and many days are cold. Bring a thick padded jacket or coat with a scarf and gloves, and an ear-covering hat helps for year-end outdoor events or night views. Indoor heating is strong, so keep inner layers from being too thick.

In spring and autumn, the difference between morning, evening and midday temperatures can reach around 10 degrees Celsius on some days, so layering works best. Wear a tee or thin shirt, a cardigan over it and a light jacket on top, removing pieces as needed. Outerwear that folds into a bag is especially convenient.

On days with heavy yellow dust or fine dust, wear a mask and choose outerwear in smooth fabrics that collect less dust. When you come back inside, shake out your jacket and wash your hands and face. You can check air quality forecasts in weather apps or on the government's air quality service.

Korean buildings often use floor heating and run heaters strongly, so interiors stay quite warm even in winter. Rather than one thick sweater, wear several thin layers under a heavy coat you can take on and off. Subways and buses are usually warm too, so unzip your coat when you board.

In summer, air conditioning on subways and in cafes and shopping malls tends to be strong, so the gap between outdoor and indoor temperatures is large. Keep a thin cardigan or overshirt in your bag to throw on in chilly spaces. A light layer is also handy on long bus or train rides.

Jeju's winters are relatively mild compared with Seoul's, but strong winds are frequent, so it can feel colder than the thermometer says. A windbreaker is useful in any season. High areas such as Hallasan are much colder than the coast, so prepare separately if you plan to hike.

Temperatures drop and winds strengthen as you climb, so dressing for the city forecast can leave you cold. Layer quick-drying technical clothing and bring a windbreaker plus a spare warm layer. Sturdy hiking boots are safest, and winter trails may require traction devices.

When it snows or temperatures fall below freezing, sidewalks and stairs can ice over and become slippery. Shoes with deep-grooved, slip-resistant soles or waterproof boots are the safest choice. If you will be walking a lot, pair them with warm socks and footwear that keeps your feet dry.

In Korean summers, clear skies can turn into sudden downpours without much warning. Keep a folding umbrella in your bag and choose clothes and shoes that dry quickly. Convenience stores commonly sell umbrellas and raincoats, so an unexpected shower is easy to handle.