Weather and what to wear by season

Yes. Korea has four clearly defined seasons. Summers are hot, humid and rainy, while winters are cold and dry. Spring and autumn are relatively short, but they are widely considered the most pleasant times to travel, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine.

Spring days can be warm, but mornings and evenings are often chilly, so temperature swings are large. Layering works best: a light sweater or shirt with a light jacket or trench coat. Early March can still feel wintry, so bring one warmer layer just in case.

Summer is hot and humid, and the rainy season from around late June into July brings frequent heavy rain. Pack breathable clothing, an umbrella and shoes that can handle getting wet. Air conditioning indoors can be strong, so carrying a light cover-up is a good idea.

September can still be warm, but by October you get cooler air and many clear days. Long-sleeved shirts, light knits and a thin jacket usually work, and by November you may need a coat. If you plan to hike for autumn colors, bring an extra layer since mountaintops are colder.

In Seoul and central Korea, winter temperatures often drop below freezing, and wind makes it feel even colder. A heavy padded coat, scarf, gloves and hat are very helpful, and many people layer thermal underwear. The southern coast and Jeju are milder but can be quite windy.

Many travelers favor spring (April to May) and autumn (late September to early November) for mild weather. Spring brings cherry blossoms and other flowers, while autumn brings colorful foliage. Winter suits skiing and snowy scenery, and summer is good for beaches and festivals, so choose based on what you want to do.

Cherry blossoms usually open from late March to early April, starting in the south and moving north. Timing shifts each year with temperatures, so check bloom forecasts before your trip. Peak bloom does not last long, so leave some flexibility in your schedule if seeing them is a priority.

Fall foliage can start as early as late September in the north and in high mountains, then moves south through November. Peak timing varies by mountain and region, so check foliage forecasts. Famous mountains and roads get very crowded on weekends during the season, so weekdays are easier.

The Korea Meteorological Administration website and app show forecasts and weather warnings, and your phone's weather app or map apps also work. Check air-quality information separately for fine dust levels. If warnings such as heavy rain or heavy snow are issued, you will also receive emergency alert messages.

Convenience stores and shops around subway stations sell umbrellas, so they are easy to find. In the rainy summer months, many people carry a folding umbrella in their bag. Some building entrances provide plastic umbrella sleeves or dryers, so use them to avoid dripping on the floor.

Often, yes. Subways, cafés and shopping malls tend to run strong air conditioning, so the temperature gap with outdoors is big. A light cardigan or shirt in your bag helps you avoid catching a chill. In winter the reverse happens: indoor heating is warm, so layers you can remove easily are handy.

Choose waterproof shoes with good grip, since sidewalks can be icy or snowy. Some Korean restaurants and guesthouses ask you to take your shoes off, so footwear that slips on and off easily is convenient. Pack thick socks too, both for warmth and for those shoes-off moments.

Jeju is a southern island, so winters are milder than in Seoul, but strong winds can make it feel colder. Weather changes quickly, and the top of Hallasan is far colder than the coast. Pack a windbreaker and layers, and check flight status when strong winds are forecast.

Everyday dress is fairly relaxed, but it is polite to avoid very revealing clothes at temples, palaces and other religious or historic sites. Upscale restaurants and performance venues call for something a little smarter than beachwear. Swimwear is for the beach, not city streets.

Yes, but expect days of steady rain or sudden downpours. Mix in indoor plans such as museums, shopping malls and exhibitions. When heavy-rain warnings are issued, avoid valleys and mountain trails and check whether trains, flights and ferries are running as scheduled.

Spring can bring yellow dust, fine dust and pollen, which may bother people with allergies. Packing KF-rated masks and your usual allergy medication helps. Check an air-quality app each morning and plan more indoor activities on days with poor readings.

It depends on the region. Mountainous Gangwon and parts of the east coast get heavy snow, while Seoul varies a lot from year to year. Many ski resorts use artificial snow to stay open through winter. Heavy snow can delay roads and flights, so allow extra travel time.

Yes, particularly in spring and autumn, when daytime warmth can give way to cool evenings. You might be comfortable in short sleeves at noon and want a jacket after sunset. On long sightseeing days, carry a light layer you can easily put on or take off.

Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses are useful because the sun is strong, and many locals carry a handheld fan or small towel. Insect repellent helps if you will be near water or greenery where mosquitoes are common. You will sweat a lot, so stay hydrated and pack a spare change of clothes.

Ondol is Korea's traditional underfloor heating, so the floor itself stays warm and cozy in winter. In hanok stays and traditional guesthouses, you often sleep on a padded mattress laid on the floor. The air can get dry, so drink water and bring moisturizer.