🧥 Korea’s Four Seasons Weather & Outfit Guide | Travel to Korea
🧥 Korea’s Four Seasons Weather & Outfit Guide — What to Wear & Pack
• Continuous update
Why this matters : Korea has four distinct seasons and big day–night temperature swings. Packing smart saves money, suitcase space, and stress.
핵심 : 한국은 사계절과 일교차가 뚜렷합니다. 계절별 날씨와 옷차림을 알면 불필요한 쇼핑·짐을 줄이고 훨씬 편하게 여행할 수 있어요.
📑 Table of Contents
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🌤️ Seasonal Overview
| Season | Months | Typical Feel | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Mar–May | Mild → Warm | Cherry blossoms, cool mornings/evenings |
| Summer | Jun–Aug | Hot & Humid | Monsoon (rain), strong sun, cold AC indoors |
| Autumn | Sep–Nov | Clear & Cool | Foliage, big day–night temp gap |
| Winter | Dec–Feb | Cold & Dry | Sub-zero days, windchill, dry air |
Temperatures vary by region (Seoul vs. Busan vs. Jeju). Always check the apps below during the week before your trip.
👗 What to Wear by Season
Spring (Mar–May)
- Light jacket, long-sleeve layers, jeans or chinos.
- Sneakers + compact umbrella; mask on windy or yellow-dust days.
- 가벼운 재킷, 얇은 이너 레이어, 청바지·면바지.
- 스니커즈 + 소형 우산, 미세먼지·바람 심한 날 마스크.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
- Breathable tops, shorts/skirts, light-colored fabrics.
- Light rain jacket, quick-dry socks, portable fan, small towel.
- 통기성 좋은 상의, 반바지·스커트, 밝은 색 옷.
- 얇은 우비, 빨리 마르는 양말, 휴대용 선풍기, 작은 수건.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
- Cardigan or light sweater, trench or light coat.
- Comfortable walking shoes for foliage trails and city walks.
- 가디건·얇은 니트, 트렌치코트·라이트 코트.
- 단풍·도심 산책용 편한 워킹화.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Insulated jacket, heattech-style base layer, knit hat & gloves.
- Moisturizer & lip balm, warm socks/boots (non-slip soles).
- 두꺼운 패딩·코트, 기모·보온 이너, 비니·장갑.
- 보습제·립밤, 미끄럼 방지 부츠·두꺼운 양말.
🧳 Packing Checklist (Quick)
| Category | Must-Have | Nice-to-Have |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing | Seasonal outerwear, 2–3 base layers | Formal outfit (nice dinner or show) |
| Weather | Compact umbrella / light rain jacket | Portable fan (summer), hand warmers (winter) |
| Health | Moisturizer, sunscreen, lip balm | Allergy meds (spring), heat patches (winter) |
| Shoes | Comfortable walking shoes | Waterproof pair (monsoon or snow) |
| Extras | Universal adapter, power bank | Refillable bottle, mini laundry kit, spare mask |
🎉 Seasonal Highlights & Events
- Spring: Cherry blossoms (late Mar–early Apr), outdoor cafés, picnic by Han River.
- Summer: Night markets, river picnics, beach trips (Busan, Gangneung).
- Autumn: Foliage hikes (Oct–Nov), traditional markets with seasonal foods.
- Winter: Illumination festivals, winter street snacks (호떡, 어묵, 군밤).
Tip: Spring/Autumn day–night temperature swings are real — always carry one extra layer in your day bag.
📱 Useful Apps (Weather/Air)
- KMA Weather — Korea Meteorological Administration • iOS • Android
- AirVisual (IQAir) — air quality & fine dust • iOS • Android
- AccuWeather — hourly forecast & radar • iOS • Android
- Naver Map — outdoor ETA & rain overlay • iOS • Android
🛡️ Etiquette & Safety
- Umbrella etiquette: Indoors, fold and carry; don’t shake water off near people or inside the subway.
- Heat & cold: Strong AC/heating is common — dress in layers for indoor/outdoor swaps.
- Hiking: Peak fall weekends get crowded — go early or on weekdays for safer, quieter trails.
📌 Did You Know?
Cherry blossoms move north over 3–4 weeks (late March from Jeju), so you can “chase” spring and catch multiple festivals across Korea.
벚꽃 개화는 남→북으로 약 3–4주 진행됩니다. 제주(3월 말)에서 시작해 서울·강원도로 올라가면 여러 지역의 축제를 이어서 즐길 수 있어요.
⚠️ Exact dates change every year. Always check each city’s official tourism page before booking.
📝 Quick Check Quiz
- Which seasons have the biggest day–night temperature gap?
- List two items you’d add specifically for summer monsoon travel.
- Which skincare items are essential for winter in Korea?
Show Answers
1) Spring & Autumn • 2) Light rain jacket, waterproof shoes (also portable fan, quick-dry socks) • 3) Moisturizer & lip balm (plus hand cream if your skin is dry).
👋 Take a Lesson with Me!
Want a season-specific packing review and travel Korean practice? Book an italki lesson and bring your itinerary.
여행 시기·일정에 맞는 짐 체크와 여행 한국어를 함께 연습해 보세요. 👉 아이토키 1:1 수업 예약