Spring in Seoul is a pretty epic time of year. For Koreans, cherry blossoms are a symbol of purity and beauty. They have also been used in Korean entertainment to represent true love. Spring in Korea brings hope for a new year and new beginning. During spring time in Seoul you’ll see many businesses decorating with cherry blossom decorations. There’s also tons of cherry blossom foods, Korea spring tours, and of course awesome spring fashion in Korea.
This blog post is going to break down everything you need to know about what to pack for Korea in spring. In addition, this guide will also show you what to wear during March, April, and May in Korea.
Table of Contents
Blog Posts You Might Like
- The Ultimate Guide To Spring in Korea
- A Guide To The Best Korean Spring Festivals
- Where To See Cherry Blossoms in Seoul
- Where To Stay in Seoul & Best Seoul Neighborhoods
Spring in Seoul & Korea Ebook
Coming soon!
Get Travel Insurance
A common question I get is what do I need to travel to South Korea? One thing I always recommend is travel insurance. Life throws curveballs. Flights get canceled. You get sick. There’s a family emergency. I highly recommend using World Nomads Travel Insurance which you can book here. With the World Nomads Travel Insurance, you can expect:
- Trip Cancelation – This benefit helps you recover non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs when you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason, including for an unexpected sickness that keeps you from traveling.
- Emergency Medical – If you get sick with COVID-19 or another illness, you can get diagnostic tests to confirm your case and other emergency medical benefits.
- Medical Evacuation – If you’re in an inadequate medical facility, our plans have benefits that can arrange a transfer to a hospital capable of treating your medical needs.
- Trip Interuption – This section helps you get reimbursed for a one-way, economy-class ticket home and any pre-paid, unused portions of your trip for a covered reason.
- Trip Delay – If your travels are delayed at least six hours by a covered event, you could get reimbursed for meals, hotels and other basic expenses.
If this plan isn’t for you then you can check out the different travel insurance plans World Nomads offers here.
How To Get Around
The best way to get around Korea is by purchasing a T-Money card at any convenience store and loading it with money. You can also purchase the mobile version via Klook and get a 5,000 won top off coupon to use with your purchase.
I also recommend getting the Discover Seoul Pass so you can visit the major tourist attractions around Seoul for free or at a discounted price. It comes in increments of 24/48/72 hours.
How To Stay Connected
Luckily in Korea, there is wifi everywhere. Most cafes offer wifi for free and you can connect to various free spots around the city. However, if you don’t want to be reliant on that, you book an e-sim card and download it directly to your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What month is cherry blossom season in Korea?
Every year is different and the effects of global warming have caused cherry blossom season in Korea to be super early. These days, cherry blossom season starts mid March or beginning of April.
2. Is it cold in spring in Korea?
March in Korea is very chilly because of the cold winds blowing through. It starts to warm up at the end of March. In April and May, the temperature drops considerably at night making it very chilly as well. Bring a light jacket.
3. Is April a good time to visit Korea?
South Korea in April is the best time to visit. The weather is perfect (albeit a bit chilly at night) and it isn’t overly humid. You can enjoy warm days on the many rooftops of Seoul.
4. What is yellow dust in South Korea?
This is a yellow colored dust originating from the dry deserts of China and Mongolia. It also comes from the Yellowstone zone of the Yellow River. Strong winds whisk these fine dust particles into the air. Because the air pressure is a lot lower in the spring, it is carried to South Korea and Japan. I highly recommend wearing a mask to filter out the crap in the air.
5. Why is there fine dust in Korea?
South Korea spring bring a lot of fine dust. This is China’s pollution mixed in with Korea’s pollution. The pollutants stay in the air and cause fine dust. It has detrimental health risks including coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, irritation of the eyes/nose/throat, and can trigger asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems.
6. When is spring in Korea?
Korean spring takes place during the months of March, April, and May. The weather in South Korea in April make it a perfect time to visit since the days are mild.
7. How do you say spring in Korean?
You can say 봄 bom!
What To Pack For Spring In Korea
I highly recommend packing as light as possible so that way when you buy all of your favorite Korean products, there will be room in your suitcase. My favorite travel suitcase brand is Béis. I’m obsessed with their weekender bag, carryon, and checked luggage. Use my code for $15 off your first order and 150 points toward your new account.
Travel essentials for what to pack to Korea in spring:
- Korea travel adapter – Korea uses 220V plugs. You’re going to need a travel adapter to charge your electronics. If you forget, you can easily find some at Daiso for 5,000 won.
- Unlocked phone – You can book a sim card here. Alternatively, if you don’t have an unlocked phone, you can also use this portable wifi router.
- Toothpaste – Korean toothpaste sucks PERIODT. Bring your own from home.
- Important documents – Bring any important medical documents in case something happens.
- Passport – This should be a given, but please don’t forget it. Make a copy of your passport and hide it in your suitcase and leave one on your fridge at home.
- Credit/Debit Cards – There are ATMs all over Korea and most places accept credit cards.
- Medication – Don’t forget your important medicine because I guarantee it will be a nightmare for you to navigate the hospital and then go to a pharmacy to try and get it.
What To Wear For Spring In Korea
What to wear in spring in Korea? If you’re looking for a spring in Korea outfit, then look no further. This is a detailed guide on what to wear in Korea in April until May. Here’s a mini list of what to pack for spring in Korea. These are my spring Korean fashion essentials.
- A Spring Jacket – This is one of my most common spring essentials in Korea. I really love fleece style jackets with a lot of pockets. This is my go to during spring in Korea.
- Long sleeved shirts – This is a basic essential. It can be a lighter one so you can layer it.
- A scarf – Wear a more light silk scarf. It can double as a headband or hair tie during the day and a neck warmer at night.
- Reebok Sneakers – I never wear sandals during spring in Korea because it’s too cold… I wear cute sneakers up until the end of May.
- A Mask– Yellow dust and pollution in Korea is no joke. If you have allergies or are especially sensitive, I highly suggest a mask that will filter out the 2.5mg dust particles.
Where I Buy My Spring Clothes in Korea
Since I am a curvy girl, I’m very limited where I can shop in Korea. Since I’m above a US size 6, most Korean stores will not have my size. That being said, I also have a YouTube video about where I go shopping in Korea if you’re looking to buy some clothes.
Since I now live in America, I exclusively buy from an online boutique called Pink Lily. I love their clothes and how unique they are. I always get compliments on my clothes. Many of the pieces you’ll see in the photos on this post will probably also come from Pink Lily. Use my code March20 (in March) April20 (in April) and May20 (in May) to get 20% off your order with Pink Lily.
2024 Korea Cherry Blossom Forecast
The 2024 South Korea cherry blossom forecast has arrived! The parts of Korea where the cherry blossoms bloom first is usually down in Jeju Island. Here you’ll find the peak time for all the popular spots for cherry blossoms.
- Jeju Island – March 24, 2024
- Busan – March 22, 2024
- Jeonju – March 29, 2024
- Gangneung – March 31, 2024
- Seoul – April 3, 2023
2024 Korea Azalea Forecast
- Busan – March 19, 2024
- Jeonju – March 25, 2024
- Gangneung – March 24, 2024
- Seoul – March 29, 2024
- Incheon – March 26, 2024
Public Holidays in Korea During Spring
There are lots of notable public holidays in Korea during spring. Since many people have off during public holidays you’ll see many people traveling during this time. It’s also a great opportunity to learn and experience Korean culture. In 2024, the Korea in spring public holidays are:
- Independence Movement Day – March 1, 2024
- Children’s Day – May 6, 2024
- Buddha’s Birthday – May 15, 2024
What To Eat in Spring in Korea
Every season in Korea brings delicious seasonal foods to try. I love spring in Korea because of all the delicious “cherry blossom” flavored snacks and drinks that become available during this time.
Cherry Blossom EVERYTHING
- Cherry Blossom and Apple Minute Maid
- Cherry Blossom GS25 Sparkling Soda
- Cherry Blossom Pepero
- Cherry Blossom Popcorn
- Cherry Blossom CocaCola
- Starbucks Cherry Blossom Collection
Strawberries
You can also try foods like strawberries. They’re most fresh in early to late spring. You can even go on a strawberry picking excursion and eat all the strawberries your stomach can hold. You can do a really cool tour where you visit Nami Island, Petite France, and go strawberry picking.
Also one of my favorite buffets, the Barbie Salon de Ddalki takes place from December to May at the JW Marriot in Dongdaemun. There, you can have tea with Barbie in a beautiful Salon and mouth watering desserts that will make you truly enjoy the atmosphere.
Spring Fashion in Seoul Inspo
I’ve always been a huge lover of fashion even when I lived in the States. I’ve always been picky about what I wear because I know I have a certain body type and won’t look good in everything I try on. For reference, I wear a curvy jean American Eagle size 12-16 because my weight fluctuates a lot.
South Korea is a vain society and this may make you feel uncomfortable. Let them judge each other and let the comments roll off your shoulders. You are beautiful no matter how tall, short, thin, or curvy you are. I’m not ashamed of my body or size and I wear what I want despite the glaring looks from ajhumma and ajhussi. I really hope looking at this guide can give you the confidence to wear what you like.
So without further adieu here are my favorite spring looks that I have rocked during spring in South Korea.
Spring Weather in Korea
Spring weather in Korea varies month by month. March in Seoul starts out pretty cool and then warms up toward the end of the month. As long as you’re equipped with a good spring jacket, you’ll be fine. It is a gradual change, but the temperature variation can cause you to get sick. The Korea spring months are usually from March to May. Spring time in Korea starts off pretty cool and then warms up quickly in May.
March Weather in Korea
South Korea in spring towards the beginning is quite chilly. Korea in March brings average high temperatures of 10°C (50°F) and an average low temperature of 0°C (32°F). South Korea in March can still be pretty chilly! Toward the end of March in Korea many of the cherry blossoms will bloom. The trees are also pretty bare until the end of the month.
What To Wear in March in Korea
This post is going to have various outfit inspiration for what to wear in spring in Korea. These are outfits I have actually worn and are socially acceptable. I abide by the rule of dressing for my body type and not for a Korean woman’s body type. For reference, my weight has fluctuated a lot over the years and I have worn everything from a US size 12-16.
Since Korea in March is still quite cold, I’m still wearing pants and sometimes my winter coat. Just a reminder, I’m from Chicago so the cold doesn’t bother me as much. The day can feel warm with the sun shining; however, at night it will feel like winter again. Also, don’t let the photos below fool you. I took off my spring jacket to take them.
March Spring Fashion Korea Outfit 1
I like to call this first outfit the Barbie Power Suit. Let’s be real. Barbiecore is here to stay and let’s embrace the best color on the planet… pink. Granted, I’ve been wearing pink forever because its my favorite color, but any excuse to wear it is a great excuse for me.
Photo taken at Mamma Mia Dosan in Gangnam.
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March in Korea Outfit 2
Here I’m still going with the pink theme. Spring fashion in Korea mostly consists of a lot of nude and black colors. That’s not really me because I love color. I’m wearing a neck bow blouse with pink skinny jeans, my favorite heart sunglasses and my black platform booties. I do miss my ombre hair sometimes. If you want to get your hair done, I highly recommend The Days Dean in Hongdae.
Photo taken on Sinsa Road in Garosugil.
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Spring in Korea Outfit 3
A silky wrap dress never goes out of style. It will always look elegant. Since March in Korea is still chilly, don’t be a crazy like me and wear tights under your dress to keep warm. Again, the cold doesn’t bother me so what I think is cold may not coincide with how you feel. I’m also going to stress a good spring coat for when the sun sets. I wore these heels for the photo, but I mostly walk around Seoul in these sneakers for comfort since the pavement is so uneven.
Photo taken at Deoksugung.
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Korea in Spring Outfit 4
I don’t know about you, but I definitely don’t have $500 to be dropping on Lirika Matoshi’s beautiful strawberry dress. I found my Strawberry dress (which was an excellent dupe by the way) on Etsy. 10/10 recommend. They also have a cute watermelon dress, lemon dress, and blueberry dress. You can purchase those variations here.
Photo was taken at the Barbie Salon de Ddalki at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun.
Korea During Spring Outfit 5
Spring festivals in Korea are a great excuse to dress up and look beautiful and feminine among the flowers. I’m wearing a lace white tank and a pink chiffon flowing maxi skirt. Spring photo tip… If you get yourself a flowy skirt and learn how to move it for photos, your pictures are going to end up looking so dreamy.
Photo taken at Maehwa Park Plum Blossom Festival in Gwangmyeong.
March in Seoul Spring in Korea Outfit 6
The cherry blossoms in Korea start to peep out around the very tail end of March and beginning of April. I’m a huge Sailor Moon fan. I love the series so much, I collect the wand and brooch proplicas. My style is all about layering the basics and pairing them with super unique pieces to wear. I got my jacket from Glitter Baby Shop on Etsy. The creator is based in the Ukraine and all of her jackets are HAND PAINTED.
Photo taken by Seokchon Lake near the Seoul Sky Tower.
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April Weather in Korea
Spring in Korea in my opinion has the best weather of the year. It’s not too hot and not too cold. Korea in April brings average high temperatures of 17°C (63°F). In the evenings temperatures reach an average low of 6°C (43°F).
What To Wear in April in Korea
I think April in Seoul is the most comfortable temperature wise. You can dress in light layers. Mornings and evenings will be chilly. You’ll be very comfortable during the day.
April in Seoul Spring in Korea Outfit 7
This is probably one of my more simple outfits. I wanted to be comfortable since I went on an Oh My Oppa tour. (Sadly they closed down due to the pandemic). In this outfit I’m wearing a simple white layering t-shirt, ripped American Eagle skinny jeans, converse, and a light spring jacket to keep me warm. I also have some pretty cool reflective shades.
Photo taken at the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival.
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April in Korea Spring Fashion Outfit 8
Some of the best cherry blossoms in Korea are also in Gyeongju. Early April is the best time to visit Korea in spring. Global warming has not been kind and has made the cherry blossoms bloom earlier and earlier. Gyeongju in Autumn is definitely a treat but it is also worth it to visit in spring too.
In this photo I’m wearing a pink tulle skirt, lace 3/4 bell sleeve top and my trusty pink sneakers.
Photo taken in Gyeongju at the Cherry Blossom Festival.
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Korea in April Spring Fashion Outfit 9
The best cherry blossoms in South Korea are located in Jinhae. This is actually one of my favorite spring festivals in South Korea. The dress I’m wearing in the photo is from Hollister at the Lotte Department Store in Jamsil. It’s one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe because it is so pretty and flirty. I really love the cutout in the stomach and how the slip underneath is actually a mini dress.
Photo taken at the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival.
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Seoul in April Korea in Spring Outfit 10
You don’t need to spend the big bucks on the Giambattista collection to get this adorable look. You’ll never need to second guess what to wear in spring in South Korea if you want to turn heads. This dress will get noticed so wear it with pride.
Photo taken at Seoulism Cafe.
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April in Seoul Korea Spring Outfit 11
This pink wrap dress is part of the Lauren Conrad spring 2020 collection. I’m actually selling this exact dress on my Mercari store if you wanna get it! While I was in Korea, I really got in touch with my feminine side because of the society I was living in. Dress how you want, but for me, it was a game changer to wake up and feel pretty every time I took care of my health, hair, skin, clothes, and makeup.
Photo taken in Hanam City.
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May Weather in Korea
Spring weather in South Korea typically means May is the hottest month of the season. Korea in May brings temperatures ranging from 23°C (73°F) to 12°C (54°F). Some days it truly feels like summer while in the evenings can feel quite cool. It’s easy to get sunburned during May in Korea so bring your best sunscreen.
What To Wear in May in Korea
Some during the South Korea spring season it will be hot and humid and on others due to the rain, the temperature will drop. I found myself to be really comfortable wearing a jean jacket in the morning and late evening. During the day, I take it off because it’s warm enough to sweat.
Seoul in May Korea Spring Outfit 12
Below I’m wearing a pink (surprise, surprise) bow tie midi dress by LC Lauren Conrad. This dress has a fruit pattern on it and is super adorable. During the end of the spring season in South Korea, it starts to feel like summer which is why I’m wearing a spaghetti strap dress. Note that I only took off my jean jacket for the photo. In South Korea, it’s a big no-no to show your shoulders. I’ve had very uncomfortable situations with nasty ass ajhussi who decided they didn’t want to keep their hands or words to themselves because I dared dress how I wanted.
Photo taken at the Urban Cliff Cafe.
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May in Seoul Korea Spring Outfit 13
There’s no perfect time to wear beautiful floral dresses than a lovely spring day in Korea. Here I’m wearing a white long sleeved floral dress with a wide brim hat. I loved how flowy it was and was perfect for cooler nights during spring time in Seoul.
Photo taken at the Olympic Park Rose Garden.
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Korea in May Spring Fashion Outfit 14
I’m a huge fan of the brand, Pink Lily and buy almost exclusively from them. This pearl medium wash denim jacket is one of my favorite pieces to wear for spring time in Korea. The flare bow tie pants are also from Pink Lily (though only available in denim). I’m also wearing a square tank body suit since the pants are so fitted and it looks amazing! Last I paired it with these white pointed toe booties and of course, a Kate Spade purse.
Photo taken at Mamma Mia Dosan.
May in Korea Spring Fashion Outfit 15
I do love a good tiered spring dress. I’m wearing this beautiful sunflower dress from the LC Lauren Conrad collection. I also paired it with my heart sunglasses and my trusty Reebok sneakers.
Photo taken at Green Mile Cafe in Bukchon Hanok Village.
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May Spring Fashion Korea Outfit 16
In this Korean spring outfit, I’m wearing a motorcycle jacket, heart sunglasses, a white bodysuit, Good American Flare jeans and of course my Reeboks. I very rarely wear pants anymore for photos, but you best believe I am so glad flare jeans are back. I’m dating my precious millennial heart here, but I wore these in the early 2000s.
Photo taken at the CoEx Mall Starfield Library.
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Spring Fashion May in Korea Outfit 17
In this outfit I’m going for a sexy night vixen. I have on a glossy silk bustier and a silk slit midi dress. Just remember for a lot of my photos, I take off my jacket. I don’t feel comfortable walking around in Korea unless I have one on. It’s not that I care so much about the staring, but I do care when people put their hands on me without my permission because showing shoulders automatically makes me “look easy.”
Photo taken at Art Monster in Gangnam.
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Korea in May Spring Fashion Outfit 18
I personally love visiting Jogyesa Temple during spring in Korea. Korean spring festivals are always fun and Jogyesa gets glammed up with all the colorful lanterns. Here I’m wearing a rainbow dress by Draper James. The dress is no longer available, but there are similar styles to choose from.
Photo taken at Jogyesa Temple during Buddha’s Birthday season.
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Spring Fashion in Seoul Korea 19
In this photo, I’m wearing my pearl medium wash denim jacket, square neck bodysuit, and tulle blue skirt. It’s so pretty and feminine for Korea in spring. And of course, I gotta have my Kate Spade purse as well!
Photo taken at the Knotted World Cafe in the Jamsil Lotte World Mall.
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This post will definitely give you all the inspiration on what to wear during spring in South Korea. It’s one of my favorite seasons because it brings cooler weather, great fashion, and of course, the cherry blossoms. Even though cherry blossom season is so short, there are tons of other flower and spring festivals to enjoy in South Korea. Happy spring, chingu!
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