You want to travel to South Korea , one of the most visited countries in Asia . but you don’t know what is the best season to go there? Well, there is no perfect season to travel there. In South Korea, there are 4 seasons as in France and not as some might think. In spring, summer, autumn and winter there are always plenty of things to do! But what can we do? I will tell you!
Spring
Spring in South Korea is exceptional. You can see the streets embellished by cherry blossoms, the weather is very pleasant, often the weather is very nice and ideal for making many visits. Koreans particularly love spring since they can walk in parks and take pictures there, especially couples. During this season, you can attend many festivals which are organized in honor of the cherry blossoms , which make the country famous at this time.
Travel in Korea for nature lovers nothing better than a short hike to the mountain of jirisan Baraebong ( 진리산 바래봉) which is located in the region of Namwon (남원시). This mountain is flowered with pink rhododendrons or also called azaleas located at approximately 1167 m of altitude and which extend over approximately 100 hectares. The Azalea Festival usually takes place in May for 1 month. In the surroundings, you can find historical and cultural places like 황산대첩비지 (Hwangsandaecheobbiji) which was an old battlefield on which Japanese and Korean troops fought in 1380 and which was won by Korean troops. This monument was built to commemorate their victory.
You can also stroll through the gardens of Gwanghanruwon Palace (광한루원). This palace is one of the most popular palaces in South Korea belonging to the Joseon Dynasty . This palace is surrounded by a lake on which you can see lotus flowers, which represent paradise on Earth.
summer
Summer in South Korea is a bit difficult to bear during the day but at night nothing better to go for a little walk. Indeed, the Korean summer is very humid and very rainy especially around July and August. But that doesn’t stop you from making new discoveries. Walks in the mountains or visiting temples of Korean culture because it overflows with all this in the land of morning calm.
You want to discover the view of Seoul , night and day, you absolutely have to go to Hanyangdoseong naksangil (한양도성 낙산길). 낙산실 is a border about 5–8 meters in height and 18.6 km in total length. It is a border that connects 4 gates between them Heunginjimun, naksangugan, sukjeongmun and changuimun (흥인지문구간, 낙산구간, 숙정문, 창의문). This border is on Hanyang Mountain and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . And it is also a well-known place for the filming of unmissable dramas.
If you are passionate about History and the
Korean Peninsula , I know the ideal place: the DMZ or Demilitarized Zone (한반도 비무장 지대). This area is extremely well known, since in fact it corresponds to the border between the two Koreas . This border, was built on July 27, 1953 and is 248km long and 4km wide. This border represents the separation of a united country into two very different Koreas. It is a tourist area which remains very protected against the threat from the North. There, people can leave words of hope for separated families, during the armistice signing the end of the Korean War , or also for a possible reunification .North Koreans. The
trip to North Korea is possible but very supervised with a guide.
If you rather like the sea then head to Busan. Haeundae Beach (해운대) will suit you very well! and what could be better than going for a little walk by the sea with family, friends or just as a couple! Haeundae beach is very famous especially in summer.
Of course, Busan is well known for its beach but also for the Buddhist temple Haedong Yonggungsa (해동용궁사). The particularity of this temple is that it is located on the edge of the cliff. It gives you an incredible view of the sea. You can see a giant golden Buddha with its back to the sea and a palace facing the sea with flamboyant colors. It is said that if you pray sincerely there, your wishes can be granted.
Autumn
Autumn in South Korea is truly beautiful. The weather is pleasant but becomes cooler around October-November. The trees are incredibly colorful (red, green, orange and yellow) and it’s a great time to get your cameras out. This time of year is perfect for discovering South Korea from a different perspective.
If you want to travel through beautiful landscape, I advise you to go to the province of 경주 (Gyeongju) which is a very popular place historically. This province is located in the South of Korea and it is full of historical monuments, belonging to the Silla period , which makes it famous. These many monuments are also classified as World Heritage by UNESCO in order to be able to keep them intact. The best-known monument is the Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory (첨성대) which was used at the time to observe the stars. This monument is surrounded by many royal tombs called the Daereungwon Tombs (대릉원).
There is also the province of Kangwon (강원) which is really sublime in autumn. Indeed, if you go to Sutasa Palace (수타사계곡), located in Hongcheon (홍천), you will mingle with the shimmering red colors of the trees and their reflection on the water. This palace is surrounded by forests in which you will find paths specially created for you to walk. The palace has resided there for over a thousand years and has many cultural treasures. You can also let yourself slide along the 홍천 river by canoe, kayak and even rafting. You can also fish quietly at the edge of the river.
Winter
The Korean winter is very cold but there is something magical about it. When it snows, the thick white coat covers the landscape and you could imagine yourself in a fairy tale. Despite the freezing cold , it is possible to find many activities to do while staying well covered.
You want to go to the pool but it’s winter so how? well I have the solution. You just need to go to Gyeonguk Province (경북) in Deokkuoncheon (덕구온천). It is a spa center and thermal baths surrounded by the forest but very busy in winter with magnificent landscapes. Indeed, you can enjoy a good hot bath facing a snowy forest. Because there are no ideal seasons to relax and enjoy.
There is a place to visit when it snows, an essential place that will not leave you speechless: Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁). It is a royal palace located in the heart of Seoul on the main square where the statue of King Sejong (세중대왕) is located. You will be able to walk in the gardens of the palace in traditional Korean dress called the hanbok (한복) as South Koreans like to wear. Nothing better to make you beautiful memories.
All you have to do is choose your favorite season and fly to South Korea . Know that you will never be bored whatever the season. South Korea is a place that lives day and night so don’t worry, you won’t regret it! Choose the best time for your trip to South Korea.
