Korea in March: The Weather, Tips From A Local, Flowers and Things To Do
March in Korea is like a soft awakening after the long slumber of winter. The chill still lingers, but hints of spring start to peek through in the form of budding trees and the first brave blooms. It’s a month of transition, where the weather keeps you guessing, seriously be prepared for cold winds but you’ll start sweating in the sun.
After nearly two decades here, I’ve learned to embrace March for what it is: a time of anticipation. You’ll spot farmers prepping their fields, cafés switching out their menus for spring-themed treats, and locals heading outdoors to soak up the longer days. It’s the perfect time to wander, explore, and watch as Korea shakes off its winter coat and welcome spring with the first blooms—sansuyu and plum blossoms.
Will you be traveling to Korea in March? Here’s everything you need to know from the weather to the festivals.
- The Weather In Korea In March
- What To Know About Visiting Korea In March
- What To Pack and What To Wear
- The Public Holidays In Korea In March
- The Best Festivals and Events In March
- Ideas For Things To Do
- What To Eat In The Spring In Korea
- The March in Korea Flower Guide
- Day Trips & Adventures To Take From Seoul
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The Weather In Korea In March
March in Korea feels like the first stretch after a long winter’s nap. Temperatures hover between 5°C and 13°C (41°F to 55°F), so while there’s still a chill in the air, it’s nothing a light jacket can’t handle. The last traces of snow melt away, giving way to clear blue skies that practically beg to be photographed.
It’s the kind of month where the crisp air feels refreshing, not biting, and the trails and parks are blissfully uncrowded. Whether you’re up for a hike or just want to wander and soak in the shifting season, March is the perfect time to explore Korea’s natural beauty.
Dust in Korea
The biggest issue in the spring is the dust. Be aware of the fine dust levels when you visit as yellow dust and fine dust can sweep across the country and can be unhealthy and cause various issues especially for the young, elderly, and those with asthma. Learn more about what to expect when it’s dusty in Korea and how to prepare.
What To Know About Visiting Korea In March
The beginning of March marks a quieter time for tourism in Korea, as the busy Lunar New Year holiday has passed and spring break for students is just around the corner. It’s a transitional month, making it a great time for travelers who prefer fewer crowds.
Speaking of transitions, March is when Korea starts to shake off its winter chill. You’ll notice the first blooms of spring flowers and seasonal festivals beginning to pop up, hinting at the vibrant energy that April will bring. It’s the perfect moment to catch the beauty of nature as it wakes up and your favorite Korea-based friends will be getting excited at every little blossom they spot outdoors.
How To Prepare For A Trip To Korea
Trusted Websites, Tours, & Travel Essentials
Check Visa Requirements
Hotel Booking Sites
Local Tours, Discounted Admission Tickets, and Event Tickets
Viator | Klook | Creatrip | Trazy | Fever
Wifi, SIM Cards, and Portable Wifi Options
eSIM Korea | 4G Prepaid Sim Card | 4G Pocket Wifi
Travel Adapter
NEWVANGA International Power Adapter | EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
City Passes
Discover Seoul Pass | Visit Busan Pass | WowPass | Klook Pass Seoul
What To Pack and What To Wear
Because spring is still cool if you’re in the shade or when it’s breezy, you’ll want to prepare warmer items this early in the spring. We’re still wearing our warmer coats for when the winds are strong. Bring light spring scarves, trench coats or jackets at the least.
If you plan on leaving Seoul, Korea, make sure to get good gear that is water-resistant and will keep you warm and safe. Remember that your shoes need to be easy to take off though as many places require you to remove your shoes to be seated.
What To Pack
- Heavier Jacket: A waterproof and insulated jacket to keep you warm and dry. If you run hot, you can probably get away with a lighter jacket, but I go for heavier myself.
- Light Sweaters or Sweatshirts: Something you can take off if you get too warm, but pleasant when the chilly wind is blowing.
- Light Scarf: No need for your winter scarf, but still wrapping something around your neck will keep you pleasantly warm.
- Thermal Wear: If you don’t have any, make one of your first stops to a UNIQLO store to get HEATTECH. I wear my HEATTECH through most of March especially if I’m taking my jacket off to take pictures in the flowers.
What To Buy Here
- Masks: It can be dusty and there can be heavy fine dust days in the winter. If you have issues breathing, you’ll want to buy a mask. They’re available at every convenience store.
- Sunscreen & Beauty Products: You can absolutely bring your own products, but you’ll want to buy Korean beauty products when you get here and stock up anyway, so bring small travel size products and plan to purchase the best creams and skincare here.
The Public Holidays In Korea In March
Independence Movement Day | March 1: March 1st, called Sam-Il-Jeol (삼일절) in Korea, commemorates the Sam-il Un-dong (The March 1st Independence Movement / 3.1 운동), a pivotal moment in Korea’s history towards sovereignty.
Did you know there are unofficial holidays in Korea? On March 14, Koreans celebrate White Day. On Valentine’s Day in Korea, women give gifts to guys, so on White Day, now it’s the women who are showered with gifts.
The Best Festivals and Events In March
The light festivals and winter snow and ice have melted away and the festivals this month are all about the landscape awakening again. Look out for sansuyu festivals, plum blossom festivals, and more that get people out and about to bask in the sunshine. You may have to travel south for them though. Get ready for adventure!
Flower Festivals
- Gwangyang Plum Blossom Festival (광양매화축제): March 7, 2025 ~ March 16, 2025
- Gurye Sansuyu Festival (구례산수유꽃축제): March 15, 2025 ~ March 23, 2025
- Also in mid-March, you’ll spot these bright yellow, but very small blooms. Find them all together in the Jirisan Mountain area and it’s a vibrant display of the season.
- Address: 1019-36 Jwasa-ri, Sandong-myeon, Gurye, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 구례시, 산동면 좌사리 1019-36)
- Join a tour: Departing from Busan on Viator, on Klook
- Icheon Baeksa Sansuyu Festival (이천백사 산수유꽃축제): March 22, 2025 ~ March 24, 2025
- A bit smaller than the Gurye sansuyu festival, but no less brilliant, the Icheon sansuyu festival is closer to Seoul and just as beautiful.
- Address: 17 Wonjeok-ro 775 Beon-gil, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea (경기도 이천시 백사면 원적로775번길 17 (백사면))
Fire and Water Festivals
- Jeju Fire Festival (제주들불축제): March 14, 2025 ~ March 16, 2025
- This firy event with fireworks and bonfires is all about bringing good fortune and protecting us from evil.
- Address: San 59-8 Bongseong-ri, Jeju-si, Jeju-do (제주 제주시 애월읍 봉성리 산59-8)
- Jindo Miracle Sea Parting Festival (진도 신비의바닷길축제): TBD
- A unique festival held in Jindo celebrates the natural sea parting that reveals a 2.8km long pathway to another island.
- Address: Areas of Modo-ri, Uisin-myeon and Hoedong-ri, Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 진도군 고군면 회동리 및 의신면 모도리 일원)
Food Festivals
- Nonsan Strawberry Festival (논산딸기축제): TBD
- Visit the strawberry fields, pick to your delight, and eat, eat, eat. One of my favorite spring festivals in the country, there are so many delicious strawberry treats to find.
- Address: 110 Cheyuk-ro, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do (충청남도 논산시 체육로 110)
- Yeongdeok Snow Crab Festival (영덕대게축제): March 14, 2025 ~ March 17, 2025
- Yeongdeok Snow Crab Festival is an annual event that celebrates local snow crabs, which were once served to kings.
- Address: Gangguhaean-gil, Ganggu-myeon, Yeongdeok-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 영덕군 강구면 강구해안길)
Ideas For Things To Do
The winter is fading away, but the weather can still be a bit fickle so it’s good to have outdoor activities with indoor options as well.
What To Eat In The Spring In Korea
Korean food is good all year round, however, there are some specialties to look out for in each season that you can only get during those seasons.
Some spring favorites to find are spring namul (나물), which are basically edible grasses and leaves that you’ll find served as banchan, or side dishes. They are fresh, delicious, and packed with vitamins. Namul includes things like mugwort, fernbrake, and wild chives. Head to a local boribap restaurant to try all of the fresh seasonal ingredients.
Strawberries (딸기) are more delicious in Korea than I’ve found them anywhere else in the world. This is NOT an exaggeration. They’re always sweet and you don’t just have to eat these strawberries, but you can visit the many greenhouses around to pick your own and then enjoy them from December through June.
Jjukkumi (쭈꾸미), small webfoot octopus, are the freshest from March through May. You can enjoy them stir-fried or grilled. Chewy and delicious, try to find these when you visit.
King crab (왕게) are not the most budget-friendly meal, but from February to March, they are fresh and delicious. Steamed to perfection, you can enjoy them in restaurants all over, or head to the source in Gyeongsangbuk-do’s Uljin and Yeongdeok for the most options in one place.
The March In Korea Flower Guide
It might come as a surprise, but there are more spring blooms to look out for than just the iconic cherry blossom. Not to mention that cherry blossoms can have a rather short lifespan once they’re in bloom. So, be prepared with these other amazing and lesser appreciated spring flowers in Korea.
Forsythias (개나리): Another lesser appreciated spring bloom, the forsythia are gloriously yellow in March. You’ll spot these vibrant yellow blooms all over, but they’re especially lovely on Eungbongsan Mountain in Seoul where they cover the entire hillside.
Azaleas (진달래): Azaleas are underappreciated and yet provide some of the most beautiful mountainsides of purples, pinks, reds, and whites. Azaleas start blooming at the end of March and are quite sturdy so they will last a bit longer than cherry blossoms even if it’s raining quite a bit in the spring.
Cherry blossoms (벚꽃): The iconic sign of the coming of spring usually bloom at the end of March and into April, though they are a fickle blossom. Some years they’re a bit earlier, and some years, they’re a bit later.
Day Trips & Adventures To Take From Seoul
I bet you didn’t guess that you could visit Korea in January and spot flowers, go ice fishing, and see a festival if lights! You can indeed! Get ready for an epic adventure in South Korea this January. Get ready for the fun.
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