Korea in April: The Weather, Tips From A Local, Flowers and Things To Do
April in Korea is when the world seems to come alive again. Cherry blossoms bloom and for many, they are the main attraction of the month, but they’re not the only bloom to brighten your days. Spring is in full swing, and the chill of winter has finally made its retreat, leaving behind crisp mornings and mild afternoons that beckon you outside.
Having spent years wandering Korea’s trails, towns, and temples, I can tell you there’s a special energy to April. It’s not just about the blossoms — though they’re breathtaking — but also the festivals, the fresh seasonal flavors, and that perfect weather sweet spot before the summer heat rolls in. Pack your picnic blanket, wear your comfiest shoes, and prepare to fall in love with Korea in bloom.
Will you be traveling to Korea in April? Here’s everything you need to know from the weather to the festivals.
- The Weather In Korea In April
- What To Know About Visiting Korea In April
- What To Pack and What To Wear
- The Public Holidays In Korea In April
- The Best Festivals and Events In April
- Ideas For Things To Do
- What To Eat In The Spring In Korea
- The April in Korea Flower Guide
- Day Trips & Adventures To Take From Seoul
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The Weather In Korea In April
April in Korea is pure magic as cherry blossoms take center stage, blanketing the country in soft pink petals. Temperatures begin to warm, ranging from 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F), making it the perfect weather for strolling through parks and taking in the beauty of spring.
While it’s a peak time for tourism and popular spots can get crowded, the breathtaking views and lively festive atmosphere more than make up for it. Whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms in the countryside or enjoying city parks in full bloom, April is a month that truly celebrates 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 April
April is one of the most popular times to visit Korea, thanks to the stunning cherry blossom season. This is peak tourism time, so expect larger crowds at major parks and popular attractions. Planning ahead, especially for accommodations and transportation, is key to making the most of your trip.
Speaking of blossoms, cherry trees typically bloom in early April, but the exact dates vary by region and weather conditions. From Seoul to Jeju, you’ll find festivals and events celebrating the fleeting beauty of these blooms, adding a festive charm to the already picturesque landscapes.
How To Prepare For A Trip To Korea
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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.
- 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 April
Buddha’s Birthday | The date varies as it’s on the Lunar Calendar, but it usually falls in April or May: This day, formerly called Seokgatansinil (석가탄신일) and still refered to that way by many, celebrates the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. Temples are decorated with colorful lanterns, and the massive Lotus Lantern Parade with more than 100,000 lanterns in various shapes and sizes is hosted in downtown Seoul.
Did you know there are unofficial holidays in Korea? On April 14, Koreans celebrate Black Day. It’s a day for single people and eating black noodles, or jjajangmyeon. Friends get together to console each other or rejoice in their independence.
The Best Festivals and Events In April
April in Korea bursts to life with festivals and events that celebrate the beauty of spring. From breathtaking cherry blossom festivals to colorful flower displays and lively cultural celebrations—pack your camera and your energy, because this is a month you won’t want to miss.
Flower Festivals
- Jeju Canola Flower Festival (제주 유채꽃축제)
- Jeju is one of the first places to enjoy spring in Korea and the island becomes blanketed in canola flowers in celebration. The flowers bloom from late February through April across the island. At this spot, they bloom in April.
- Address: 381-15 Noksan-ro, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do (제주도 서귀포시 표선면 녹산로 381-15)
- Taean Tulip Flower Festival (태안세계튤립꽃박람회): April 8, 2025 ~ May 6, 2025
- From early April to May, the biggest tulip festival in the country takes places in Chungcheongnam-do.
- Address: 400 Kkotjji Haean-ro, Anmyeon-eub, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do (충청남도 태안군 안면읍 꽃지해안로 400)
- Goryeosan Mountain Azalea Festival (고려산진달래축제)
- In mid-April, the azaleas cover this mountaintop and make for an amazing adventure.
- Address: Gocheon-ri, Naega-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon (인천 강화군 내가면 고천리)
- Gunpo Royal Azalea Festival (군포 철쭉축제)
- Hillsides covered in azaleas are closer to Seoul than many realize. Head to Gunpo in Gyeonggi-do for a gorgeous view. Go a bit before or after the festival for less crowded views.
- Address: 1152-10 Sanbon-dong, Gunpo-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 군포시 산본동 1152-10)
- Sinan Tulip Festival (신안튤립축제)
- A gorgeous tulip festival in the southern islands of Korea, take a trip south this spring to enjoy the colorful blooms.
- Address: 2523-10 Daegi-ri, Imja-myeon, Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do (전남 신안군 임자면 대기리 2523-10)
Cultural Festivals
- Lotus Lantern Festival (연등회): April 26, 2025 ~ April 27, 2025
- In celebration of Buddha’s Birthday, the Lotus Lantern Festival two-day festival shuts down some of Seoul’s busiest streets and over 100,000 lanterns are paraded for all to enjoy.
- Address: Downtown Seoul in various places from Dongdaemun to Jonggak
- Royal Culture Festival (궁중문화축전): April 26, 2025 ~ May 4, 2025
- Embrace and learn about Korea’s royal culture and heritage in this huge festival at the five Joseon palaces of Seoul.
- Address: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace and Gyeonghuigung Palace, Jongmyo, and Cheong Wa Dae
- Icheon Ceramic Festival (이천도자기축제): April 25, 2025 ~ May 6, 2025
- Learn to appreciate beautiful Korean ceramics. Icheon hosts the most iconic ceramics festivals in the country.
- Address: 109 Doja Yesul-ro 5-beon-gil, Sindun-myeon, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 이천시 신둔면 도자예술로5번길 109)
Ideas For Things To Do
Don’t let winter get you down. I think the best way to enjoy the season is to have equal parts indoor fun and outdoor fun. Take advantage of the outdoor ice rinks and ice fishing festivals, but make sure to have some places to warm up and sights to take in like museums and a Korean sauna.
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.
When the azaleas bloom, this is the only time in the near that you can find jindalle hwajeon (진달래 화전), a cookie-like dish made with a glutinous rice flour kneaded and flattened into a round shape and topped with azalea flowers. Eaten with honey, the rice cookies may also have azalea flowers in water made with omija, schisandra berries, on the side.
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.
Ssuktteok (쑥떡), ssukjeon (쑥전), ssukdanja (쑥단자), and ssuktang (쑥탕), all made with young ssuk, or mugwort, that grows in the mountains and fields is popular each spring and delicious. Ssuktteok is my daughter’s absolute favorite.
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 April In Korea Flower Guide
April is fabulously colorful when it comes to the blooms that you can find. As nature comes alive again, everyone heads outdoors to find the most beautiful flowering trees. From the popular cherry blossoms to the daffodils, here is what to look for in April in Korea.
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.
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 continue into the month of April where they really hit their stride. They are quite sturdy so they will last a bit longer than cherry blossoms even if it’s raining quite a bit in the spring.
Daffodils (수선화): Daffodils start blooming in March and last until May. The most beautiful place to see them in Korea is absolutely the hillside at Yoogibanggaok. Alternatively, you can visit the Hwadam Botanic Garden which hosts a spring daffodil festival for the month of April as well.
Double cherry blossoms (겹벚꽃): Distinguished from their single-petaled counterparts, King cherry blossoms boast lavish, deep pink petals that unfurl in double layers, creating a fuller, more opulent display. They also bloom a bit later than the more popular light pink cherry blossoms so if you missed those, you can still catch these!
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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