Korea In May: The Weather, Tips From A Local, Flowers and Things To Do

May in Korea is the sweet spot of spring — when the flowers are still blooming, but the days are warmer, longer, and begging for outdoor adventures. It’s not too hot, not too cold, and there’s just something about this month that feels downright refreshing. You might even catch a gentle breeze carrying the scent of spring flowers or freshly cut grass.

After nearly two decades of exploring Korea, I can tell you that May is one of the most pleasant months to be here. It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to pack a picnic, hike a mountain, or simply stroll through a park and soak it all in. Whether you’re wandering through colorful festivals or just enjoying the vibrant greenery, May is when Korea is truly alive with energy.

Will you be traveling to Korea in May? Here’s everything you need to know from the weather to the festivals.

• The Weather In Korea In May
• What To Know About Visiting Korea In May
• What To Pack and What To Wear
• The Public Holidays In Korea In May
• The Best Festivals and Events In May
  • Cultural Festivals
  • Music Festivals
  • Nature Festivals
• Ideas For Things To Do
• What To Eat In The Spring In Korea
• The May in Korea Flower Guide
• Day Trips & Adventures To Take From Seoul

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The Weather In Korea In May

May in Korea marks the gentle farewell to spring, with temperatures warming to a comfortable range of 14°C to 23°C (57°F to 73°F). It’s the time of year when heavier coats are traded in for lighter layers like trench coats and t-shirts, perfect for transitioning from sunny daytime outings to breezy evening adventures.

The days are bright and inviting, with plenty of sunshine to enjoy outdoor activities. Whether you’re strolling through a park, dining al fresco, or exploring a vibrant festival, May offers the perfect mix of pleasant weather and lively energy to make the most of Korea’s great outdoors.

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.

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What To Know About Visiting Korea In May

The beginning of May in Korea sees an increase in outdoor activities and gatherings as the weather becomes warmer and more inviting. It’s a popular time for festivals, so planning ahead is essential, especially for events like the Lotus Lantern Festival or local spring flower celebrations.

Speaking of the season, May is all about enjoying nature. Parks and gardens are in full bloom, and the mild temperatures make it a perfect month for picnics, hikes, and exploring Korea’s scenic landscapes. Whether you’re into festivals or just soaking in the sunshine, May has something for everyone.

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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.

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The Public Holidays In Korea In May

Labor Day | May 1: While Korea’s do celebrate the New Year on January 1st, you should note that traditionally they celebrate with the first sunrise of the year, not with a New Year’s Eve kiss! What to do for New Year’s Eve in Korea

Children’s Day | May 5: The Lunar New changes each year and is dependent on the lunar calendar and this year, it’s in January. This is a huge holiday in Korea in which Koreans travel across the country to be with family. Businesses may have adjusted holiday schedules during this time, so it’s best to be flexible with schedules. Major tourist spots may have special events though which makes it very fun. How To Celebrate Seollal in Seoul

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. Celebrations take place over a few weeks prior to the actual holiday.

Did you know there are unofficial holidays in Korea? On May 14, Koreans celebrate Yellow Day/Rose Day. A holiday for everyone, couples dress up in their cutest matching yellow outfits and swap roses. The singles on the other hand, head to a nearby restaurant to eat yellow curry in hopes that they can “spice up” their life.

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The Best Festivals and Events In May

Korea really comes alive with fun festivals in May from cultural events to historical, flowers, and the celebration of gorgeous natural scenery, there is so much to see and enjoy.

Cultural Festivals

• Icheon Ceramics Festival (이천도자기축제): April 25, 2025 ~ May 6, 2025
  • Icheon is considered the birthplace of pottery in Korea and has been recognized by UNESCO as a City of Creative Culture.
  • Address: 123 Dojayesul-ro 62beon-gil, Sindun-myeon, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 이천시 신둔면 도자예술로5번길 109)
• Yeoju Ceramic Festival (여주도자기축제): May 1, 2025 ~ May 11, 2025
  • Yeoju Ceramic Festival is the first festival in Korea to have the theme of ceramics where you can make, buy, and see various ceramics even those which are made by experts and are expensive making it a unique experience if you choose to visit.
  • Address: 290-3 Cheonsong-dong, Yeoju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 여주시 천송동 290-3)
• Mungyeong Traditional Chasabal Festival (문경전통찻사발축제): May 3, 2025 ~ May 11, 2025
  • Famous for pottery and with a 900 year history, Mungyeong is a beautiful escape to learn about Korean tradition and culture.
  • Address: 943 Saejae-ro, Mungyeong-eup, Mungyeong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경북 문경시 새재로 943)
• 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
• Daegu Yangnyeongsi Herbal Medicine Festival (대구약령시한방문화축제): May 8, 2025 ~ May 11, 2025
  • Learn all about Korean traditional herbal medicine including consultations, herbal foot baths, and other unique programs.
    • Address: 51-1 Namseong-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu (대구광역시 중구 남성로 51-1)
• Wonju Hanji Festival (원주한지문화제)
  • Hanji is traditional Korean paper that is handmade from mulberry. Enjoy the festival to see hanji lanterns and crafts.
  • Address: 151 Hanjigongwon-gil, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 원주시 한지공원길 151)
• Haman Nakhwanori Festival
  • An event that has been celebrated for centuries, there is a gorgeous display of traditional Korean fireworks.
  • Address: 36-2 Gwangjeong-ri, Gaya-eup, Haman-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (경상남도 함안군 가야읍 광정리 36-2)

Music Festivals

As May warms up, there are more outdoor music festivals to enjoy. Take a seat on the grass, take a picnic, and enjoy the music in the air.

• Seoul Jazz Festival (서울재즈페스티벌): May 30, 2025 ~ June 1, 2025
  • Address: Olympic Park, 424 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 424)
• Seoul Drum Festival (서울드럼페스티벌): May 25, 2025 ~ May 26, 2025
  • Address: Nodeul Island, 445 Yangneong-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 용산구 양녕로 445)
• University Festivals
  • Each spring in Korea, the universities host festivals for their students and guests and invite some huge Kpop acts. The events are free or very cheap. Check out their SNS pages for more information. You can find their pages by searching the university name in Korean + 총학생회.

Nature Festivals

• Boseong Green Tea Festival (보성다향대축제): May 2, 2025 ~ May 6, 2025
  • One of the most picturesque areas of Korea, the Boseon green tea terraced hillsides are a must-visit, whether it’s during the festival period or not.
  • Address: 775 Nokcha-ro, Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 보성군 보성읍 녹차로 775)
• Damyang Bamboo Festival (담양대나무축제): May 2, 2025 ~ May 6, 2025
  • The most famous bamboo forest in Korea is gorgeous and you could really visit any time of the year for the views.
  • Address: 119 Jungnogwon-ro, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 담양군 담양읍 죽녹원로 119)
• Seoul Rose Festival (서울장미축제)
  • Enjoy more colors of roses than you can imagine. Roses are a beautiful site when you’re surrounded by them. Just don’t back into the thorns.
  • Address: 332 Jungnangcheon-ro, Jungnang-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중랑구 중랑천로 332)
• Gokseong (곡성세계장미축제): May 16, 2025 ~ May 25, 2025
  • Head to Seomjin River Train Village to see a garden of rare European roses and tens of thousands of other flowers from all seasons. Enjoy the flowery aromas and then take a ride on the historic train.
  • Address: 232 Gicha-maeul, Ogok-myeon, Jeollanam-do (전남 곡성군 오곡면 기차마을로 232)
• Haeundae Sand Festival (해운대 모래축제)
  • Haeundae is the most famous beach in Korea and if you visit at this time of year, you can see large-scale sand sculptures with amazing detail.
  • Address: U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan (부산광역시 해운대구 우동)

Food Festivals

• K-Food Festival (K-푸드 페스티벌 넉넉): May 29, 2025 ~ May 31, 2025
  • Whether you love Korean food, or just want to learn more and eat more Korean food, this is a fun event to check out in Gwanghwamun Square.
  • Address: 189 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 세종대로 189)

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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.

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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.

Surichuitteok (수리취떡) is a steamed rice cake made with young surigot leaves, or wormwood mixed with buckwheat flour dough. The round, flat rice cake is stamped with cartwheel-shaped pattern. This is especially popular to eat during Dan’o, the spring festival.

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.

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.

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The May In Korea Flower Guide

While the cherry blossoms are long gone by May, there are still spring blooms to look forward to in May including roses, canola flowers and hydrangeas start showing themselves at the end of the month too.

Hydrangeas (수국): As the end of spring comes and we head into summer, the hydrangeas in their beautiful cotton candy colors bloom and create beautiful bushes that just look like you could jump in and float on them.

Tulips (튤립): From the end of April through the month of May, there are some beautiful tulip fields from Jeju all the way up to Seoul. Find them at Garden of the Morning Calm or Seoul Forest, or take a trip to the Taean World Tulip Flower Festival which is one of the top five tulip festivals in the whole world.

Canola Flowers (카놀라 꽃): From March through May you can find canola fields with some of the most beautiful down on Jeju Island. But there is also a Han River Canola Flower Festival right on Seorae Island if you don’t want to travel.

Roses (장미): The month of May is for roses. There are rose gardens at Everland, in the Jungnang Rose Park, Seoul Grand Park, and the Million Rose Garden in Bucheon just to name a few places near Seoul to see them.

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Day Trips & Adventures To Take From Seoul

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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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