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Thinking about when to visit Seoul, South Korea? The timing of your trip can make or break your experience.Â
While Seoul is an amazing city with a lot to offer, certain times of the year—like the hot summer months or the rainy monsoon season—can make your visit less enjoyable.
In this post, I’ll help you figure out the worst time to travel to Seoul so you can skip the uncomfortable weather and crowded holidays.
We’ll cover summer heat, monsoon rains, and the busy New Year period.
You’ll also get foodie tips, cultural insights, and self-care advice to make the most of your trip no matter when you go.
1. The Worst Time to Travel to Seoul
The summer months in Seoul, especially July and August, are part of the monsoon season in South Korea. These months are hot, rainy, and humid.
If you decide to come during this time of year, invest in good rain boots and an umbrella!
Average Temperatures: In summer, temperatures often reach over 85°F (29°C). The heat and rain together make it one of the worst times to visit.
Having come to Seoul from Vietnam in July, it was much cooler temperature wise and a LOT less humidity.
So for comparison sake to Southeast Asia, Seoul in July is less humid and less warm! (At least it was when I was there)
July is the rainiest month in Seoul. You’ll see heavy downpours and sticky humidity that can make it hard to enjoy outdoor activities.
I had an entire itinerary planned for July and it involved a lot of moving around the city and many outdoor activities.
Needless to say, I ended up changing a lot of my schedule on the fly. I am used to the humidity but the rain was insane and at times intense!
At one point in my life I lived in Florida so I thought I was accustomed to a lot of rain, but NO this is something else!
To be fair, I didn’t pick these dates for my trip, I extended a short layover to a few day layover so I made the best of the weather and enjoyed my time.
I do wish I had packed rain boots and a rain coat because by the end of the second day my sneakers were soaked, I had to use the hair dryer to start drying them and it took hours!
Is July a Good Month to Visit Seoul?
Generally, No because its in the middle of monsoon season. Chances are it will be raining quite a bit and a lot. So you will spend most of your time indoors. However, there are festivals to attend if you want to chance the weather.
However, if most of your activities are indoors (like skin clinics and spas) then its a great time to come (lower prices and smaller crowds).
When is Monsoon Season in Seoul?
Monsoon season in South Korea starts in early July and lasts through the end of September. One word describes this time- RAIN!
If you decide to come during this time, It’s essential to have a waterproof jacket and shoes during the rainy season.
Travel Tip for Visiting Seoul During Monsoon Season
Don’t! I mean if you can avoid it, plan another time. However, if you do visit in the summer, plan your trip around indoor activities.
Foodie Tip for Monsoon Season in Seoul
Even in the heat, there are tons of Korean foods you can enjoy like bingsu (shaved ice dessert) or naengmyeon (cold noodles).
Self-Care Tip for Seoul in Monsoon Season
Heat and humidity= exhaustion. Always carry a reusable water bottle and take breaks in air-conditioned places to avoid heat exhaustion.
2. What is the Best Time to Visit Seoul?
The best times to visit Seoul are Spring and Fall. These seasons offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the city.
Spring (April to June)
Mild temperatures and blooming cherry blossoms make spring perfect for walking around Seoul’s parks and palaces.
Fall (September to November)
Cool breezes and colorful fall foliage make autumn a beautiful time to visit. The weather is comfortable for both outdoor and indoor activities.
Travel Tip for Visiting Seoul in Spring and Fall
These months are ideal for taking advantage of Seoul’s outdoor attractions.
Plan visits to the Gyeongbokgung Palace or walks along the Han River.
Foodie Tip For Seoul in the Spring and Fall
In spring, try market foods like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) while enjoying the cherry blossoms.
In Fall, soup is always the way to go. Order a bowl kimchi stew it is perfect for those nights when its beginning to cool off.
Culture Tip for Spring and Fall in Seoul
Spring is filled with cherry blossom festivals, while Fall brings harvest festivals like Chuseok, where you can experience traditional Korean culture.
3. Holiday Crowds: When to Avoid Planning Your Trip to Seoul
Holidays in Seoul, especially around Lunar New Year (Seollal) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), are extremely crowded.
Many attractions are closed and there are more people than usual in the city which is why they are the worst times to visit Seoul.
However, if your calendar does not allow for a change of dates, you may want to consider some indoor or less popular activities and stay away from the crowds.
Western New Year (January 1st)
Popular areas around the city draw in crowds for the celebrations.
Many businesses, including restaurants and stores, will be closed.
Lunar New Year (Seollal)
3-day public holiday (dates vary, usually in late January or early February).
Schools are closed, and it’s also a bank holiday.
This is one of the busiest travel times of the year. Many Koreans will leave Seoul and venture to their hometowns, which means roads will be extra busy and or public transportation/trains will be booked well in advance.
Buddha’s Birthday
(8th day of the 4th lunar month, usually in May):
While a smaller holiday, Temples around Seoul, like Jogyesa Temple, host beautiful celebrations with colorful lanterns and draw in large crowds.
Children’s Day (May 5th)
Bank holiday; schools are closed. This day is dedicated to celebrating children, so expect parks, zoos, and family-friendly attractions to be packed.
For those of you who are child-free or do not want to be around children this is a day to plan adult only activities!
Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)
3-day public holiday (usually in late September or early October).
Schools are closed, and it’s a bank holiday.
Like Seollal, Chuseok is a family-centered holiday, and many locals leave Seoul to visit relatives. Again, be prepared for busy roads and trains and other forms of public transportation to be very crowded.
Travel Tip if You Visit Seoul During a Holiday
If you’re set on visiting Seoul during the New Year, Seollal, or Chuseok holidays, book your hotels and tickets far in advance, as travel demand surges.
Keep in mind that many restaurants, shops, and tourist spots will be closed, so it’s best to research what will be open before you go.
Culture Tip if you Visit Seoul During Seollal or Chuseok
If you happen to be in Seoul during Seollal or Chuseok, don’t miss out on experiencing traditional Korean culture.
Visit temples like Bongeunsa, take part in a traditional ceremony, or admire locals dressed in hanbok as they celebrate their holidays.
4. Cheapest Time to Visit Seoul
The cheapest time to visit Seoul is during the winter months between December and March.
Flights and hotels are less expensive during this time because for some reason people do not like the cold weather!
Average Temperatures During Winter in Seoul
Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, so pack warm clothing.
Travel Tip for Visiting Seoul in the Winter
Enjoy festive lights, ice skating rinks, and winter street foods like hotteok (sweet pancakes).
Self-Care Tip for Seoul’s Winter
Pack layers and stay warm. You can also visit Seoul’s famous jjimjilbang (Korean spas) to relax in the heated saunas.
5. Indoor Activities Suggestions for Monsoon Season in Seoul
Museums
See what exhibit is on display at DDP
National Museum of Korea
Alive Museum Seoul
Korean Bathhouse
Seoul is famous for its jjimjilbangs, traditional Korean bathhouses. Make a full day out of it! After a relaxing soak, you can grab a meal or relax in the communal lounge areas.
It’s the perfect way to recharge while immersing yourself in Korean wellness culture.
Korean Cooking Class
As you know, this is one of my favorite activities when I am traveling. Taking a Korean cooking class during monsoon season not only keeps you inside, but allows you to connect with other travelers all while staying dry!Â
Cooking Class with a Professional Chef- Click Here
Go Shopping!
Head to one of the underground malls or even one of the massive malls around the city!
Gangnam Station Underground Shopping Center
Explore the Cafe Culture
Attend a K-Pop Dance Class
Taking a K-pop dance class is something unique to Korea and what a fun story to tell your friends back home!
Schedule a Color Analysis
Ever wondered if you were wearing the right colors for your skin tone? This activity is a fun way to spend a few hours and learn a bit about your coloring and what you are doing wrong or right!
Click Here for a Color Analysis Experience
Try to Avoid Visiting Seoul in July and August
Seoul is an incredible city, but it’s best to avoid visiting during the summer months of July and August due to the monsoon season and extreme heat. Honestly neither of which are very fun. Last year I experienced both!
For the best experience, plan your trip during the spring or autumn months when the weather is pleasant and the city is full of life.
The cheapest time to visit is in winter, but be prepared for cold temperatures.
Whenever you visit, it will be a great trip, just do your research and plan around the holidays and weather.
