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Best time to visit

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Overall, March–May and September–November are the best times to visit Seoul due to mild weather. April brings tender blossoms, warmer temperatures, and tourist crowds. If you visit Seoul in summer, let the exotic Patbingsu cool you down during the baking heat. Autumn season brings lots of traditional festivals and a bagful of culinary delicacies such as gingko nuts, kimchi, songi, and sweet potatoes. You can even try fugu fish at your own risk! Unpredictable Seoul will magnetize you with firework shows and Cosmos blooming in October. If you are fond of skiing, be ready to sweat on some challenging slopes and trails around Seoul in winter. Lunar New Year celebration in late January or February will leave you speechless.

42 things to do in Seoul

Hanseong Baekje Cultural Festival

September 29, 2024 Event

This one-of-a-kind event showcases more than four centuries of history and culture for one of the historic Three Kingdoms of Korea

Seaweed Soup for Birthdays

all year round Food

The idea to eat seaweed after giving birth might have been borrowed from whales, today seaweed soup is also eaten for birthdays to honour mothers

Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival

August 2-4, 2024 Event

This three-day music festival happens every August and brings in rock and electronic music enthusiasts from all corners of South Korea to one of the grandest live music affairs in the country

Jjukkumi

March–May Food

Top season occurs during the spring when the jjukkumi ("baby" octopus) is at its best and most tasty

Songpyeon

September 16–18, 2024 Food

Chuseok, or the Korean Thanksgiving, will not be complete without traditional Songpyeon, Korea's special rice cakes

Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeon Deung Hoe)

May 10-12, 2024 Event

Established over 1,300 years ago, this annual Buddhist lantern festival brightens the hearts and skies of both Korea and the world

Ultra Korea Festival

June 7-9, 2024 Event

A world-renowned music festival for electronic dance music enthusiasts, guaranteed to wake the party animal in everyone!

Seafood Season

September–November Food

Seafood lovers would be glad to visit Korea in fall when the best seafood is most abundant and always delicious!

Lunar New Year

February 10 Event

Seollal or Korean New Year is one of the most significant holidays celebrated throughout the country.

Spring

March, April, May Weather

It is a good time to visit South Korea to soak in the fragrance and beauty of flowers and other abundant flora

Seoul Drum Festival

May 25, 2024 Event

Experience Korea's rhythm and percussion at the event, which promises an extraordinary fusion of talent and culture.

Skiing and Snowboarding in Seoul

December–March Activity

Skiing is a popular winter sport in South Korea and there are several ski resorts situated just outside Seoul that offer great slopes and trails for all levels

Seoul International Fireworks Festival

October 5, 2024 Event

This one-night only, much sought-after fall event promises spectacular fireworks that elevate the city’s already vibrant skyline as well as a number of other exciting programs

Honour Guard Ceremony

April–June Event

A one-hour military demonstration that attracts approximately 300,000 viewers every year is surely something that may pique your interest

Hangwa

October 5-7, 2025 Food

If you miss Chuseok festival in mid-September, your hunt for bright-coloured Korean confectionary won't be easy

King Crab

February–mid-March Food

Giant crabs are in season from February to mid-March in South Korea will certainly satisfy your seafood fancy!

Hiking High Season

September–May Activity

The numerous mountains of Korea are home to gorgeous treks, Buddhist temples, cute squirrels, and other forest critters

Pine Mushrooms (Songi)

mid-September–mid-November Food

Pine mushrooms are treasured in Korea not just for their subtle flavour and limited availability, but also as cancer preventors

Korean Martial Arts Demonstrations

May–November Event

Watch and learn Taekwondo from the country of its birth and discover its ancient lesser known counterpart Taekkyon

Monsoon Season

July–August Weather

Even though Japan and China do a great job protecting Korea from natural disasters, a typhoon or two may still sometimes reach South Korea

Cosmos Blooming

September–early November Nature

During spring and autumn, beautiful cosmos flowers are in full bloom, providing a remarkable backdrop for photography

Jongmyo Daeje

May 5, 2024 Event

A traditional parade to honour Korea’s royal ancestors that showcases vibrant costumes, elaborate rituals, and cultural performances.

Attend the Megachurch

Sundays Activity

World's largest Protestant church with 800,000 members is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records

Seoul Lantern Festival

December 13, 2024–January 1, 2025 Event

Over 100,000 vibrantly-coloured lanterns illuminate the Cheonggyecheon Stream

Suneung Entrance Exam Fever

November 14, 2024 Event

On the examination day, friends and parents gather at school gates to pray for examinees and cheer them up—all want to pass the exam with a perfect score

Chuseok (Harvest Moon Festival)

September 16-18, 2024 Event

Chuseok is the Korean version of American Thanksgiving—an important holiday, when locals leave for grandma's house in the countryside to follow ancient traditions and, most importantly, to feast on abundant homemade delicacies

Seoul Summer Sale

July Activity

Don't get tricked into thinking that this is just an ordinary summer sale, Seoul offers a really special month for the shopaholics

Seoul Kimchi Festival

October 29–November 14, 2021 Event

Kimjang is a Korean custom where the whole community comes together to make large amounts of kimchi to last throughout winter

Figs

June–August Food

Korea bears juicy figs, distinguished by their sweet flesh and pleasant texture

Seoul Ice Skating Rinks

late December–early February Activity

More than 200,000 people flock to Seoul Ice Skating Rinks during winter to enjoy the cold outdoors breeze

Seoul International Marathon

March 17, 2024 Event

The third Sunday of March marks the third longest-running foot race in Asia of 42 kilometers, and makes for a good reason to visit Seoul whether you wish to spectate or compete!

Watch Squirrels and Chipmunks

March–November Nature

According to a local belief, meeting one of these little fellows can bring you luck

Hangang Yeouido Spring Flower Festival

April Nature

Every spring, about 1,700 King Cherry trees blossom on Yeouido Island in a spectacle not to be missed

Fugu (Puffer Fish or Blowfish)

November–March Food

Every year six people die from eating this fish. If you get thrills from life risks, you are welcome to challenge your fortune

Sajik Daeje

September 15, 2024 Event

The Great Rite for the Gods of Earth and Agriculture feast features history, culture, music, and dancing in one big celebration

Persimmon Harvest and Gotgam Making

October–early December Food

Fresh juicy persimmon is good, but dried fruit ('gotgam') might appeal to you even more

Seoul Fashion Week

March 15–19, 2023 Event

Immerse yourself into unconventional South Korean design sensibility

Halloween in Seoul: Festival & Show

late September–late October Event

Experience Halloween South-Korean style

Fake Funerals

all year round Event

How about discovering the joy and meaning of life through experiencing your own fake funeral?

Seoul POPCON

August 16–18, 2024 Event

Korea's largest convention of pop culture and entertainment industry

Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX)

October 21–26, 2025 Event

One of the most important aviation events in Asia

Seoul Jazz Festival

May 31-June 2, 2024 Event

Top jazz festival in Asia and one of the largest annual music events in South Korea

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