When to go · South Korea
South Korea in April
Great month. Cherry blossom in Seoul and Gyeongju early in the month; dust days still happen.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Great
- Crowds
- High
- South Korea
- Prices
- High
- South Korea
Verdict
Cherry blossom in Seoul and Gyeongju early in the month; dust days still happen.
Weather in April
- Seoul and north-west · Seoul, Incheon, Suwon, the DMZbest weather
Continental: dry winters down to −15 °C on cold snaps, hot humid summers. Fine dust (yellow dust and pollution) peaks Mar–Apr; the monsoon runs late Jun – Jul.
- Busan and south-east coast · Busan, Gyeongju, Tongyeong, Ulsanbest weather
Milder winters than Seoul, rarely below freezing; typhoons most likely Aug–Sep and ferries to Japan stop when they pass.
- Jeju · Jeju City, Seogwipo, Hallasanbest weather
Windy and wet; the island takes the first hit of most typhoons. Hallasan summit gets snow in winter; flights stop in strong crosswinds.
- Gangwon mountains and east coast · Sokcho, Seoraksan, Gangneung, Pyeongchangfine
Coldest region: ski season Dec–Feb, peak autumn colour mid-October in Seoraksan; summer beaches crowded in late Jul – Aug.
- Seoul18° / 7°, 9 rain days
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Fine and yellow dust season
March to May · Seoul
Some days the air quality index is unhealthy: move outdoor plans and wear a KF94 mask.
Cherry blossoms check
About the first two weeks of April · Seoul
Weekend crowds and road closures at Yeouido; hotel prices climb.
Royal Culture Festival check
Spring (and some autumn events) · Seoul
Re-enactments, concerts and night openings; some events need online booking.
Lotus Lantern Festival check
The weekend before Buddha's Birthday · Seoul
Evening lantern parade on the Saturday; street festival by Jogyesa on the Sunday.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · South Korea
- High
- Prices · South Korea
- High
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
What to pack
Nothing unusual for the weather this month.
Where to go in April
Rated best or good this month
Seoul and north-west
Best weather of the year (Seoul, Incheon, Suwon, the DMZ)
Busan and south-east coast
Best weather of the year (Busan, Gyeongju, Tongyeong, Ulsan)
Jeju
Best weather of the year (Jeju City, Seogwipo, Hallasan)
Blossoms and mild; palaces are busy.
Best months: Apr–Jun and Sep–Nov (mild, dry, before/after the summer beach crowds)
Best months: Apr–Jun and Sep–Oct (mild, before summer humidity and after typhoon season)
Best months: Apr–Jun and Sep–Nov