South Korea in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in South Korea

20°C (68°F) High Temp

11°C (52°F) Low Temp

95 mm (3.7 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Cherry blossom season peaks mid-April - Seoul's 1,300+ cherry trees bloom along Han River and in Olympic Park, creating spectacular pink canopies without summer crowds
Perfect hiking weather with temperatures 11-20°C (52-68°F) - ideal for Bukhansan trails and Namsan walks without winter ice or summer heat exhaustion
Spring festival season brings Lotus Lantern Festival (Buddha's Birthday) with 100,000 colorful lanterns illuminating downtown Seoul streets
Shoulder season pricing saves 30-40% on accommodations compared to peak autumn, while restaurants offer spring seasonal menus featuring wild vegetables and fresh ingredients

Considerations

Yellow dust storms from China occur 3-5 days in April, reducing air quality and requiring N95 masks for sensitive individuals
Weather unpredictability means packing for both cool mornings 11°C (52°F) and warm afternoons 20°C (68°F) - layering essential
Spring rain showers happen suddenly without warning, lasting 30-60 minutes and potentially disrupting outdoor plans

Best Activities in April

Bukhansan National Park Hiking Tours

April offers perfect hiking conditions with comfortable 15-18°C (59-64°F) temperatures at elevation and clear mountain views before summer haze. Cherry blossoms bloom along lower trails while higher peaks remain crisp. No winter ice hazards and minimal summer crowds.

Booking Tip: Book guided hikes 7-10 days ahead through certified mountain guides. Group tours typically cost ₩45,000-65,000 per person. Look for operators providing hiking poles and emergency communication devices. Peak cherry blossom weeks (mid-April) fill quickly.

Han River Cherry Blossom Picnic Tours

Seoul's iconic spring experience peaks in mid-April when 1,300+ cherry trees along Han River create pink tunnel walkways. Perfect picnic weather with comfortable temperatures and dry conditions. Locals celebrate with traditional Korean fried chicken and makgeolli rice wine.

Booking Tip: Photography tours and picnic packages run ₩35,000-55,000 per person including traditional snacks. Book for weekday visits to avoid weekend crowds. Evening tours capture illuminated blossoms. Check current bloom status in booking options below.

Gyeongbokgung Palace Cultural Experiences

April's mild weather is perfect for exploring palace grounds without winter cold or summer heat. Spring court ceremonies and traditional performances resume outdoor schedules. Comfortable walking weather for 2-3 hour palace tours with changing of the guard ceremonies.

Booking Tip: Hanbok rental and palace entry combinations cost ₩25,000-40,000. Book morning slots (9-11am) for best lighting and smaller crowds. Multi-palace passes offer better value for April's ideal palace-hopping weather.

Jeju Island Spring Hiking Adventures

April marks perfect season for Hallasan mountain hiking with snow melted but summer heat not yet arrived. Temperatures 5°C cooler than Seoul, ideal for strenuous climbing. Spring flowers bloom across volcanic landscapes and hiking trails reopen after winter closures.

Booking Tip: Multi-day Jeju packages including Hallasan summit hikes cost ₩180,000-280,000. Book 2-3 weeks ahead as April is peak hiking season. Look for packages including Seongsan Ilchulbong sunrise hikes and transportation between trail heads.

Seoul Food Market Walking Tours

Spring brings seasonal vegetables and new menu items to traditional markets. Comfortable walking temperatures for 3-4 hour food tours through Gwangjang and Namdaemun markets. April features spring onion pancakes, wild vegetable bibimbap, and cherry blossom-themed desserts.

Booking Tip: Food tours with 8-10 tastings typically cost ₩65,000-85,000 per person. Evening tours 6-9pm avoid midday heat and catch dinner prep activities. Book with operators providing English-speaking local guides familiar with seasonal specialties.

DMZ Border Tours

April offers clear visibility for DMZ observation points without winter fog or summer haze. Comfortable outdoor temperatures for 6-8 hour tours including North Korea visits. Spring weather improves photography conditions for this once-in-a-lifetime historical experience.

Booking Tip: Full DMZ tours cost ₩85,000-120,000 including transportation from Seoul. Book 10-14 days ahead and bring passport - required for Joint Security Area access. Choose tours including Dora Observatory and Third Infiltration Tunnel for complete experience.

April Events & Festivals

Early to Mid April

Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeon Deung Hoe)

Buddha's Birthday celebration featuring 100,000 colorful paper lanterns illuminating Seoul streets from Dongdaemun to Jogyesa Temple. Spectacular nighttime parade with traditional performances, temple food, and lantern-making workshops. Korea's most photogenic cultural festival.

Mid April

Seoul Spring Festival of Chamber Music

International classical music festival held in historic venues across Seoul including Changdeokgung Palace. Features world-class performers in intimate settings enhanced by spring palace garden backdrops.

Early to Mid April

Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival

Korea's largest cherry blossom festival 1 hour from Busan, featuring 350,000 cherry trees creating pink tunnels over streams and through naval academy grounds. Peak bloom timing varies yearly but typically mid-April.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 11°C (52°F), afternoons reach 20°C (68°F), pack light sweater and t-shirts

Waterproof jacket or umbrella - spring showers arrive suddenly and last 30-60 minutes with moderate intensity

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - palace courtyards and hiking trails can be slippery after rain

N95 or KF94 masks - yellow dust storms from China reduce air quality 3-5 days in April, locals always carry masks

Portable phone charger - you'll photograph cherry blossoms extensively and use translation apps frequently

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index 6 plus reflection from light-colored cherry blossoms increases exposure

Cash in small bills - traditional markets and street food vendors don't accept cards, budget ₩50,000-100,000 daily

Light day backpack - perfect weather for all-day walking tours and hiking, you'll want water and extra layers

Moisturizer and lip balm - spring winds and 65% humidity can cause dry skin despite comfortable temperatures

Compact camera or phone with good low-light capability - lantern festivals and evening cherry blossom illuminations create magical photo opportunities

Insider Knowledge

Download the KakaoMap app and learn basic Korean subway phrases - Google Maps doesn't work well in Korea and subway staff speak limited English during less touristy spring season

Book accommodations in Myeongdong or Hongdae by early March - cherry blossom season brings domestic tourism surge and prices jump 40% after mid-March

Eat at university area restaurants (Hongik, Yonsei, Ewha neighborhoods) where students return from winter break - better food quality, lower prices, and authentic atmosphere

Visit palaces on Tuesday-Thursday mornings - weekends bring Korean families for spring outings, weekday mornings offer peaceful photography and cultural experiences

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only light spring clothes - April mornings are genuinely cold at 11°C (52°F) and you'll be miserable without layers

Not checking air quality apps - yellow dust days require indoor activities and proper masks, tourists often get caught unprepared

Assuming cherry blossoms last all month - peak bloom lasts only 7-10 days and varies yearly, check real-time bloom reports before booking specific dates