South Korea in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in South Korea

17°C (63°F) High Temp

2°C (36°F) Low Temp

55mm (2.2 inches) Rainfall

50% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 30-40% less than April cherry blossom peak, with flights averaging ₩150,000 less from major Asian cities
Ideal hiking weather with clear mountain views - temperatures of 2-17°C (36-63°F) mean comfortable trekking without summer's oppressive humidity or winter's ice
Plum blossom season peaks mid-March at locations like Gwangyang and Maehwa Village, offering impressive photography without cherry blossom crowds
Festival season begins with authentic local celebrations like Jindo Miracle Sea Road Festival (typically March 15-17) when tides reveal a 2.8km (1.7 mile) walkable path

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings - morning temperatures around 2°C (36°F) can jump to 17°C (63°F) by afternoon, requiring constant layering adjustments
Yellow dust storms from China occur 3-5 days monthly, reducing air quality and visibility, particularly affecting outdoor photography and hiking plans
Limited daylight for sightseeing - sunrise around 6:30am, sunset by 6:15pm gives only 11.5 hours of natural light compared to summer's 14+ hours

Best Activities in March

Seoraksan National Park Hiking

March offers the year's best hiking conditions before spring crowds arrive. Snow caps dramatic peaks while lower trails remain accessible. Morning temperatures around 2°C (36°F) warm to comfortable 17°C (63°F) by midday. Clear, dry air provides exceptional mountain photography opportunities unavailable during humid summer months.

Booking Tip: Book mountain lodge accommodations 14-21 days ahead as March bookings increase rapidly. Day hiking requires no advance booking. Entry fees typically ₩3,000-4,000 for adults. Rent microspikes at park entrances (₩5,000/day) for icy morning trail conditions.

Jeju Island Coastal Exploration

March weather perfectly balances Jeju's coastal activities - warm enough for comfortable walking tours but cool enough to avoid summer's tourist swarms. Camellia flowers bloom island-wide while maintaining clear views of Hallasan mountain. Wind patterns are gentler than winter, ideal for coastal cliff hiking.

Booking Tip: Flight prices to Jeju drop 25% compared to April cherry blossom season. Book domestic flights 10-14 days ahead for best rates (typically ₩80,000-120,000 from Seoul). Rental cars essential - book early March as local spring break begins mid-month.

Seoul Palace and Hanok Village Tours

Cool March temperatures make extensive palace walking tours comfortable without summer's exhausting heat. Early plum blossoms frame traditional architecture beautifully. Fewer international tourists mean better photo opportunities and shorter lines at popular spots like Bukchon Hanok Village.

Booking Tip: Palace combination tickets (₩10,000) offer best value for visiting multiple locations. Book hanbok rentals online 3-5 days ahead (typically ₩15,000-25,000 for 2 hours) as March demand increases. Avoid weekends when domestic tourism peaks.

Busan Coastal Temple and Market Experiences

March's mild coastal weather makes Busan temple visits and fish market exploration ideal. Jagalchi Market operates comfortably without summer's intense heat and seafood odors. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple offers spectacular ocean views with clear March skies providing perfect photography conditions.

Booking Tip: KTX bullet train tickets from Seoul book up during March school holidays - reserve 7-10 days ahead (typically ₩55,000-65,000). Temple visits require no booking but arrive early morning (8-9am) for best lighting and fewer crowds.

DMZ Border Tours

Cool, clear March weather provides optimal conditions for DMZ visits. Reduced humidity means better visibility across the border landscape, while comfortable temperatures make 3-4 hour tours manageable. Security restrictions remain consistent, but weather doesn't interfere with outdoor observation areas.

Booking Tip: Book DMZ tours 10-14 days ahead through licensed operators (typically ₩85,000-120,000 including transport from Seoul). Passport required - tours frequently sell out during March as weather improves. Morning tours preferred for clearest visibility.

Traditional Market Food Tours

March's cool weather makes extensive market walking tours comfortable while showcasing early spring ingredients. Seasonal specialties like wild mountain vegetables appear in dishes. Less humidity means traditional fermented foods are at their peak quality after winter fermentation cycles.

Booking Tip: Food tour prices range ₩45,000-75,000 per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Book 5-7 days ahead as group sizes stay small (8-12 people). Evening tours particularly popular as temperatures remain comfortable past sunset.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March (typically March 15-17)

Jindo Miracle Sea Road Festival

Natural phenomenon where extreme low tide reveals a 2.8km (1.7 mile) walkable path across the sea between Jindo and Modo islands. Festival includes traditional performances, seafood vendors, and guided walks across the exposed seabed. One of Korea's most unique natural experiences.

Mid to Late March

Maehwa Plum Blossom Festivals

Multiple locations across South Korea celebrate plum blossom season with traditional music, food stalls, and photography contests. Gwangyang's festival is largest, featuring over 100,000 plum trees in full bloom. Less crowded alternative to April's cherry blossoms with equally impressive scenery.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - pack thermal base layer, fleece mid-layer, and windproof jacket for 15°C (27°F) temperature swings between morning and afternoon

Waterproof hiking boots for trail conditions - morning frost and occasional rain create slippery surfaces on mountain paths

N95 or KF94 masks specifically for yellow dust storms - 3-5 dust days monthly reduce air quality and visibility significantly

Portable phone charger rated for cold weather - batteries drain 30-40% faster in 2°C (36°F) morning temperatures

UV protection sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - high altitude hiking and snow reflection increase UV exposure despite cool air

Microfiber gloves for smartphone use - essential for early morning photography when temperatures hover around freezing

Compact umbrella for brief spring showers - March averages 8 rainy days with short, unpredictable downpours

Thermal socks and moisture-wicking underwear - crucial for comfortable hiking when morning frost gives way to afternoon warmth

Lightweight scarf or buff - protects neck from cool morning winds while remaining packable for warmer afternoons

Insulated water bottle - stays warm during cold morning starts and cool during afternoon temperature peaks

Insider Knowledge

Visit popular hiking trails before 9am - most Korean hikers start later, giving you pristine morning light and empty trails for photography

Download Korea's official air quality apps (미세미세, Fine Dust) to track yellow dust forecasts and plan indoor activities during poor air quality days

March is university graduation season - book restaurants and accommodations early around major universities as families celebrate throughout the month

Use ondol (floor heating) guest houses over hotels - traditional heating systems are perfectly tuned for March's variable temperatures and cost 40% less

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for mild weather - ignoring morning temperatures around 2°C (36°F) leads to miserable early starts at palaces and hiking trails

Planning outdoor photography during yellow dust storms - check air quality forecasts as dust reduces visibility and ruins mountain/cityscape photos

Booking cherry blossom tours in March - peak bloom occurs in April, making March cherry blossom tours disappointing and overpriced