South Korea in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in South Korea

26°C (79°F) High Temp

17°C (63°F) Low Temp

102mm (4.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect spring hiking weather with temperatures 17-26°C (63-79°F) - ideal for mountain trails without summer's oppressive heat or winter's bitter cold
Buddha's Birthday public holiday (May 15, 2025) creates extended weekend opportunities and authentic temple celebrations with lotus lantern festivals
Cherry blossom aftermath brings lush green landscapes and blooming azaleas, wisteria, and royal azaleas in mountain areas - spectacular photography without crowds
Comfortable weather for outdoor markets, rooftop dining, and evening Han River activities - locals emerge after winter hibernation creating busy street atmosphere

Considerations

Unpredictable spring showers occur 10 days monthly with sudden downpours lasting 30-60 minutes - can disrupt outdoor plans without warning
Yellow dust (hwangsa) from China peaks in May, reducing air quality 8-12 days and limiting mountain visibility for photography
Tourist season begins ramping up with Golden Week spillover from Japan increasing crowds at DMZ and major palaces by 40%

Best Activities in May

Seoraksan National Park Spring Hiking

May offers perfect hiking temperatures 15-20°C (59-68°F) at elevation with royal azaleas blooming mid-month. Ulsanbawi Rock and Biryong Falls trails are accessible without winter ice but before summer's crushing heat and humidity. Morning starts avoid afternoon showers and yellow dust buildup.

Booking Tip: Book pension accommodations in Sokcho 3-4 weeks ahead for weekends. Day trips from Seoul cost ₩45,000-65,000 ($35-50) including transport and guide. Book morning departure tours to maximize clear weather windows before afternoon shower probability increases.

Jeju Island Coastal Hiking and Rape Flower Fields

May is Jeju's sweet spot - rape flowers bloom bright yellow across Seongsan and Seopjikoji areas while temperatures stay comfortable 18-24°C (64-75°F). Olle Trail coastal sections offer impressive views without summer's intense UV or winter's harsh winds. Perfect conditions for Hallasan climbing attempts.

Booking Tip: Book Jeju accommodations 4-6 weeks ahead - May is peak season with 30% higher prices than April. Domestic flights from Seoul cost ₩80,000-150,000 ($60-115) depending on booking timing. Reserve rental cars early as demand surges for spring travel.

Seoul Palace and Hanok Village Cultural Tours

Buddha's Birthday celebrations May 15 transform Jogyesa Temple and surrounding areas into lotus lantern wonderlands. Comfortable walking weather 20-26°C (68-79°F) makes full-day palace hopping feasible. Bukchon Hanok Village photography benefits from spring's soft lighting and reduced winter air pollution.

Booking Tip: Buddha's Birthday weekend sees 50% crowd increases at major palaces. Book morning time slots for Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung. Combined palace passes cost ₩10,000 ($8) and skip individual entry lines. Cultural tours range ₩35,000-55,000 ($27-42) including traditional lunch.

Andong Hahoe Village Traditional Experience

Spring weather revives traditional farming activities and cultural performances. Temperatures 16-25°C (61-77°F) make hanbok wearing comfortable for photos. May brings traditional mask dance festivals and rice planting ceremonies. Less crowded than autumn but with active cultural calendar.

Booking Tip: Traditional hanok stays book up 6-8 weeks ahead for May weekends. Day tours from Seoul cost ₩85,000-120,000 ($65-92) including meals and cultural performances. Book midweek for authentic village life without weekend tourist influx - prices drop 25%.

Busan Coastal Temple and Beach Combination

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple celebrates Buddha's Birthday with spectacular seaside lotus lantern displays. Beach weather becomes pleasant 19-24°C (66-75°F) for walking Haeundae and Gwangalli areas. Spring tides create dramatic coastal photography opportunities without summer beach crowds.

Booking Tip: KTX train tickets Seoul-Busan book up 4 weeks ahead for Buddha's Birthday weekend - reserve early for ₩55,000 ($42) economy seats. Coastal temple tours cost ₩40,000-60,000 ($30-46) including seafood lunch. Book sunset temple visits for optimal lighting and smaller crowds.

DMZ and JSA Border Tours

Clear spring weather improves visibility across the DMZ landscape. Comfortable walking temperatures 18-25°C (64-77°F) for extensive outdoor portions. May's reduced yellow dust compared to March-April provides better photography conditions for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Booking Tip: JSA tours require 3-7 days advance booking with passport details - no same-day bookings allowed. Tours cost ₩75,000-95,000 ($57-73) for full-day experiences. Book Tuesday-Thursday for smaller groups and better guide interaction. Avoid Buddha's Birthday weekend for reduced crowds.

May Events & Festivals

May 15

Buddha's Birthday (Yeon Deung Hoe)

May 15, 2025 transforms Seoul with 100,000+ lotus lanterns illuminating Jogyesa Temple and Cheonggyecheon Stream. Temple stays, free vegetarian meals, and traditional performances occur throughout the weekend. Spectacular nighttime photography opportunities with lantern parades.

Mid May

Seoul Rose Festival

Mid-May blooming at Seoul Grand Park Rose Garden features 30,000+ rose bushes in peak bloom. Free entry with optimal photography conditions in comfortable spring weather. Local families picnic among the roses creating authentic cultural immersion opportunities.

Early to Mid May

Jinhae Cherry Blossom Aftermath - Wisteria Season

While cherry blossoms finish in early May, wisteria and azaleas take over Jinhae's parks and Yeojwacheon Stream areas. Less crowded than April's cherry blossom peak but equally photogenic with purple and pink blooms cascading over traditional bridges.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof rain jacket - spring showers arrive suddenly and last 30-60 minutes with little warning

Layering pieces for 9°C (16°F) temperature swings - mornings start cool 17°C (63°F) while afternoons reach 26°C (79°F)

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index peaks at 8 and reflects strongly off traditional palace courtyards and temple stones

N95 or KF94 masks for yellow dust days - air quality drops significantly 8-12 days in May reducing outdoor visibility

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - spring rain makes temple steps and hiking trails slippery for hours after showers

Light cotton or linen shirts - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during midday palace touring

Packable umbrella under 500g (1.1 lbs) - sudden downpours catch tourists off-guard but locals always carry protection

Evening jacket or fleece - temperatures drop 8-10°C (14-18°F) after sunset making river walks and night markets chilly

Portable phone charger - increased photo opportunities during spring blooms drain batteries faster in moderate temperatures

Cash in small bills - many temples and traditional markets don't accept cards, especially during Buddha's Birthday celebrations

Insider Knowledge

Book temple stays during Buddha's Birthday week in February - popular temples like Jogyesa and Bongeunsa fill up 12-16 weeks ahead for this peak spiritual tourism period

Yellow dust forecasts appear on Korean weather apps KWeather and WeatherI - check daily AQI levels above 80 to adjust outdoor hiking plans and photography expectations

Subway Line 9 extension to Gimpo Airport opened December 2024 - saves ₩15,000-20,000 ($11-15) versus Airport Railroad Express with only 15 minutes additional travel time

Local hiking culture peaks in May with ajumma (middle-aged women) groups starting Namsan and Ansan trails at 5:30am to avoid afternoon dust and heat - join for authentic cultural immersion

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all spring weather is gentle - May storms intensify quickly with lightning and heavy rain that floods subway exits and traditional market areas within 20 minutes

Skipping KF94 masks for yellow dust days - foreign tourists underestimate respiratory irritation and reduced mountain visibility that ruins planned photography sessions

Booking only Seoul accommodations - May's comfortable weather makes same-day Seoraksan or Jeju trips impossible due to high demand and transportation booking requirements 3-5 days ahead