Cherry Blossoms, Autumn Foliage & Four Seasons

South Korea's four seasons are dramatic and define life—each season completely transforms the country:

Spring: Cherry Blossoms (4월, April)

When the cherry blossoms (Beotkkot) arrive, all of Korea is in bloom fever. The bloom travels from Jeju (end of March) to Seoul (beginning of April) and lasts only 7–10 days per region. The best spots: Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival (350,000 trees—the largest cherry blossom festival in the world), Yeouido in Seoul, Gyeongju.

Summer: Monsoon & Beaches (7–8월)

Hot, humid, and rainy—but also the time for Busan's beaches, Jeju vacations, and the famous Boryeong Mud Festival (mud festival on the west coast). Summer is Bingsu season (Korean shaved ice).

Autumn: Danpung—the Great Color Show (10–11월)

Korea's most beautiful season: The autumn foliage (Danpung) transforms the mountains into a fireworks display of red, orange, gold, and yellow. From mid-October to mid-November, the entire country is a painting. The best spots: Seoraksan, Naejangsan, Bukhansan, the ginkgo avenues in Seoul's streets.

Winter: Snow & Skiing (12–2월)

Cold and clear—perfect for skiing in Pyeongchang (Olympics 2018), winter palace visits in Seoul (especially Changdeokgung in the snow), Jjimjilbang culture, and the famous winter illuminations (light festivals in Seoul and Busan).