If you're wondering what to do in Seoul in May, after cherry blossom season ends, read on! Based on my experience of visiting almost 10x!
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One may wonder what Seoul can offer in May as the lure of the beautiful cherry blossoms of April have ended. But don’t despair!
May, being the last month of Spring in Seoul, has warm sunshine, longer days and other spring flowers, such as forsythians, azaleas and magnolias in full bloom. One can marvel at the sight of multi-coloured flowers as you stroll along the parks and pose for photos. (Seoul Forest is one of the best places for this, if you ask me!)
The mild temperatures also make it the best time to enjoy the many spring festivals and events. (But if you're only visiting Seoul in June or July, click these links instead!)
Note: if you plan to shop, here's a FREE Dongdaemun voucher from Klook! (It's a Super Pass that gets you exclusive discounts and sometimes free gifts)
Why Visit in May
In May, not only have the over-whelming crowds or cherry blossom lovers left South Korea, the summer crowds have not started to arrive. This makes it easier to book accommodation and tours.
May weather is also a perfect and comfortable time for outdoor activities, be it hiking in the National Parks, strolling on the streets, or even swimming!
Personally, I prefer cooler weather, so April, September, October, and November are my favorite months to visit. However, for most people, May would be a great time, since the days are sunny but not yet too warm.
Further, there is an exciting and wide range of festivals during the month. You'll have so much to do, a week in Seoul won't be enough!
Weather
The average daily temperatures in Korea in May range from 13 degrees C / 55 degrees F to 23 degrees C /73 degrees F.
It is a little humid, but not too bad- the perfect weather for shorts, dresses or short skirts. Keep in mind that Seoul weather is a bit more extreme than the coastal areas, such as Busan or Jeju. (So, during the warm months, Seoul is warmer than Busan, and during the cold months, it's colder.)
As we are approaching summer, the days in May are a bit longer than those in April.
Korea has distinct seasons, with very hot summers and very cold winters. Thankfully, the monsoon season has yet to start, so we don't have to worry about torrential downpours. (It's July that is the wettest month.)
Air Quality
In Spring, the sandstorms or “Asian Dust” from the Gobi Desert and Mongolia travel to China and Korea in the form of yellow dust called “kwangsa” in Korean. This blankets the sky in a yellowish fog, that can be very bad for your health, depending on exactly how polluted it is.
To prepare for this, include some face masks and allergy medications in your Korea spring packing list. (Alternatively, these can also be bought from convenience stores or Daisy.)
Hence, fall is actually my favorite time to visit Korea, as it also has pleasant weather, beautiful foliage, but less pollution.
Spring Festivals & Events
To take advantage of the sunny days, the month of May has a wide selection of events and festivals for visitors to Seoul to enjoy.
These are held in and around Seoul. (I'll indicate the addresses and whether they're in or out of Seoul below.)
Royal Culture Festival 2024 (궁중문화축전)
Dates : April 27 - May 5, 2024
Address: Held in several parts of Seoul, such as the Gyeongbok, Changdeok, Deoksu, Changgyeong, and Gyeonghui Palaces, Jungmyo, and Cheong Wai Dae.
2025 is the 11th anniversary of the Royal Culture Festival so there will be special events! The festival is held twice a year, with the second event in fall.
One can witness Korea’s rich cultural heritage in the 5 Joseon Dynasty palaces where
performances, rituals and moonlight tours are held for a week in May.
Admission into all palaces is free on the 1st day of the festival! (Or wear a hanbok and enter the Palaces for free, any day.)
Gyeongbokgung at Night
Festival Dates: May 8- June 2 2024
Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu 서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161
Time: 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm, Wednesday to Thursday
Another wonderful event in May is at Gyeongbokgung Palace- it is brightly lit up and opened twice a year for night explorations. Imagine roaming the palace grounds in a hanbok at night- what could be more magical than that?
No wonder it's one of the most popular annual festivals in Seoul in spring!
Note that you will need to buy tickets to enter (and that there are only a fixed number of tickets for sale every day.)
This temperate average temperature in spring season is ideal weather, making May a comfortable month to rent a hanbok and pose for photos whilst exploring the grounds of the many Joseon dynasty palaces in Seoul. You can even get free entry to Gyeongbokgung if you are wearing a hanbok!
(For more things to do if visiting Seoul on a shoestring, click here.)
Seoul Festa 2024
Dates : May 1 - 6, 2024
Address: The opening part is at Seoul Plaza and you'll be able to take part in a large scale Dalgona challenge!
Seoul's spring festival, also known as Seoul Festa (not a spelling mistake of Fiesta as I first thought!), is one of the city’s biggest festivals. Events will be held at Seoul Plaza, Gwanghwamun Square, Noeul Park, Myeong-dong and all over Seoul in general.
Baeksang Arts Awards
Dates: May 7, 2024
Address : COEX Hall D 513, Yeongdong-Darrow, Gangnam-gu
This is an award for excellence in film, television and theatre- you can think of it as the Korean version of the Oscars so it is packed with Hallyu stars.
In 2024, the best drama nominees included: The Goose Bad Mother, Moving, Revenant, My Dearest, and Daily Dose of Sunshine. (Not watched any of these Korean shows, have you?)
Tickets are sold to the (foreign) public! (Click to buy the Baeksang Awards tickets but act fast as they're popular.) K-pop fans may also be interested in this K-pop tour of Seoul which brings you to both KBS and SM Entertainment. The more energetic will enjoy this K-pop dance class (which includes a video!)
Seoul Lotus Lantern Festival 2024
Dates : May 11 - 15, 2024
Address: (around) Jogyesa Temple, 55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu
It's near Insa-dong, Bukchon Hanok Village and Ikseon-dong.
Thousands of Buddhists carrying glimmering lanterns will walk from Haeunginjimun Gate to Jogyesa Temple from 7 pm onwards.
This centuries-old event is a celebration of Buddha’s birthday and has been inscribed on the UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritages of Humanity.
There will be a Buddhism Cheer Rally, Lotus Lantern Parade, post- parade party, Lantern lighting festival, cultural performances, traditional lantern exhibition and even lantern making workshops held in different areas around Jogyesa Temple.
Seoul Drum Festival
Dates: May 25 - 26, 2024
Address: Nodeul Island, 445 Yangnyeong - ro, Yongsan-gu
For 2 days, the Seoul Drum Festival fills the city with rhythmic beats as amateur and professional summers from all over the world participate in competitions.
Happily, admission is free!
Outside Seoul
Head out of Seoul to enjoy the natural beauty of Korea! Some of my best memories in South Korea, such as sitting over a waterfall to eat Pajeon (Korean pancake), were formed outside of Seoul.
Chuncheon Mime Festival
Dates: May 28 - June 2, 2024
Address: Various places around Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
The city of Chuncheon (near Seoul) will host the Chuncheon Mime Festival during the last week of May- it is one of 3 major mime festivals in the world. Performers from international mime troupes will fly in to participate.
This area is near some popular day trips from Seoul, such as the Garden of Morning Calm (so beautiful), Nami Island and Gangchon Rail Bike. But I like it best for its Dak-galbi, one of my favorite Korean chicken dishes!
Garden of Morning Calm, Spring Holic Festival
Festival Dates: mid April - May 31, 2024
Address : 432 Sumogwon-ro, Gayeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
The Garden of Morning Calm is a beautiful and tranquil to visit anytime of the year, but particularly in winter as it is famous for its winter lighting festival. If you like green spaces, you'll love it!
In Spring, azaleas, magnolias, forsythias and cherry blossoms bloom all over the garden and it is one of the most popular day tours from Seoul. (SO much better than Petite France, in my opinion.)
Pohang International Fire and Light Festival
Dates : TBC but last year, it was held on May 26 - 28, 2023
There will be fireworks and a dance party with a DJ as well as busking, parades and teams from Sweden, Italy and Philippines joining the competition.
Free admission.
Damyang Bamboo Festival 2024 (담양대나무축제)
Dates : May 10 - 24, 2024
Address: 119 Jungnogwon-ro, Da yang-gun, Jeollanam- do 전라남도 담양군 담양읍 죽녹원로 119
My Mom and I visited Damyang almost 10 years ago. You can visit anytime of the year, but in May, there's an annual event to celebrate the famous bamboo forest. The warm days make it a great time to explore.
I'd say it was OK, but not so enjoyable that we wanted to go back. (Could be due to the fact that it was raining though! The most memorable thing about our visit was my Mom's feet turning orange thanks to the dye from her shoes running!)
Don't forget to try Bamboo Rice, the specialty of the area!
The bamboo forest is quite accessible for seniors to walk through, as it's relatively flat.
Wonju Hanji Festival
Address : 151 Hanjigongwon-Gil, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do
With KTX, you can get from Seoul to Ganwon-do in an hour!
NOTE: This was held between May 5 - 14 in 2023 but is on hiatus in 2024.
Traditional Korean paper, “hanji”, is made from the inner bark of the Mulberry tree, which is strong, flexible and durable. Lanterns, books, strings, lamps, and even clothes can be made from “Hanji”.
At this Wonju Hanji Festival, you will see beautiful, luminous lanterns made from this traditional paper and enjoy some cultural events.
You may want to combine your trip with a tour of the suspension bridge, one of Wonju's main attractions. The 200m Sogeumsan Suspension Bridge is the longest and largest pedestrian bridge in Korea, built at a height of 100m. It has a glass floor, offering you a wonderful view of the valley below.
Eumseong Pumba Festival (음성품바축제)
Dates : May 22 - 26, 2024
Address: 28, Seolseonggongwon-Gil, Eumseong-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do 충청북도 음성군 음성읍 설성공원길 28
Street singers (known as pumba, a word often heard in Korean street songs before the country developed) sing at the National Pumba King Contest and parade along the streets.
In the past, these singers strolled around Korean villages and markets searching for food and money. Today, pumba refers to gakseori, performers who do not ask for food or money, but sing to entertain at events or festivals.
Flower Festivals
Korea loves its flower events, and they're not limited to just cherry blossoms!
Seoul Rose Festival (서울장미축제)
Dates : May 18 - 25, 2024
Address: 375, Jungnangcheon-ro, Jungnang-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 중랑구 중랑천로 332
You can look forward to a spectacular 5 - 5.15 km long tunnel filled with thousands of roses!
There will also be various scenic spots for taking photos, a flower market, and a wide range of rose- themed activities and performances. Best of all, there's no admission fee (though you pay for any activities and food you buy, of course.)
Hapcheon Hwangmaesan Royal Azalea Festival
Dates : April 27 - May 12, 2024
Address: Hapcheon Hwangmaesan is actually outside of Seoul, but I've included instructions on how to get there below.
The "garden" of azaleas in Hwangmaesan Country Park is the biggest and most breathtaking in Korea. The pink azaleas in Hwangmaesan Mountain was listed in “CNN’s List of 50 Beautiful Places to Visit in Korea” and were voted one of the top 100 destinations for 2021 - 2022 by the Korean Tourism Organisation.
Address : 4, Hwangmaesangong-won-Gil, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
You will need to hike up Hwangmaesan Country Park or drive up. (Parking is available nearby.)
How to get there by bus:Take a bus from Seoul's Nambu Bus terminal to Hapcheon Bus Terminal. The bus leaves 5 times a day, between 10 am and 4.45 pm, with a journey time of around 4.5 hours. At Hapcheon Bus terminal, you need to transfer to a bus bound for Deokman(덕만) and get off at Deokman bus station. The ride is about 40 minutes, and does not leave every hour.
It's quite a long journey so I recommend hiring a car and driver or renting a car. (But note it can be challenging driving in Korea.)
Alternatively, if you're staying in Busan, there's this Klook tour to make your life easier.
Other Things to Do
Why not get a facial in Seoul? (Click through for reviews of the various spas I've tried.)
My favorite way to relax after a long and tiring day is to get a Sulwhasoo ginseng facial. (Click through for my detailed review!)
Or how about a haircut? There are SO many hair salons in Seoul, doing your hair is not expensive AND the stylists can recreate your favorite hairstyles from Korean dramas. (Click here for my review of the famous Juno hair salon.)
For those who are good with their hands, why not try some traditional Korean crafts? This Mother of Pearl Craft Making Class at Bukchon Hanok Village gives you an opportunity to relax your tired feet as well as make your own traditional Korean artwork. (Click for review.)
Kimchi and food are key parts of Korean culture so your trip won't be complete without learning about Korean food!
At the Museum Kimchikan in Insadong, kimchi visitors can learn and taste samples of different varieties of kimchi. You can even taking a Kimchi making class in Bukchon-dong! (Click through for my review of my "Professional Kimchi Class.")
What to Wear
The weather at the beginning of May and end of May is quite different, as the days get much warmer.
In the beginning of May, you will usually be comfortable in jeans/ skirts, long- sleeved shirts, sweaters and a cardigan/ light jacket and hoodie for evenings.
However, by the end of May, the warmer weather will call for shorts and T-shirts. (Quick drying clothing and staying in a hotel with a Laundromat will help you travel more lightly!)
Note: Koreans are very well groomed. It is better to dress conservatively and avoid wearing clothes with low necklines. Super short skirts are considered OK though!
Packing List
Below are some of the important things to bring to Seoul in May (but for a complete Korea packing list for spring, click here):
- travel documents : passport, itineraries, hotel reservations, plane tickets, travel visas, insurance
- travel adaptor
- short sleeves (because the sun can make it feel hotter than it is) AND long-sleeved shirts, sweaters/ cardigans. If you want to be modest, don't show your shoulders or cleavage.
- In Korea, women wear very short skirts but not low-cut tops.
- jeans, trousers- leggings used to be a bit controversial in Korea, but are more commonly worn now
- light jacket, wind breaker: you can leave your heavy coats behind!
- sunglasses
- not commonly worn in Korea, so you may get weird looks from older folks
- walkable shoes or sandals
- you walk so much in Korea, my shoes have broken there on TWO trips. And it's hard to find large sized shoes! (I'm EU 40.5 and can't find my size in department stores.)
- any prescription medication you need
- your Doctor's prescription note may not suffice- it depends on the immigration officer- so make sure you check the drug laws
- a local SIM card (The previous (affiliate) link is for a physical card that can be picked up at the airports. For an eSIM, click here (affiliate).)
Warm temperatures, daylight saving time and the beautiful looming flowers make May a great time to visit Seoul. If you've any questions about visiting Seoul in spring, let me know in the comments. if not, have a wonderful and exciting trip!!
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