Korea month by month
Korea in May
Late spring: warm, sunny and green, the most comfortable month for many visitors.
Typical weather
| High | Low | Rain | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul | 23°C | 13°C | 104 mm |
| Busan | 23°C | 15°C | 154 mm |
| Jeju | 22°C | 14°C | 97 mm |
Long-term monthly averages from the Korea Meteorological Administration, rounded. Rain is the month's total.
What's on and what to see
- The Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul for Buddha's Birthday (May, on the lunar calendar): a lantern parade and temples lit at night.
- Children's Day (5 May) is a holiday: parks, zoos and theme parks are packed.
- Rose and tulip festivals; the Boseong green tea fields at their greenest.
- Good weather for hiking Bukhansan, Seoraksan and Hallasan.
What to pack
T-shirts with a light layer, sunscreen and a hat.
Crowds and prices
Busy around the early May holidays (Korean "golden week"); calmer later in the month.