An Overview of Korea in May
In Korea, May transforms into an unofficial “Family Month,” a time when the celebrations of Children’s Day and Parent’s Day infuse the calendar with warmth and connection. This is a month of exquisite weather, bringing people outdoors for memorable adventures. And while the cherry blossoms may have concluded their annual show, the landscape comes alive with a beautiful array of other blooms.
With flowers setting a picturesque backdrop, what better time for a hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) photoshoot in Korea’s iconic palaces or temples? If you enjoy being active, consider hiking throughout Korea’s national parks or wandering amidst peaceful bamboo forests. Whatever your travel style, May is the time to enjoy outdoor activities before the sweltering months of summer kick in.
Already convinced to book your ticket? Let this article be your guide to navigating the breathtaking views and culture focused events of May. We’ll cover the must-see experiences, best wardrobe choices for the weather, holidays, and delicious seasonal foods to make this month the best yet!
Enjoy May Outdoor Activities
Take in the Beauty of Spring Flowers
You can still find many beautiful flowers blooming in late spring. Some of the most popular to view in May are azaleas (진달래), canola flowers (유채꽃), and tulips (튤립). With a bit of research, you can find the best places to visit.
With Instagram, we recommend using hashtags by typing in the flower name in Korean and searching the recent posts. For example, try typing #진달래 (azalea) or #튤립 (tulip). You can also search on Google and Naver (the Korean equivalent). Here you will find some great options for places to go.
Another great way to see spring flowers in bloom is to visit a botanical garden. With many scattered throughout the country, it’s a great way to see many of the in-season flowers in one go. There are also a lot of great tours and festivals centered on certain flowers, so keep reading to learn more!
Seoul Grand Park Botanical Garden (서울대공원)
- Address: Gyeonggi-do, Gwacheon-si, Daegwanwon Gwangjang-ro 102
- Address: 경기 과천시 대공원광장로 102
- Naver Map: https://naver.me/xNdloYVb
Garden of the Morning Calm (아침고요수목원)
- Address: 432, Sumogwon-ro, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
- Address: 경기도 가평군 상면 수목원로 432
- Naver Map: https://naver.me/5vIY5FjU
World Flower Botanical Garden (세계꽃식물원)
- Address: 37-37, Asanman-ro, Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
- Address: 충청남도 아산시 도고면 아산만로 37-37
- Naver Map: https://naver.me/5SWasKhq
Go Hiking
With so many mountains in Korea, you have a range of hiking choices based on your level and style. For many of the major peaks and hikes, you can also book a guided tour. It’s imperative that you use KakaoMap or Naver while on the trails, since Google Maps isn’t nearly as accurate in Korea. Not sure where to start looking for trails? Check out the Korean National Park Service (KNPS), which offers its website in English and comes with a lot of great information. You can also use the popular app AllTrails, which offers great filtering options to find the most suitable hikes to explore.
Try Strawberry Picking
While peak season is between January to April, you can still find the sweet berry in season until June. With the warmer weather, May is a great time to find a farm where you can pick your own fresh strawberries.
Almost all strawberry farms require a reservation ahead of time. Many places allow you to book online and by phone. If you can’t speak Korean well, try having your hotel call to help you! Here are some of the best places to go strawberry picking near Seoul:
Saemmul Strawberry Farm (샘물딸기농장)
- Address: Gyeonggi Namyangju-si Joanmyeon Songchon-ri 539
- Address: 경기 남양주시 조안면 송촌리 539
- Phone Number: 010-3005-8621
- Naver Map: https://naver.me/GcjWBaaV
- Saemmul Strawberry Farm Website
Ahtti Children Strawberry Farm (아띠딸기체험농장)
- Address: Gyeonggi Namyangju-si Joanmyeon Bukhangang-ro 501
- Address: 경기 남양주시 조안면 북한강로 501
- Phone: 010-3092-1683
- Email: udt5935946@hanmail.net
- Naver Map: https://naver.me/55IyRrIO
- Ahtti Children Strawberry Farm Website
Gossi Farm (고씨농원)
- Address: Incheon, Gyeyang-gu, Moksang-gil 54
- Address: 인천 계양구 목상길 54
- Naver Map: https://naver.me/5PS2jhcH
- You can make reservations via Instagram message here: @gossi_farm
Go Island Hopping Around Korea
Before the weather in Korea gets sweltering, consider going island hopping around some of Korea’s most famous islands. Jeju will be especially nice in the spring, as it usually gets very hot and humid in the summer.
With over 3,358 officially affirmed islands in Korea, here is a short list of islands to research and explore in May:
- Seonjaedo (선재도)
- Sinuido (신의도 or 상하태도)
- Hongdo (홍도)
- Udo (우도)
- Jeju-do (제주도)
- Wando (완도)
- Geojedo (거제도)
- Jindo Island (진도) – Famous for the Korean Jindo dog
- Dokdo Island (독도) – Historically famous
- Cheongsando (청산도)
- Ulleungdo Island (울릉도)
- Oedo (외도)
Visit Historical Sites
Visit Buddhist Temples and Shrines
May is a great time to visit Buddhist temples and shrines. During this time, many places become decorated in a vibrant string of colorful lanterns and decorations. Special events opened to the public are also planned in celebration for Buddha’s birthday. (Keep reading to learn more!) It’s also a great way to take in more flowers and lush greenery, while strolling through a quiet, peaceful, and spiritual ambiance.
Bulguksa Temple (불국사)
- Address: 385, Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
- Address: 경상북도 경주시 불국로 385
- Naver Map
Seokguram Grotto (석굴암)
- Address: 873-243, Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
- Address: 경상북도 경주시 진현동 석굴로 238 석굴암
- Naver Map
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (해동 용궁사 – 부산)
- Address: 86, Yonggung-gil, Gijang-gun, Busan
- Address: 부산광역시 기장군 기장읍 용궁길 86
- Naver Map
Explore Hanok and Folk Villages
Travel back in time and imagine yourself walking through traditional Korean homes, markets, and streets. Get lost in the rows of Korea’s traditional houses, called hanoks, as you eat traditional snacks. Attend craft and cultural workshops, or see performances of traditional Korean dances, songs, and sports. May provides an ideal backdrop to appreciate the unique beauty and historical richness of Korean hanok and folk villages.
Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌)
- Address: 90 Minsokchon-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do
- Address: 경기도 용인시 기흥구 민속촌로 90
- Naver Map
Jeonju Hanok Village (전주 한옥마을)
- Address: 99 Girin-daero, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do
- Address: 전북특별자치도 전주시 완산구 기린대로 99
- Naver Map
Hahoe Folk Village (안동 하회마을)
- Address: 2-1, Hahoejongga-gil, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
- Address: 경상북도 안동시 풍천면 하회종가길 2-1
- Naver Map
Enjoy Hanbok Strolls Through Beautiful Palaces
What better way to enjoy the spring weather and flowers than to walk the famous royal palaces in Seoul? Venture into any of the neighboring hanbok shops, and try on traditional Korean clothing to really blend in and feel a part of your surroundings. Many of the palaces also offer free entry if you’re wearing a hanbok. Now’s the time to enjoy it before the weather gets too hot!
Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
- Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Address: 서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161
- Naver Map
Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁관리소)
- Address: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Address: 서울특별시 종로구 율곡로 99
- Naver Map
Gyeonghuigung Palace (경희궁)
- Address: 45, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Address: 서울특별시 종로구 새문안로 45
- Naver Map
Take a Trip to Gwangju
Visit Jeolla Province south of Seoul to honor the Gwangju Uprising, a key pro-democracy movement in Korea, known as “May 18”. Sparked by public outrage against Korea’s military government, Gwangju citizens (mainly young students) protested, facing brutal military suppression. The Gwangju Uprising left a lasting impact on the nation’s political landscape.
Despite its dark history, Gwangju is viewed as a symbol of strength and resilience in Korea, with the city featuring memorials, tributes, archives, and museums that beautifully commemorate the lives lost.
May 18 Democratic Uprising Archives (5.18 민주화운동 기록관)
- Address: 221 Geumnam-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju
- Address: 광주광역시 동구 금남로 221
- Naver Map
May 18th National Cemetery (국립 5.18 민주묘지)
- Address: 221 Geumnam-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju
- Address: 광주광역시 동구 금남로 221
- Naver Map
If you don’t have time to make it to Gwangju, check out the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History in Seoul. It provides a great overview on the Gwangju Uprising, and occasionally has special exhibits about May 18.
National Museum of Korean Contemporary History (대한민국역사박물관)
- Address: 198, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Address: 서울특별시 종로구 세종대로 198
- Naver Map
- National Museum of Korean Contemporary History Website
May Festivals and Events
May stands out in spring, not just for its seasonal features, but also for the wide array of festivals and events taking place nationwide. Many of these experiences can be explored through tour companies like Klook or Trazy, which specialize in foreigner-friendly travel adventures. Check out our list!
Boseong Green Tea Festival (보성다향대축제)
The rolling hills of Boseong Green Tea Fields are incredibly green and lush this time of year. Boseong offers not only breathtaking scenery but also over 50% of Korea’s green tea production. During the first week of May, you can wander the hills while partaking in various tea-related programming. While you’re at it, you can pick tea leaves, devour some delicious green tea ice cream, and enjoy the fragrant air.
- Dates: TBA for 2024, April 29th – May 7th (last year)
- Address: 775, Nokcha-ro, Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
- Address: 전라남도 보성군 보성읍 녹차로 775
- Boseong Green Tea Festival Website
Chuncheon Mime Festival (춘천마임축제)
With its growing international reputation, the Chuncheon Mime Festival is one of the three major mime festivals in the world. Attracting performers and mime troupes from all over the world, here you can see innovative non-verbal mime and street performances.
The festival is located in various locations throughout Chuncheon, and when you need a break from exploring the festival, you can ride along abandoned trail tracks and tunnels on the Gangchon Rail Bike. What a great excuse to try something new!
- Dates: TBA for 2024, May 28th – June 4th last year
- Address: Various locations around Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
- Address: 강원도 춘천시 전역
- Mime Festival Website
Damyang Bamboo Festival (담양대나무축제)
The Damyang Bamboo Garden is a site to behold all year, but during its annual festival, you can absorb all there is to enjoy about this special place. From eating local Damyang foods to testing your luck fishing with bamboo baskets, the bamboo garden makes a picturesque backdrop. Best yet? Walk through the winding paths of the tall bamboo forest, breathing in the rich oxygen filled air as you go.
- Date: TBA for 2024, May 3rd – 7th last year
- Address: 119, Jungnogwon-ro, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do
- Address: 전라남도 담양군 담양읍 죽녹원로 119 (담양읍)
- Bamboo Website
Gyeongbokgung Palace at Night (경복궁 야간 특별관람)
Only open at night twice a year, the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul transforms into a beautifully lit haven for the months of April and May. While stunning in the daytime, at night, the palace takes on a new and ethereal feel.
Book your tickets fast as this is a popular event and requires advance registration (note that the website is only in Korean). However, if you arrive early enough, there are also foreigner-only in-person tickets, which are limited to 200 tickets per day. There’s nothing more magical than a royal palace at night, so we promise it’s worth the extra planning!
- Date: TBA for 2024, April 5 – May 31 (last year)
- Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Address: 서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161 (세종로)
- Ticket Website
Hadong Wild Tea Culture Festival (하동 야생차문화축제)
Hadong is an important historical center where tea cultivation started approximately one thousand years ago. During the month of May, you can celebrate this long flavorful history at the Hadong Wild Tea Cultural Festival.
Once called “the King’s green tea,” this area is rich not only in history, but also offers the perfect conditions for tea cultivation. As you sip some high-quality tea, enjoy the various tea-themed exhibitions and programs. For tea enthusiasts, this festival is definitely worth the trek out of Seoul!
- Date: TBD, May 4 – June 3 (last year)
- Address: 571-25, Ssanggye-ro, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
- Address: 경상남도 하동군 화개면 쌍계로 571-25
- Hadong Wild Tea Culture Festival Website
Haeundae Sand Festival (해운대 모래축제)
Busan is known for some of the best beaches in all of Korea. So, what better way to kick off the start of the year’s warmer months with none other than large-scale sand sculptures in Haeundae Beach? Walking through the sand sculptures with such fine and artsy details is truly like being in an outdoor gallery. In addition to sculptures, there are also experiential programing like sand boarding or a sand treasure hunt.
- Date: TBA for 2024, May 19th – 22nd (last year)
- Address: U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
- Address: 부산광역시 해운대구 우동
Hueree Hydrangea Spring Festival (휴애리 봄 수국축제)
The Hueree Summer Hydrangea Festival on Jeju Island is popular among residents and tourists. See a variety of hydrangeas carefully cultivated in greenhouses and hydrangea gardens. The event’s greenhouse features an array of the flowers, and a landscape covered with hydrangeas extends from the park’s main entrance to its exit.
- Date: March – May (subject to shift given the flowering season)
- Address: 256, Sillyedong-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
- Address: 제주특별자치도 서귀포시 남원읍 신례동로 256
- Trazy Tour Experience Website
Hwangmaesan Mountain Royal Azalea Festival (황매산군립공원)
While cherry blossoms might be the most well-known spring flower in Korea, azaleas are the underrated rising star. During May, these flowers take over Hwangmaesan Mountain in a blanket and sea of breathtaking floral arrangements. They are so incredibly gorgeous that even CNN listed them as one of the “50 Beautiful Places to Visit in Korea.”
Getting here is accessible as there is a road that leads straight up the peak where there is a parking lot. However, you can hike up the mountain on a relatively easy trail. Since this place has gained popularity over the years, we want to provide caution that long traffic lines might be unavoidable. However, when you reach the summit, you’ll see why it was a view worth waiting for.
- Date: TBA for 2024, April 29th – May 14th (last year)
- Address 4, Hwangmaesangongwon-gil, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
- Address: 경상남도 합천군 가회면 황매산공원길 4
- Trazy Tour Experience Website
Pohang International Firework Festival (포항국제불빛축제)
A medium-sized city located in the southeastern coast of Korea, Pohang has gained popularity over the years thanks to K-dramas like “Hometown Cha Cha” or “When the Camellia Blooms.” While maybe not first on your itinerary, the International Firework Festival is a site to behold.
With international teams from countries like Sweden, Italy, or the Philippines all competing for the title of best fireworks, you are sure to be wowed. While you’re there, get loose and enjoy a DJ dance party, busking, parade, art installations, etc., all free of charge!
- Date: TBA for 2024, May 26th – 28th last year
- Address: Haedo-dong, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
- Address: 경상북도 포항시 남구 해도동
- Pohang International Firework Festival Website
Seoul Lotus Lantern Festival (연등회)
The Lotus Lantern Festival is a centuries-old tradition that centers around the life of Buddha and honors his birthday. Held over a few days, there are numerous events to experience, including a lighting ceremony, cultural performances, and lantern making experiences. However, the highlight of the festival is the large lantern floats that parade the city of Seoul. It’s a breathtaking spectacle that you don’t want to miss!
- Dates: May 11th – 15th, 2024
- Address: 55, Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Address: 서울특별시 종로구 우정국로 55
- Seoul Lotus Lantern Festival
Seoul Rose Festival (서울장미축제)
Take in the aroma of one of the world’s most romantic and loved flowers, the rose. Explore the awe-inspiring 5.15km- (over 3 mile-) long tunnel of roses, drop by flower markets, and enjoy various rose-themed activities and performances.
With so much to see and do, and featuring new or special additions like a jazz concert or fireworks being added every year, it’s a site like no other. While you’re at it, bring your friends and loved ones, and take some pictures at stationed photo zones. If you can’t take the flowers with you, it’s a perfect souvenir!
- Date: TBA for 2024, May 13th – 28th (last year)
- Address: 332, Jungnangcheon-ro, Jungnang-gu, Seoul
- Address: 서울특별시 중랑구 중랑천로 332 (묵동,묵동한국아파트)
- Website (Korean Only): https://seoulrose.jnfac.or.kr/
Wonju Hanji Festival (원주한지문화제)
Hanji is a traditional Korean paper that is a beloved aspect of Korea’s historical arts and crafts. During the festival, you’ll have many opportunities to learn about the traditional paper through hanji-making classes, history lessons, and art exhibits. You can also experience hanji in ways you might not have expected – through fashion shows, or shopping sprees of unique handicrafts such as lamp shades, dolls or flowers.
- Dates: TBA for 2024, May 5th – 14th (last year)
- Address: 151, Hanjigongwon-gil, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do
- Address: 강원도 원주시 한지공원길 151
- Wonju Hanji Festival Website
What’s Seasonal to Eat in May
Many kinds of fresh vegetables, fruits, and seafood are harvested and eaten in May. Here are some foods and dishes we recommend trying:
Fresh Seafood (신선한 해산물)
Throughout the year, you can find an abundance of fresh seafood in Korea. May is no exception. Look for dishes featuring seasonal catches like mussels, conch, tuna, eel, sea squirts, and marsh snails.
Fatsia Roots (두릅)
Only available in late spring, fatsia is a healthy mountain vegetable. While on the expensive side, when cooked, fatsia roots boast an excellent nutritional profile. They are also considered to be an effective food for stress relief and other ailments such as gastroenteric disorders, and diabetes.
Chwinamul (취나물)
Chwinamul or “aster scaber” is a wild leafy vegetable grown in the mountains and fields of Korea. It has a bitter taste and distinct smell, but is perfect in banchan (반찬), Korean side dishes.
Green Plums (매실)
In Korea, green plums are only available for a short time in May and June. They are often used to make plum syrup (매실청), and are full of natural sugars, vitamins, and
citric acids.
Strawberries (딸기)
May is one of the final months to enjoy fresh and in-season strawberries in Korea. You can find them in many desserts or drinks at this time, and can even go to a farm and pick them yourself!
May Holidays
There are several observed and public holidays in Korea during May, and most won’t affect travel plans, but it’s important to know when traffic times might be higher than usual, or when businesses will be closed.
Labor Day (근로자의 날)
While not an official holiday in Korea, Labor Day (much like the one in the U.S.) is a holiday to honor the hard work of laborers. Many banks and commercial institutions might be closed, so check ahead of time before going.
- When: May 1
- Type of Holiday: Bank
Children’s Day (어린이날)
Children’s Day is a day to celebrate children and provides families the time to spend quality time together. Going to amusement parks, zoos, and having a picnic are all popular activities to do on this day.
- When: May May 5 (Observed May 6)
- Type of Holiday: Public
Parent’s Day (어버이날)
While not a public holiday, Parent’s Day still holds importance in Korean culture. Children often give their guardians carnations and do extra special things for the loved ones in their life.
- When: May 8
- Type of Holiday: Observance
Buddha’s Birthday (부처님 오신 날)
While primarily a Buddhist holiday, the whole country takes the day off to commemorate the life of Buddha. Beautiful lanterns are hung at temples throughout the country, and special public events are presented at many temples.
- When: May 15 (exact date changes each year)
- Type of Holiday: Public
Teacher’s Day (교사의 날)
Teacher’s Day is a day to honor and celebrate educators throughout the country. Students usually prepare presents or cards for their teachers, and special programming is often presented in schools to show support and celebrate teachers.
- When: May 15
- Type of Holiday: Observance
Essential Information for Visiting Korea in May
Weather Conditions
May is often considered the final month of spring in Korea, as summer temperatures start to jump up around June. However, during May, the weather is usually mild and pleasant. Average daily temperatures can range from 11-25°C (53-77°F), but this varies depending upon the region.
While the chances of rain are low in May, the chance of an overcast sky is usually around 45%. While getting a clear day might be hit or miss, you can enjoy walking around with relatively low humidity and lower wind levels.
Air Quality
Throughout the spring, Korea’s air pollution often worsens due to hwang-sa (황사), or the yellow dust. Known by its yellowish fog, this fog has its origins in the Gobi Desert, when windstorms travel across China and form yellow dust that floats onto the Korean peninsula.
While this yellow dust is not a complete hindrance to travel, you’ll want to stock up on high-quality air pollution masks and bring allergy medicine if needed. You can easily purchase disposable masks at local pharmacies, convenience stores, or Diaso (the Korean equivalent of a dollar store.) These masks are relatively cheap (often under $1.00) and will protect you from around 80% of the air pollution. It’s not perfect, but far better than nothing!
We recommend buying a mask (황사마스크) with a level of around KF94, or the lighter KF80 version that was designed for hot and humid weather. If yellow dust is particularly concerning, the Korean app MiseMise will come in handy. It will help determine what areas, times, and days will have the worst and the best air quality, and allow you to plan your itinerary accordingly.
What to Wear and Pack
With the weather being mild to warm, we suggest wearing light layers that you can easily add on when cold or take off when hot. In the spring, the temperature range is often the most extreme, so be prepared if you’re heading out for the whole day. Here’s a short list of suggested items:
Bring From Home
- Light layers (e.g., t-shirts, lightweight sweaters, shorts, pants, leggings)
- Light jacket, windbreaker, or rain coat
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Necessary
- Travel documents (e.g., passport, itineraries, hotel reservations, plane tickets, travel visas, insurance)
- Toiletries
- Travel adaptors
- adaptor / plug
- Optional / If Needed:
- Allergy medicine
- Traditional attire like a hanbok (rentals available at near some palaces and temples)
- Swimsuit
- Sunglasses, hats, etc.
Buy in Korea
- Umbrella
- Face masks for yellow dust and air pollution (황사마스크)
- Bug repellent (especially when hiking or outdoors)
- Sunscreen
