WHEN TO TRAVEL TO SOUTH KOREA

Location

Climate

South Korea is an increasingly popular destination for travelers from all over the world, and for good reason: this country offers magnificent scenery, a rich culture and age-old traditions.

The different seasons in South Korea

South Korea benefits from a temperate climatewith four distinct seasons. Each has its own characteristics:

• Spring (March to May) Summer: Temperatures are mild, trees are in bloom and days are generally sunny. It's the ideal season to enjoy the country's verdant landscapes and national parks.
• Summer (June to August) The weather is hot and humid, with temperatures reaching 30°C. Rainfall is also high, especially in June and July. Despite this, summer is a very busy time for tourism, with many festivals and cultural events.
• Autumn (September to November) Autumn: Temperatures return to pleasant levels and the leaves of the trees take on shimmering colors. It's also an ideal time of year for hikers and lovers of autumn landscapes.
• Winter (December to February) South Korea has cold winters, with temperatures as low as -10°C. Winter sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the country's many ski resorts, while others can admire the snow-covered landscapes.

Each season has its own charms, but some are more favorable to tourism than others. We particularly advise you to visit in spring or autumnto benefit from pleasant weather conditions and avoid the summer crowds.

Major cultural events in South Korea

Throughout the year, South Korea celebrates numerous cultural and traditional events that are well worth a visit. Here are some of the most important:

Cherry Blossom Festival (late March - early April)

This celebration marks the beginning of spring and the blossoming of cherry trees. Throughout the country, streets and parks are decked out in pink and white, offering an unforgettable spectacle. Several festivals are organized to mark the occasion, notably in Jinhae, Yeouido and Gyeongju.

Busan International Film Festival (October)

Every year, this major event of the 7th Asian art attracts thousands of visitors and film professionals. Screenings, meetings with directors and special evenings punctuate this week dedicated to cinema in South Korea.

Kimchi Festival (November)

THE kimchithe emblematic dish of Korean cuisine, is featured at this festival in Seoul. It's an opportunity to discover the different varieties of kimchi and attend cooking demonstrations and preparation workshops. Other events also punctuate the year, such as the Jinju Lantern Festival or the many events organized for the Lunar New Year. Don't hesitate to ask about local festivities before you leave!

Public holidays in South Korea

In South Korea, several public holidays are celebrated throughout the year. It's a good idea to plan your trip around these dates, to enjoy the festivities and soak up the local culture. Here are some of the most important public holidays:

• Lunar New Year (February) Seollal: This festival, also known as Seollal, is one of the most important of the year. People gather with their families to share traditional meals and pay homage to their ancestors. Ceremonies, dances and folk games are also organized.
• Children's Festival (May 5) On this day, South Korea celebrates its youngest citizens with shows, entertainment and special events for children.
• Independence Day (August 15) Korea Day: This date commemorates Korea's liberation from Japanese occupation in 1945. Parades, concerts and fireworks are organized all over the country.
• Harvest Festival (September) Chuseok: Also known as Chuseok, this festival is an opportunity for families to get together and share a traditional meal of rice cakes and fresh fruit.

These holidays are often synonymous with festivities and traditions, but also with tourist crowds and higher prices. So make sure you book your accommodation and transport in advance!

Low and high season in South Korea

As in many countries, tourism in South Korea goes through periods of peak demand and relative calm. Visit high season generally runs from June to September, with a noticeable upsurge in July and August. Accommodation and transport prices are higher, and tourist sites can be crowded. On the other hand low season (December to February) is marked by a slowdown in tourism, which means you can take advantage of lower rates. However, the best periods for visiting South Korea are undoubtedly shoulder seasons In spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), the climate is pleasant, the scenery superb and the crowds small.

Immigration statistics for South Korea

In 2020, according to official South Korean government data, the total number of foreign nationals living in South Korea stood at around 2.5 million, representing almost 5% of the country's total population. The main migrant groups were from Chinafrom Vietnamand Philippines and of Thailand. Here are a few key figures on immigration to South Korea:

• The number of foreign residents has increased by 8.6% on average each year since 2000.
• Migrant workers represent around 60% of the total number of foreigners in South Korea.
• More than half of the immigrants are manual workers, while around 25% are professionals or entrepreneurs.
• Women account for almost half of all migrants, and around 60% of them are married to South Korean spouses.

Most popular visas in South Korea

South Korea offers various types of visa for foreigners wishing to visit the country. The most common visa categories are work, study and tourist visas. Here is a list of most popular visas in South Korea:

Student visa (D-2)

This visa is intended for foreign students wishing to study at university level or above in South Korea. The D-2 visa allows students to stay in the country for the duration of their studies, generally from two to four years, depending on the program chosen. Holders of this visa can also work part-time, under certain conditions.

Specialized work visa (E-7)

The E-7 visa is intended for foreign professionals with specialized skills in fields such as engineering, finance, commerce or scientific research. To obtain this visa, applicants must have a job offer from a South Korean company and meet the required qualifications. The duration of this visa is generally three years, renewable.

Manual worker visa (E-9)

The E-9 visa is intended for foreign workers employed in sectors such as agriculture, fishing, construction or service. The duration of this visa is generally two years, and may be renewed once. Workers holding this visa also have access to a cultural and linguistic adaptation program offered by the South Korean government.

Joint visa (F-6)

This visa is granted to foreign nationals married to a South Korean citizen. The F-6 visa allows the holder to work freely in South Korea, with no restrictions on the type of employment. In addition, holders of this visa are entitled to various social benefits, such as access to healthcare and public education for their children.

International tourism figures for South Korea

South Korea is also a popular tourist destination in Asia, attracting millions of international visitors every year. Despite restrictions linked to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the country still welcomed nearly 5 million foreign tourists, mainly from China, Japan and the USA. Here are a few key trends of international tourism in South Korea :

• In 2019, before the pandemic, the total number of international tourists was 17.5 million.
• South Korea ranks 9th in the world in terms of international tourist spending, with over $22 billion spent in 2019.
• Major tourist attractions include Seoul, Busan, Jeju Island and Buddhist temples such as Haeinsa and Bulguksa.
• Medical tourism is a booming sector in South Korea, attracting over 300,000 foreign visitors each year for medical or beauty treatments.

Related news

• November 29, 2024 South Korea reimposes K-ETA from January 1, 2025

  From January 1, 2025, South Korea will re-impose the Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) requirement for travelers from 67 currently exempt countries and territories. This temporary exemption, introduced on April 1, 2023 as part of the "Visit Korea Year 2023-2024" program, was aimed at boosting tourism ... Read the article

• 18 June 2024 South Korea: K-ETA application process to be simplified

  The Korean government has announced a series of measures aimed at facilitating the entry of foreign tourists into the country and boosting the tourism sector. One of the main initiatives concerns the extension of the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) system to a wider range of travelers and languages.

• 4 January 2024 South Korea appeals to teleworkers and K-Culture fans

  The South Korean government is keen to attract teleworkers and Korean culture enthusiasts. In 2024, 2 new types of visa will be offered: the workation visa and the Korean culture training visa.