South Korea Weather in March 2026: Cherry Blossom Season Begins

March is a good time to visit South Korea, when the early spring weather is gradually warming up to catch the late snow and early cherry blossom season, as well as the quieter streets and more affordable prices for your trip to South Korea. From weather tips to the best places for your spring break, visit Korea in March with this ultimate guide.

South Korea Weather in March

March in Korea is the beginning of spring. Compared to the chilly January and February, the weather in South Korea in March is milder and changeable, with an average daytime high of 13℃ (55℉), and a cooler nighttime at around 0℃ (32℉).

The temperature rises in the second half of March. Snow is still present in the northern mountains during this transition month from winter to spring. Meanwhile, the south welcomes cherry blossom season towards the end of the month.

• Seoul's weather in March is dry and sunny, yet the temperature can be a little bit lower since its higher latitude: you can experience the noon above 10℃ (50℉), while a chilly night below 0℃ (32℉).
• The weather in Busan, Jeju, and Gyeongju in March can be more comfortable. The highest can reach 16℃ (61℉), as well as a milder night around 5℃ (41℉). Also, paired with the pleasant and humid sea breezes, there are more showers in southern Korea.

Korea in March Weather FAQs

Are There Cherry Blossoms in Korea in March

Yes, March starts the cherry blossom season in South Korea. Korean beotkkot (cherry blossom) usually peaks from late March to early April, and you can enjoy the cherry blossoms from late March in southern Korea, especially in those coastal cities like Busan and Seogwipo (in Jeju Island), with their earlier blooming pink and white blossoms around March 20th. The popular cherry blossom festival in Jinhae is also held in the second half.

Cherry Blossoms in Southern Korea in March

Is Skiing Still Possible in South Korea in March

Surprisingly, yes. Spring skiing in South Korea is still possible in March, and the late ski season can even last till early April, according to the snowfall and temperature. Though the ski conditions in March are not as perfect as those in January and February, it is not impossible to enjoy the soft snow skiing at Yongpyong Resort, Phoenix Park, or High1 Resort, with longer operating hours as well as the spring season discount.

Clothes to Wear in Korea in March

A thick winter coat will be more comfortable for your night and early March visit. Change to a light coat or jacket with a layered sweater dress instead during the second half trip with cherry blossoms. Soft hats with ear covers and scarves are also helpful.

March Travel Cost & Crowd in South Korea

Korea in March is a quiet season for your smart travel. It is a good time to visit South Korea, when the temperature becomes more comfortable for hanging out, yet visitors are far too crowded for lines, and prices remain moderate, which is usually considered a great value travel month for cherry blossom watching and spring skiing in South Korea.

• Most of March is still the shoulder season to seek your ideal flight tickets and comfortable hotel room prices.
• Ski resorts offer their budget pass and discount during the last ski season of March, a good time to enjoy something luxurious and service at an affordable price.
• As the beginning of the cherry blossom season, Korea in March is relatively less popular and crowded than in April.
• For cherry blossom viewing, Busan, Jinhae, and Jeju Island can get bustling during late March, but the travel cost is still affordable compared to the peak of April.

Best Places to Visit in Korea in March

Seoul

Though Seoul in March is too early for the blooming cherry blossoms, the vivid spring colors can also be seen from the layered plum blossoms and camellia in their charming crimson, well-dotted by the ancient palaces and peaceful streets. Make Cheongdeokgung Palace on your sightseeing list during your Seoul trip, whose Secret Garden can be your best spot to capture the spring in Korea.

As the lively capital city, Seoul is the ideal place to enjoy something indoors during your early March visit. From themed cafes arranged by popular K-pop stars to restaurants filming the K-drama, not to mention those various museums for you to drop by.

Oh, and the always bustling nightlife of Seoul, far beyond the light show at Cheonggyecheon, Hongdae's bars, nightclubs, and markets. Without the tourist crowds and rush, a March visit to Seoul can be one of the best chances to experience Korean daily life.

Jinhae

Known as one of the most popular cherry blossom places in South Korea, the southern Jinhae City is definitely a must-visit during your trip to Korea in March: lines of cherry trees pack the city and streets in the fancy pale pink, where people gather for the festival events and shows - grab your camera and photograph the best Instagram shot!

The delicate Yeojwa Stream is best for a romantic stroll, especially at night when those well-matched light decorations awaken the blossom again. Next is the iconic Gyeonghwa Station, where the train is set beneath the stunning sakura tunnel.

While looking for some local snacks and food to fulfill your cherry blossom journey in South Korea, head to the Jungwon Intersection with food tents and stages for performances. Don't miss the soft ice cream in cherry blossom flavor!

Busan

The milder weather in Busan in March also allows for an early period for cherry blossoms. Recommended cherry blossom viewing places include the Dalmajigil Road in Haeundae, lined with cafes and shops for your relaxing stroll and rest, and Daejeo Eco Park, where the sakura flowers are paired with golden canola.

Beyond the spring blossoms, Busan's food markets and culture villages are other points for you to linger. Make your way through Gamcheon Culture Village with those colorful houses and the "little prince", sample the fresh catch starry flounder at Jagalchi Fish Market, and if you don't mind the wind, head to Haeundae beach for a lazy sun nap.

And, you can also take Busan as your base to Jinhae, about a half-hour drive, to bring you to another world of cherry blossoms, or to Gyeongju, a 1-hour drive away open-air museum with vivid colors of spring.

Jeju Island

The tropical-like island of Jeju is always the top choice during your early spring Korean journey in March, with a warmer temperature for your easy outdoors, from the Hallasan and Sunrise Peak climbing to a leisurely hike around one of the Jeju Olle Trails.

Jeju Island is the first place to see cherry blossoms in South Korea, thanks to its southermost location. And what makes your Jeju sakura trip special is, you will find the bigger cherry blossom species here, known as the "King Cherry" blossoms.

It is an ideal place to spend several days to enjoy its peaceful nature. Witness volcanic rock formations through the naturally formed Manjanggul Lava Tube Cave, as well as the Jeju Stone Park, with a glimpse of locals' unique stone culture. For your more immersive experience, a mountain temple stay inside the deep forest is also recommended.

Korean Festivals in March

• Jeju Fire Festival, March 13 to 15, 2026: a bonfire festival rooted in the field burning agriculture tradition for the next year's harvest, following the lunar calendar, and paired with ancient mask dances and fireworks shows.
• Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, March 29 to April 6, 2026: one of the most popular cherry blossom festivals in South Korea, when those setting up tents and stages filled with food and performances against the blooming flowers.

March Travel Tips to South Korea

• You may encounter the special yellow dust weather in March in Korea during your early spring trip, so apart from the sunglasses, also prepare some extra masks in your bag or pocket.
• Though Korea in March is not as popular as the peak tourist season in April or summer, still, book your trip early to secure your ideal rooms and more comfortable prices. Still not sure about your spring break planning with cherry blossoms? Contact us and let our Korea travel expert make your ideal journey.
• A south-to-north journey that follows the blooming flowers would be more helpful during your March visit. For example, arrive in Seoul, but make Jeju Island your first destination. Then continue northward to Busan, take some day trips to Jinhae and Gyeongju, and finally back to Seoul. Feel free to contact Odynovo for more Korean travel ideas. 
• Put on your comfortable shoes for the city sightseeing, and also leave some resting time for your kids or parents, since there are some unexpected slopes and cobblestone streets during your visit to the sights and palaces.