South Korea Weather in May 2026: Golden Month for Outdoor

May is a golden month to visit South Korea, when the weather of the final spring is warm enough for you to go lightly outdoors, with fade-out crowds and prices for a carefree South Korea tour. Let this complete Korean guide of May, including weather details and best outdoor activities, make the most of your spring holiday.

South Korea Weather in May

May in Korea is the last month of spring. Paired with the rising temperatures, you can expect a milder humidity level in May, which still enjoys the comfortable, warm, and sunny weather before the coming rainy season next month. The average temperature in May ranges from 14 to 25℃ (57 to 77℉), perfect for your easy outdoors and cultural events without heavy clothes.

	Temperature	Rainy Days
Seoul	13 to 22℃ (56 to 72℉)	about 6 days
Busan	14 to 23℃ (57 to 74℉)	about 10 days
Jeju Island	17 to 22℃ (64 to 72℉)	about 10 days

• The weather in Seoul in May is generally warm; however, still mind the cooler evenings
• Coastal regions like Busan and Jeju Island get more gentle breezes and clear skies in May
• There is about a 20% chance of showers in South Korea in May, yet far from heavy rain

South Korea Weather in May

Is May Hot in South Korea

Generally speaking, South Korea in May is warm but not sweaty. The temperature rises to a comfortable warmth, yet not that heat to warm up the sea water and draw the crowds to beaches and the sea.

For the night, it is the period to farewell the heating air conditioner, also a little bit early for the cooling mode. For days, a single T-shirt dress will still be chilly, but a good layered option during your city walk or mountain hiking.

Though the temperature will go higher during the second half, it doesn't feel hot with the slight activities. Instead, paired with the gentle breeze, you will miss your coat when enjoying the outdoor cafe for a long time.

What Clothes to Wear in Korea in May

You can wear a light jacket or coat with a T-shirt inside during your May hiking trip to South Korea. If there are not many activities during the day, the light layers of shirts with a hoodie or loose knitwear will also be helpful.

It is time to move out those thick and heavy items, and if you like, it is warm enough to try something fresh and fashionable.

Are There Cherry Blossoms to See in Korea in May

Sadly, South Korea's cherry blossom season ends in April. By May, cherry blossom viewing is mostly over, with only isolated trees still in bloom. While a few late blooms may linger in higher elevations or specific parks, they're more of a pleasant surprise than a reason to plan your trip around.

However, for your flower journey planning, May is still a beautiful time to enjoy other spring flowers like tulips and azaleas in parks and flower gardens across the country.

Wild Violets in May in Korea

Is May a Good Time to Visit Korea

If the cherry blossom is not your main target, May is definitely a good time to visit South Korea. The weather is almost perfect, and the vivid warm spring always welcomes the various outdoor and cultural events. Not to mention the shoulder season benefit you can take advantage of: fewer crowds to share the scenery, and more comfortable prices for your better experience.

What to Expect in South Korea in May

• More colorful spring scenery of tulips, azaleas, roses, and hydrangeas
• Vivid mountain and forest trails for a leisurely hike or camp
• Crowdfree coastline relaxation for beach, cafe, cycling, and sunrise watching

Recommended Hike in Korea in May

• Mountain hike not very far from the city center: Bukhansan National Park, Seoul
• Family or relaxing stroll with sea breeze: Jeju Olle trail, Jeju Island,
• Hike with sunrise watching: Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), Jeju Island
• Immersive hike to enjoy nature: Seoraksan National Park, Sokcho; Hallasan, Jeju Island

Best Places to Visit in Korea in May

Seoul

From blossoms to festivals, Seoul becomes much livelier in May, and the warmer night temperatures offer more to fulfill your capital sightseeing.

You can begin the flower collection from park hopping, where Seonyudo Park's various blossoms dotted the scenic walking paths along the Han River, while Junghwa Sports Park is highlighted by its stunning rose tunnel about 5 kilometers long.

Cultural experiences in Seoul in May, including the Seoul Lotus Lantern Festival (YeonDeungHoe), where you can make your own lotus lantern to join the grand Buddha's birth celebration. Or put on those delicate hanbok dresses for a night stroll, when the Gyeongbokgung Palace opens for its special night tour for a more immersive exploration.

Busan

Though May in Korea is still a little bit early for water activities, the lively and laid-back beaches in Busan are still the top recommended for sunbathing and ocean viewing.

Up to the glass-bottomed observation deck connected the island and the cliff, and captures the panoramic views of the glittering sea and the surrounding islands; ride the Sky Capsule and let this mini cute train take you through over Haeundae Beach, where impressive sand sculptures are displayed.

After admiring the city skyline at sunset, make Jagalchi Fish Market your next stop for a fresh seafood dinner. As for the after-dinner stroll, head to Gwangalli Beach for the perfect angle of Gwangandaegyo Bridge, or Gamcheon Culture Village, bustling with its art festival.

Boseong

Boseong, the green tea capital of Korea, prepares something refreshing for your journey in May: at just the right time to encounter its green season of tea, as well as the bustling Boseong Green Tea Festival for both nature and cultural experience.

For relaxation, you can join the tea field trekking with the slightly bitter smell of the leaves, try yoga surrounded by the healing green, then go back to the local tea house for an authentic tea ceremony with freshly made tea. For more experienced options, picking tea leaves to make your own tea coin is also a good try.

The coastal location makes a beach holiday available in Boseong, with its unique green tea-infused spa for your wellness experience.

Jeju Island

While looking for more hiking experience, Jeju Island is the top recommended place during your May trip to Korea, where the coastal Olle Trail around the island, and the iconic Hallasan offer different hiking experiences for hours to days. While seeking something impressive to catch, don't miss the refreshing mossy green crater of Sunrise Peak.

Also, the various outdoor fun there makes Jeju always family-friendly. Witness its special stone culture as charming as the Moai statue, or make your voice echo in the Manjanggul Lava Tube. And in Jeju Herb Dongsan, there is another picking, making, and even cooking experience with various herbs you can have.

Travel Cost & Crowd in May

Right between the popular cherry blossom season and the bustling summer vacation, the relatively quiet month of May is a good time for your smart Korean trip to take advantage of both the weather and travel costs in South Korea.

Following the falling cherry blossoms, most crowds and visitors also fade out in May, and prices of hotel rooms and tickets also drop back to their normal levels, making it much easier to book flights and rooms (especially the 4 and 5-star) at an affordable price in Korea in May.

Top Korean Festivals in May

• Boseong Green Tea Festival: held in early May in Boseong, this grand tea harvest celebration allows visitors to participate in the entire tea-making process, from picking tea leaves to creating tea bowls. If time is possible, don't miss the green tea stamp rally to get the hidden prizes.
• Haeundae Beach Sand Festival: usually held around mid-May, when those various sand sculptures (from traditional stories to modern pop cultures) add some extra fun during your Busan beach holiday. Most importantly, the sand sculpture display will last till June, so just take your time.
• Hwangmaesan Mountain Royal Azalea Festival: Hwangmaesan is known as one of the top three azalea viewing spots in Korea, where you can see the blooming Korean native royal azalea covering the whole mountain. And in early May, this festival can be your wonderful reward during your Korea hiking trip.

Travel Tips in South Korea in May

• The ideal weather in Korea in May is more recommended for some deep traveling: you can spend more days to explore a single city, try some walking, and have more cultural experiences. May is the best time for slowing down and relaxation. And to balance your schedule and itinerary, feel free to contact us with all your planning.
• The nighttime visit will be more comfortable if you prefer a quiet and peaceful journey.
• If possible, try more outdoors in Korea in May, or use some open-air museums instead, yet still mind the higher UV protection.