Figuring out what to wear in Korea is one of those things that sounds simple until you realize Korea’s weather doesn’t play by the rules you’re used to.
Spring mornings can feel like winter. Summer feels like a sauna with a humidifier turned up to maximum. Fall is genuinely beautiful and comfortable — until the temperature drops 10 degrees by evening. And winter? Let’s just say it’s colder than most first-time visitors are prepared for.
The good news: once you understand how each season works, packing for Korea becomes much easier. Here’s the full breakdown by season — including a few things most travel guides don’t bother to mention.
Korea Has Four Very Distinct Seasons — and That’s the Whole Point
One thing that makes Korea genuinely special as a destination is how dramatically different it looks and feels depending on when you visit.
According to the Korea Tourism Organization’s official climate guide, Korea experiences a temperate four-season climate — spring and fall are clear and mild, summer is hot and humid, and winter is cold and dry. The yearly average temperature ranges from around 7°C in the mountains to 15°C in southern cities like Busan.
Here’s what I’d tell any first-time visitor about this: spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons to travel, but don’t write off summer and winter. Honestly, experiencing the extremes — the heat and energy of Korean summer, or walking through snow-covered Seoul in January — gives you a completely different side of the country. Both are worth it if you come prepared.
Spring in Korea (March–May): Layer Everything
Temperature range: 0°C–22°C (32°F–72°F)
Spring in Korea is stunning — cherry blossoms in April, warm sunny days in May, and the whole country feeling like it just woke up from a long winter. But it’s also the season that fools the most first-time visitors with its temperature swings.
A March morning in Seoul can still feel like winter. By afternoon, you might not need a coat at all. April is cherry blossom season, and while it looks warm in photos, temperatures around the blossoms are typically 10–15°C in the daytime with cold mornings around 5–8°C. May finally settles into genuinely warm weather — but even then, evenings cool down fast.
What to wear in Korea in spring:
- March: Warm coat, thermal layers, long pants — treat it like late winter
- April: Light jacket or denim jacket, long-sleeved shirts, jeans, umbrella for rain showers
- May: T-shirts and comfortable pants during the day, always bring a light cardigan or layer for evenings
One thing nobody warns you about: Yellow dust (황사, hwangsa) blows in from China’s deserts during March through May. On bad days, the sky turns hazy and air quality drops noticeably. If you have respiratory sensitivities, bring a KF94 mask and check the AirKorea app before heading out.
The method I’d recommend for spring: pack in layers you can peel off and add back throughout the day. One day’s outfit needs to work for a 5°C morning and a 20°C afternoon.
Summer in Korea (June–August): Light, Breathable, and Waterproof
Temperature range: 22°C–38°C (72°F–100°F)
Korean summers are genuinely intense. Hot, humid, and — from late June through late July — the monsoon season (장마, jangma) brings heavy daily rain. Once the monsoon ends in late July, the heat and humidity often peak, with August being the hottest month. A 30°C day with 78% humidity can feel closer to 38°C.
The experience is sweaty and exhausting if you’re underprepared — but there’s also something exciting about it. Street food scenes are at their most vibrant, beaches open up, and Seoul at night in summer has an incredible energy.
What to wear in Korea in summer:
- Light, breathable fabrics — linen, cotton, moisture-wicking materials
- T-shirts and shorts are perfectly normal
- A lightweight waterproof jacket or compact umbrella is non-negotiable
- Comfortable waterproof shoes or sandals for rainy days
Here’s something first-timers always get surprised by: Korean air conditioning is extreme. Restaurants, subways, shopping malls, and convenience stores blast the AC so hard that stepping inside from summer heat feels like walking into a refrigerator. Always carry a light layer — a thin cardigan or light long-sleeved shirt — for indoors. You’ll thank yourself at every meal.
If you’re traveling with kids during summer, our Korea Travel with Kids: The First-Timer’s Complete Family Guide has more on managing the heat with little ones in tow.
Fall in Korea (September–November): The Best Season to Visit
Temperature range: 3°C–25°C (37°F–77°F)
Fall is the season most people who’ve visited Korea multiple times will point to as their favorite — and it’s easy to see why. Crystal-clear blue skies, comfortable temperatures, dramatic foliage turning orange and red across the country, and none of the humidity or rain of summer.
September starts warm and gradually cools through October and November. The temperature difference between day and night can be significant, especially in October — you might be comfortable in a t-shirt at noon and reach for a jacket by 6pm.
What to wear in Korea in fall:
- September: Light layers, cotton shirts, thin cardigans — similar to late spring
- October: Long-sleeved tops, sweaters, a light to medium jacket
- November: Proper coat, warm layers — it starts feeling like early winter
From my experience, fall is genuinely the sweet spot for first-time visitors. The weather cooperates, the country is beautiful, and you can explore comfortably without the exhaustion that comes with summer heat. If you have flexibility in your travel dates, October is hard to beat.
Fall foliage peaks between late October and mid-November, with the best spots at Seoraksan, Namsan, and the grounds around Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Winter in Korea (December–February): Colder Than You Expect
Temperature range: -15°C–5°C (5°F–41°F)
Korean winters hit harder than most first-time visitors anticipate. Seoul can drop well below freezing, January is consistently the coldest month, and the dry Siberian winds make the temperature feel even more biting than the numbers suggest. Snowfall happens — usually a few days per month — and can make the city look genuinely magical.
But here’s the other side of it: winter Korea has its own charm. Snow-covered palaces, hot food everywhere you turn, traditional jjimjilbang (Korean spa) culture that suddenly makes perfect sense, and a quieter, more local side of Seoul that summer crowds never see.
What to wear in Korea in winter:
- A proper heavy winter coat — not just a thick jacket, an actual winter coat
- Thermal or fleece-lined layers underneath
- Gloves, a warm hat, and a scarf — wind chill makes these essential
- Warm socks and boots, especially if there’s snow or ice
Honest truth? This is the one season where most visitors underpack. If you’ve never experienced a -10°C wind chill, bring more than you think you need. Korean hand warmers (핫팩) are cheap and amazing — pick them up at any convenience store once you arrive.
Universal Packing Tips for Korea (Any Season)
A few things worth knowing regardless of when you visit:
Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable. Seoul involves a lot of walking — across palace grounds, through markets, up to viewpoints, between subway exits and destinations. Prioritize shoes that can handle a full day on your feet.
Leave room in your luggage. Korean fashion is excellent and affordable, and most first-time visitors end up shopping. Don’t pack so tightly that you have no space for what you’ll buy — or just bring a small foldable bag you can use as a second carry-on on the way home.
Sunscreen matters in every season. The Korean sun can be stronger than expected even in spring and fall. Koreans take sun protection seriously year-round — you’ll notice sunscreen is a staple in convenience stores and pharmacies. Our How to Use a Korean Pharmacy: A First-Timer’s Guide has more on picking up anything you forgot to pack.
Check the AirKorea app for fine dust levels. Yellow dust and fine dust (미세먼지) can affect air quality, mostly in spring. Checking conditions before outdoor plans is a habit worth picking up.`
Quick Reference: What to Wear in Korea by Season
| Season | Months | Temperature | Key Items |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | March–May | 0–22°C | Layers, light jacket, umbrella, KF94 mask |
| Summer | June–August | 22–38°C | Light breathable fabrics, waterproof jacket, indoor layer |
| Fall | Sept–November | 3–25°C | Layers, medium jacket, comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | Dec–February | -15–5°C | Heavy coat, thermals, gloves, hat, scarf |
FAQ
Do I need to bring a mask for Korea in spring?
Yes — and this is something most first-time visitors don’t think about until they’re already there. Yellow dust (황사, hwangsa) blows in from China between March and May, and on bad days the air quality drops significantly. A KF94 mask is the local standard — pick one up before you go or grab it at any Korean convenience store or pharmacy when you arrive.
What should I pack for sun protection in Korea?
More than you’d expect. Korean summers are brutal on skin — the heat, humidity, and UV levels are all high. Sunscreen is a must, and if you’re spending time outdoors, a compact UV-blocking umbrella (양산, yangsan) is something you’ll see locals carrying everywhere. Korean sunscreens are actually some of the best in the world and very affordable — grabbing one at a local pharmacy or Olive Young when you arrive is worth it.
How do I know what to wear each day in Korea in fall?
Check the weather app every morning — this is genuinely the most important tip for fall travel. Temperatures can vary wildly from one day to the next, and even within the same day. A clear 22°C afternoon can turn into a 10°C evening before dinner. The locals check the forecast daily and adjust accordingly. Naver Weather or your phone’s default weather app works perfectly.
How cold does Korea actually get in winter?
Colder than most first-time visitors expect. Seoul can hit -10°C or lower in January, and the dry Siberian wind makes it feel even harsher. If you’ve never experienced that kind of cold, the rule is simple: layer up completely. Thermal base layer, mid layer, heavy outer coat, gloves, hat, and scarf — all of it. Korean convenience stores sell
hand warmers (핫팩) for about 500 won each, and they make a real difference on a cold day out.
Can I buy clothes in Korea if I underpacked?
Absolutely — and many travelers plan on it. Korean fashion is trendy, affordable, and widely available. Areas like Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Dongdaemun Market are packed with options at every price point. If you forget a layer or realize you’re underprepared for the weather, you can sort it out quickly without spending a lot of money.