South Korea Travel Guide: May Edition | Things to do in Korea in May
Here's everything you need to know about traveling in Korea during the month of May!
May might just be the perfect month to travel to Korea. The weather is ideal, and there's a lot to do! From grand K-pop events and beautiful flower festivals to exclusive nighttime tours of the royal palaces, there's plenty to explore. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about traveling to Korea in May.
South Korea Weather: May Edition
Average Temperature (Seoul): 13℃ ~ 23℃ (55°F ~ 73°F)
May is arguably the most delightful season in South Korea, offering the most comfortable weather before summer officially sets in. Daytime temperatures are warm enough for short sleeves and shorts. However, to accommodate cooler evenings, it's wise to carry a light jacket. Keep in mind that cities like Busan, which are closer to the equator, are a bit hotter than Seoul!
For a guide on what clothes to pack for Korea, check out this blog here!
Additionally, the sun can be quite strong during May, so it's important to remember sun protection.
In May, South Korea transitions from the cherry blossom season to a time when various other flowers begin to bloom. Spring flowers like roses and tulips come alive, adding vibrant colors to the green-lined streets and park plantings. This creates a lively and picturesque atmosphere throughout the country. Take a look at the 6 Flower Festivals you have to check out in the blog below!
Flower Festivals in Seoul 2024
South Korea Public Holidays in May
Public Holidays: May 1st (unofficial), May 6th & May 15th
May is considered Family Month in Korea, featuring several holidays dedicated to spending time with loved ones. The most notable of these are Children's Day on May 5th and Parents' Day on May 8th. Children's Day is a public holiday, so the entire country gets the day off. This year, since it falls on a Sunday, everyone will get the following Monday (May 6) off.
Other public holidays in May include Buddha's Birthday on May 15th. Additionally, while Labor Day on May 1st is not an official public holiday, some people do get the day off.
*On these days, most, if not all shops will be open, but keep in mind that it may be a bit more crowded than usual.
Things to Do in Korea: May Edition
Gyeongbokgung Palace Night Viewings
2024 Schedule: May 8th ~ June 2nd
Every spring and fall, Gyeongbokgung Palace opens up its gates for a limited time to visitors during the night time to enjoy a beautiful view of the lit up palace under the moonlight.
During the nighttime tour, you can wander through various areas within Gyeongbokgung Palace, such as Gwanghwamun Gate, Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, and Geunjeongjeon Hall.
The night viewing is a very special experience and even Koreans have a difficult time getting tickets as they are limited and sell out very quickly! If you're in Korea while the night viewing is available, you definitely don't want to miss it! Check out the blog below for the deets!
Gyeongbokgung Night Viewings 2024
Royal Palace Night Tours
For a limited period, the major royal palaces in Seoul are extending their visiting hours into the night, inviting guests to explore their enchanting beauty after dark.
The experience is further enhanced by special tours, some of which include traditional meals and access to limited areas within the palace. This year, the event will be open from April to May, with special dates reserved for foreigners in late April and early May.
Creatrip is the official affiliated platform for this event and is the only place you can get these foreigner-exclusive tickets. Check out the link below and make sure to secure your tickets if you want to go because they are running out fast!
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May Flower Festivals
Don't be too sad that you missed cherry blossom season! Seoul is still blooming its beautiful flowers during the month of May! All across the country, there will be flower festivals, the most famous being the Jungrang Stream Rose Festival and the Seoraeseom Canola Flower Festival!
Seoraeseom Canola Flower Festival: May 10th, 2024 ~ May 19th, 2024
Seoraeseom Island, or 서래섬, is a small island located in Banpo that is known for the beautiful canola flowers that bloom every year in May!
Many people like to visit the island and take photos here. There's even a festival with events and little photo spots set up!
Address: 40 Sinbanpo-ro 11-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 서초구 신반포로11길 40
Rose Gardens & Rose Festivals
Seoul Rose Festival: May 18th. 2024 ~ May 25th, 2024
You can also see a huge variety of roses at this huge rose festival located in Jungnang-gu, Seoul. This year's spring festival is from May 18th to May 25th, so definitely check it out if you'll be in Seoul!
You can get some really nice photos here at Jungang Park when the roses are fully bloomed! There are lots of different colored roses, so take as many photos as you want.
Address: Jungnang Rose Park, 375 Muk-dong, Jungnang-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 중랑구 묵동 375 중랑장미공원
Read more about rose festivals here!
Seoul Rose Festivals | May 2024
Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival in Seoul, known as the Lotus Lantern Festival or "Yeondeunghoe," is a vibrant and colorful event that typically takes place in May to celebrate Buddha's birthday. This festival is one of Seoul's most picturesque and culturally significant events, drawing both locals and tourists to partake in its lively festivities.
Date: May 10-12, 2024 (Parade on the 11th)
The highlight of the festival is the lantern parade, where thousands of lanterns illuminate the streets of Seoul, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of light. These lanterns range from hand-held candles to large, elaborate floats depicting scenes from Buddhist lore and Korean culture. The parade often includes traditional Korean music and dance performances, adding to the festive atmosphere.
This year's lantern parade will take place on the 11th, starting at 19:00. The parade will start at Dongguk University and make its way all the way to Jogyesa Temple.
Make sure to stay till the end for a little concert!
K-pop Events & Concerts
The upcoming months are an exciting time for k-pop fans! Some of the biggest mid-year k-pop events will be held in May and June. Lineups are still being announced but check out what's out now by clicking on each events page below.
If you're a k-pop fan, these fun activities might intrigued you!
TourMate
Traveling to Korea alone or just want a local to help guide you to the best spots in town? Try our TourMate, a service that provides a local friend to take care of everything from reservations, communication, and so much more! Experience the real Korea with a local friend with TourMate!
Check out our full list of TourMate activities here!
We hope you get a chance to visit some of these cafes! If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com. You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!
