When to Go

Seoul is beautiful at all times of the year--your visit depends on your tastes. Autumn (September-November) is the most popular time, with fine weather and amazingly colorful forests. Winter--if you can stand the cold--is also magnificent. The ice and snow show off Seoul in a flattering way. There is a short, magnificent cherry blossom season in early spring (February). Summer is probably the least attractive time to visit--it's warm and very wet.

The worst times to be in Seoul as a traveler are during holiday periods. Accommodation is expensive, transport is crowded and people are everywhere. Especially avoid Lunar New Year.