March is when Korea turns from winter to spring. The month often starts cold and ends mild, the first blossoms appear in the south, and prices and crowds are still lower than in April. It is a good month for travellers who like cool weather and want to catch the start of the flower season. Here is what to expect.
What the weather is like
Early March in Seoul can still feel like winter, with mornings around freezing. By the end of the month days are often mild, but mornings and evenings stay cool, and a sudden cold snap is common. Busan, Jeju and the south coast are a few degrees warmer and reach spring sooner. It is a dry month, so rain is not a big worry.
Spring is also the season for fine dust and yellow dust blown in from the continent. Some days the sky looks hazy. Check the air quality in a weather app and carry a mask; see our seasons and weather guide.
What to pack
- Layers. A light down jacket or warm coat over a sweater and a T-shirt works for most of the month.
- A scarf and light gloves for early March and evenings.
- Comfortable walking shoes for parks and blossom walks.
- A few KF94 masks for dusty days. Convenience stores and pharmacies sell them too.
Our packing list has a checklist for every season.
Things to do in March
The first blossoms
Plum blossoms (maehwa) come first, in the south, usually in early to mid March; the plum festival in Gwangyang, near Yeosu, is the best known. Yellow cornelian cherry (sansuyu) follows. Cherry blossoms reach Jeju and the south coast at the end of March, and the famous cherry blossom festival in Jinhae, near Changwon, usually runs from late March into early April. Seoul's cherry blossoms normally come in early April; see Korea in April. Forecasts are published in February; see our cherry blossom guide.
Late winter in the mountains
Ski resorts in Gangwon usually stay open into early or mid March, and spring skiing is cheap and quiet. See our ski resorts guide.
City walks and palaces
Before the April crowds arrive, March is a pleasant time for palaces, hanok villages and long walks along the Han River or Cheonggyecheon stream. Our 3-day Seoul itinerary works well this month.
Jeju in early spring
Jeju warms up first. Yellow canola flower fields and early cherry blossoms make late March a lovely time to visit; see our Jeju itinerary.
Holidays and dates
- 1 March: Independence Movement Day, a public holiday.
- 14 March: White Day, when people give sweets back to those who gave them chocolate on Valentine's Day. Shops fill with gifts.
- Early March: the new school and university year starts, so campus areas get busier.
FAQ
Is March a good time to visit Korea?
Yes, if you like cool weather and fewer crowds. You may catch the first blossoms in the south, but Seoul's cherry blossoms usually come in early April.
Is it cold in Seoul in March?
Early March can still be close to freezing in the mornings. By late March days are mild, but bring a warm layer for evenings.
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Korea?
Usually late March on Jeju and the south coast and early April in Seoul. Check the forecast, which is published in February.
