Discover where to go in Korea each month: seasonal scenery, festivals, cultural events, food experiences and trip ideas.
Korea changes dramatically with the seasons. Choose your travel month to see the best regions to visit, what to see, major festivals and practical ways to get there.
๐ฟ Best Months in Korea
May
Weather
Warm and pleasant
Best for
Gardens ยท Green tea ยท Outdoor travel
Best regions
Seoul ยท Boseong ยท Damyang ยท Jeju
Crowds
High
Book ahead
Public holiday weekends
Typical conditions, not a forecast. Flowers, foliage and snow do not follow fixed dates.
๐ฅ Happening Now
No confirmed festival is on right now. See the next ones below.
Dates come from official tourism listings and can change. Confirm with the festival organizer.
๐ฟ May in Korea
Best for: Gardens ยท Green tea ยท Outdoor travel
Where to Go
SeoulBoseongDamyangJeju
Main experiences: Green tea ยท Gardens ยท Spring travel
When are you visiting Korea?
Yeondeunghoe Lotus Lantern Festival
์ฐ๋ฑํ (UNESCO ์ธ๋ฅ๋ฌดํ๋ฌธํ์ ์ฐ)
Seoul ยท Jongno-gu
โ Typical timing: Early May (Buddhaโs Birthday week)This yearโs dates are not listed here. Check the organizer.
๐ Traditional Culture๐ Night Festivals
Why Visit?
Designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. A 1,200-year-old Buddhist celebration featuring a magnificent parade of over 100,000 handcrafted glowing silk and paper lanterns floating through central Seoul.
Don't Miss
โข Massive grand lantern parade from Dongdaemun to Jogyesa Temple
โข Giant glowing dragons, peacocks, and lotus floats
โข Traditional cultural booths where foreigners can make their own lotus lanterns
Good to know: Best viewing spots are along Jongno 3-ga to Jonggak streets between 19:00 and 21:30.
Getting There
Check KORAIL, express and intercity buses for your date.
โ Typical timing: Early MayThis yearโs dates are not listed here. Check the organizer.
๐ Food๐ท Photography๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง Family
Why Visit?
Held during the peak harvest of "Ujeon" (the first and most delicate green tea leaves of spring). Experience picking fresh tender tea leaves on undulating stepped green terraces.
Don't Miss
โข Hands-on tea plucking and roasting workshops
โข Korean traditional tea ceremony etiquettes
โข Green tea beauty facials and foot baths
Good to know: Try the green tea handmade noodle soup and rich matcha ice cream.
Getting There
Check KORAIL, express and intercity buses for your date.
Information is checked against the organizer and the Korea Tourism Organization. Festival dates, programs and fees can change, so confirm before you travel.
Information last verified: 2026-10-07 ยท Updated: 2026-10-07
