March is Korea’s most transitional month: cold in the first weeks, rapidly warming by the end, and punctuated by Korea’s first seasonal blooms.
The south coast and Jeju Island see their earliest cherry blossoms in late March, and the plum blossoms and forsythia that herald spring appear across the country. It is not the most popular month to visit, but it has genuine charm and much lower prices and crowds than April.
Quick Answer: Korea in March: Cold to mild: highs of 6 to 15 degrees, lows of 0 to 6 degrees. First cherry blossoms on Jeju and the south coast in late March. Plum blossoms in the first half of March. Independence Movement Day (March 1) national holiday. Noticeably fewer tourists than April. See the Korea in April for the peak cherry blossom month.
Korea Weather in March
Early March (1 to 10)
Highs of 6 to 10 degrees. Lows of -1 to 3 degrees are still winter temperatures in Seoul and central Korea. Plum blossom season is at its peak. Cold enough for a proper winter coat.
Mid-March (11 to 20)
Highs of 9 to 14 degrees. Lows of 2 to 7 degrees. Rapidly warming. A transition jacket is appropriate. The south coast (Busan, Gyeongju) is already feeling spring. First forsythia (gaenari) yellow flowers appear.
Late March (21 to 31)
Highs of 12 to 17 degrees. Lows of 4 to 9 degrees. Spring weather in Seoul. Cherry blossoms begin in Jeju and the far south coast. A warm jacket for evenings, comfortable during the day.
Blooms in Korea in March
Plum Blossoms (Maehwa)
Korea’s plum blossoms are among the first significant spring flowers, blooming from late February to mid-March, depending on the year and region. Famous plum blossom spots: Gwangyang Maehwa Festival in South Jeolla Province (typically held in mid-March) and the plum trees at Changdeokgung Palace (see Changdeokgung Palace guide) in Seoul.
Forsythia (Gaenari)
The yellow forsythia that covers Korean hillsides in March is one of the most distinctive spring flowers in Korea. Less internationally known than cherry blossoms but beloved by Koreans as the true first sign of spring. Visible throughout Seoul in mid to late March.
Cherry Blossoms: South Coast and Jeju
The first Korean cherry blossoms of the season typically appear in Jeju (see Jeju guide) in mid to late March, followed by the far south coast (Hadong, Jinhae) in late March to very early April. See the Korea cherry blossom guide for the full cherry blossom timing guide.
Events in Korea in March
Independence Movement Day (Samiljeol, March 1)
A national holiday commemorating the March 1, 1919, independence movement against Japanese colonial rule, one of Korea’s most significant historical dates. Ceremonies are held at Tapgol Park in Jongno (the location where the Declaration of Independence was read publicly in 1919) and at the Seodaemun Prison History Hall. Museums and cultural institutions hold special exhibitions. Transportation is less crowded than usual as many businesses close.
Gwangyang Maehwa Festival
A famous plum blossom festival in Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province, is typically held in mid-March, with extensive plum orchards in bloom along the Seomjingang River.
Why Visit Korea in March
March is genuinely underrated for travel in Korea. Prices and crowds are low (except the March 1 holiday weekend), the first spring flowers bring visual interest, and the country is waking up from winter. For those who want to combine early cherry blossoms with much lower prices than April, a late March trip to Jeju or the south coast is an excellent option.
Nearby Guides
- Korea in April
- Korea in May
- Korea cherry blossom guide
- Jinhae cherry blossom guide
- Korea in winter
- Best places to visit in Korea
- Korea first-time tips
FAQ
Is Korea cold in March?
Yes, especially early March. Seoul in early March still has winter-like temperatures (highs of 6 to 10 degrees, with occasional overnight frost). By late March, Seoul is genuinely spring-like. The south coast is warmer throughout the month. Bring proper cold-weather layers for the first half of March.
Can I see cherry blossoms in Korea in March?
In late March, yes, in the south. Jeju Island typically has cherry blossoms in mid to late March. The far south coast (Hadong, the early-blooming spots) can see opening blossoms in the last week of March. Seoul’s cherry blossoms generally arrive in early April. See the Korea cherry blossom guide.
Is March a good month to visit Seoul?
It is a reasonable choice if you want very low crowds and don’t mind cold weather. March in Seoul lacks the major seasonal attractions of April (cherry blossoms) and October (autumn colour). The upside is that hotels are significantly cheaper than in April,l and the city is not overrun with tourists.
