May is Korea at its most comfortable and arguably its most beautiful. The cherry blossoms of April have given way to fresh green leaves, the temperatures are warm and dry, and the country holds some of its finest outdoor festivals.
The Lotus Lantern Festival for Buddha’s Birthday transforms Seoul’s streets into a procession of colour, and the royal palaces, hiking trails, and coastal areas are all at their most accessible.
Quick Answer: Korea in May: Ideal weather: highs of 19 to 25 degrees, lows of 11 to 16 degrees. Low humidity, clear skies. Lotus Lantern Festival (Buddha’s Birthday, usually late May). Rose gardens in full bloom. Less crowded than April but still very pleasant. See the Korea in April for the cherry blossom peak month and Korea in June for what comes next.
Korea Weather in May
Early May (1 to 10)
Highs of 19 to 22 degrees. Lows of 11 to 14 degrees. May 1 is Labour Day and May 5 is Children’s Day, making the first week of May a holiday period with some domestic travel. The weather is typically clear and mild.
Mid-May (11 to 20)
Highs of 21 to 25 degrees. Lows of 13 to 16 degrees. One of Korea’s finest weather windows. Warm enough for outdoor dining, but no humidity. Hiking conditions are excellent.
Late May (21 to 31)
Highs of 23 to 27 degrees. Lows of 14 to 18 degrees. Getting warmer. The first hints of summer humidity are arriving, but remain mild compared to June.
Events in Korea in May
Lotus Lantern Festival (Buddha’s Birthday)
Buddha’s Birthday (Bucheonim Osinnal) falls on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month, which typically occurs in late April or May. The Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul is centred on the grand lantern parade from Dongdaemun (see the Dongdaemun Market guide) to Jogyesa Temple, where hundreds of thousands of paper lanterns are carried through central Seoul. Buddhist temples nationwide hold lantern festivals in the weeks that follow one of Korea’s most visually spectacular events.
Boseong Tea Picking Season
Late April to May is the first harvest season at the Boseong green tea fields) when the new season’s leaves are hand-picked. Tea picking experiences are available to visitors during this window.
Rose Festivals
Several Korean cities hold rose festivals in May: the Olympic Park (see the Olympic Park guide) rose garden in Seoul peaks in mid-May, and regional festivals in Gyeongju and Ulsan celebrate local rose varieties.
Children’s Day (May 5)
A national holiday. Theme parks (see the Lotte World guide and Everland guide) are very busy. Families fill the Han River parks and urban green spaces.
Best Places in Korea in May
Seoul
Palace grounds (see Gyeongbokgung Palace guide) with fresh green palace gardens after the cherry blossom season. The Changdeokgung Secret Garden’s trees are fully leafed in May. Han River parks are at their best for cycling and picnicking. See the Seoul travel guide.
Gyeongju
In May, the ancient Silla capital has rose-lined roads and the Bulguksa Temple grounds at their greenest, a good alternative to the heavier spring crowds of April. See the Gyeongju guide.
Seoraksan and the East Coast
May hiking season is underway in Seoraksan. The trails are accessible, and the mountain vegetation is at its freshest green. See the Seoraksan guide.
Crowds in Korea in May
May is busy, but not at the peak levels of early April’s cherry blossom rush. The first week of May has domestic holiday travel (Labour Day and Children’s Day). Mid to late May is Korea’s most balanced month: excellent weather, an active festival calendar, and manageable crowds.
Nearby Guides
- Korea in April
- Korea in June
- Korea cherry blossom guide
- Korea in October
- Best places to visit in Korea
- Things to do in Korea
- Korea first-time tips
FAQ
Is May a good month to visit Korea?
Yes, strongly. May has Korea’s most consistently pleasant weather of the year, excellent festivals, and a good balance between activity and manageable crowds. Many experienced Korean travellers rate May alongside October as the best months to visit.
Is it hot in Korea in May?
No. Highs of 19 to 27 degrees with low humidity. Comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. A light jacket for mornings and evenings is appropriate. May is cooler and far more comfortable than June, July, and August.
When exactly is Buddha’s Birthday in 2027?
Buddha’s Birthday in 2027 falls on May 15. The Lotus Lantern Festival parade in Seoul typically takes place on the preceding Saturday. Check the Jogyesa Temple website for the confirmed 2027 parade date and route as you get closer to your visit.
