Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit South Korea
Discover the cheapest and most expensive times to visit South Korea, plus the best months for great weather without peak season prices.
Most Expensive Time to Visit South Korea
The most expensive time to visit South Korea falls during its peak tourism months, national holidays, and major festivals when demand for flights and hotels spikes.
- Cherry Blossom Season (Late March to Early April)
One of the most beautiful times of the year, but also one of the busiest. Cities like Seoul, Busan, and Jinhae are packed with visitors. Hotels and flights often sell out months in advance. - Summer Vacation Period (Mid-July to Mid-August)
School holidays bring large domestic crowds to coastal areas like Busan and Jeju. Hot weather doesn’t slow the travel rush, and prices for hotels jump significantly. - Chuseok Holiday (Late September or Early October)
Often compared to Thanksgiving, this major harvest festival sees millions of Koreans traveling across the country. Transport and accommodations are expensive and hard to book. - Lunar New Year / Seollal (Late January or February)
One of the biggest annual holidays in South Korea. Many locals travel to their hometowns, creating heavy demand for trains, buses, and flights.
Cheapest Time to Visit South Korea
The cheapest time to visit South Korea is during the low season, when tourism slows, and prices for hotels and flights drop.
- Late November to Early March (Excluding Lunar New Year)
Cold winter weather keeps many tourists away, except for ski resorts. You’ll find some of the lowest rates of the year in major cities like Seoul and Busan. - Mid-May to Mid-June
After spring blossoms fade and before the summer vacation period starts, there’s a short dip in demand. This is a great time to score deals on flights and hotels.
Best Time of Year to Visit South Korea on a Budget
For mild weather and reasonable prices, shoulder season is the way to go.
- Mid-May to Early June – Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower rates compared to cherry blossom season.
- Mid-October to Early November – Fall foliage is in full swing, but it’s after the Chuseok holiday rush. Prices are lower, and the weather is perfect for sightseeing.
South Korea Seasonal Travel Cost & Demand
| Time Period | Price Level | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Late Mar – Early Apr | 💲💲💲 Highest | Cherry blossom season, heavy domestic and international travel |
| Mid-July – Mid-Aug | 💲💲💲 Very High | School summer holidays, peak beach season |
| Late Sept – Early Oct | 💲💲 High | Chuseok holiday travel surge |
| Late Jan – Feb | 💲💲 High | Lunar New Year celebrations |
| Mid-May – Mid-June | 💲 Low | Shoulder season, good weather, smaller crowds |
| Mid-Oct – Early Nov | 💲 Low | Shoulder season after Chuseok, fall colors |
| Late Nov – Early Mar | 💲 Lowest | Winter low season, best hotel and flight deals |
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