Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit South Korea
Searching for the cheapest and most expensive times to visit South Korea? This guide has you covered and will help you plan when to visit based on your travel budget.
Most Expensive Time to Visit South Korea
The most expensive time to visit South Korea is during its peak travel seasons, when both domestic and international tourism surges. Flights, hotels, and attractions all see major price hikes during these times.
- Cherry Blossom Season (Late March – Early April)
This is the busiest and most expensive time to visit South Korea. Tourists crowd cities like Seoul, Busan, and Jeonju to see cherry blossoms in bloom.- Flights and hotels in areas near Yeouido Park and Jinhae are often fully booked.
- Prices can be 30–50% higher than in off-peak months.
- Summer Vacation (Late July – Mid-August)
Korean schools are out and families travel domestically, while international tourists come for festivals and beaches.- Haeundae Beach in Busan and Jeju Island see major spikes in hotel costs.
- Expect high demand for trains and flights during this time.
- Chuseok Holiday (September or October, depending on lunar calendar)
One of Korea’s biggest traditional holidays, similar to Thanksgiving.- Millions of Koreans travel to their hometowns, so domestic transport is crowded and expensive.
- Tourist cities like Seoul and Busan also see higher demand for accommodations.
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Cheapest Time to Visit South Korea
The cheapest time to visit South Korea is during its off-peak seasons, when tourism slows and prices drop.
- Winter (Late November – February, excluding Lunar New Year)
Apart from Seollal (Lunar New Year), winter months bring cheaper travel.- Flights to Seoul are often at their lowest.
- Hotels in major cities like Seoul and Daegu discount heavily.
- Cold weather deters some, but it’s a great time for ski resorts and hot springs.
- Late Spring (Mid-May – June)
After cherry blossom season and before the summer rush, prices drop.- Weather is pleasant, making it ideal for hiking in Seoraksan National Park.
- Airfare and hotels are noticeably cheaper.
- Autumn Shoulder Season (Late October – Early November)
After the Chuseok holiday but before winter, prices are reasonable.- Fall foliage is stunning, especially around Nami Island.
- Fewer crowds mean better deals at hotels and attractions.
Price Summary Table for South Korea Travel
| Time Period | Price Level | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Late March – Early April | 💲💲💲 Highest | Cherry blossom peak, international crowds |
| Late July – Mid-August | 💲💲💲 Very High | Summer vacation, beach tourism |
| Sept/Oct (Chuseok) | 💲💲💲 High | National holiday, domestic travel surge |
| Late Nov – Feb (excl. Seollal) | 💲 Lowest | Winter off-season, cheapest airfare |
| Mid-May – June | 💲 Low | Shoulder season, mild weather |
| Late Oct – Early Nov | 💲 Low | Post-Chuseok lull, fall colors |
How To Save Money When Visiting South Korea?
When you go will directly impact your costs for flights, hotels, attractions, and food. Aligning your travel with South Korea’s off-peak seasons can save hundreds of dollars. Traveling in winter (outside Seollal) or during late spring/autumn means you’ll enjoy cheaper prices, smaller crowds, and comfortable sightseeing.