The weather and related activities

 Korea has four distinct seasons : Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. 

We have different kinds of activities in each seasons. After getting information about the weather, I hope you prepare appropriate clothes and get ready to enjoy the related to activities or festivals. 

1. Spring(March to May)

 The weather is usually mild and pleasant. The highest temperature on average is 18℃ and the lowest's is 8℃. There is a great temperature difference between day and night. Sometimes a series of severe yellow dusts from China badly affects the weather. It's good time to do outdoor activities, though. In addition, the flowers including magnolia and cherry blossoms become in full bloom.

 The cherry blossom festival takes place in Yeouido around the middle of April when cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The street behind the National Assembly Building, called Yunjungno, is lined with about 1,400 cherry trees and is the most famous cherry blossom street in Seoul. At night, the cherry blossoms are lit up with various colored lights. Visitors can stroll next to the Han River while enjoying the blossoms.

Direction : Exit 1 or 6 of National Assembly stn. on subway line 9 (5-minute walk)

2. Summer(June to August)

 It is really hot and humid, but it rains a lot early in Summer. When the rainy season begins near the end of June, it continuously rains and usually lasts about a month. In addition, a typhoon strikes Korea almost every summer. When the rainy season is over, the heat wave hits the country. The temperatures can go over 35°C with an average of 22°C and we frequently suffer from the tropical nights phenomenon.

Source : http://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Culture/view?articleId=88103

 The most popular activities are to go swimming and camping to escape the heat. There are lots of places to enjoy swimming including indoor and outdoor pools, water parks and valleys. Click on the site (http://www.lifeinkorea.com/activities/swimpool.cfm) for checking the list of the swimming pools. Especially, public outdoor swimming pools are very cheap, but it's very crowded. If you want to relax more, I recommend going camping to the valleys.

Source : http://blog.naver.com/PostView.nhn?blogId=theclass0559&logNo=192610044

 This is Wooyidong Valley, which has clear and cool stream. You can pitch a tent by the valley and put your feet in the water or just take a rest while enjoying the fresh nature. It'll make you more relaxed and cool. You can use the private rental room service to stay there for one night, and the restaurants are lined near the valley. 

3. Fall(September to November)

 The weather is cooler and dryer, but still pleasantly warm and sunny. The highest temperature on average is 19℃ and the lowest's is 10℃. They're comparable to those of Spring and the temperature fluctuates a lot, so you have to be careful not to catch a cold. As the season progresses, the leaves turn yellow and red color. Fall is the best time to explore Seoul. 

Source : http://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Travel/view?articleId=103231

 This place is 'Bukhansan national park', which is the only national park and famous for the hiking trail in Seoul. The leaves of the trees in the mountain change the color from the middle of October, so it's the perfect time to go hiking to appreciate the beautiful scenery.

4. Winter(December to February)

 It is generally cold and very dry. The temperatures sometimes go below zero with an average of 3°C. It scarcely rains during this season and sometimes it snows when the temperature goes below zero.

Source : http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/12/115_36046.html

 You can enjoy winter sports like ice-skating, sledding and skiing. Among them, there are the most places for ice-skating. The place of the picture above is an ice rink at Seoul Plaza in front of Seoul City Hall. The ice rink is open to the public for 1,000 won (just $1 USD) per person from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and to 11 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

Reference : http://weather.sg.msn.com/monthly_averages.aspx?wealocations=wc:KSXX0037&q=Seoul%2c+KOR+forecast:averagesm