Things to Do in Korea in May

May is the start of consistent warm weather as the temperature settles in to about 22^oC or 80^oF during the day. That means we’ll be seeing a lot more festivals and outdoor activities across the country.

June will be the start of summer which means May is full of spring festivals across the entire country. There are events, hands-on activities, performances and shows, but also plenty of laid back things to do if you just want to enjoy some time in the sun.

And now, without further ado, let’s get into our tips for May in Korea.

TEMPERATURE

May is the heart of spring in Korea. That means the temperature can spike as high as 30^oC (86^oF), but it’ll be closer to 23^oC (73.4^oF) for most of the month. The low is around 11^oC (52^oF).

Expect a lot of heat in the sun during the day, so make sure to pack sunscreen for your daily outings. There are also chances of the occasional spring showers, so keeping an umbrella on hand is definitely recommended.

What to Wear

If you’re visiting Korea in May, dress for warm weather, meaning shorts, skirts, short sleeves or light fabrics if you like to layer. However, make sure to bring a light jacket or sweater for the nights when the temperature drops a bit lower. There are quite a few night events and festivals in May, so you want to make sure your wardrobe is flexible.

Korea is expecting a few days of rain in May, but it won’t be overly wet so a small umbrella should be enough without having to pack raincoats, windbreakers or rain boots.

Air Quality in Korea

The air quality hovers around unhealthy a lot of the time in May so you might want to purchase a few face masks and keep them on hand. Make sure to check the air quality in your weather app and wear a mask when it gets really bad. Prolonged exposure to bad air quality can cause headaches and queasiness.

EVENTS

Seoul Festa 2024

• When: May 1 – 6, 2024
• Where:
  • Seoul Plaza (Google Maps, Naver Map)
  • Gwanghwamun Square (Naver Map, Google Maps)
  • Noeul Park (Google Maps, Naver Map)
  • Myeongdong (Google Maps, Naver Map)

Seoul Festa is kicking off with a massive festival that’s sure to be on everyone’s itineraries for the month of May. First, the opening party kicks off in Seoul Plaza on May 1st with a free K-pop concert with extremely limited seats. The concert will feature The Boyz, Lee Mujin, ZeroBaseOne and more. Then there is a Blossom Party on the second followed by more festivities throughout the month. Check out their page for more details.

Gyeongbokgung Starlight Tour

• When: Until May 4, 2024
• Where: Gyeongbokgung Palace (Google Maps, Naver Map)

Unlike the Gyeongbokgung Moonlight Tour, the Starlight tour is a guided tour through the grounds of the palace and dinner after the sun has set on the palace grounds. The event is 110 minutes and is priced at 60,000 KRW per person. You can purchase tickets here.

K-Royal Culture Festival

• When: Until May 5, 2024
• Where: Deoksugung Palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Gyeongguigung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine

The K-Royal Culture Festival is the name of a group of events that take place throughout the year. Everything from the changing of the guard at Gyeongbokgung palace to the annual concerts held inside several palaces in Seoul. This year, the K-Royal Culture Festival celebrates it’s 10th anniversary with their spring festivities taking place from April 27 to May 5th. Details on the specific programs are slim, but we’ll update them as we get them.

Pokemon Town 2024 with Lotte

• When: Until May 19, 2024
• Where: Jamsil Lotte World Mall (Google Maps, Naver Map)

Lotte World Mall is hosting a large and extensive Pokemon pop-up event until the middle of the month. There is a pop-up shop inside the atrium of the 1st floor with a huge range of stuffed animals, Pokemon cards, and other merch including the New Year’s ceramic bells that were sold out in Japan.

Outside the mall, they’re hosting the giant inflatable Lapras & Pikachu at Seokchon Lake along with a not-so-small Pokemon town. There are mini-games and prizes to be won for visitors of all ages. For more info and pictures, check out our post on the Pokemon Town.

2024 Seoul Outdoor Library

• When: Until November 10, 2024
• Where:
  • Gwanghwamun Plaza (Google Maps, Naver Map)
  • Cheonggyecheon Stream (Google Maps, Naver Map)
  • Seoul Plaza (Google Maps, Naver Map)

Seoul will hosting public outdoor library spaces throughout the city, giving folks a chance to sit down and disconnect from the internet. Depending on the location, there are bean bag chairs, play areas, and flear markets. If you’re looking for a spot to relax, the outdoor library spaces are worth checking out.

We were big fans of the Gwanghwamun location which has the most English-language books as well as the best layout. But the Cheonggyecheon location offers shade and the unbeatable ambience of the stream to dip your feet into.

The times and dates of the outdoor libraries vary by location, so we’ve outlined them below:

Location	Dates and Times
Gwanghwamun Plaza	Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday 11 AM – 6 PM
Cheonggyecheon Stream	Friday, Saturday 11 AM – 6 PM
Seoul Plaza	Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 11 AM – 6 PM

Seokjojeon at Night

• When: Until May 25, 2024
• Where: Deoksugung Palace (Google Maps, Naver Map)

Seokjojeon is one of the few examples of Western architecture built on palace grounds that remain today. Every year, a very limited event featuring tours of the Seokjojeon grounds, cafe with live music and a musical performance is held at night. Tickets are available for 26,000 KRW.

Lotus Lantern Festival, Lantern Exhibition

• When: Until May 25, 2024
• Where: Multiple Locations
  • Gwanghwamun Square (Naver Map, Google Maps)
  • Cheonggyecheon Stream (Naver Map, Google Maps)
  • Jogyesa Temple (Naver Map, Google Maps)
  • Bongeunsa Temple (Naver Map, Google Maps)

Every year, Seoul hosts two lantern festivals. One in the winter and one in the spring. And for each festival, the city hosts lantern exhibitions for everyone to enjoy. It’s a sight to see and one that everyone should check out. For more details, check out our page on the Lotus Lantern Festival.

2nd Annual 1883 Incheon Maekgang Party (Chicken and Beer Party)

• When: May 25, 2024 (performances start at 4 PM)
• Where: Sangsang Platform (Google Maps, Naver Map)

In reasons to leave Seoul for a day trip to Incheon, the city will be hosting a massive chicken and beer festival in late-May. The Maekgang (a combination of the words “maekju” for beer and “dakgangjeong” for fried chicken) Party will have lots of crafts experiences, live performances and, of course, the aforementioned chicken and beer.

Performances include The One, Park Da-hye, a drone show, taekwondo demo, and the Korea Coast Guard Band. Or… just go and enjoy some fried chicken.

2024 Seoul Drum Festival

• When: May 25 – 26, 2024
• Where: Nodeul Island (Google Maps, Naver Map)

The 26th Seoul Drum Festival will take place on Nodeul Island in the center of Seoul on the Han River. There will be performances by domestic and international artists along with events and other programs.

Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour

• When: Until June 2, 2024
• Where: Changdeokgung Palace (Google Maps, Naver Map)

Of the many late night tours of the Seoul palaces, this one might be our favorite. The tour features a late night walkthrough of the secret garden behind Changdeokgung. Even during the day, visitors are only allowed in via guided tour groups. This moonlight tour features a late-night tour, tea, and traditional Korean music. We visited a few years ago (blog) and it was an amazing experience. Tickets can be difficult to come by, but the experience is worth it.

Tickets are 30,000 KRW per person and can be purchased here.

Korea House Kohoje

• When: Until June 30, 2024
• Address: Toegye-ro 36gil 10 Korea House (Google Maps, Naver Map)

Korea House in Seoul is hosting their seasonal Kohojae, a traditional Korean tea set featuring desserts that were served in the palace during the Joseon dynasty. This includes rice cake, a pot of fruit tea, and sweet rice puffs for 25,000 KRW per person. Check out our experience for more information.