Busan in December

Summer brings the crowds and the heat. July and August see temperatures hitting 35°C (95°F) with humidity that makes Seoul feel dry. Beaches pack with Korean families on vacation, and hotel prices triple. But this is also when the city truly comes alive — festivals every weekend, night markets staying open until dawn, and swimming weather that lasts through September. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-November) offer the sweet spot. Temperatures hover around 20-25°C (68-77°F), perfect for walking between neighborhoods. Cherry blossoms bloom along Dalmaji Hill in early April, creating Instagram moments without the tourist buses. Winter gets overlooked, but December through February brings clear skies and empty beaches. You can't swim, but seafood tastes better in cold months, and hotel rates drop to their lowest. Pack layers — coastal winds make 10°C feel much colder. Avoid Korean holidays completely. Chuseok (usually September) and Lunar New Year (January/February) see domestic tourists flooding in while many restaurants close. Book accommodation months ahead or expect to pay premium rates for whatever's left. Monsoon season runs June through July. Rain comes in torrents for days at a time, flooding subway stations and canceling outdoor events. Check weather forecasts before booking summer trips.