●■●● Korea’s Four Seasons Weather and Clothing Guide (2025 Edition)
This guide explains everything you need to know before applying, helping foreign students make informed decisions for 2025.
●✅ Korea is a country with four distinct seasons
▶ Each season shows large temperature differences and fast-changing weather
▶ Summers are hot and humid, while winters bring strong cold and dryness
▶ Students coming from warm-climate regions such as Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, or South America may find these extreme seasonal contrasts surprising – winter preparation is especially important
●✅ Recently, global climate change has also affected Korea’s seasonal patterns
▶ Winters have become colder, summers hotter, and spring and autumn are gradually shortening
▶ Compared with the past, more people feel that these changes are noticeable
📌 This guide will explain the characteristics of spring, summer, autumn, and winter in Korea, along with clothing suggestions, lifestyle tips, and shopping advice. For those coming to Korea for the first time, this information will help you adapt more easily by preparing in advance
[ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아-한강세빛섬 /임찬경]
●●🟧 Spring Weather in Korea (March–May) and What to Wear
●✅ Early March still feels like winter, but temperatures gradually rise, making outdoor activities more comfortable
●✅ By April, cherry blossoms bloom across the country, and daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C, which is pleasant
●✅ Recommended clothing for March includes light padded jackets, knitwear, hoodies, and long pants
●✅ In April–May, trench coats, cardigans, light jackets, cotton pants, and sneakers are suitable
📌 During cherry blossom season (early to mid-April), many tourists go out for photos, so preparing stylish spring outfits in advance is useful
●●🟧 Hot and Humid Korean Summer (June–August):
Clothing Tips for Foreigners
●✅ From June, temperatures rise quickly, and in July–August, heatwaves and high humidity can push the “feels-like” temperature up to 40°C
●✅ Late June to mid-July is the rainy season (jangma), with humidity exceeding 90% and consecutive rainy days
●✅ In August, typhoons or heavy rain may occur, so extra caution is needed
●✅ Typical summer outfits include T-shirts, tank tops, light shorts, linen shirts, and sandals
●✅ Strong sunlight makes hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen essential
●✅ During the rainy season, waterproof sandals, extra clothes, and a compact umbrella are very useful
📌 Since air conditioning indoors is often strong, carrying a light cardigan is recommended
●●🟧 Autumn in Korea (September–November):
Best Season for Outdoor Activities
●✅ From mid-September, the weather becomes cool with clear skies and low humidity
●✅ October is one of the most pleasant months of the year, perfect for hiking and outdoor walks
●✅ By late November, temperatures drop sharply, often resembling early winter
●✅ Recommended outfits include shirts, light knits, cardigans, jumpers, and jackets
●✅ From late October, trench coats or wool coats become common
●✅ In late autumn, wearing thermal innerwear or leggings helps maintain warmth
📌 Autumn in Korea is often called the “season of fashion,” as it allows for a wide variety of styles and is also perfect for seasonal photo shoots
●●🟧 Korean Winter Weather (December–February) and Clothing Guide for Students
●✅ In winter, temperatures can drop to –10°C, with January being the coldest month
●✅ Snowfall is not very frequent, but when it does snow, roads often freeze and become slippery
●✅ Indoors, boiler heating keeps rooms warm, but outdoors the wind chill can be severe, making thorough winter clothing essential
●✅ Recommended outfits include long padded jackets, knits, thermal innerwear, fleece-lined pants, winter boots, scarves, gloves, earmuffs, and beanies
●✅ Carrying hot packs or hand warmers is helpful for maintaining body temperature
●✅ Anti-slip shoes are necessary when walking on snowy roads
📌 Winter is very dry, so moisturizers, lip balm, and hand cream are a must
[ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아-인천송도 /이성우]
●●🟧 What Foreigners Should Know About Korean Weather (Realistic View)
●✅ Korean winters are not like Russia, Northern Europe, or Canada where extreme cold continues every day
▶ Out of 30 days, about 7–10 days are extremely cold, while the rest are relatively mild
▶ The “3 cold, 4 warm” cycle (3 days of freezing weather followed by 4 days of milder conditions) means that even if strong winds blow for a few days, the following days are often comfortable for outdoor activities
●✅ Summers are also not hot every day
▶ In July–August, truly hot and humid days occur for about 7–15 days a month, while most days are tolerable
▶ The hottest hours are usually around 2 PM, but after 5 PM the weather often cools down, making it suitable for evening walks and outdoor activities
▶ After the rainy season, cool breezes or refreshing air often return
●✅ With recent global climate changes, extremely hot or cold days have slightly increased in Korea
▶ However, Korean weather is not “extreme all the time.” Instead, cycles of cold/heat and relief repeat, making it easier to adapt in daily life
📌 Korea’s four seasons are not only about discomfort – the rhythm of extremes and relief brings vitality and creates a natural lifestyle pattern
📌 With the right preparation for each season, you’ll find that winter still allows outdoor activities, and summer evenings are perfect for walks, making life in Korea more manageable than expected
●●🟧 Korean Winter Snow & Summer Rainy Season (What to Expect)
●✅ During winter snowfall
▶ Unlike Russia or Canada, snow does not remain piled up for months in Korea
▶ In metropolitan areas, snow is usually cleared within a day or two thanks to fast snow removal, so major inconveniences are rare
▶ Even in heavy snowfall, large Korean cities rarely face serious traffic disruptions because of efficient snow-clearing systems
▶ Still, on snowy days, wearing shoes with anti-slip soles or waterproof boots is recommended
●✅ During the summer rainy season
▶ Typically lasting about one week from late June to early July, this is when rainfall is most concentrated
▶ Humidity often reaches close to 90%, making laundry dry slowly and raising discomfort levels
▶ However, Korea’s major cities have well-maintained drainage systems, so flooding is very rare even during heavy rain
▶ Preparing a portable umbrella, waterproof sandals, and extra clothes is helpful, and using a dehumidifier at home can make life more comfortable
📌 Snow and the rainy season may cause some inconvenience, but with basic preparation, you can adapt easily. For international students,
these two features of Korean weather are often the most unfamiliar, so it’s important to know them in advance and be ready.
●●🟧 Regional Weather Differences in Korea
(Seoul, Busan, Gangwon)
●✅ Korea has significant regional climate differences, so it’s important to consider this when preparing clothing
▶ In Seoul and the metropolitan area, winter temperatures can drop to –10°C, while southern cities such as Busan are relatively milder
▶ Mountainous areas in Gangwon Province receive frequent snow and have much lower wind chill, so stronger winter preparation is required
📌 Even within the same winter season, the climate differs by region, so it is important to prepare clothing based on the area where you will study or travel
●●🟧 Korean Seasonal Clothing Culture and
Daily Life Tips
▶ Many foreigners are surprised by the refined fashion sense of Koreans
▶ The style is not overly flashy but is neat and sophisticated
▶ Foreigners often comment, “It looks simple, yet very stylish”
▶ Koreans are also sensitive to trends, which is why you’ll often see many similar styles
📌 For international students, online shopping platforms such as Coupang or Musinsa are convenient for affordable prices, fast delivery, and easy returns. You can also shop at offline stores to try on clothes before purchasing
●✅ In Korea, clothing is strictly distinguished by season, and society generally prefers season-appropriate attire
●✅ Because of the large indoor-outdoor temperature difference, outerwear is essential all year round
●✅ Indoors, strong air conditioning is common in summer, while heating is always provided in winter, keeping environments comfortable
●✅ Fashion shopping usually happens more than a month earlier than the season – spring clothes appear in February, and autumn clothes are released in July
📌 When buying clothes, it is smart to prepare in advance with the seasonal shift in mind
●✅ Schools and companies emphasize “neat and appropriate attire”
▶ For example, wearing tank tops or bra tops to school or the office in summer may draw unwanted attention
●✅ Korea has a culture of removing shoes indoors
▶ Not only in homes but also in some restaurants and academies, people remove their shoes and wear indoor slippers
📌 Paying attention to socks is important, so avoid wearing socks with holes
📌 Korea’s four seasons are not only about climate, but also about lifestyle and culture. Preparing practical and comfortable clothing for each season is one of the keys to enjoying life in Korea more comfortably
●●🟧 Seasonal Adaptation Tips in Daily Life
●✅ In summer, mosquitoes and insects are common, so insect repellent or window screens are useful
●✅ On days with heavy fine dust in spring, some schools adjust class schedules or limit outdoor activities
📌 Korea’s seasons affect not only the climate but also daily habits, so paying attention to these small details makes life easier
●●🟧 Korea’s World-Class Indoor Heating and
Cooling Systems
●✅ Despite the extreme heat of summer and the cold of winter, life indoors in Korea is always comfortable
▶ Homes use the traditional floor heating system called “ondol,” allowing people to walk barefoot and wear shorts even in winter. In summer, powerful air conditioning maintains a steady indoor temperature
▶ In offices, people often work without coats even in the middle of winter. Public spaces such as restaurants, buses, subways, cafés, schools, and government offices also maintain a comfortable indoor climate all year round
●✅ Ondol heating warms the floor and evenly distributes heat throughout the room
▶ Although it may be unfamiliar to foreigners, ondol makes it possible to live in light clothing even during winter
▶ Since it is connected to a boiler, each room can be individually controlled, making it highly efficient
●✅ No matter where you go indoors in Korea, summer and winter temperatures are kept comfortable, so discomfort is rare
📌 However, outdoors, the temperature difference is significant, so you will feel heat in summer and cold in winter. Proper clothing and preparation are essential when walking outside
●✅ Since indoor spaces are often sealed off from the outside, air can become stale without ventilation
▶ During the summer rainy season, humidity rises, so a dehumidifier or air conditioner with dehumidifying functions is useful
📌 In winter, indoor air becomes very dry, so using a humidifier or hanging wet towels helps control humidity
●●🟧 Clothing and Lifestyle Culture
●✅ In summer, people sweat a lot, so doing laundry at least once a day is common
●✅ In winter, strong heating makes indoor air dry, so many households use dryers together with humidifiers
▶ Laundry and storage habits change depending on the season, and adapting to these patterns is an important part of daily life in Korea
📌 Understanding seasonal lifestyle patterns, not just clothing, will make living in Korea much easier
[ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아-간단한 감자탕 /이범수 ]
●●🟧 Global Characteristics of Korean Weather
●✅ Korea is one of the few countries in the world with four clearly defined seasons
▶ Summer brings both heatwaves and high humidity, while winter has severe cold (below –10°C) along with dryness
▶ Spring and autumn are cool and pleasant, but very short
●●🟧 Global Characteristics of Korean Weather
●✅ Korea is one of the few countries in the world with four clearly defined seasons
▶ Summer brings both heatwaves and high humidity, while winter has severe cold (below –10°C) along with dryness
▶ Spring and autumn are cool and pleasant, but very short
▶ Spring and autumn are cool and pleasant, but very short
●✅ Some regions share similar climates
▶ Hokkaido in Japan, Northern China (Beijing, Tianjin), Eastern U.S. (New York, Boston), and parts of Eastern Europe (Poland, Romania, Hungary, etc.)
📌 However, even these regions rarely experience both extreme humidity and heat in summer and extreme cold with dryness in winter, as Korea does
●✅ Most of the world does not have such distinct seasonal contrasts
▶ Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America usually have hot tropical or dry climates all year round
▶ Western Europe (UK, France, Germany) or cities like Vancouver, Canada, may have four seasons, but summer and winter are not as extreme as in Korea
📌 In summary, Korea’s weather is unique because it is influenced by both the continent and the sea. Summers are hotter and more humid, winters colder and drier. For foreigners, Korea’s four seasons can feel far more extreme than expected
●●🟧 Pros and Cons of Living in Korea’s Four Seasons
●✅ Disadvantages
▶ Extreme seasonal changes in Korea increase clothing expenses and living costs
▶ Summer heatwaves and humidity reduce energy, while winter cold and dryness make it difficult to go outside and affect health
▶ You must prepare clothing for all four seasons, and especially many items for summer and winter
●✅ Advantages
→ Body and mind reset with each season
▶ As lifestyles change with the seasons, both body and mind naturally adjust to a new rhythm
▶ In summer, sweating helps release toxins, while in winter, cold air strengthens the lungs and heart
▶ This natural “seasonal reset” is something that cannot be experienced in monotonous climates
→ Positive effects on depression and mental health
▶ Clear seasonal shifts provide continuous stimulation to the brain
▶ Spring sunlight brings energy, autumn air improves concentration, and the intense cold of winter prevents lethargy by keeping you alert
📌 Unlike countries with monotonous climates where boredom and lethargy are common, Korea offers less of this problem
→ Dynamic social and cultural experiences
▶ Festivals, events, and activities change with each season, keeping daily life exciting
▶ Spring: cherry blossom festivals and picnics / Summer: beaches, night markets, summer festivals / Autumn: hiking and cultural events / Winter: Christmas markets and ski resorts
▶ Few countries experience cultural and lifestyle changes that follow seasonal changes as closely as Korea does
→ Strongly imprinted memories – life feels richer and more dynamic
▶ Most foreigners, after returning home, recall Korea’s “sweltering summers” and “biting cold winters” first
▶ They often say summer’s dripping sweat and winter’s freezing winds were tough, even with thick coats
▶ Yet strangely, after about six months, they begin to miss those very seasons – the humid summer nights, the white breath on winter streets, the sound of monsoon rain, and snowy university campuses remain vivid memories
▶ What they did not realize is that Korea’s four seasons create a dynamic rhythm of life that makes experiences more intense. In countries with little seasonal change, daily life can feel monotonous, but in Korea, the constant shifts reset both body and mind
▶ That is why what once felt uncomfortable later becomes remembered as the “driving force of life,” leaving many with the desire to return
📌 Korea’s extreme seasons are not just about weather – they strengthen people and enrich life, becoming a truly unique experience
●●🟧 How Korea’s Four Seasons Inspire Creativity
(Jobs & Culture)
●✅ Why Korea Favors Creative Professions
▶ Korea has four extremely distinct seasons, with major changes in scenery, weather, and lifestyle patterns throughout the year
▶ These seasonal shifts provide continuous new stimuli to the brain, keeping thought processes flexible and encouraging creativity
▶ Compared to monotonous climates, Korea offers far more diverse sensory experiences, which enrich inspiration and creative ideas
●✅ Arts and Content Fields
▶ Writers, poets, novelists → Seasonal emotional changes are easily reflected in their works
▶ Painters, photographers → Seasonal colors and scenery such as cherry blossoms in spring, beaches in summer, autumn foliage, and snow in winter provide creative assets
▶ Film and drama producers → Seasons allow diverse background settings, expanding the depth of storytelling
▶ Musicians and composers → Seasonal emotions are naturally reflected in melodies and lyrics
●✅ Design and Fashion Fields
▶ Fashion designers → The stark difference between the four seasons makes it ideal to design seasonal collections, maximizing creativity
▶ Interior designers → Seasonal variations in light, color, and materials provide diverse options for space design
▶ Product designers → Seasonal consumer needs, such as fans in summer and heaters in winter, inspire product ideas naturally
●✅ IT and Digital Creative Industries
▶ Game designers → Can design stories, characters, and maps themed around the four seasons
▶ UI/UX designers → Sensory changes from seasonal colors and patterns improve user experience design
▶ Advertising and marketing planners → As consumer psychology and trends change each season, new campaign ideas are constantly generated
●✅ Education and Research Fields
▶ Educators (especially in early childhood and arts) → Seasonal activities can be used as teaching materials and programs
▶ Psychologists and neuroscientists → Can study the impact of climate on human psychology through direct experience
▶ Creativity trainers → The four-season experience itself can be developed into educational content
●✅ General Corporate Fields
▶ Creative problem-solving is essential not only in planning, marketing, and R&D but across most workplace roles
▶ Korea’s dramatic seasonal changes provide positive stimulation for shifting perspectives and generating new ideas
📌 The global success of K-pop and K-dramas is not only due to the uniqueness of the Korean language and Hangul. Korea’s extreme four seasons are naturally embedded in its music and dramas, with seasonal landscapes and emotional rhythms inspiring Korean creativity and sensitivity. Foreign audiences experience not just melodies and stories, but also the intense emotions that each season conveys, leading to deeper empathy and immersion
[ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아-제주도/ 김천규]
●■●● Clothing Guide for Entering Korea in Winter (December–February)
●●🟧 Korea’s Winter Is Colder, Drier, and Windier Than Expected
●✅ Korea’s winter officially begins in December, and in some regions, temperatures can fall below –10°C
Snow is not rare, and sudden cold waves can occur, so thorough winter preparation is essential
▶ Because outdoor temperature differences are significant, choosing the right outerwear and warm clothing is especially important
📌 International students arriving in December should prepare both autumn and winter clothes, but winter coats and insulated wear should be based on the coldest period, January
📌📌📌 Winter in Korea does not remain freezing cold for all three months but instead comes in cycles
→ Typically, there are 2–3 days of intense cold followed by 4–5 days of milder weather
→ This pattern is unique to Korea and differs from northern Europe or Russia, where harsh cold can persist continuously
→ In the past, snow would fall about 1–2 times per month, but due to recent climate changes, it now snows about 3–4 times monthly
→ However, snow removal is very quick in Korea, so transportation is rarely disrupted. Still, it is important to prepare for sudden snowfalls and cold waves
●●🟧 Special Precautions for Those Coming from Warmer or Stable-Climate Regions
●✅ Students from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America—where annual temperature changes are minimal—often feel much colder than expected when they first encounter Korea’s winter air, strong winds, and dryness
Even when the thermometer shows around 5°C, wind and humidity can make it feel far colder
▶ For those used to wearing T-shirts and shorts year-round, Korea’s winter may feel especially shocking
▶ It is essential to prepare with the expectation that it will be much colder than imagined
📌 First-time winter visitors should prepare basic winter gear online or locally before traveling and then purchase additional items after arriving in Korea
📌 Some students struggle to adapt to Korea’s winter weather. Students arriving in spring or autumn tend to adapt more quickly, but those arriving in winter often face initial adjustment challenges due to the cold. Preparing thoroughly in advance will help you adapt much faster
●●🟧 Clothing Cost Information for International Students
●✅ Winter coats (long padded jackets) in Korea usually range from 100,000 to 300,000 KRW
●✅ Summer clothing can be purchased inexpensively online: T-shirts cost around 20,000 KRW, and linen shirts around 30,000 KRW
●✅ Online platforms like Musinsa and Coupang are popular for quick delivery and easy price comparisons
📌 Rather than packing all clothing in advance, purchasing in Korea can be a practical and efficient option
●●🟧 Essential Winter Gear Checklist
●✅ To survive Korea’s winter, the following items are not optional—they are essential
▶ Outerwear: long padded coat, waterproof coat, or thick down jacket
▶ Innerwear: fleece hoodies, heat-tech inner layers, knits, multiple cotton T-shirts
▶ Bottoms: fleece-lined jeans, fleece slacks, or insulated trousers
▶ Shoes: winter boots or sneakers with warm lining
▶ Accessories: scarves, gloves, earmuffs, warm hats, thermal socks
📌 In Korea, outerwear alone is not enough—layering clothing is the key to staying warm
●●🟧 Shopping After Arrival
●✅ If bringing heavy winter clothing feels inconvenient, buying after arrival is also a good option. Large supermarkets (E-Mart, Homeplus) and clothing stores carry affordable options
▶ Especially during the winter sale season (December–January), it’s easy to purchase various winter products at discounted prices
📌 However, at least one warm winter coat should be prepared in advance to wear immediately upon arrival
●●🟧 Start Your Study Abroad Journey
in Korea with BP Korea
→ To enjoy a successful study-abroad experience in Korea, you need thorough visa preparation and a trustworthy partner.
✅ Visit the official BP Korea website (https://bridgeplankorea.com/ ) to check the student visa application process and begin preparing for your studies in Korea today.
▶ Contact: visa@bridgeplankorea.com
▶ We provide prompt and accurate responses at any time.
📌 With BP Korea, the complex process of preparing for your study in Korea becomes much simpler and more secure.
📌 This article was created with the help of translation tools, so some expressions may not be perfect. For accurate and personalized guidance, please contact BP Korea directly.
●●🟧 Related Guides for International Students
👉 https://koreavisaguide.blogspot.com/2025/08/international-student-money-transfer-korea.html
●✅ Housing is another key factor for international students — read Finding the Best Housing Options for International Students in Korea – Complete Guide
👉 https://koreavisaguide.blogspot.com/2025/08/study-in-korea-housing.html
●✅ Learn more about campus life and dormitory culture in Part 2: Studying in Korea – Costs, Dorms, Majors, and Campus Culture
👉 https://koreavisaguide.blogspot.com/2025/08/study-in-korea-costs-dorms-majors.html
●✅ For visa and admission support, visit Study in Korea with BP Korea – Student Visa & University Admission Support
👉 https://koreavisaguide.blogspot.com/2025/08/1-korea-visa-guide.html
📌 These guides will help you prepare for every step of your study journey in Korea — from housing and tuition to campus life and visas.
