After years of uncertainty for travellers, South Korea is fully reopening to tourism, providing an exciting escape for those itching to touch down in the land of the morning calm.
From 1 April, Australian and New Zealand travellers can enter South Korea without visas under the visa-free and visa-waiver arrangements which had been suspended due to COVID-19.
Furthermore, travellers that meet vaccination requirements will be able to enter the country without the need to quarantine.
The changes come at an opportune time for eager travellers hoping to enjoy South Korea during one of the best seasons of the year – spring.
In case it’s not obvious, here’s why spring in South Korea is every traveller’s dream:
Beautiful weather
In early March, an air of spring starts to spread across the Korean peninsula. Temperatures rise quickly from a chilly 2-11 degree range in March to 14-24 degrees in May. As the land thaws, the collective mood changes with it.
Spring flowers in bloom
With the warmer weather, pops of colour scatter the landscape in the form of Korea’s spring flowers.
Yellow sansuyu (cornelian cherry flowers) and purple azaleas are abundant across the country from late March, while cherry blossoms, the most anticipated of the spring flowers, bloom for a brief two-week window around late March/early April.
Stroll amongst the pink-hued blossoms at Seoul’s Yeouido Park or the picturesque Seokchon Lake Park.
To enjoy the country’s largest cherry blossom festival, head to Jinhae, a small naval town one hour from Busan on Korea’s east coast.
It’s home to the Yeojwacheon Stream, the banks of which are adorned with flowers. While you’re there, stop for a photo on the “Romance Bridge” made famous by the K-drama of the same name.
Outdoor adventures await
More adventurous travellers should head for the hills as spring hiking is some of the best on offer.
Explore huge mountains like Bukhansan or Gwanaksan. Right on Seoul’s doorstep, they offer amazing views of nature against the city skyline. Or why not head farther afield to tackle the more challenging yet highly rewarding Mt. Seoraksan in the north-eastern city of Sokcho?
To wind down after a hard day of hiking or sightseeing, enjoy the nightscape at one of many locations alongside Seoul’s Han River Park like Nodeulseom Island or Seonyudo Park.
The beautiful scene is made all the better by a cool cup of award-winning Boksoondoga Maekgolli available at nearby vendors on Nodeulseom Island. Budding buskers entertain audiences by singing ballads or playing k-indie music, adding to the atmosphere.
Fun fact: One of the best ways to immerse yourself in Korean culture during spring is to attend a baseball game. The KBO (Korea Baseball Organization) season runs from March to October.
For more information visit www.visitkorea.org.au