Experience All Four Seasons in Seoul: From Golden Autumns to Snowy Winters! 🍁❄️🌸☀️ Travel writer Wahida Asrani invites you to experience the beauty of Seoul through all four seasons! Whether it’s your first time or your sixteenth, every visit feels brand new, thanks to the city’s ever-changing landscapes and seasonal charms. 🍂 Autumn steals the show with fiery red and golden leaves that need no photo filter. Stroll through Seoul Forest, Nami Island, or Gyeongbokgung Palace and let the crisp air and ginkgo-lined streets take your breath away. 🌸 Spring blooms in pastel pinks, where cherry blossoms light up the city. Enjoy picnics by the Han River, sip matcha under blooming trees in Yeonnam-dong, or join local festivals at Seokchon Lake and Yeouido. ☀️ Summer brings sunshine and outdoor fun — from café hopping to night cycling by the Han River’s rainbow fountain. Just don’t forget your sunscreen! ❄️ Winter transforms Seoul into a snowy wonderland. Even if you’re not into skiing, you can still marvel at the snow in nearby resorts like Yongpyong or Pyeongchang, or catch a light snowfall right in the city. Wahida reminds us that each season in Seoul tells a different story, and you’ll want to live them all. So, which one will you experience first? ✨ 👉 Ready to discover your favourite season in Seoul? Read more of Wahida’s travel tales! ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Travelling to any four-season countries may be a big dream for many of us, especially those who have never had the chance to do so. In Malaysia, since we somehow have 'summer all year long' with some monsoon seasons, experiencing a different season such as autumn or winter would be a great experience. If you haven’t done so, perhaps you can start by experiencing your favourite season in Seoul! In my earlier article, I did highlight that Seoul could be one of the best destinations to explore the beauty of four seasons – winter, spring, summer, and autumn. Without having to spend more than 10 hours on a flight to a winter country (let’s say if you would like to experience snow), you can just head to Seoul or any cities in South Korea because, firstly, it’s nearer to our country, and secondly, I personally feel your travel experience won’t be that costly (unless you enjoy a lavish style of holiday). For returning visitors, if you have only experienced one or two seasons in Seoul, maybe one day you can try visiting the city again in different seasons. Would that be much different? Yes, although you can still go back to all the spots you’ve visited before, you’ll experience different vibes there (and of course, the most obvious aspect is the weather!). For me, all four seasons in Seoul hold a special place in my heart. Of course, I do have my favourite season too, but I have to admit that the other three seasons I experienced before gave me different kinds of feels, which I think are still very fun to explore. Let’s start off with my favourite season: autumn. Beautiful yellow and red leaves will mesmerise you with Seoul’s autumn view The beauty of autumn foliage As far as I can remember, I’ve experienced autumn in Seoul three times. However, the best one was last year, as I could truly enjoy the stunning view of the autumn foliage. Many travellers love the autumn season in Korea so much because, let me be frank, you don’t even need to filter your photos! The background colours alone can make you stand out. Of course, that’s not the only reason. What I love most about autumn in Seoul is that, besides the beautiful views, the weather is that perfect kind of chilly - not too cold and definitely not too warm either. However, let me tell you one thing – yes, you can rely on the weather forecast and also the season predictions, but at times, it will happen the other way around. Well, that’s why the name is “forecast.” In 2018, I went to Seoul with my mom during the autumn period, which, when I looked up the forecast a week before flying, was the right time to enjoy the view. However, the 3-day stay was full of rain, mostly the whole day, hence we couldn’t spot much fall foliage in Seoul. Don’t worry much about this, because there are other things that you can enjoy throughout autumn. If time permits, you can travel out of Seoul for at least a day tour to areas such as Jeonju to experience the foliage there. But do check the daily forecast too, because it can help you to rearrange your itinerary on the spot. So what else can you do in autumn? A lot, of course. Besides visiting scenic places like Seoul Forest, Haneul Park, Namsan Park, Nami Island, and Gyeongbokgung Palace (just to name a few), you can always go to other famous tourist spots as well, because this is the most ideal season to roam around Seoul due to its nice weather. Many spots are Instagrammable throughout this period (if you arrive in Seoul right during the fall season). I love seeing the yellowish golden ginkgo leaves on the streets in many areas in Seoul throughout this season. If you would like to experience autumn, you may check the right dates from early October to mid-November before the temperature starts to drop as it transitions into winter. Cherry blossom in spring Is the spring season suitable for those who are not into flowers? Definitely, yes! This is another season that I feel can be quite “challenging” at times because you might either arrive in Seoul too early to enjoy the cherry blossoms, or the peak bloom may already be over. Spring in South Korea usually starts in March and lasts until May or even early June. However, cherry blossom season ends quite quickly. Once it blooms, it can last for around two weeks (but similar to autumn foliage, strong rain can shorten the duration too). Cherry blossoms are stunning when they start to bloom, and you can see them everywhere around the city or just a few hours' drive to the outskirts. It's also one of the best seasons to have a picnic at the Han River As of the time of writing, I just came back from my cherry blossom trip in Seoul, which was in early April. A week before my trip, Seoul experienced snow again, which made me quite worried whether the cherry blossoms would be pushed to the following week because of that. Yes, when I reached Seoul, it had started blooming but not yet at full bloom. Seokchon Lake started blooming at that time with slight pink and white flowers, and the view was still stunning! With the temperature around 11 to 18 degrees Celsius, I would say that’s one of the best weather conditions to visit places around the city where you can see flowers here and there. Try visiting any cafes, especially around Yeonnam-dong, as many of them offer beautiful cherry blossom views. And this is another favourite activity of mine during spring (and also summer), which is having a picnic at the Han River. I would normally rent picnic items from a rental shop near the Han River area, buy my favourite hot matcha latte and odeng , and enjoy the sunset view. Also, do not forget to check out some cherry blossom festivals (which are normally held on certain dates to celebrate the start of the blooming period), such as at Seokchon Lake and Yeouido. If you don't mind travelling out of Seoul, you can also visit the famous Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, which is about a 4-hour drive from Seoul. As I mentioned earlier for the autumn season, one great thing about being in Seoul is that you can always check out places for a day trip to fully enjoy any of your favourite seasons, which can be just a few hours away from Seoul. And for those who may be late for the cherry blossoms, don’t worry because springtime isn’t over yet. There are other beautiful spring flowers that you can enjoy too, such as azaleas and tulips, until it’s time for summer to take over. Soak in the sunny summer Some of my friends did ask me, “Will Seoul feel like Malaysia during summer?” For me, the answer can be both yes and no. I experienced the “hottest” summer in Seoul when I was there once in August, where the temperature was above 35 degrees Celsius with some heatwave warnings too. I can’t deny that it can be so hot and humid at times, which can be way beyond what we normally experience year-round in Malaysia. Soak in the sunny summer with outdoor activities such as cafe hunting and cycling! Many spots in Seoul will also have summer activities going on You may experience slight dry heat first, perhaps in early June, and the temperature may rise afterwards with some heavy downpours at the end of June or in late August. I can’t say much on this because different years may experience different summer conditions. The advice is the same as my earlier points: always check the weather forecast if you would like to travel during summer. For me, so far I enjoy the summer weather in early June. The temperature can be similar to Malaysia, but it’s quite windy, and at night, you can still feel a little bit of chilly weather at times. There are some rainfalls too in the beginning of summer, but so far, it’s bearable for me. During my summer trips (if it is not raining and the weather is not too hot), I would normally cycle at Han River, enjoy the magnificent moonlight rainbow fountain show at the Banpo Bridge River (don’t miss this activity! Do refer to the Korea Tourism Organization website and social media pages for the show schedule), and perhaps next time, I would try to attend some summer concerts as well. Just make sure to keep hydrated and apply your sunscreen, and then you are good to enjoy Seoul! Snowy winter (though it may be extremely cold!) For snow lovers, winter is definitely the best season for you! In fact, I personally recommend those who have never experienced winter to try visiting Seoul at least once. However, bear in mind that this is the season for layering your clothes – that means you’ll need winter jackets or windbreakers (depending on the temperature), thermal wear, waterproof boots, winter accessories such as gloves and scarves, and heat packs to warm your hands. Winter in Seoul is no joke, though. The temperature can drop as low as -20 degrees Celsius. Don't worry if you are not into skiing or snowboarding. You can still enjoy the snowy winter view either around Seoul or in places outside the city that you can visit on a day tour! January is always my favourite month to experience winter. I think it's because I’ve always been lucky in this month, where it usually snows whenever I’m in Seoul. Although it may just be light snow, I wouldn’t mind anyway. Some travelers may miss the snowfall because, of course, snow doesn’t fall every day. I personally prefer to check the snow forecast just one or two days before reaching Seoul because I find it’s more accurate than checking one or two weeks earlier. However, worry not. For those who may not have the chance to enjoy snowy moments in Seoul, you can still visit ski resorts just a few hours away, whether by taking KTX trains, buses, or even driving. Yongpyong, Alpensia, Elysian, Vivaldi, and High1 are some of the famous ski resorts in South Korea, popular not just among travelers but also Koreans. Most people go there for skiing and snowboarding once the ski resorts open their slopes, usually around late November. Don’t worry if you’re not into these activities as you can still enjoy the beautiful snowy views. Whenever I have a chance to visit Korea during winter, I make sure to visit my favourite Yongpyong Ski Resort. I’ve tried snowboarding only once. Other than that, I just ride a cable car to Balwangsan Mountain or visit the animal forest, Anifore. You can also check out the Pyeongchang Ice Fishing Festival and the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival for ice fishing activities. During my recent winter trip early this year, I got the chance to visit another interesting area, Pocheon, where I visited places like Baegun Ice Valley and the beautiful ‘pink’ Herb Island. You can also visit the frozen Sanjung Lake, where you can cycle and walk on it. Its duck sledding is famous too! At least you can enjoy a different winter experience, and I tell you, it’s worth the 2-hour journey from Seoul. So, for first-time travelers, which season would you like to experience on your first trip to Seoul? Or for those returning, are there any seasons you haven’t covered so far? Although this article highlights what you can enjoy in Seoul or areas that are easily accessible just a few hours from the city during these seasons, there are more areas you can visit. Besides Seoul, Busan, and Jeju, which are the usual favourites among travelers, there are many 'hidden gems' in South Korea that would be best to visit during certain seasons, which I’d also love to explore more soon 🙂. *During her 16th visit to Seoul recently, the writer signed up for a kayaking session across the Han River to view the sunset. It was an interesting activity she discovered through the Internet and had been looking forward to, as the spring weather during her trip was nice. However, Seoul’s weather was a bit unpredictable at the time, and the kayak session was cancelled due to the windy and foggy weather around the Han River area. She hopes she will be able to join again one day so that she can share her experience of crossing the Han River by kayaking! *Kawan-Kawan, if you'd like to share your own Korea travel stories, we'd love to hear from you! Drop us an email at [email protected]

❄️✨ Experience Your Winter Tale in Korea at MATTA FAIR KL! ✨❄️ Join us for a magical journey into Korea’s winter wonderland from 5 – 7 September 2025 at MITEC KL | Booth 3G25, Level 3, Hall 10 🍂 Discover snowy adventures, festive charm, and unforgettable winter experiences, only at KTO’s booth! 🎿🍂☃️ 🎁 Gift Redemption Galore! ✨ Receive a KTO Multi-Travel Charger with any Korea tour package or flight ticket to Korea. Plus, enjoy additional exclusive gifts with selected packages*! 💎 Korean Air Giveaway: Purchase a Korean Air flight and stand a chance to WIN a Korean Air flight ticket* 🎉 🌟 Event Highlights 🌟 🌍 Travel to Korea Information 💳 KTO Survey 📸 Hanbok Experience 📸 Photo Zone 🗣️ Travel Talk Shows 🧠 Kahoot Quiz 🐾 Mascot Appearance 🎶 Hands-on Activity 📅 5 – 7 September 2025 🕙 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM 📍 Booth 3G25, Level 3, Hall 10, Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) 🌏✨ Come and explore the Winter Tale of Korea! Enjoy exciting activities, cultural experiences, and fantastic prizes waiting just for you 🎉 📌 * Terms & Conditions apply | First come, first served | While stocks last #KTO_Malaysia #VisitKorea #AnnyeongKawan #MATTA #MATTAFair #MATTAFair2025 #MFSept2025 MATTA Fair KL 2025 Terms and Conditions 1. To participate in the MATTA Fair KL 2025 (the “Event”), Customers (the “Customers”) must be residing in Malaysia during the event period. 2. Korea Tourism Organization Malaysia (the “Organiser”) reserves the right to disqualify any Customers without notice at any point of the Event or after should he/she be found to have not fulfilled the prerequisites of the Event prior to participation. Joining the Event 3. The Event will run from 5th September 2025 to 7th September 2025. 4. The Organiser reserves the right to amend the Event period at any time without prior notice. Gift Redemption 5. Gift redemption(s) is valid for Korea tour packages and Flights purchased from 5th September 2025 to 7th September 2025 only. 6. One pax is entitled to one gift only. 7. The product color may vary based on stock availability. 8. Redemption items are on a first-come-first-served basis and while stocks last. 9. The main redemption, the KTO Multi-Travel Cable is only valid for Korea Tour Packages with full itinerary packages to Korea and individual experiences such as Korea Experience Tour in Malaysia will not be eligible for redemption. 10. Flight tickets purchased from Groups Fares or Incentive Groups are not entitled and not allowed to gift redemption. Only flight tickets purchased via FIT fares are eligible. 11. The Additional Redemption is only valid for Korea Tour Packages purchased at MATTA Fair KL from 5th September 2024 to 7th September 2025 at Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC). Customers must be present at the Korea Tourism Organization Malaysia Redemption booth to redeem the Additional Redemption gifts and employees/staffs of travel agencies are not allowed to redeem on behalf. a. Customers who purchase Korea tour package inclusive of Muslim Itinerary are entitled for additional gift of One (1) KTO Prayer Mat. b. Customers who purchase Korea tour package including any of the three global festival are entitled for additional gift of One (1) Global Festival Tumbler. The Global Festivals are, “2025 Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival” and “2026 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival”. c. Customers who purchase Korea tour package including minimum 2 nights stay in Jeju are entitled for an additional gift of One (1) Jeju Earpods. d. Customers who purchase any Korean Air Flight are entitled for additional gift of One (1) Korean Air Merchandise (Please refer to Korean Air’s Terms and Conditions). e. Customers who Purchase of any Vietnam Airlines Flight Ticket, to or from Busan, via travel package or direct from airline are entitled for additional gift of One (1) Vietnam Airlines merchandise and KTO Travel Tumbler or Busan Themed Tiffin. 12. Employees of travel agencies collecting the main redemption gifts on behalf of customers must present valid proof of customer’s bookings. The Additional Redemption Gift is not available for online/phone bookings. 13. Only customers who made bookings with the original booking form, receipt and payment slip will be allowed for redemption. 14. Redemptions are not valid for incentive groups. 15. KTO reserves the right to reject any redemptions without explanation should there be no proper proof of purchase or identification. 16. KTO does not tolerate dishonesty and violence at the redemption counter and will not hesitate to reject all redemptions after should there be any. Hanbok Experience Activation 17. The Hanbok Experience Activation (the “Activation”) will be conducted from 5th September to 7th September 2025 (3 Days). 18. Korea Tourism Organization Malaysia (the “The Organiser”) reserves the right to amend the event period at any time without prior notice. 19. The Organiser reserves the right to disqualify any Participants (the “Participants”) without notice at any point of the Activation or after should he/she be found to have not fulfilled the prerequisites of the Activation prior to participation. 20. To join the activation, participants must visit the KTO Malaysia booth, try on a Hanbok, and upload a photo on Instagram. The post must include the hashtags #KTO_Malaysia #VisitKorea #NeverEndingKorea and participants must follow the official Instagram account @KTO_Malaysia. Proof of the following must be shown at the KTO Malaysia booth to redeem a drawstring bag and a Park Bo Gum Never Ending Korea Postcard (designs given at random) as a gift. 21. Each participant may submit multiple entries. 22. The Organiser reserves the right to refuse participation if the requirements are not met. 23. The Activation will end on 7th September 2025, 9.00 pm. 24. All participants will receive an instant prize (the “Instant Prize”):- Drawstring Bag and Park Bo Gum Never Ending Korea Post Card (Postcard designs are given at random). 25. The Instant Prize is on a first-come-first-served basis and while stocks last. 26. Prizes are strictly non-negotiable, non-transferable, non-exchangeable and non-refundable. No cash alternative is available. 27. By entering the Activation, you acknowledge that you have read, understand and agree to Korea Tourism Organization Malaysia's terms and conditions. Visit Busan Pass Redemption Event 28. Only valid for Visit Busan Pass purchases 29. Each eligible Visit Busan Pass purchase invoice is entitled to ONE item redemption only 30. Gifts cannot be exchanged or reserved 31. Redemption available only during the event period 32. Event details subject to change without prior notice and term & condition applies Other Terms 33. KTO reserves the right to amend the terms & conditions at any time without prior notice.