Travel to Korea in May: The best season to explore the land of kimchi

Special festivals in May in Korea

1. Yeonnam-dong Rose Festival (Seoul)

Every year when the roses bloom, many people come to Yeonnam-dong. (Photo: Collected)

At the end of May, Yeonnam-dong (near Hongdae, Seoul) puts on a new coat of pink flowers. The streets are bright, the walls are covered with flowers - this place quickly becomes the hottest check-in spot in May in Korea . In addition to flower viewing, you can participate in activities such as painting, enjoying street food and immersing yourself in the vibrant festival atmosphere.

2. Hampyeong Butterfly Festival

First held in 1999, the Hampyeong Butterfly Festival has now been held for 26 years and attracts a large number of visitors. (Photo: Collected)

The Hampyeong Butterfly Festival is an outstanding ecological event in May, especially attractive to families with young children. Tens of thousands of butterflies flutter in the open space, combined with farm experience areas, food fairs and performances, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere. This is a unique activity that is rarely experienced elsewhere.
  3. Boseong Green Tea Festival (Jeollanam-do)

Visitors can participate in many tea-related activities such as picking tea leaves, making tea and making tea bowls at the Boseong Green Tea Festival. (Photo: Collected)

In May, Jeollanam-do hosts the Boseong Green Tea Festival. You can learn about the traditional tea-picking and brewing process and sample tea-based dishes. If you love nature and want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, the Boseong Tea Fields in Jeollanam-do Province are a great place to visit. The peaceful scenery of the green terraced tea hills will surely relax you.

Must-see tourist destinations in Korea in May

1. Yongin Folk Village

Yongin Korean Folk Village features real houses from around the country that have been relocated and restored to create a replica village from the late Joseon Dynasty. (Photo: Collected)

Located near Seoul, Yongin Folk Village is a place that preserves the unique traditional culture of Korea. From April to June, it is the time for the folk festival, recreating the life of the Joseon Dynasty. You can wear Hanbok, participate in folk games, enjoy traditional cuisine and experience paper making and pottery making. This is an extremely suitable destination for families and tourists who love history.

2. Jirisan National Park

Clouds, flowers and Jirisan in the morning sunlight. (Photo: Collected)

May is the ideal time to conquer nature at Jirisan – one of the largest national parks in Korea. With a cool climate, diverse vegetation and attractive trekking routes, this place is a favorite destination for independent travelers in Korea in May. If you are looking for a true nature experience, don't miss this place!

3. Jinhae-gu (Changwon)

Jinhae-gu is known as the hometown of cherry blossoms as you can easily see this tree anywhere from the streets, on hills, and slopes. (Photo: Collected)

Although famous in April, cherry blossoms in Jinhae-gu can last until early May. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Korea in May. Strolling under the blooming trees and watching the stream sparkling in the sunlight is like stepping into a romantic movie scene.

4. Seoul Grand Park and Everland

Everland is brilliant with blooming roses in May. (Photo: Collected)

In addition to Yeonnam-dong, many parks and tourist areas in Korea also hold rose festivals in May. From Seoul Grand Park to Everland, thousands of colorful roses bloom under the sun, creating a poetic space like in Korean movies. Visitors can picnic, paint outdoors, watch music performances or simply take memorable photos.

Korean Cuisine in May - The Fresh Taste of Heaven and Earth

Korean snow crab dishes make everyone exclaim. (Photo: Collected)

Korean cuisine in May is also a memorable experience. Some delicious dishes you should try:

• Snow Crab (Daegae): May is the perfect time to enjoy snow crab (Daegae), one of Korea's famous spring seafood dishes. Snow crab has sweet, firm meat and can be prepared in many different ways such as steaming, grilling or making soup.
• Korean strawberries: May is also the season for strawberries in Korea, and they are always known for their delicious, sweet flavor. Korean strawberries are large in size, bright red in color and are often eaten fresh or processed into typical dishes such as strawberry ice cream, strawberry cake...
• Naengmyeon (cold noodles): Naengmyeon is a typical Korean cold noodle dish, especially popular in the late spring and early summer months. A little kimchi on top of the cold noodles adds a spicy Korean flavor, creating a wonderful combination of sour, spicy, salty and sweet flavors of the ingredients. This dish is a great choice to cool down on warm May days.
• Patbingsu (Red Bean Shaved Ice): This is a must-have dessert when you visit Korea in the spring. This dish is made from smooth shaved ice, topped with red beans (pat), and can be served with condensed milk, fresh fruits such as strawberries, kiwis or even jelly, chia seeds, creating a dish that is both cool and sweet. This dish is loved not only for its refreshing taste but also for its beautiful appearance, very suitable to enjoy in cafes when traveling to Seoul or Busan in May.
• Ssamgyeopsal: Although Ssamgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) can be eaten all year round, it is even more enjoyable to sit around the table with family and friends in May when the weather is pleasant. The pork belly is grilled over charcoal, then wrapped in lettuce leaves with garlic, chili, and soy sauce or soy noodles.

Not only does it have a pleasant climate and beautiful scenery, but traveling to Korea in May is also an opportunity for you to enjoy culture, nature and cuisine to the fullest. From unique festivals, famous tourist attractions, to attractive spring cuisine - all contribute to creating an unforgettable journey for any tourist. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Korea during the most beautiful time of the year!

Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/du-lich-han-quoc-thang-5-v17014.aspx