South Korea

South Korea has a continental climate with four distinct seasons, influenced by the East Asian monsoon. Seoul averages -3°C in January and 25°C in July, with a monsoon season (jangma) from late June to late July bringing 60 per cent of annual rainfall. Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons: cherry blossoms peak in early April, and autumn foliage peaks in late October. Busan on the south coast is milder year-round, with winter lows around 1°C and summer highs of 27°C, plus a beach season from July to August. Jeju Island has a subtropical climate with mild winters (6°C) and warm summers (27°C), making it a year-round destination. Winter brings dry, cold weather to Seoul with temperatures dropping to -10°C during cold snaps, but ski resorts in Gangwon-do operate from December to February.