Korea changes completely four times a year — plan around it, not through it

The difference between a good trip here and a miserable one is usually the week you picked, not the place. These are the official sources for what is open, what is on, and what the weather will actually do. Links only.

The season decides the trip

Blossom moves north over about three weeks in spring; foliage moves south over about three weeks in autumn. Both are forecast officially, and both shift year to year. Booking a month ahead on last year's dates is how people end up looking at bare branches.

Korea Meteorological AdministrationThe national weather service, including seasonal forecasts and special advisories.weather.go.kr

The only forecast worth trusting for a week out. Also carries the fine dust and heat advisories that decide whether a day outdoors is a good idea.

VISITKOREA - Imagine Your KoreaKorea Tourism Organization Official website provides various information on all things about Korea.english.visitkorea.or.kr

Festival listings here are the official dates. Blogs copy them and do not update when they move.

Free things happening in the city

Cities run their own festivals, markets and outdoor concerts, most of them free, and almost none of them reach English-language blogs.

Welcome to Seoul, Visit SeoulVisit Seoul is the perfect city tour guide for traveling to Seoul. Experience Seoul in various ways from K-food to cafes and festivals.english.visitseoul.net

Run by the city, so the dates are real. Look at the monthly calendar rather than the front page.

Busan Metropolitan City (English)The official website of Busan Metropolitan City. Find information about the city government, news, events, residents, business, recreation and tourism.busan.go.kr

Worth checking even if you live in Seoul — the autumn festival season in Busan is the reason to take that train.

Festival dates move every year and the blossom and foliage forecasts shift by a week or more. Check the date the page was updated before you book anything.

What is the one place you would go back to in a different season?