Things to Do in Jeju in March

March Weather in Jeju

20°C (68°F) High Temp

10°C (50°F) Low Temp

85 mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect cherry blossom season with King Cherry blooms at their peak mid-March, creating spectacular pink canopies across Jeju's mountains and countryside without the summer crowds
Ideal hiking weather with cool mornings 8-12°C (46-54°F) perfect for Hallasan summit attempts, before afternoon warming to comfortable 18-20°C (64-68°F)
Camellia flowers in full bloom create vibrant red displays at Camellia Hill and throughout the island, offering Instagram-worthy backdrops unavailable in other seasons
Spring vegetable harvest season means peak flavors for Jeju's signature dishes like gosari-namul (fernbrake) and fresh seafood at 30% lower prices than summer peak season

Considerations

Unpredictable spring weather with sudden temperature drops and rain showers requiring flexible daily planning and layered clothing
Strong seasonal winds averaging 25-35 km/h (15-22 mph) can cancel coastal activities and make outdoor dining uncomfortable on exposed terraces
Some outdoor attractions like Manjanggul Cave may have reduced hours due to maintenance season, and coastal boat tours operate limited schedules

Best Activities in March

Hallasan Mountain Spring Hiking

March offers perfect conditions for summit attempts with cool morning temperatures ideal for the 19 km (11.8 mile) round trip. Spring wildflowers begin blooming along trails, and clear days provide spectacular views without summer haze. Snow may still cap the summit, creating dramatic photo opportunities unavailable in other seasons.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for day hikes, but start early (6-7am) to complete summit trail before 1:30pm cutoff. Hiking boots essential for potentially muddy spring conditions. Entry costs ₩2,000 (about $1.50). See current guided hiking options in booking section below.

Cherry Blossom Photography Tours

Jeju's King Cherry trees bloom 2-3 weeks earlier than mainland Korea, peaking mid-March. The blooms create tunnel-like canopies along rural roads and mountain valleys. Morning golden hour provides the best lighting, and cooler temperatures mean flowers last longer throughout the day than in warmer months.

Booking Tip: Photography tours typically cost ₩45,000-65,000 ($35-50) and include transportation to 4-5 prime blossom locations. Book 7-10 days ahead as local photographers book quickly during peak bloom. Check current cherry blossom tours in booking section below.

Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Climbing

March offers some of the clearest sunrise conditions before summer humidity and monsoon clouds arrive. The 182m (597ft) volcanic crater climb takes 20-30 minutes, and cooler morning temperatures around 8-10°C (46-50°F) make the ascent comfortable. Spring wildflowers begin appearing on the slopes.

Booking Tip: Entry fee ₩5,000 ($3.80) with gates opening at 6am. No advance booking required for independent climbing. Guided sunrise tours with hotel pickup typically cost ₩35,000-50,000 ($27-38). See current sunrise tour options in booking section below.

Traditional Jeju Farm Experience

March is spring vegetable harvest season on Jeju farms. Participate in picking fernbrake, shepherd's purse, and early spring onions that define Jeju cuisine. Many farms offer cooking classes using freshly harvested ingredients. Cool weather makes outdoor farm work comfortable compared to summer heat.

Booking Tip: Half-day farm experiences cost ₩40,000-60,000 ($30-45) including harvesting, cooking, and meals. Book 5-7 days ahead through certified agritourism farms. Most include hotel pickup from Jeju City area. Check current farm experience options in booking section below.

Camellia Forest Walks

March marks peak camellia blooming season with deep red flowers creating stunning contrast against dark green foliage. Camellia Hill and Spirited Garden offer maintained walking paths through thousands of blooming trees. Cool temperatures make 2-3 hour garden walks comfortable.

Booking Tip: Garden entry fees range ₩8,000-12,000 ($6-9). No advance booking needed for independent visits. Guided botanical tours cost ₩25,000-35,000 ($19-27) and provide detailed flower identification. See current garden tour options in booking section below.

Indoor Cultural Workshops

March's variable weather makes indoor cultural activities ideal backup plans. Learn traditional Jeju pottery, haenyeo (female diver) culture, or Korean cooking in heated studios. These experiences provide deep cultural immersion regardless of outdoor weather conditions.

Booking Tip: Workshop costs range ₩30,000-55,000 ($23-42) for 2-4 hour sessions including materials. Book 3-5 days ahead, especially for pottery classes with limited kiln space. Most include simple Korean lunch. Check current cultural workshop options in booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Jeju King Cherry Blossom Festival

Celebrates Jeju's native King Cherry trees with their distinctive large pink blooms. Features outdoor concerts, traditional food stalls, and guided walking tours through prime blossom areas. Local vendors sell seasonal treats like cherry blossom rice cakes and flower teas.

Early March

Jeju Camellia Festival

Showcases the island's winter-blooming camellias reaching peak color in early March. Includes camellia tea ceremonies, flower arrangement workshops, and photography competitions. Multiple garden locations participate with special exhibitions and extended hours.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof hiking boots - March trails can be muddy from spring snowmelt and occasional rain

Layered clothing system - temperature swings from 10°C (50°F) mornings to 20°C (68°F) afternoons require easy adjustment

Compact umbrella and light rain jacket - spring showers are brief but sudden, lasting 15-30 minutes

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 despite cooler temperatures, especially dangerous at high altitudes

Warm fleece or light down jacket - mountain temperatures drop significantly, and evening coastal areas feel 5-8°C (9-14°F) cooler

Moisture-wicking base layers - humidity at 70% combined with physical activity requires breathable fabrics

Sturdy hat with chin strap - coastal winds average 25-35 km/h (15-22 mph) throughout March

Portable phone charger - cool weather drains batteries 20-30% faster than summer conditions

Cash in small bills - many rural attractions and farms prefer cash, and spring season means limited card acceptance

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - cherry blossom viewing areas often have uneven natural paths

Insider Knowledge

Local families picnic under cherry blossoms on weekends, bringing homemade kimbap and thermos bottles of hot tea - join them at Jeonnong-ro Cherry Blossom Road for authentic experiences

Haenyeo (female divers) are most active in March before water temperatures rise, making this the best time to observe their traditional practices at Seongsan and Udo beaches around 10-11am

March is 'saekdal month' when locals traditionally clean and prepare for spring - many family-run restaurants offer special seasonal menus unavailable other times of year

Book accommodations by early February as March marks the beginning of domestic Korean travel season, with weekend rates increasing 40-60% from February levels

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming warm weather based on spring timing - March mornings require winter clothing, and many tourists arrive underdressed for mountain activities

Planning only outdoor activities without rain backup plans - March averages 10 rainy days, and indoor alternatives fill quickly during weather changes

Visiting only famous spots during cherry blossom peak - smaller rural roads often have better blooms with no crowds, but require rental car access