Gyeongju in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Gyeongju

14°C (57°F) High Temp

1°C (33°F) Low Temp

61mm (2.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Cherry blossom season begins late March - Tumuli Park and Bulguksa Temple have spectacular blooms without Seoul's overwhelming crowds
Perfect hiking weather for Namsan Mountain trails - cool temperatures 5-12°C (41-54°F) ideal for the 3.2km (2-mile) climb to Seokgatap viewpoint
Spring festival season kicks off with Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival typically starting March 25-30, featuring traditional performances and night illuminations
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 30-40% less than peak April rates, with luxury hanoks available for ₩150,000-250,000 ($115-190) per night

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings - temperatures can drop to freezing overnight then reach 15°C (59°F) by afternoon, requiring multiple clothing layers
Cherry blossoms are hit-or-miss - early March has no blooms, late March depends on winter severity, with only 60% chance of good viewing
Rainy days average 10 per month with sudden spring showers that can last 1-3 hours, disrupting outdoor temple visits

Best Activities in March

Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto Cultural Tours

March's cool, crisp air makes the steep 1km (0.6-mile) uphill walk to Seokguram comfortable. Cherry trees around Bulguksa begin budding late March, creating ethereal backdrops for photos. Morning visits (8-10am) offer misty mountain views impossible in summer heat. The temple's ondol (heated floor) rooms provide welcome warmth during cool spells.

Booking Tip: Book cultural tours 5-7 days ahead through certified guides. Tours typically cost ₩45,000-75,000 ($35-55) including transportation. Look for small group tours (maximum 8 people) that include traditional tea ceremony. Reference booking widget for current temple tour options.

Namsan Mountain Hiking and Ancient Ruins Exploration

March temperatures 1-14°C (33-57°F) create ideal conditions for Namsan's 40+ scattered temple sites. Spring runoff fills streams, making the 5.2km (3.2-mile) Chilburam Valley trail particularly scenic. Early wildflowers begin appearing, and clear post-rain visibility extends views 15km (9.3 miles) to the East Sea on clear days.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking is recommended - trails are well-marked with English signage. Rent hiking poles from shops near Namsan entrance for ₩3,000-5,000 ($2-4) per day. Download offline maps as cell service is spotty above 300m (984 ft) elevation. See booking section for guided archaeological tours.

Tumuli Park Royal Tomb Cycling Tours

March winds are gentle 10-15 kph (6-9 mph) making cycling comfortable around the 23 royal burial mounds. The park's 154 cherry trees create tunnel effects along cycling paths when blooming late March. Cool weather means comfortable 2-3 hour rides covering the full 12km (7.5-mile) historic area without overheating.

Booking Tip: Rent electric bikes for ₩15,000-20,000 ($11-15) per day from operators near park entrance. Book 2-3 days ahead during potential cherry blossom period (March 25-31). Standard bikes cost ₩8,000-12,000 ($6-9). Audio guide rentals add ₩5,000 ($4) but provide tomb historical context.

Traditional Hanok Stay Cultural Immersion

March's cool nights showcase hanok ondol heating systems at their finest. Experience traditional Korean floor sleeping in temperatures that actually require the heated floors, unlike summer visits. Participate in morning tea ceremonies and traditional craft workshops when outdoor activities are weather-limited. Some hanoks offer cooking classes featuring March seasonal ingredients like gosari (fernbrake) and naengi (shepherd's purse).

Booking Tip: Book traditional hanok experiences 2-3 weeks ahead for March as inventory is limited. Authentic hanok stays cost ₩80,000-180,000 ($60-135) per night including breakfast. Look for properties offering cultural activities like pottery or traditional paper-making. Modern amenities hanoks with heating cost ₩120,000-250,000 ($90-190).

Anapji Pond Night Illumination Photography

March's longer nights (sunset around 6:15pm) provide extended golden hour photography at this reconstructed Silla palace pond. Cool air creates mirror-like water reflections impossible during summer's thermal currents. Professional photographers favor March for crisp air clarity and dramatic cloudy skies that enhance illumination contrast.

Booking Tip: Entry costs ₩3,000 ($2.25) for adults. Illumination runs 6:30pm-10pm nightly. Arrive by 6pm for sunset shots transitioning to night illumination. Tripods recommended - rent from photography shops near entrance for ₩10,000 ($7.50) per day. Best viewing spots fill quickly during potential cherry blossom overlap periods.

Gyeongju National Museum Indoor Cultural Exploration

March's variable weather makes this climate-controlled museum perfect for rainy day backup plans. The Gold Crown Room maintains optimal viewing conditions year-round, while March's lower tourist numbers mean unobstructed viewing of the famous Silla golden treasures. Special spring exhibitions often launch in March, featuring recent archaeological discoveries.

Booking Tip: Free admission with advanced online reservation recommended for weekends. Audio guides cost ₩2,000 ($1.50) and are essential for understanding Silla dynasty context. Allow 2-3 hours for full exploration. Museum shop offers authentic Silla-inspired crafts ₩15,000-50,000 ($11-38). Perfect activity for March's 10 average rainy days.

March Events & Festivals

Late March

Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival

Typically runs late March when cherry trees bloom around Tumuli Park, Bulguksa Temple, and downtown areas. Features evening illuminations, traditional music performances, and food stalls selling seasonal treats like hwajeon (flower pancakes). Night photography sessions and guided blossom walks available.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing 13°C (23°F) daily, pack thermal underwear, fleece mid-layer, and windproof outer shell

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support - temple stairs and Namsan trails are slippery when wet from March's 61mm (2.4 inches) rainfall

Compact umbrella and packable rain jacket - spring showers arrive suddenly and last 1-3 hours without warning

SPF 50+ sunscreen - March UV index reaches 8, intensified by reflection off temple stone surfaces and water features

Warm hat and gloves for early morning temple visits - temperatures drop to 1°C (33°F) before sunrise

Power bank and offline maps - cell service weak above 300m (984 ft) on Namsan Mountain hiking trails

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - expect 8-12km (5-7.5 miles) daily walking on uneven ancient stone paths

Moisturizer and lip balm - 70% humidity combined with cool winds causes skin chapping

Headlamp or flashlight - sunset at 6:15pm means early darkness for evening temple illumination photography

Hand warmers for outdoor photography - essential for steady shots during 1-3 hour evening illumination sessions

Insider Knowledge

Local families visit Namsan Mountain on weekends for early spring foraging - follow them to discover the best wildflower viewing spots before official bloom announcements

Stay in downtown Gyeongju rather than tourist hotel districts - local guesthouses offer heated floors and cost 50% less, plus you're walking distance from night-illuminated sites

Temple morning prayers (새벽예불) at 5am provide authentic cultural experiences and are most comfortable in March's cool weather - Bulguksa welcomes respectful observers

March is prime season for Gyeongju's famous barley bread (보리빵) - local bakeries introduce spring herb varieties only available this month at traditional markets

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for morning temple visits - many tourists arrive in light clothes not realizing temples are 5-8°C (9-14°F) cooler than downtown due to elevation and stone construction

Expecting full cherry blossoms all month - blooms are highly variable and often peak for only 3-5 days in late March, with many years showing minimal blooming until early April

Not checking weather hourly - March weather changes rapidly, with sunny mornings turning to rain by afternoon, ruining outdoor photography plans without flexible scheduling