If you’re planning on traveling during winter in Korea, there are so many wonderful places to experience. Every season brings a plethora of fun winter festivals in Korea.

So why should you listen to me compared to other bloggers? I lived in Korea for almost six years, speak the language, and have experienced multiple winters there.

I’m not some random tourist that went for holiday and thinks they know everything. I have a unique local perspective. 

In this blog post, we will cover everything you ned to know about enjoying your winter holiday in The Land of the Morning Calm. This is my ultimate winter South Korea guide where you’ll know what to eat, what to expect, and where to go. 

A Korean winter will be unlike anything you’ve ever experienced if you did not grow up in a cold and humid climate. If you grew up in the Midwest, Seoul in winter is very similar to Chicago… albeit less windy and cold.

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How cold is winter in South Korea?

Is winter in Korea cold? Well, that depends on where you come from and your tolerance to cooler weather conditions.

For example, if you’re from a hot and humid climate, you will most likely be cold. Winter in Korea usually lasts from late November until the end of February.

Does it snow in Korea?

Can I see snow in Seoul in winter? This is one of the most FAQs I get in my DMs.

Sadly, it snows very rarely in Seoul during the winter months.

How do you say winter in Korean?

Winter in Korean is 겨울 (gyo-eul). 

Winter Weather in Korea 

South Korea has four distinct seasons. The cold season is from December to February. 

December Weather in Korea 

Korea in December has an average temperature of 37°F (3°C) during the day. The lowest temperature at night is 19°F (-7°C). 

January Weather in Korea

You’ll really start to feel the cold winter in January since it is the coldest month of the year. Korea in January brings average high temperatures of 34°F (1°C) during the day. In the evenings temperatures reach an average low of 16°F (-8°C).

February Weather in Korea

Korea in February brings temperatures ranging from 39°F (4°C) to 19°F (-7°C). This is a very cloudy month, but it eventually starts to warm up at the end. 

Public Holidays in Korea During Winter 

Public holidays are a great opportunity to learn and experience Korean culture. In 2024, the Korean public holidays are: 

  • Christmas Day – December 25, 2024 
  • New Year’s Day – January 1, 2025 
  • Seollal (Lunar New Year) – January 28, 2025 – January 30, 2025

What To Pack For Winter in Korea

The colder months mean you have to dress for the weather. One of my main tops is avoiding bulky clothing and dressing in layers. I have an incredible guide on what to pack for Korea in winter that features outfit inspiration, plus tips to keep you toasty.

What To Eat During Winter in Korea

Winter is the best time to eat hot and delicious street food. Myeongdong is a tourist hub and is the perfect place to try a lot of these dishes.

Koreans also value foods that have seasonal freshness. 

  • Bean Paste Stew (된장찌개) – This is my favorite Korean stew. Made with fermented beans, vegetables, tofu, and occasionally seafood.
  • Budae Jjigae (부대찌개) – This means army base stew. This soup has ramen, spicy sausage, ham, spam, baked beans, and gochujang.
  • Bungeo-ppang (붕어빵) – This carp-shaped sweet is filled with warm red bean paste.
  • Hotteok (호떡) – This is a sweet Korean pancake filled with brown sugar or red bean paste.
  • Kimchi Stew (김치찌개) – Old kimchi is made into this delicious soup with tofu and pork belly or tuna.
  • Lobster Tail – This is one of my favorite street foods to get in Myeongdong. It is flame-cooked in butter and cheese.
  • Odeng (오뎅) – This can be eaten on a stick with soy sauce or in a soup with veggies.
  • Sweet Potatoes (고구마) – These are potatoes baked to perfection over hot stones. 
  • Tteokbokki (떡볶이) – This is a beloved rice cake dished cooked in pepper paste and sometimes odeng and boiled eggs.

Winter is Strawberry Season in Korea

Korean strawberries taste like candy, and they are ELITE. Sorry, not sorry, you won’t change my mind on this.

This fruit is very sweet, high quality, and cost-competitive. Korean strawberries are grown in special cultivation beds with pollen-carrying bees helping pollination.  During winter in Seoul, strawberry buffets are popular. My favorite is the Barbie Salon de Ddalki at the JW Marriott in Dongdaemun. 

Recommended Afternoon Tea Strawberry Buffets in Seoul

  • Grand Hyatt Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea 
  • Sheraton Grand Walkerhill Seoul Strawberry Buffet 
  • Park Hyatt Seoul Strawberry Afternoon Tea Set

What To Do During Winter in Korea

There’s no shortage of things to do in Korea in the winter. You’ll find festivals, cafes, and even traditional events to keep you entertained while you visit Korea in winter. 

Celebrate Christmas in Korea 

Christmas in Korea is a national holiday and this year it falls on Monday, December 25, 2024. It is a bigger romantic holiday than Valentine’s Day and many places will cater to couples. 

If you’re planning on spending Christmas in Seoul, I have a complete guide on all the best places to have Christmas dinner, see Christmas lights, and what to do.

Where to see Christmas lights in Seoul? 

One of the best things about celebrating Christmas in Korea is how many amazing Christmas lights you’ll find everywhere. Check out my Christmas Lights in Seoul Guide for all the best locations.

  • Times Square Mall
  • Myeongdong Lotte Department Store
  • Shinsegae Department Store in Myeongdong
  • Grand Hyatt Seoul 
  • Banyan Tree Seoul 

Go Ice Skating 

December in Seoul is a great way to experience ice skating! Pro tip—private rinks at hotels will cost 25,000 won and above.

If you visit a public rink, expect to pay anywhere from 7,000-9,000 won. For a full list of ice rinks, check out my guide on the best places to go ice skating in Seoul. 

  • Grand Hyatt Seoul Ice Rink – During December, their pool is repurposed into an ice rink. It has been used in several Korean dramas and is super romantic. 
  • Olympic Park Ice Rink – You can channel your inner Olympian and go ice skating where the 1988 Olympics were held.
  • Seoul Plaza Ice Rink – Located in front of Seoul City Hall, this is one of the busiest rinks. After you go skating go see the winter illuminations in Myeongdong.
  • Sheraton Walkerhill Ice Rink – Romantically looking over the Han River, the views are spectacular.
  • Yeoui Ice Park – Usually this is used as a swimming pool over the summer but in the winter is is transformed into a rink.

Go Skiing 

Winter sports enthusiasts should take advantage of all the beautiful mountains by getting out of Seoul for a day trip. For all the best places to go skiing in Korea, read my comprehensive post to find out what’s best for you. 

Celebrate Winter Solstice

Winter solstice is the longest night of the year. Koreans believe because of this you should eat red bean porridge (patjuk) to ward off evil spirits. Another popular option is to make dongji talismans. 

If you’re interested in quirky Korean superstitions, check out my guide. This year, it will be celebrated on December 21, 2024. 

Celebrate the Western New Year 

Did you know South Korea celebrates the Lunar New Year and the Western New Year? It’s like double the parties!

Check out my guide on the best New Year’s Eve parties in Seoul. If you’re in a hurry, here are my top picks: 

  • Bosingak Bell Ringing Ceremony – This ceremony started in 2006 and takes place in Jonggak. During this time, the bell is hit 33 times by 13 people including the Mayor of Seoul. It is broadcast on National Television.
  • Global Seoulmates New Year’s Eve Party – They throw the absolute best parties year after year. My favorite was the 2020 New Year at the Banpo Floating Islands, complete with fireworks. 
  • Ganjeolgot Sunrise Festival – It’s located near Ulsan and the viewing spot will take you near rocky slopes with a fantastic view of the sunrise on the cape. Clap your hands and make a wish for the upcoming new year.

Celebrate the Lunar New Year (Seollal 설날)

Seollal is known as the Lunar and Chinese New Year. Most Koreans go back to their hometowns to celebrate with family and honor their ancestors.

In 2025, we will be celebrating the Year of the Wood-Snake. This year’s predictions include introspection, intuition, and adaptability, suggesting it is a period for reevaluating objectives and navigating personal growth.

Like a snake sheds its skin, we’re encouraged to discard outdated beliefs and renew our perspective.

How to celebrate Seollal in South Korea? Try these ideas: 

Most places in Seoul and around the country will be closed during Seollal. While the older generation still gets together, a lot of the younger generation goes on holiday to other Asian countries. 

Rent a Hanbok in Seoul

I recommend renting a hanbok in Seoul and visiting traditional Korean royal palaces. The most popular UNESCO World Heritage Site is Gyeongbokgung Palace. I also recommend visiting Changdeokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. Namsangol Hanok Village usually has special events for Seollal. 

Korean Folk Village

This is a traditional village that shows you how people lived during the Joseon Dynasty. The Korean Folk Village in Yongin is one of my favorite ways to experience Korean culture and history. 

Visit an Amusement Park

Big parks like Everland Theme Park and Lotte World have special events during this time. 

Jeju Island

The winter season on this island paradise usually has mild temperatures so its a nice escape. I have a completely done-for-you 3-Day Jeju Guide if you’re planning a trip there. 

Go Hiking at National Parks

Wondering where to see snow in Seoul? Mountainous regions are a good place to see it. Most mountains around the country are great for hiking but Bukhansan National Park is most popular for climbing and seeing snow.

Visit A Jimjilbang

If you need a day to pamper yourself after going around the cold, you don’t want to miss this. Fun fact. Most Korean spas have ajhummas that will scrub the heck out of all the dead skin on your body.

  • Dragon Hill Spa – This is one of the most well-known spas in Seoul and is located in Yongsan. 
  • Paradise City Spa Incheon – This is a HUGE spa in Incheon that has European and Korean-style spas and baths. You can even swim in their gorgeous pool. 
  • Women Only Mud Spa Myeongdong – Here you’ll experience the power of Boryeong Mud renowned as one of the world’s finest muds. You’ll get a mud massage as well a sauna and bath experience. 

Enjoy a Korean Facial Experience 

If you ever wondered how Korean stars get their glowy and glassy skin? It’s no secret that Korean skincare is elite and gives you the results.

When visiting Seoul, you’ll be amazed at how affordable beauty treatments are. These are my top picks for hydrating your skin.

Take a Trip Outside Seoul 

Winter in Seoul Korea is incomplete without experiencing other parts of the country. I also have a complete guide on all the best day trips to take from Seoul.

Winter Festivals in Korea

There are so many interesting places to go in Korea even in late January. It’s the perfect time to enjoy snow festivals. 

Check out my guide on the best Korean winter festivals happening until February. 

Seoul Winter Festa 2024 | 서울윈터페스타

When: December 13, 2024 – January 5, 2025

The Seoul Lantern Festival is part of the larger Seoul Winter Festa 2024. These light displays will show at the newly opened Gwanghwamun Square and Songhyeon Green Plaza.

There’s also the impressive Dongdaemun Design Plaza where you can enjoy digital light displays. You’ll find seven locations across the city to light up the winter nights. 

Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival | 칠갑산얼음분수축제

When: December 23, 2024 – February 14, 2025

The Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival is one of the most popular ice festivals. This festival features snow and ice sculptures.

It is located in the Alps Village in Chungcheongnam-do. Winter Korean festivals are all about celebrating the seasons.

Pyeongchang Trout Ice Fishing Festival | 평창송어축제

When: Festival Dates TBA 2025

The Pyeongchang Trout Festival is one of the most popular ice fishing festivals. It takes place in Gangwon-do Province where the 2018 Winter Olympics were held.

Did you know Pyeonchang is the top producer of trout in South Korea? The main draw is making your own fishing line and seeing what you can catch on the frozen river. 

If you miss this one, check out the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival. You can also go ice sledding and ice fishing. 

Winter in Seoul Cafe Hopping

Doing winter in the big city can be super fun with tons of cool cafes to visit and spend an afternoon in. I highly recommend this list below.

Where To Stay in Seoul 

There are so many amazing places to stay while visiting Seoul in winter. Check out my comprehensive guide on the best Seoul neighborhoods to stay in while visiting Korea.

If you’re in a hurry, these are my top three picks for luxury, mid-range, and budget accommodations. 

  • Park Hyatt Seoul (Luxury in Gangnam) – The Park Hyatt Seoul comes with an indoor heated pool, a top-floor gym, and spa, as well as free WiFi. The property is a short walk from Samseong Subway Station (Line 2).
  • L7 Hongdae (Mid-Range in Hongdae) – Located in the Mapo-Gu district of Seoul, L7 Hongdae by LOTTE features various facilities including a restaurant, a fitness center, and a bar. Free WiFi is available. They have a seasonal rooftop pool at an extra cost.
  • Kimchee Seoul Guesthouse (Budget in Hongdae) – Kimchee Hongdae Guesthouse is the best hostel and one of the top picks among budget travelers. It is a convenient 15-minute walk from Hongik subway station. Just an FYI, Kimchee Guesthouse is a popular place to stay in Seoul and has awesome reviews.

Get Travel Insurance

A common question I often receive is, “What do I need to travel to South Korea?” One thing I always recommend is travel insurance. Life throws curveballs. Flights get canceled. You get sick.

There’s a family emergency. I highly recommend using World Nomads Travel Insurance.

How To Get Around

The best way to get around Korea is by purchasing a T-Money card at any convenience store and loading it with money. I also recommend getting the Discover Seoul Pass so you can visit the major tourist attractions around Seoul for free or at a discounted price. 

How To Stay Connected

Luckily in Korea, there is wifi everywhere. Most cafes offer wifi for free and you can connect to various free spots around the city. However, if you don’t want to be reliant on that, you book an e-sim card and download it directly to your phone.

This post contains affiliate links which means at no additional cost to you, I make a small commission to help keep Gina Bear’s Blog running. Thanks for your support!

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