Wondering what to pack for Korea in winter? Rest assured, winter in Seoul is one of the most wonderful times of the year.
So why should you listen to me compared to all the other travel bloggers out there? Simple, I lived in South Korea for almost six years and have a pretty good idea of what to expect.
First things, first…Is winter in Korea cold? If you’re from a warm climate, the cold may come as a shock for you.
However, if you’re from a climate that changes with the seasons then dress as you normally would back home. This complete guide will give you the best tips for your winter trip to Korea.
Blog Posts You Might Like
- The Ultimate Guide To Christmas in Korea
- The Ultimate Guide to Winter in Korea
- Where To See Christmas Lights in Seoul
How To Dress For Winter in Korea
If it’s your first time visiting during winter in Seoul and your home country is hot all year round, you will be cold. South Korea has four distinct seasons, and it occasionally does snow.
If you’re planning on doing outdoor activities like visiting a Korean Winter Festival, ice skating in Seoul, or skiing in Korea, long sleeves, warm sweaters, and fleece-lined pants are a must. I’m from Chicago and have a higher tolerance for cold temperatures so take my dress code with a grain of salt.
The best way to keep yourself comfortable is dress in layers so you can remove them or put them on as needed.
What To Wear For Winter in Korea
This ultimate Korea packing list has all the essentials. Average temperatures during winter in Korea are super cold at night, so be sure to bring a warm jacket and warm gloves.
In my experience, Korean winter styles usually consist of skirts paired with fleece-lined tights.
- Ugg Boots – Winter boots in Korea are an absolute must! Ten points to Gryffindor if you bring waterproof boots.
- Wool Socks – Thick socks are a must because your feet will get cold.
- Comfortable Walking Shoes – You will do a lot of walking so these are essential.
- Sweater Dress – These are a general rule of thumb when dressing up or down.
- Long-sleeved shirts – I prefer breathable fabrics because inside establishments get especially hot.
- Heat Tech – If you don’t have a high tolerance to the cold, thermal layers from the Uniqlo Store are a life-saver.
- Heat Packs – If you’re doing outdoor activities, stick these in your pockets to keep your hands warm. You can also buy them at convenience stores.
- American Eagle Curvy Skinny Jeans – If you’re a big booty Judy, then you know these are a staple during South Korean winter.
- Long Padded Jacket – Heavy coats are excellent, and I recommend wool coats too.
- Sheertex Rip Resistant Tights – Trust me, these are HARD to destroy and totally worth the investment.
- Warm Scarf – The weather gets a bit chilly in Korea at night in Autumn. I always keep my long scarf in my bag for when that happens.
What To Pack For Winter in Korea
I highly recommend these travel essentials so when you buy all of your favorite Korean brands, there will be room in your suitcase. I’m obsessed with the Béis weekender bag, carry-on, and checked luggage.
South Korea Packing List Winter Essentials:
- Korea travel adapter – Korea uses 220V plugs. If you forget, you can find a power converter at Daiso for 5,000 won.
- Unlocked phone – You can book a sim card here. If you don’t have unlocked mobile phones, you can use a portable wifi router.
- Toothpaste – Korean toothpaste sucks PERIODT. Bring your own from home.
- Travel documents – Bring any important medical documents, visas, or paperwork in case something happens.
- Passport – Make a copy of your passport and hide it in your suitcase. Leave one on your fridge at home.
- Credit/Debit Card – There are ATMs all over Korea and most places accept credit cards.
- Medication – Don’t forget your important medicine because I guarantee it will be a nightmare for you to navigate the hospital and then go to a pharmacy to try and get it.
What To Buy in Korea
Korean winters can be very dry. I find myself adding more steps to my skincare routine. Some essential items you should buy are lip balm and a moisturizing face mask.
Winter Weather in Korea
Winter weather in Korea honestly varies month by month. Korea in winter can be either very mild or very cold. The Korea winter months are usually from December to February.
December Weather in Korea
South Korea in winter has temperatures that can get quite cold. Korea in December brings average high temperatures of 37°F (3°C) and an average low temperature of 19°F (-7°C). It’s the second coldest month behind January.
January Weather in Korea
Winters in Korea typically get very cold during the first month of the year. Korea in January brings average high temperatures of 34°F (1°C). In the evenings temperatures reach an average low of 16°F (-8°C).
February Weather in Korea
Winter weather in South Korea typically starts warming up near the end of the month. 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
Christmas is a public holiday in South Korea. Seoul in December is also super fun because you’ll find all sorts of romantic Christmas lights throughout the city.
It’s also a great opportunity to learn and experience Korean culture. In 2024, the Korea 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
Wear A Mask!
Cold weather in Korea means flu season. Koreans are gross and don’t cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze so I recommend wearing a mask.
Do what you want, bur take some friendly advice from someone who lived in Korea for a long time.
I guarantee you will get sick if you don’t wear a mask. The pollution during winter in Korea tends to get pretty rank, so an air filter mask is a great choice.
What To Wear in December in Korea
These are Korean winter outfits I have worn and loved. For reference, I’m 170cm (5’7), and my weight has fluctuated over the years. I have worn everything from a US size 12-16.
When dressing for Seoul in winter, dress in layers. Public transportation like the Seoul subway does not have indoor heating, while the train car is boiling.
December Winter Fashion Korea Outfit 1
My winter essentials in Korea almost always include black skinny jeans, combat boots, and a puff beanie hat. This outfit consists of a camel-colored turtleneck sweater.
Shop The Look
December in Korea Outfit 2
Winter in Korea fashion is very feminine. Many Korean women will wear long skirts but often favor short skirts with fleece-lined tights to keep warm.
In this photo, I’m wearing a blazer and skirt set. The set itself is quite light and so is the long-sleeved bodysuit underneath. I also adore wearing fuzzy Christmas socks around the house.
Shop The Look
Winter in Korea Outfit 3
Winter in South Korea is the best time to wear comfy sweater dresses. My chunky fleece-lined black heels are a go-to staple. If you wanna look cute without sacrificing warmth, check out these pairs of shoes for winter in Korea.
Shop The Look
Korea in Winter Outfit 4
I assure you, my winter attire in Korea almost always includes a winter jacket. I just take it off for my photos because… ART.
Seoul made my fashion much more feminine. I am wearing thicker tights here and I paired it with a white beret and my favorite plaid scarf.
Shop The Look
Christmas in Korea Outfit 5
One of my favorite winter activities is checking out the best Christmas lights in Seoul. To stay warm, I wore a white sweater dress. I paired it with a gold chain belt, black tights, and my favorite fleece-lined booties.
Shop The Look
Christmas in Seoul Outfit 6
Winter weather in Korea at Christmas can go one of two ways… It can be super cold or unseasonably warm. On this particular day, the daytime temperatures were quite warm and I was okay with a lighter winter jacket.
Shop The Look
Seoul at Christmas Outfit 7
Winter Korean outfits for women often consist of skirts and comfy sweaters. I took my inspiration from many of my peers in Korea. This red high-waist skirt paired perfectly with my Merry Kissmas Sweater. I wore short sleeves underneath just in case I got hot.
Shop The Look
Korea at Christmas Outfit 8
Winter Korean fashion doesn’t have to be boring. I was born to be extra and I have no problem adding a sparkly number to take photos.
One of my favorite things is to enjoy a festive Christmas afternoon tea at the Park Hyatt Seoul or The Lounge at the Signiel Seoul. (P.S. They also cater to special dietary needs.)
Shop The Look
December in Korea Outfit 9
The best winter events in Korea always have beautiful Christmas light displays. The Banpo Floating Islands are a great time and occasionally have winter lights in Seoul. In this photo, I’m wearing a white long-sleeved shirt, black skirt, black tights, faux fur jacket, and a red beret.
Shop The Look
New Year’s Eve Seoul Party Outfit 10
I got this dress forever ago at ASOS, but they have gorgeous dresses year-round. All that glitters and shines should be worn on New Year’s Eve.
If you’re going to be in Seoul for New Year’s, then you don’t want to miss these parties!
Shop The Look
January in Korea Winter Outfit 11
Korea in January is usually when I morph into a giant shapeless potato and I’m glad for it. I have no shame when it comes to keeping warm… Especially since January is the coldest month in Korea. I’m usually wearing heavy jackets and sweaters.
Shop The Look
Korea in January Outfit 12
In January, I’m typically wearing fuzzy wool socks. It’s cold even for me and any amount of time outside will leave my shivering. But I’m also a huge fan of pleather jeggings for a great winter look.
Shop The Look
That being said, I hope you have a beautiful winter in Korea. May these outfits give you inspo and keep you warm. Remember, I’m someone who is always hot. The cold doesn’t bother me so these outfit choices are in according to how my body works with cold weather in Korea.
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 which you can book here. With the World Nomads Travel Insurance, you can expect:
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!
Free Seoul E-Book
Do you love South Korea?
Enter your name and email address and click the button below to receive your Easy Seoul Travel Guide so you can travel like a local!
