Winter in Seoul is one of the most wonderful times of the year. If you’re planning on spending your winter holiday in Korea, then I’m sure you’re wondering what to pack for Korea in winter. You may be wondering… 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 blog post is going to help you wear the best winter attire in Korea. You’ll know exactly what to pack for Korea in winter as well as all the best outfit inspiration.
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Get Travel Insurance
A common question I get 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:
- Trip Cancelation – This benefit helps you recover non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs when you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason, including for an unexpected sickness that keeps you from traveling.
- Emergency Medical – If you get sick with COVID-19 or another illness, you can get diagnostic tests to confirm your case and other emergency medical benefits.
- Medical Evacuation – If you’re in an inadequate medical facility, our plans have benefits that can arrange a transfer to a hospital capable of treating your medical needs.
- Trip Interuption – This section helps you get reimbursed for a one-way, economy-class ticket home and any pre-paid, unused portions of your trip for a covered reason.
- Trip Delay – If your travels are delayed at least six hours by a covered event, you could get reimbursed for meals, hotels and other basic expenses.
If this plan isn’t for you then you can check out the different travel insurance plans World Nomads has here.
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. You can also purchase the mobile version via Klook and get a 5,000 won top off coupon to use with your purchase.
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. It comes in increments of 24/48/72 hours.
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.
What To Pack For Winter in Korea
I highly recommend packing as light as possible so that way when you buy all of your favorite Korean products, there will be room in your suitcase. My favorite travel suitcase brand is Béis. I’m obsessed with their weekender bag, carryon, and checked luggage. Use my code for $15 off your first order and 150 points toward your new account.
Travel essentials for what to pack to Korea in winter:
- Korea travel adapter – Korea uses 220V plugs. You’re going to need a travel adapter to charge your electronics. If you forget, you can easily find some at Daiso for 5,000 won.
- Unlocked phone – You can book a sim card here. Alternatively, if you don’t have an unlocked phone, you can also use this portable wifi router.
- Toothpaste – Korean toothpaste sucks PERIODT. Bring your own from home.
- Important documents – Bring any important medical documents in case something happens.
- Passport – This should be a given, but please don’t forget it. Make a copy of your passport and hide it in your suitcase and leave one on your fridge at home.
- Credit/Debit Cards – 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 Wear For Winter in Korea
Wondering what to wear in Korea in winter? South Korea winter temperatures are super cold at night, but never fear. Below are some of my favorite staple pieces I wore during winter in South Korea. This list will help you create the perfect winter outfit in Korea. In my experience, Korea winter styles usually consist of skirts for many woman although they are paired with fleece lined tights to keep warm.
- American Eagle Curvy Skinny Jeans – I basically live in high waisted skinny jeans all autumn. I especially love the Curvy Jeans from American Eagle. They stretch and fit in all the right places.
- Ugg Boots – Winter boots in Korea are an absolute must!
- Sweater Dress – If you plan on going out to dinner at night or you just like to be flirty or girly, then you should definitely have a few dresses like this in your wardrobe.
- Long Padded Jacket – I will almost always have this staple in my Korea winter outfit. A good winter jacket in Korea is a must.
- Sheertex Rip Resistant Tights – If you have a fur baby like I do, these are a godsend. 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.
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
There are lots of notable public holidays in Korea during winter. Since many people have off during all these public holidays you’ll see many people traveling during this time. 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 2023, the Korea public holidays are:
- Christmas Day – December 25, 2023
- New Year’s Day – January 1, 2024
- Seollal (Chinese New Year) – February 10th – 12th, 2024
Wear A Mask!
Autumn means flu season and with the world’s most recent pandemic, it’s also a good idea to wear one. Do what you want, it’s your body. However, take it from someone who lived in Korea a long time and is very familiar with the people, I guarantee you will get sick if you don’t wear a mask. Many people don’t cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze. That means all the germs floating around everywhere. The pollution in Korea tends to get pretty rank around this time so an air filter mask is a great choice.
What To Wear in December in Korea
If you’re wondering what to wear in December in Korea, this post is going to have outfit inspiration. You’ll know exactly what to wear in winter in Seoul. These are outfits I have worn and are socially acceptable. I abide by the rule of dressing for my body type and not for a Korean woman’s body type. For reference, I’m 170cm (5’7) and my weight has fluctuated a lot over the years. I have worn everything from a US size 12-16.
I personally prefer to dress in layers. What they don’t tell you is some public spaces like the subway stations rarely have indoor heating while the train itself is boiling hot. I get hot very easily and once I do, it’s almost impossible for me to cool down quickly.
December Winter Fashion Korea Outfit 1
If you didn’t know… I actually love the color black. I get so excited for winter because I can finally wear one of my favorite colors. 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 because I don’t like my neck feeling cold during winter in Seoul. This is also a great outfit to wear while at an ice skating rink in Seoul.
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December in Korea Outfit 2
Winter in Korea fashion is very feminine for women. Most Korean ladies change their short skirts for longer ones. But I will see them also wear mini 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. If I do plan on going out, I usually just throw on my long padded winter jacket. I also adore wearing fuzzy Christmas socks around the house.
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Winter in Korea Outfit 3
Winter in South Korea is the best time to wear comfy sweater dresses. Christmas activities in Korea are also a great time to wear them… Such as afternoon tea at a fancy hotel. I never sacrifice looking cute. Even though I’m wearing chunky black heels, they are lined with fleece. If you wanna look cute without sacrificing warmth, check out these shoes for winter in Korea. You’ll see a lot of Seoulites wearing colors like black and white during winter.
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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 and I love myself a good moment to pair a cute tank dress with a long sleeved shirt. I am wearing thicker tights here and I paired it with a white beret and my favorite plaid scarf.
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Christmas in Korea Outfit 5
Christmas in Korea traditions often start with the signature tree at the Coex Starfield Library. Thousands of people flock here to check it out and join in on the festivities. I love a good sweater dress. It’s comfy, warm, and stretchy. I don’t need to pile on the layers with this one and am just fine with a winter jacket on top. I paired this one with a gold chain belt, black tights, and my favorite fleece lined booties.
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Christmas in Seoul Outfit 6
The in 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. This is another all white ensemble with black shoes.
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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 a tank top underneath because like I said, I get hot. If you get cold, this will just serve as a nice added layer.
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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 winter activities in South Korea is going to a Christmas afternoon tea. Don’t miss out on this amazing one at The Lounge at the Signiel Seoul. Keep your sparkly dresses for the Christmas or New Year’s Eve parties in Seoul.
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December in Korea Outfit 9
The best winter events in Korea always have beautiful Christmas light displays. The Banpo Floating Islands 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.
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New Year’s Eve Seoul Party Outfit 10
I got this dress forever ago at ASOS, but as always they have gorgeous dresses. All that glitters and shines should definitely be worn on New Year’s Eve. For a list of what to do on New Year’s in Seoul, click here.
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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.
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Korea in January Outfit 12
This is the month 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.
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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.
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