Discover the best things to do in South Korea during winter — from snow-covered palaces in Seoul to seafood feasts in Busan and ski adventures in Gangwon-do. This 2025 Korea winter travel guide covers destinations, weather, food, and local tips for a perfect trip.
Why Winter in Korea Is a Must-Experience Season
Winter in South Korea is more than just cold weather — it’s a season of contrast and beauty. Between December and February, the entire country transforms: palaces shimmer under fresh snow, bustling markets fill with the scent of roasted chestnuts, and the mountains of Gangwon-do glisten like powdered sugar.
Whether you’re drawn to city lights, coastal calm, or snowy adventures, winter in Korea offers a variety of experiences you won’t find anywhere else in Asia. From ice festivals to ski resorts, temple stays to street food tours, this guide covers everything you need to know to enjoy a cozy, unforgettable Korean winter.
Korea’s Winter Weather by Month
Korea’s winter season officially runs from December to February, and temperatures vary by region. Understanding the monthly climate helps you plan smarter and pack better.
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December – The Start of Magic: Temperatures range between 3°C (37°F) in the day and –3°C (26°F) at night. It’s when Christmas decorations fill Seoul, snow begins to fall in the north, and festive lights brighten the cities.
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January – The Coldest and Most Beautiful: Expect 0°C by day and –10°C (14°F) at night. It’s the best month for skiing, snowboarding, and enjoying frozen landscapes. Northern and mountain regions like Gangwon-do get consistent snow cover.
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February – Calm and Peaceful: Snow becomes less frequent, but the crisp blue skies and lighter crowds make it ideal for photography and relaxed travel.
💡 Tip: Korea’s winter air is very dry. Carry a moisturizer, lip balm, and a reusable hot drink tumbler — hydration is key to surviving the cold!
Seoul — Snow, Lights, and Culture in the Capital
If you want to experience both tradition and modernity wrapped in winter magic, Seoul is the place.
Start your journey at Gyeongbokgung Palace, where snow-covered rooftops turn the ancient royal complex into a dreamlike scene. Arrive early in the morning for peaceful moments before the crowds. Nearby, Bukchon Hanok Village offers narrow alleys lined with traditional Korean houses — perfect for a winter photo walk.
As evening falls, the Cheonggyecheon Stream transforms during the Seoul Lantern Festival, with hundreds of illuminated lanterns reflecting off the water. The event typically runs from late November to mid-December.
For something active, lace up your skates at the Seoul Plaza Ice Rink, right in front of City Hall. With city lights twinkling around you, it’s one of the most affordable and fun winter activities in Korea.
🧣 Local route idea: Gyeongbokgung → Bukchon → Ikseon-dong Café Alley → Cheonggyecheon → Gwanghwamun Christmas Market
When your fingers start to numb, find shelter in one of Seoul’s endless cafés. Korean café culture thrives in winter — cozy interiors, creative lattes, and floor-to-ceiling windows perfect for watching the snow fall.
Busan — Winter by the Sea
Not everyone loves snow, and that’s where Busan shines. Korea’s second-largest city enjoys mild winters — around 8–10°C (46–50°F) by day — making it perfect for travelers who prefer a coastal escape without icy roads.
At Haeundae Beach, you can stroll along a near-empty shoreline, watching waves crash under the pale winter sun. The nearby Dongbaekseom Trail wraps around cliffs overlooking the ocean, with pine trees framing every photo.
Then, head to the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village, often called “Korea’s Santorini.” Its pastel houses and mural-covered alleys glow in the low winter light.
But the highlight of a Busan winter trip is undoubtedly the food. Visit Jagalchi Fish Market to try steaming bowls of spicy fish stew (maeuntang) or freshly grilled clams. Winter is peak season for snow crab, oysters, and yellowtail, and local vendors prepare them right in front of you.
🦀 Try this: Visit a seafood stall near Gwangalli Beach, order grilled scallops with garlic butter, and sip a cup of hot rice wine (makgeolli) while you watch the waves.
Gangwon-do — Korea’s Snow Kingdom
When Koreans dream of winter, they think of Gangwon-do. Located in the northeast, this mountainous province is known for heavy snowfall, frozen lakes, and some of the best ski resorts in Asia.
Just 90 minutes from Seoul, Vivaldi Park Ski World is ideal for beginners and families. With gentle slopes, snow-sledding parks, and trendy cafés, it’s one of the most accessible day-trip destinations from the capital.
For more advanced skiers, Yongpyong Resort offers Olympic-grade runs and panoramic views that rival the Alps. Night skiing is a must here — gliding down illuminated slopes beneath a starry sky is a uniquely Korean winter thrill.
Not a skier? No problem. Visit the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival, where locals drill holes in the frozen river to catch mountain trout. You can even try catching fish bare-handed — an icy challenge, but unforgettable!
🎿 Pro Tip: Book weekday ski passes to avoid weekend crowds and save up to 30%. Rent gear in Seoul before traveling for cheaper rates.
🎉 Top Winter Festivals and Events in Korea
Winter in Korea is surprisingly festive. Every region celebrates the season with unique traditions, lights, and flavors.
🎏 Seoul Lantern Festival
Held along Cheonggyecheon Stream, this event turns central Seoul into a glowing gallery. Each lantern tells a story — from Korean mythology to modern art. It’s free, family-friendly, and best viewed after sunset.
🧊 Hwacheon Ice Fishing Festival
Running through January in Gangwon Province, this festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. Try ice fishing, ride snow sleds, or visit the nearby ice sculpture park.
🎄 Gwanghwamun Christmas Market & DDP Light Show
The Gwanghwamun Market brings European-style stalls selling handmade crafts, mulled drinks, and local treats. Nearby, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) hosts a futuristic light show with LED installations that make for stunning night photography.
💡 Festival tip: Most winter festivals are outdoors. Dress warmly in waterproof layers, bring gloves, and plan your schedule so you can warm up in cafés between activities.
🍢 What to Eat in Korea During Winter
Korean winter cuisine is the ultimate comfort food — hearty, spicy, and steaming hot.
Street Snacks You Must Try
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Hotteok (호떡): Pancakes stuffed with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. Crispy outside, gooey inside.
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Eomuk (어묵): Fishcake skewers served with hot broth — perfect for warming your hands.
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Bungeoppang (붕어빵): Fish-shaped pastries filled with red bean or custard.
You’ll find these at every corner in Seoul’s Myeongdong and Namdaemun Market, or in Busan’s seaside stalls.
Classic Korean Winter Meals
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Kimchi Jjigae (김치찌개): Spicy kimchi stew simmered with tofu, pork, and noodles.
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Bulgogi Jeongol (불고기전골): Beef hotpot with vegetables in a sweet-savory broth.
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Samgyetang (삼계탕): Ginseng chicken soup that restores your energy after a cold day.
🍲 Where to go: Gwangjang Market in Seoul is a paradise for food lovers — packed with vendors serving everything from savory pancakes to spicy tteokbokki.
🧘♀️ Warm Escapes — Spas, Temples, and Tranquility
When the cold bites too hard, step into one of Korea’s cozy indoor escapes.
Near Incheon Airport, Paradise City’s Spa Cimer offers a luxury wellness experience with saunas, hot pools, and an outdoor infinity pool surrounded by winter air. It’s the perfect stop before your flight home.
For a more cultural retreat, visit Woljeongsa Temple in Odaesan National Park. A temple stay there allows you to experience Buddhist rituals, tea ceremonies, and meditation surrounded by snow-covered fir trees. It’s peaceful, restorative, and deeply Korean.
These places remind travelers that winter isn’t only for adventure — it’s also for slowing down and reconnecting with yourself.
🎒 What to Pack for Winter Travel in Korea
Korean winters are cold, windy, and dry — so pack smart.
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Layering is key: Thermal underwear → sweater → padded jacket.
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Footwear: Waterproof boots with traction; sidewalks can be icy.
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Accessories: Gloves, scarf, hat, earmuffs, and heat packs.
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Health & comfort: Moisturizer, lip balm, hand sanitizer, and tissues.
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Transport tip: Buy a T-money card — it works for all public transport in Seoul, Busan, and other cities.
🧳 Pro Tip: Many cafés offer discounts for bringing your own tumbler. It’s eco-friendly and perfect for refilling with hot tea or coffee on the go.
🗺️ Suggested 5-Day Korea Winter Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Seoul → Explore Gyeongbokgung → Bukchon Hanok Village → Seoul Lantern Festival
Day 2: Café-hopping in Ikseon-dong → Night ice skating at Seoul Plaza → Street food dinner in Myeongdong
Day 3: Travel to Gangwon-do → Ski at Vivaldi Park or Yongpyong Resort → Hot spring evening
Day 4: Hwacheon Ice Fishing Festival → Scenic train ride back to Seoul
Day 5: Fly to Busan → Visit Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Village, and seafood dinner
This itinerary balances culture, nature, food, and relaxation — ideal for first-time visitors.
Winter in South Korea is not just about snow or cold. It’s about contrast — between stillness and celebration, heat and frost, past and present. In one trip, you can walk through snow-covered palaces in Seoul, warm your hands over street-food grills, ski under the stars, and end the day watching the ocean in Busan.
It’s a season that invites you to move slower, breathe deeper, and find warmth in unexpected places — in a bowl of kimchi stew, in a stranger’s smile, in the glow of lanterns along a frozen stream.
So dress warm, travel light, and let Korea’s winter unfold at its own rhythm. You won’t just see the season — you’ll feel it.
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