Winter in Korea – the best things to do
Last Updated on September 26, 2024 by Alex
Traveling to South Korea in winter, and you don’t know what to expect and what to do? Well, the first time I visited Seoul was in cold December. Two years later, we moved from Hong Kong to Seoul in an even colder February. Needless to say, we have a little bit of experience with winter in Korea.
While the cold season might not be the perfect time to visit South Korea, there are still plenty of great things to do. Because of the low temperatures, you might look for indoor activities, but beautiful outdoor destinations are also worth seeing.
In this guide, we will try to cover as many of the cool things worth doing in winter in Korea as possible so that you can have a memorable vacation. And we’re not talking only about the popular destinations you read about everywhere.
You will likely find at least a few things worth considering depending on your travel style and interests.
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Table of Contents
- Winter in Korea – what to do and see
- Valuable things to know when you visit Korea for the first time
- Should you visit South Korea in winter?
- Temperatures in winter in Korea
- What to pack for winter in Korea
- Things to do in Seoul in winter
- Visit the Palaces
- Bukchon Hanok Village
- K Medi Center
- Admire the winter displays at shopping malls
- Shop for Christmas gifts
- Visit a cat cafe
- Climb Namsan Mountain and head to N Seoul Tower
- Seoul Christmas Market
- Light displays and festivals during winter
- Spend time exploring the many cafes in Seoul
- COEX Starfield Library
- COEX Mall Aquarium
- Bongeunsa Temple and its beautiful Tea Place
- Take a Korean cooking class
- Go food tasting inside the markets
- Relax at a jimjilbang (Korean SPA)
- Do a costume photo shoot (indoors)
- Lotte World (indoors) or Everland
- Visit the many k-beauty concept stores
- Go for a luxury SPA treatment
- Learn how to create your custom perfume
- Hangang River Cruise
- Things to do in winter in Korea outside of Seoul
- Similar Posts
Winter in Korea – what to do and see
Valuable things to know when you visit Korea for the first time
But before we start digging into the cool things to do and see in South Korea during winter, let’s first go through some of the valuable things you should know when you visit the country for the first time.
We have compiled a comprehensive overview of General Travel Information here, where you will find the answers to all your questions.
How do you pay for things in South Korea? How much cash should you have?
South Korea is truly a haven for those who prefer to go cashless. During our time in the country, we only had to use physical cash for the first week or so.
You can pay for anything by card, no matter the amount, and tipping is not customary (in restaurants or taxis). Moreover, some stores only accept card payments.
T-money cards are a convenient way to make payments for transportation in South Korea. However, they do require some upfront cash investment before use. To purchase a T-Money card, you must pay using physical currency at certain locations, such as convenience stores or designated transport kiosks. Once your card is acquired, you can add additional funds at these locations. This allows you to travel quickly without worrying about carrying large amounts of cash.
You will be happy to learn that there is also a workaround for this: this option offers a SIM card with unlimited 4G data and acts as a T-Money card. You can book, pay for it online, and pick it up from the airport upon arrival.
Another option would be to purchase the Discover Seoul Pass. That depends a lot on what you plan to do and see and how many paid attractions you want to include on your list of things to do in Seoul. Usually, if you plan to see a few, the price of the City Pass will allow you to save significantly. Moreover, the card can have a T-money transportation card function.
If you’re anxious about carrying too much cash, it’s probably best to limit your carry to around 50 US dollars. This can quickly be withdrawn from an ATM or exchanged for local currency in one exchange office in Myeongdong.
VISA and K-ETA
You will or won’t need a visa, depending on where you are traveling from. Check your Visa requirements here!
Currently, South Korea has a visa-free online application process in place for certain eligible countries (you can check the list here) that you must obtain before your trip.
K-ETA or the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization must be obtained before boarding a flight or ship. Here is some useful information regarding the K-ETA visa:
- The approval process can take more than 72 hours. Thus, it is useful to apply in advance;
- You will need to have accommodation booked before applying for the K-ETA. The address is one of the required information.
- The validity of the K-ETA visa is of 2 years from the date of approval;
- With the K-ETA you can stay in South Korea for 30 to 90 days;
- However, if you are visiting for travel purposes, and plan to return after your first visit, you will have to come back and update your visa with the new hotel address;
- One person can apply for up to 30 persons and can pay for all at once;
- K-ETA price: 10.000 won (around 9-10 USD)
Should you visit South Korea in winter?

While we strongly encourage you to visit Korea during spring or fall, which we consider the most beautiful seasons, we also know you may not always have the flexibility to plan your vacation.
Thus, if you can get to Korea during the winter months, you should be able to make the best of your trip. And there are indeed plenty of ways to do that.
Of course, the sky won’t be as blue as in spring, and everything might look a bit grey, but there are also plenty of winter activities, especially if you step outside the main cities.
Temperatures in winter in Korea
Winters in Korea are sometimes freezing and snowy, with average temperatures between -7 and just over 0 degrees. However, it is worth knowing that humidity is pretty high, making the low temperatures feel even lower.
If you are visiting Seoul and want to see snow, December through February would be the perfect time to plan your trip.
What to pack for winter in Korea

As mentioned, I first traveled to Seoul at the beginning of December and had no idea what to expect. Even though South Korea has a very similar climate to the one in Romania (our home country), we were living in Hong Kong – where you feel cold at 10 degrees.
Naturally, I didn’t have suitable clothing and accessories to bring on my trip to cold Seoul. I had to buy a few things, and a friend saved me with her jacket, but you will want to come prepared for your trip.
Here are a few things worth packing when you visit Korea during winter:
A Warm Jacket
I would go for a down jacket; choose the longest you have. I love my Canada Goose jacket, and it saved me during our winter in Korea, but North Face, Columbia, or Lululemon have some great, more affordable puffer jackets.
Sweaters
I love sweaters, especially during winter, and I especially like to layer as many as possible. Because I don’t really like the cold weather, I put on as much as I can, so when I found out I was visiting Seoul in winter, I went and bought a few good sweaters. They don’t have to be bulky, and there are some really trendy options out there.
At least one cardigan
As you can see from the above picture, I had a wool cardigan on top of a knitted dress and under a down jacket. And that’s how I survived wandering the streets of Seoul on those cold December days. My cardigan was from Uniqlo, but here are other great options
Thermal underwear and leggings
Once again, Uniqlo is a great place to shop for these items. They have great fabrics and technology, and as mentioned before, layers are life when traveling in cold weather.
Waterproof Boots
Keeping my feet warm is one of the most important things when traveling in the winter. Thus, throughout the years, I’ve looked for the perfect boot to help me with that.
While they aren’t the prettiest, UGG boots are the best at keeping me warm even when it is snowing. Other great options are the more fashionable black leather boots, such as the ones below.
A scarf, gloves, and a hat
I didn’t have gloves on my first trip to Korea and I had to buy a pair since I couldn’t feel my hands. So, learn from my mistake and bring your own.
Trousers and jeans
Warm Socks
Knitted dress/skirt
If you are looking for all those Instagrammable places in Seoul and Korea, you will still want to look your best and not freeze.
Some travel-size cosmetics for the cold weather
Yes, you will be in South Korea, the home of K-Beauty and all the best cosmetics in the world, but until you go shopping, it’s always a good idea to have some good skincare with you. A cleanser, a moisturizer, sunscreen, and a lip balm, are the least you should bring with you.
Hot Packs
I must admit that I first saw hot packs in South Korea. Once we checked in, the hotel gave us hot packs as a gift.
Later, when we moved there, I got them as a gift at one of the popular bookstores because the lady saw I was freezing.
The point of the story is to bring some with you or buy some as you arrive. They will help you throughout your trip.
Things to do in Seoul in winter
Visit the Palaces

No matter the season, especially if this is your first time visiting South Korea and Seoul, you should not skip seeing the palaces.
While you might not have the time or desire to see all of them, adding one or 2 to your list of things to do in Seoul is a must.
Read this comprehensive guide to visiting the palaces in Seoul to get all the information you need. However, if you only have time or want to visit one palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace should be on your bucket list. This is the main palace, and it is easy to access.
Bukchon Hanok Village

Walking down the streets of Bukchon Hanok Village is a must, no matter the season. During winter, you can stop at plenty of beautiful cafes when you feel like the cold has gotten to you. Onion Cafe and Green Mile are just 2 of my favorites in the area.
Additionally, you should not miss the Cha-teul (차마시는뜰) tea museum with a rooftop terrace – search for it on Naver and you won’t be sorry.
If you are not into cafes or tea places, around Bukchon Hanok Village, there are plenty of small shops and local businesses you can explore, as well as some cool museums.
K Medi Center
The Seoul Herb Medicine Museum is another cool place to visit when it is cold outside. Exhibitions and educational experiences will teach you about oriental medicine and beauty.
You can take a foot bath and enjoy a herbal food experience based on Korean traditional medicine.
Where: 145 Cheonho-daero, Dongdaemun-gu, Dongdaemun-gu Office, Seoul.
Admire the winter displays at shopping malls

Every year, department stores and shopping malls outperformed themselves and set up some of the most impressive Christmas displays.
I wouldn’t say it is worth going to a specific place only for this, but why not check them out if you are in the area? Lotte Department Store Avenuel is located in the heart of Seoul, in Myeongdong, which makes it easy to access.
Shop for Christmas gifts

Since you are in the area, why not shop for great gifts to bring back home? Myeong-dong is the place to be when looking for K-beauty and K-fashion.
On my first visit to Seoul, I spent many hours wandering from one store to the other, trying out tens of different cosmetics and, of course, buying some of my favorites to bring back home.
Visit a cat cafe
Or it doesn’t have to be cats; there are plenty of other animal cafes all around Seoul. Of course, many of them are located in Myeong-dong, one of the main tourist attractions in town.
You can spend a few hours interacting with friendly cats while sipping a hot drink and hiding from the cold.
Climb Namsan Mountain and head to N Seoul Tower

Getting to Namsan Tower is easy, and you will have various options depending on the amount of effort you are willing to put into it. Since it is cold outside, you might want to take public transportation or the cable car—both options will keep you warm and leave you steps away from the famous tower.
Once there, visit the Observation Deck, where you will get a 360-degree view of Seoul. Inside the tower, there are also a few restaurants, cafes, and cool photo spots.
The tower is 236.7m high and sits on top of the highest mountain you can find in the center of the city, at 243m above sea level.
Seoul Christmas Market
Normally taking place at Cheonggye Plaza, the Seoul Christmas Festival was canceled in 2021, but might take place in 2022.
Come here to admire the beautiful lights and displays, and a beautiful Christmas tree, or take part in one of the many activities organized.
Other important Christmas Markets are organized at Namdaemun Market and Dongdaemun Market.
Light displays and festivals during winter
As mentioned above, Koreans love beautiful displays and will make the best out of any picture occasion. That’s why, during winter, you will find many beautiful displays and you will have the chance to take part in local festivals.
A few notable ones:
- Cheonggyecheon Stream Lantern Festival – between the 26th of November and the 5th of December
- The Garden of Morning Calm – the perfect day trip from Seoul, it can be easily visited by organized tour together with Petite France, and Nami Island.
- Busan Christmas Tree Festival and Haeundae Light Festival – end of November, beginning of December
- Boseong Tea Plantation Light Festival
Spend time exploring the many cafes in Seoul

Seoul, and South Korea in general, is jammed packed with cafes. They have a coffee culture unbeatable anywhere in the world, with hundreds of Instagram-worthy places, but also places where you can have a really good quality coffee.
If you have the time, like coffee, and want to spend time inside, you should at least visit one cafe per day during your visit to South Korea.
I put together a comprehensive guide for some of the best cafes and coffee places in Seoul you can check out in order to plan your itinerary.
COEX Starfield Library

The Seoul COEX Mall is one of the most iconic locations in Gangnam for Instagrammers. Located within the mall, this modern public library features a unique and photogenic design.
Providing an inviting space both for locals and tourists alike, the library offers a variety of resources including books, magazines, newspapers, and digital materials.
Although it is not possible to take out any of these items from the store, visitors can still enjoy looking through the titles and exploring the images inside.
COEX Mall Aquarium
The COEX Mall Aquarium is one of the most popular attractions in Seoul, South Korea. Located inside the Coex Mall, it features over 40,000 marine creatures from about 650 species.
The aquarium also has a large variety of interactive activities and educational programs to help visitors learn more about underwater life.
You can explore various aquatic habitats such as coral reefs and deep sea environments while observing some of the world’s most exotic and unique fish species.
From colorful jellyfish tanks to shark tunnels, there’s something for everyone at this incredible aquarium which also includes a “mermaid performance”!
Bongeunsa Temple and its beautiful Tea Place

Bongeunsa Temple is set within walking distance of the COEX mall and it is one of the few Buddhist temples inside Seoul.
It has been a place of worship for over 1,200 years and is considered one of the most important historical sites in all of Korea.
The temple’s main building houses an impressive collection of statues, paintings, and artifacts from different periods throughout Korean history.
In addition to its rich cultural heritage, Bongeunsa Temple offers visitors a tranquil atmosphere with lush gardens and peaceful courtyards that are perfect for contemplation or meditation.
Visiting Bongeunsa and stopping by for tea at the temple’s tea house have been one of my favorite things to do in Seoul.
Take a Korean cooking class

Korean food is delicious! You will fall in love with the rich taste of each and every dish – trust me! And why only eat it when you can learn to cook it, meet locals, and other tourists passionate about Korea and its fascinating culture?
Learn to cook some of the most popular local dishes, and also get to taste a 10-course dinner at a local’s home.
Korean Cooking Class with Full-Course Meal & Local Market Tour in Seoul
Go food tasting inside the markets
Some of the most affordable yet delicious meals you can have in South Korea are those you will have at the market. Unlike many places in Asia, wet markets in South Korea are extremely clean so you should not worry.
Go to the Noryangjin Fish Market with a local guide and learn about the local food culture. More than that, you will get to taste some of the freshest fish dishes cooked in front of your eyes.
Relax at a jimjilbang (Korean SPA)

There are a few things worth knowing when you plan to spend a few hours or a day at the Korean SPA:
- There are more traditional SPAs, and there are fancier ones such as the one we have been to (Aquafield in Goyang or Hanam);
- In every SPA, there are common areas to be enjoyed by both women and men, dressed with some special costumes you get at the reception – this is usually where you find saunas, massage chairs, and small pools for your feet;
- The shower area has also hot water pools, steam saunas, and a scrubbing room – access here is done separately by men and women;
Popular jimjilbangs to try in Seoul: LK SPA near Myeongdong and Dongdaemun; Hwanggeum Sauna in Myeongdong; Dragon Hill Spa & Resort in Yongsan; and Aquafield in Goyaing or Hanam.
If you are traveling to Busan, you should not miss Busan SPA Land Centum.
Do a costume photo shoot (indoors)
Normally you would rent a hanbok and visit the palaces or run around Bukchon Hanok Village taking some amazing pictures. While we still did that even though it was a cold December day (you can read everything about our hanbok experience here), you might want to consider an indoor photo shoot.
As Koreans love photoshoots and dressing up, you will have a few options to choose from:
Professional Photoshoot with Hanbok Traditional Wedding experience in Insadong
Friendship Portrait Experience by Z-and
Korean-Style Photo Shoot Experience
Lotte World (indoors) or Everland

Lotte World in Seoul is an amusement park and shopping complex that features both indoor and outdoor attractions.
It is one of the largest theme parks in the world. Located in southeastern Seoul, in the middle of Seokchon Lake and next to the famous Lotte World Tower, it has been a popular destination for locals and tourists alike since it opened its doors to the public in 1989.
Inside you will find a plethora of attractions including rides, shows, restaurants, shops, and more!
Choose a Fast Pass when you don’t want to wait in line at any of the rides, or get the combo ticket and visit the Aquarium with a discount as well.
Everland Amusement Park is another cool option where you can easily spend one full day without getting bored. Located just outside of Seoul, it offers over 40 thrilling rides and attractions for all ages. From roller coasters to water parks, Everland has something for everyone. The park also features a wide variety of restaurants and shops offering delicious food and unique souvenirs. Get your day pass discounted ticket here!
Visit the many k-beauty concept stores

As expected, beauty brands are going out of their way to stand out and attract tourists to their locations. For that main reason, the most influential brands have their flagship stores with so many cool things to explore and discover.
You will find most such places located in Gangnam-gu, but there are some scattered all over the city.
Innisfree has its flagship store and cafe in Myeongdong, Amore Pacific is close to Seoul Forest, while Sulwhasoo, Coreana, Dear Klairs, Dr. Jart, and others are in Gangnam.
Go for a luxury SPA treatment
It is of course expected from a country famous for its skincare brands and treatments to have also luxury SPAs.
Read also: Your complete Seoul skincare shopping guide
If you have more time to spend in Seoul, try to fit into your schedule and itinerary, at least a visit to one of the many luxury SPAs.
There are plenty of great offers you should check out:
Learn how to create your custom perfume
It can be a fun experience to get the chance to create your own fragrance under the supervision of an expert. Mix and match scents and perfume bases in order to create your one-of-a-kind scent to bring back home with you.
The activity takes one hour and is held in the southern part of the river, so you might want to plan your itinerary accordingly.
Hangang River Cruise
An activity worth adding to your Seoul bucket list, sailing on the Han River will offer you the chance to admire the city from another perspective.
The river splits Seoul in two and by sailing on it, you will see some of the most important landmarks in town: the NSeoul Tower, Lotte Tower, some of the nicest bridges, Itaewon with its colorful buildings, Yeouido, Banpo Bridge Fountain Show, and more.
The yacht cruise lasts for 30 minutes and you can choose from various boat types.
Things to do in winter in Korea outside of Seoul
When you have more time to spend in South Korea in winter, you should consider stepping outside of Seoul. Nature is amazing and with so many mountains Korea offers some of the best ski resorts in Asia.
Vivaldi Park Ski World
Located just outside of Seoul, in the Gangwon-do province, roughly 2 hours away from the city, Vivaldi Park Ski World offers a wide range of winter activities for all levels and ages.
With its well-groomed runs, spectacular views, and modern facilities such as snowboard parks, restaurants, and shops,
Vivaldi Park Ski World is the perfect destination for those looking to experience some alpine fun without having to travel too far from home. From skiing or snowboarding down the slopes to enjoying a leisurely sleigh ride through the woods – there’s something here for everyone.
If you want to skip the crowds during winter, choose to go on a week day, not on the weekend.
Book a day trip and you will have transportation and equipment covered, along with professional instructors that will teach you some basic skills.
Have more time and want to spend a few days longer? Rent a car and choose to stay at one of these cool hotels offering easy access to the Ski Resort.
Sono Felice Vivaldi Park is a true oasis of tranquility nestled in the foothills of the majestic mountains. With a stunning external and internal swimming pool, the hotel is an ideal destination for friends and families who want to get away from it all. The resort boasts spacious rooms with modern amenities such as air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi access. See more here!
Moonlight Blue Pension – a little further away but still in a nice area, surrounded by nature and offering rooms with a stunning river view, this pension is worth checking out. See more here!
Yongpyong Ski Resort – Located at the base of the picturesque Yongpyong ski slopes, the resort offers two restaurants with a diverse selection of culinary options. With traditional Korean dishes as well as Western-style cuisines, guests are sure to satisfy their appetites here See more here!
Other Ski Resorts outside of Seoul or Busan
Eden Valley Ski Resort Day Tour from Busan – 7 ski slopes only one hour and a half away from Busan. The tour includes a round-trip journey, ski equipment, and 1 ski lift ride. See more here!
Jisan Ski Resort with transfer from Seoul in only 40 minutes.
Oak Valley Resort with transfers, ski equipment, and 1-day lift ticket.
High1 Resort is the highest ski resort in Korea, set in Jeongseon, Gangwon province. Since the distance is done in roughly 4 hours, you might want to at least spend one night here. You will want to take your time and explore at least a part of the 20 slopes available. See your options here!
Go on a day trip to DMZ

No matter the season, a trip to DMZ is a must.
Established in 1953 as part of an armistice agreement following the cessation of the Korean War, it is one of the most heavily fortified borders in the world.
Spanning roughly 250 kilometers (155 miles) from east to west and 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from north to south, the DMZ is an ecologically rich area home to a variety of unique wildlife and plants.
Despite its militarized nature, it has become a popular tourist destination for those looking to explore the region’s natural beauty as well as learn more about the history of this troubled region.
We have a full guide for the best day trip from Seoul to DMZ, that will help you choose the best option for your needs.
Wondaeri Birch Forest (인제 원대리 자작나무 숲)
A beautiful Instagram-worthy forest set in Gangwon-do Province.
Getting there is easy by car, but you can also go by bus, from Dong Seoul Bus Bus Terminal (동서울 종합버스터미널) take the intercity bus to Inje Intercity Bus Terminal (인제 시외버스터미널). The ride will take roughly 1.5 hours.
From the terminal, take a taxi or a city bus to 원대리 마을회관.
Once in the forest, you can go trekking, admire the 700,000 birch trees, and take beautiful pictures.
The Onyang Hot Spring (온양온천지구)
Located in the Asan Province, Onyang Hot Spring is the oldest hot spring in Korea and one of the most popular springs during the Joseon period.
In the region, you will find plenty of SPA Houses and Jimjilnags where you can relax and escape the cold.
Other activities worth considering in winter in Korea
Trekking in Bukhansan National Park
Pyeongchang Trout Festival – 2.5 hours away from Seoul, taking place from the end of December until the beginning of February
Seogwipo Penguin Festival (서귀포 겨울바다펭귄수영대회) – set on the southernmost point of Jeju Island, the festival aims to welcome the new year and takes place on the 1st of January.
Ice fishing in Gangwon-do, near Hwacheon and Sokcho
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