Seoul has stolen the hearts of travelers with its charming blend of the old and the new, romantic city setting, and culinary scene. It stays alive in every season, including the freezing winter. Streets are decked with lights, and the crisp air enhances the beauty of Seoul’s famous landmarks. Winter in Seoul offers beautiful snowy scenes and an opportunity to experience the culture, cuisine, and traditions that come alive during this season. Then, are you planning to travel to Seoul or South Korea generally? This guide – based on our expert TripLeaders’ recommendations – allows you to get the most out of Seoul in winter.
Winter in Seoul Guide – Summary
- How Does Seoul Looks Like During Winter?
- When is Winter in Seoul?
- Which is the Best Month to Travel in Winter in Seoul?
- Things to Do During Winter in Seoul
- Winter Destinations in Seoul
- Is it Worth Visiting Seoul in Winter?
How Does Seoul Look Like During Winter?
Sitting on the north-western part of the Korean Peninsula, Seoul experiences consistent snowfall and freezing temperatures. Generally, Seoul sees its first snow in late November – with 2024 bringing the heaviest snow fall in the last 5 years. The snowfall in Seoul might be early, but it melts away pretty quickly too. However, in mid-December around Christmas, you can finally see Seoul as a snow-cloaked wonderland. The city’s iconic landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Namsan Tower are sprinkled with sparkling snow, which creates a captivating scene. Moreover, Seoul’s overall snow-covered trails and parks highlight beautiful photo opportunities for travelers.
Winter comes along with the holidays in the capital city, bringing a triumphant air. You can look forward to striking light displays, including the Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Gwanghamun Square. Find dazzling Christmas decorations in some of Seoul’s top attractions, including Myeongdong and Itaewon districts. Furthermore, you can easily warm yourself with a hot soju or hotteok pancakes after a stroll in the snow.
In terms of temperatures and weather, winter in Seoul is generally very cold. Temperatures hover around -7°C to 5°C t in the coldest months, like late December and January. Moreover, winter brings chilly winds that might require you to put on a windbreaker jacket.
When is Winter in Seoul?
Winter typically spans from December to February in the capital. During these months, temperatures can dip below freezing, and the city often sees a sprinkling of snow. With distinct seasonal changes, Seoul’s winter is a marked contrast to its warm and humid summer. Each month in winter brings its own character, from the festive Christmas spirit in December to the serene last chills of February.
Which is the Best Winter Month to Travel to Seoul?
You can choose the best month to travel to Seoul based on the activity you preferred. Here are what you can expect for each winter month in the city:
- December
For travelers who love the holiday spirit, December is the ideal time to visit Seoul. As Christmas comes, Seoul lights up with decorations, holiday markets, and events in full swing. Moreover, Seoul is a shopping paradise, especially for those who love skincare and makeup. December marks the beginning of year-end sale, allowing you to get the best deals and discounts for many Korean popular brands. - January
January is another excellent month to visit as the New Year festivities bring an additional level of excitement. You can stay tuned for the Bosingak Bell Ceremony, an annual celebration in Seoul’s Bosingak Pavillion which features the ringing of an ancient bell 33 times. It is a festival you can only find in South Korea. Besides that, Seoul’s party scene won’t let you down during the New Years. You can find special countdown and events in Hongdae and Itaewon’s nightclubs.
Moreover, January is a great month to see Seoul’s snowy landscapes. Snowfall is common and the snow lingers around the month. - February
By February, the holiday crowds have thinned, and the city prepares for the Lunar New Year (Seollal). February is quieter but still cold enough with temperatures hovering around 3°C. Snowfall can still happen, allowing you to enjoy some of Seoul’s exciting winter activities like ice skating or dipping yourself into a Korean sauna.
Things to Do in Winter in Seoul
1. Explore Winter Festivals
South Korea never fails to surprise travelers when it comes to festival. Winter marks the beginning of vibrant and thematic festivals, blending Korean traditional culture and modern culture. One of the most-awaited festivals during winter in Seoul is light festivals. In mid-December, you can sign up for Seoul Winter Festa, the city’s biggest winter festival. The grandeur event comprises spectacular lights exhibitions, a giant Christmas tree, a Christmas ‘village’ selling local handicrafts and food, and a lantern show.
2. Visit the Snowy Version of Gyeongbokgung Palace
Here is a picture of our TripMates during their trip in Seoul in autumn! They delved into astonishing Korean culture by visiting the Gyeongbokgung Palace and felt like a royalty by wearing traditional hanbok. Although the palace looks stunning regardless the season, winter brings a distinctive landscape. The Joseon-era architecture looks twice as stunning as pure white snow coats its ornate gates and roofs.
Roam around the palace while the snow is starting to blanket the land. Let your camera snap the gorgeous contrast between Gyeongbokgung’s reddish hues and the sparkling white snow. Then, do you want to try wearing hanbok but afraid that it will be too cold? Don’t worry, the rental shops offer winter jackets and warm inners during the snowy season! You won’t freeze while strolling around the historical place in a gorgeous traditional attire.
3. Ice Skating and Snow-Sledding
Experience a winter that feels out of a Korean drama by hitting one of Seoul’s many ice rinks. The locals, from kids to young couples, in Seoul head to the already-frozen outdoor ice rinks once the temperature lowers. Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Park is the city’s equivalent of Central Park. You can enjoy a dreamy ice skating session in the middle of Seoul’s skyscrapers and metropolitan buildings. Other than that, you can head to the outskirts of Seoul and visit the Olympic Park Ice Skating Rink. Some parks even have sledding hills for a fun winter day outdoors.
4. Hunt for Korean Street Food
South Korean street food has gained worldwide popularity and featured in many media. Good news, they are warm and tasty enough to kick away the winter cold. You can visit some of Seoul’s biggest street food markets, like Gwangjang Market and Myeongdong Night Market, for a culinary galore. Don’t miss warm treats like hotteok, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and eomuk (fish cake skewers). As a note, a lot of Korean street snacks are spicy due to the use of gochujang, a sweet-spicy Korean sauce.
Another good thing about Korean street food is that they are available everywhere around the town. During winter, you can find small stalls in a random street selling piping hot odeng (fish cake in a soup) or tteokbokki. Tourist spots like Gyeongbokgung Palace also brim with street food vendors offering hearty Korean delicacies to enjoy in the cold weather.
5. Enjoy Traditional Korean Bathhouses
If you are visiting East Asia, especially Japan and South Korea, don’t miss delving into the bath house culture. While Japan has onsen, South Korea is proud of their jjimjilbang or simply translated as bath house. Every winter, the communal bath houses offer a place to relax, from enjoying a sauna or dipping into mineral-rich hot tubs. Additionally, to enjoy jjimjilbang like the locals, order some boiled eggs and a cup of hot corn tea. They are the staples after getting into the hot baths or saunas. Therefore, jjimbjilbang is a great way to escape the cold during winter in Seoul.
Winter Destinations in Seoul
Here are some of Seoul’s top destinations that lead you to an unforgettable winter holiday. Discover unique activities and local specialties in each destination.
1. Namsan Seoul Tower
A visit to Namsan Tower provides sweeping views of the entire city blanketed in snow. The panoramic observation deck is especially romantic and scenic during winter.
2. Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village, with its traditional Korean houses, is a must-visit. The village’s narrow streets and beautiful architecture provide a unique winter experience, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
3. Lotte World and Everland
These amusement parks transform into winter wonderlands. Lotte World offers an indoor skating rink and winter-themed decorations, while Everland is known for its Snow Safari and seasonal events.
4. The Han River Parks
The Han River offers serene views, and a winter walk along the riverbanks is particularly refreshing. The parks along the Han River, like Yeouido Hangang Park, provide peaceful winter landscapes and lovely riverside paths.
5. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) Light Festival
The DDP hosts a famous light festival each winter, showcasing creative light installations that attract both locals and tourists. The combination of modern architecture and winter lights makes for a captivating visit.
Is It Worth Visiting Seoul in Winter?
Winter in Seoul isn’t just about colder temperatures—it’s a season that brings people together. Seoul hosts a variety of winter festivals, holiday markets, and light displays, particularly around the New Year and Lunar New Year. Visitors can enjoy not only these events but also the warm embrace of Korean hospitality, which shines through its food, cozy cafes, and traditional winter customs.
Are you ready to say, “Annyeonghaseyo” to winter in Seoul? Or do you have the idea in mind but want to leave the planning part behind? Then, you are in the right page! JoinMyTrip offers trips to South Korea, especially Seoul, that are expertly crafted and hosted by experienced travelers from all over the world. They have planned every detail of the trip, from the itineraries to accommodations, for you to have a safe and fun experience. Moreover, you will have the opportunity to travel with new travel buddies. They share the same passion for exploration and are always excited for the next adventure!
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