35 Things to do in Korea in WINTER – for an unforgettable trip

I had the chance to visit South Korea about two years ago and, during my stay, I fell in love with this country and its culture. South Korea is a unique destination and it’s becoming increasingly popular.

Even though most tourists prefer to visit it during spring or summer, when the temperatures are mild and the trees are green, I’m here to tell you that visiting South Korea during winter is pretty incredible too.

You’ll discover unique sceneries and most importantly, you’ll be able to admire the country’s beauty without worrying about it being packed with tourists. If you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing vacation, a trip to South Korea during winter time is a must!

The crowds are gone, the prices are lower and you’ll have the chance to enjoy some unique experiences such as interesting winter festivals, experiencing a Korean jjimjilbang and many others!

In this blog post, I’ll share with you everything you need to know about planning a winter vacation to South Korea, including important tips & tricks!

1. South Korea in Winter Travel Tips

Just in case you never visited South Korea in winter before, these travel tips will help you plan an unforgettable holiday!

• Be ready for a long flight – If you’re traveling to South Korea from Europe or the United States, the flight is going to be quite long. Make sure that you have everything you need with you. I always take my portable charger and earplugs with me!
• Get a SIM card – Once you arrive at the airport, get a South Korean SIM card with internet. It’s important to have internet access all around the country.
• Buy some Body Warmers – Whether you’re planning to go skiing or just explore big cities, these body warmers will save your life! I never heard about them until recently but they’re pretty awesome. You simply stick them under your clothes and it feels like you’re having mini-radiators stuck to you. Face the low temperatures like a pro!
• Get a Rail Pass – If you decide to travel by train, get a rail pass and save lots of money! This pass includes over 80 routes!
• Learn a few phrases in Korean – even though most locals know English, it’s always a good idea to learn a few Korean words. Also, make sure to install Google Translate on your phone, just in case.

2. Should you visit South Korea in winter?

With incredible ski resorts, exciting winter activities, rich culture and friendly people, South Korea is the perfect destination to visit during winter. As long as you bring warm clothes, you’ll have a blast exploring this country.

It has diverse scenery, with beautiful nature but also big cities to explore. During winter, all the tourist attractions in the country are less crowded and the hotel prices are much lower. Winter in South Korea is a dream!

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3. Weather and temperatures in winter – what to expect

Due to the Siberian winds, the weather in South Korea during winter is cold. From late November until March it’s freezing in the northern part of the country and the centre of it. The weather along the Southern Coast is milder but the nights are still very cold.

Keep in mind that due to the Siberian winds it’s always colder along the west coast compared to the east coast. When it comes to temperatures, in the southern part of the country they rarely drop under 0 degrees Celsius. However, in other parts of the country you can often expect negative temperatures and snow.

4. Things to do in South Korea in winter

To make things easier, I decided to group the things you can do in South Korea during winter by location and activity into the following categories:

• Winter activities in Seoul
• Winter activities in Busan
• Best winter festivals in South Korea
• Best theme parks in South Korea
• Best ski resorts in South Korea
• Best winter hikes in South Korea
• Other winter activities

Grab a cup of hot coffee or your drink of choice and brace yourself because this post is going to be quite long. I wanted to include everything that South Korea has to offer in this post so here are the best things to do in winter in the country. Enjoy!

Best winter activities in Seoul

Seoul is a big city, a place where old temples and historical sites live in harmony with modern skyscrapers. If you’re planning to visit Seoul in winter, I’ve selected the best activities especially for you. Below are the best things to do in Seoul in winter!

1. Explore Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul

This traditional Korean Village is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Seoul. Wandering between the well-preserved Korean houses when they’re covered in thick snow is a unique experience.

The narrow streets will be mostly empty – the perfect backdrop for beautiful photos! You can even book a photographer for a photoshoot in this unique village! You’ll have some awesome photos as souvenirs in one of the most unique places in Seoul!

• Location – click here for the exact location
• Opening hours – 24/7
• Entrance fee – free

2. Visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul

During summer, all Seoul’s palaces are packed with tourists. However, during winter, you’ll have the chance to explore the main royal palace of Joseon dynasty almost by yourself.

Built in 1395, this is the largest of the five palaces in Seoul. Explore the Throne Hall, the Royal Banquet Hall and all the other historical sites and learn more about the Korean culture!

• Location – click here for the exact location
• Opening hours – Wednesday to Monday – 9 am to 6 pm, Tuesdays closed
• Entrance fee – 3,000 won for adults; 1,500 won for children

3. Hit the ice-skating rinks in Seoul

If you’re looking for a bit of adrenaline for your winter vacation in Seoul, hit one of the many ice-skating rinks in the city. Even if you haven’t tried ice-skating before, I’m sure you’ll have a lot of fun. You can find an indoor rink at Lotte World or you can head to the outdoor Seoul Plaza Skating Rink.

4. Admire Seoul from N Seoul Tower

You can’t visit Seoul without stopping at the famous N Seoul Tower. With a height of 237 meters, the tower welcomes around 12 million people each year. You can choose to admire Seoul from the base of the tower or you can head to the Observatory for a 360 degrees view. Either way, I recommend visiting the tower at sunset, when the sky turns orange and the city lights come to life.

• Location – click here for the exact location
• Opening hours- 24/7 for the observation decks, for the Observatory click here
• Entrance fee – free for observation decks; 11,000 won for the Observatory – you can book it online

5. Visit Nami Island and Petite France

Located in the city of Chuncheon, Nami Island is one of the most popular day trips from Seoul. It’s also the shooting scene for the famous “Winter Sonata” (if you haven’t seen it yet, make sure you do). While at Nami Island, head to the Central Korean Pine Tree Lane and take some photos!

Just 20 minutes away by car from Nami Island is the beautiful French-themed cultural village called Petite France. The beautiful houses are the perfect backdrop for photos! To get to Nami Island and Petite France from Seoul you can book a guided tour. If you wish to visit by yourself, please find below the entrance fees.

• Location – Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
• Opening hours – Nami Island – 7.30 am to 9.45 pm; Petite France – 9 am to 6 pm
• Entrance fee – Nami Island – 13,000 won; Petite France – 10,000 won

6. Garden of Morning Calm Light Festival

During the winter, the Garden of Morning Calm also known as the Morning Calm Arboretum transforms into a light show. From December until March, the garden is covered in thousands of colorful lights, creating an impressive spectacle of light! To get to the Garden of Morning Calm you can take the bus from Cheongpyeong Station or Cheongpyeong Terminal or you can book a guided tour.

• Location – click here for the exact location
• Opening hours – 8.30 am to 7 pm
• Entrance fee – 9,500 won

7. Have fun at Ganchon Rail Park

Built on a discontinued train track, Ganchon Rail Park is one of the best things to do in South Korea in winter. Explore the Korean countryside and admire the Bukhangang River.

You can visit this attraction as a day trip from Seoul and while you’re in the area, you can also visit Nami Island and Petite France. If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path things to do in South Korea, this activity is for you!

• Location – click here for the exact location
• Opening hours – 9 am to 5.30 pm
• Entrance fee – two-seater 30,000 won, four-seater 40,000 won

8. Have fun in Hongdae, Seoul

Hongdae is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Seoul. It’s famous for its restaurants, nightlife and karaoke places called Noraebangs. While in Hongdae, enjoy the live k-pop performances, play video games and try the delicious street food! If you’d like to find out more about this unique place, read my Hongdae travel guide. It includes all the must-see places in the area!

• Location – click here for the exact location
• Opening hours – 24/7
• Entrance fee – Free

9. Visit the infamous DMZ

Visiting North Korea might not be on your bucket list, but what if you could get to the border with North Korea and catch a glimpse of a local village? You can experience all this with a visit to DMZ. Find out more about the history of North and South Korea while visiting the Dora Observatory and the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel.

10. Visit the Seoul Christmas Market

What would you think about visiting a European Christmas Market in the heart of Seoul? You can taste all the Christmas treats, shop for souvenirs and drink a cup of delicious hot wine. The European Christmas Market takes place each year in Seoul by the Seongbuk Global Village Center.

• Location – click here for the exact location
• Opening hours – varies each year
• Entrance fee – 1,000 won

Top things to do in Busan in winter

I had the chance to spend a few days in Busan during my visit to South Korea and I fell in love with this city. It’s less crowded than Seoul but it has a lot to offer in terms of tourist attractions. Here are the best things to do in Busan in winter.

11. Explore Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan

One of the top tourist attractions in Busan, the Gamcheon Village is a colorful place where you’ll find cute local shops, cozy cafes, countless works of art and a sea of colorful houses.

If you’re in Busan, make sure to add Gamcheon to your itinerary! You can read more about this colorful place in my Gamcheon travel guide. While in Busan, make sure to stop at the Busan Fish Market too and grab something to eat! The seafood there is simply delicious!

• Location – click here for the exact location
• Opening hours – 24/7
• Entrance fee – Free

12. Visit the Busan Sea Life Aquarium

If you want to escape the cold, head to the Busan Sea Life Aquarium. Admire different species of fish and learn more about the marine life. The aquarium is home to about 250 species of fish. Visiting the Aquarium is definitely one of the best things to do in Busan in winter!

• Location – click here for the exact location
• Opening hours – Monday to Thursday – 10 am to 8 pm; Friday to Sunday – 9 am to 9 pm
• Entrance fee – 29,000 won at entrance, or 15,000 won online (prices are subject to changes)

13. Attend the Busan Christmas Tree Festival

Every year, the Busan Christmas Tree Festival takes place on the streets of Gwangbok-ro in Jung-gu district, Busan. The festival starts at the beginning of December and ends at the beginning of January. At the festival, you can admire the colorful lights, the giant Christmas tree and listen to live concerts. Sounds like a lot of fun!

• Location – Gwangbok-ro, Jung-gu
• When? – December to January
• Entrance fee – Free

Best winter festivals in South Korea

There are plenty of winter festivals to choose from when traveling to South Korea. Each of them is unique and offers many incredible experiences. Below are the best winter festivals in the country!

14. Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

One of the best winter destinations in Korea is Gangwon-do, the place where each year the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival takes place. Locals and tourists alike gather to try ice fishing.

Some participants even jump in the freezing water to try barehanded fishing. Apart from fishing, you can enjoy other activities like curling, sledding and others. You can read more about this festival here.

• Location – Gangwon-do
• When? – 9th January – 31th January (check the updated dates here)
• Entrance fee – around 10,000 won

15. Admire giant snow sculptures at Taebaeksan Snow Festival

Visit one of Korea’s most popular winter festivals – Taebaeksan Snow Festival. Apart from the giant sculptures of ice, you can go snow rafting and snow sledding!

In 2021, the festival will be held between the end of January and the start of February. If you’re visiting South Korea during this time, it would be a shame not to stop here. It’s one of the top winter activities in South Korea!

• Location –  Taebaek-si, Gangwon-do
• When? – TBA, usually the festival takes place in January
• Entrance fee – Free

16. Watch the Seogwipo Penguin Festival on Jeju Island

Located in the southernmost point of Jeju Island, Seogwipo is one of the warmest destinations in South Korea. However, even if the temperatures rarely drop below 0 degrees celsius, it takes a lot of courage to swim in the freezing water. During the Seogwipo Penguin Festival, apart from other activities, the bravest people take a dip into the icy water.

• Location –  Jeju Island, Jungmun Saekdal Beach
• When? – 30th of December – 1st of January
• Entrance fee – Free

17. Attend the Pyeongchang Trout Festival

This unique winter activity in South Korea takes place each year in the city of Jinbu-myeon. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities starting with sledding and ending with trout fishing. You can choose between fishing through a hole drilled into the ice or fishing with your bare hands. After you catch a few trouts, you can cook them at one of the nearby restaurants.

• Location –  Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
• When? – TBA (it usually starts at the end of January and ends at the beginning of February)
• Entrance fee – Depends on the activity

18. Attend the Homigot Sunrise Festival

Located at the easternmost point of South Korea, Homigot village is home to the Sunrise Festival along with other destinations on the Eastern coast of the peninsula. People gather here the admire the first sunrise in the new year (the morning of the 1st of January). The festival includes concerts, performances and other entertaining events.

• Location –  Homigot-myeon, Homigot Sunrise Square
• When? – 1st of January
• Entrance fee – Free

19. Stop at the Boseong Tea Plantation Light Festival

During spring, summer and autumn this is a thriving tea plantation, welcoming thousands of tourists. However, during winter, the Boseong Tea Plantation transforms into a spectacle of light.

Thousands of colorful lights are hanging on the tea plants, waiting to be photographed and admired by visitors. The entrance is free for everyone!

• Location –  Click here for the exact location
• When? – TBA (beginning of December until the end of January)
• Entrance fee – Free

Best theme parks to visit in South Korea in winter

Do you want to spend some quality time with your family? Or maybe you’re just looking for a bit of adrenaline. These are the best theme parks to visit in South Korea during winter. Let’s have some fun!

20. Plan a day of fun at Lotte World

One of the best things to do in Seoul during winter is planning to spend an entire day at Lotte World, one of the most popular theme parks in the country. With an ice-skating rink, awesome rides and live performances, Lotte World should be on your itinerary! I recommend booking your tickets online, in advance. Are you ready for some fun and a bit of adrenaline?

• Location –  Click here for the exact location
• Opening hours – click here
• Entrance fee – 59,000 won

21. Onemount Snow Park

Located one hour away from Seoul, Onemount Snow Park is the perfect place to spend quality time with your family. With an ice-skating rink and other winter activities such as husky sledding and ice shows, this park is one of the best things you can do in South Korea in winter.

To get to this snow park, take the subway line 3 to Juyeop Station and then take exit 2. From there, walk 15 minutes and you’ll get to Onemount. Another option would be to book a tour.

• Location –  Click here for the exact location
• Opening hours – 9 am to 7 pm
• Entrance fee – 30,000 won

22. Enjoy a day of fun at Everland

An awesome winter activity you can enjoy in South Korea is a trip to the Everland theme park. Apart from fun roller coasters and other attractions, here you can hop on a snow tube and go down a hill covered in snow.

You can go by yourself or you can choose a tube for two people. Either way, it’s going to be a lot of fun, especially for kids! Everland is the perfect destination for families looking for fun activities to do together! You can visit Everland as a day trip from Seoul. I recommend booking your tickets online for a hassle-free experience. Shuttle bus tickets can also be booked online.

• Location –  Click here for the exact location
• Opening hours – 10 am to 9 pm
• Entrance fee – 56,000 won at the gate or discounted online

23. Visit the unique Jeju Love Land Museum

If you’re looking for quirky attractions to visit in South Korea during winter, the Love Land Museum is definitely one of them. This park is filled with huge statues depicting sex scenes. It might be a fun place to visit with your loved one. You can take some quirky photos and warm yourselves up during the harsh winter.

• Location –  Click here for the exact location
• Opening hours – 9 am to midnight
• Entrance fee – 12,000 won

Best ski resorts in South Korea

Are you a professional skier? South Korea has you covered! Are you an amateur skier? In South Korea, you’ll find plenty of slopes suitable for beginners. A dream for any skier and snowboarder, these ski resorts should be on your itinerary!

24. Go skiing at Vivaldi Park Ski World

Do you like skiing or snowboarding? Then you have to stop for a few days at the incredible Vivaldi Park Ski World. With slopes for all difficulty levels and state-of-the-art facilities, Vivaldi Park is a dream for any professional or amateur skier. You can get here by shuttle bus from Seoul in just one and a half hours. What do you say, would you go skiing here?

• Location –  Click here for the exact location

25. Book a few days at Yongpyong Ski Resort

One of the places to visit in South Korea during winter is Yongpyong Ski Resort, the biggest ski resort in the country. With 28 incredible slopes, 14 ski lifts and lots of winter activities, this ski resort should be on your itinerary! If skiing is not your cup of tea, you can enjoy a wide variety of indoor activities such as relaxing in a sauna, swimming, bowling and many more.

• Location –  Click here for the exact location

26. Spend a few days at High1 Resort

High1 is the resort located at the highest altitude in South Korea (1345 meters). Here you’ll find awesome slopes and puffy snow combined with incredible views. The resort is located about 4 hours away from Seoul and it’s the perfect destination for snowboarders and skiers looking for awesome slopes.

• Location –  Click here for the exact location

Best winter hikes in South Korea

There are many winter hikes to choose from in South Korea. With many national parks and breathtaking mountains, South Korea is a paradise for those passionate about sports. Below you can find some of the best hikes for your winter holiday.

27. Hike Hallasan Mountain, Jeju Island

Are you ready for a challenge? What about hiking the tallest mountain in South Korea – Hallasan Mountain, located on the incredible Jeju Island. Once you get to the top you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the crater lake.

This hike is not very difficult but the winter conditions make it a bit more challenging. It should take around 8 hours to climb the mountain and get back to the base. If I convinced you to hike Hallasan Mountain, read this guide for all the information you need.

• Location –  Click here for the exact location

28. Hike Jirisan

This is the second-highest mountain in South Korea and quite a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts. It attracts around 280,000 hikers each year.

There are many trails to choose from and on the way to the top you’ll come across beautiful temples and stunning views. Jirisan Mountain is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of big cities. You can read more about this hike here.

• Location –  Click here for the exact location

29. Hike Taebaeksan

If hiking is your cup of tea, you have to hike Taebaeksan in winter. Known for the stunning views, this hike will definitely be a challenge during winter time but everything’s going to be worth it. You can read everything you need to know about this hike in this article. Don’t forget to put on many layers and you’ll have an unforgettable experience!

• Location –  Click here for the exact location

30. Explore Deogyusan National Park

Whether you’re into hiking, winter sports or breathtaking sceneries, you can find all this at Deogyusan National Park. With beautiful temples and incredible ski slopes, this national park has something for everyone. Plan at least two days to explore this incredible place and enjoy an unforgettable winter holiday in South Korea.

• Location –  Click here for the exact location

Other winter activities in South Korea

Here are a few more other activities to convince you to spend the winter in South Korea.

31. Explore Jeonju Village

Located in central South Korea, the beautiful town of Jeonju is home to the largest Hanok Village in the country. It’s a must-see if you want to experience the authentic Korean culture and learn more about it.

Apart from the Hanok Village, you can visit the Jeondong Catholic Church, hike to Omodae Viewpoint and eat Bibimbap. Bibimbap is a national dish, from Jeonju that consists of rice with bean sprouts, beef, eggs and more toppings.

• Location –  Click here for the exact location

32. Relax at a traditional Korean Spa

One of the best winter activities in South Korea is a relaxing experience at a traditional spa, called jjimjilbang. After exploring the outdoors, head to the spa and enjoy saunas and steam rooms.

You can find these spas everywhere in South Korea as they’re quite popular among the locals. People gather here with friends and family to relax and catch up.

33. Book a hanok stay

Are you looking for authentic Korean experiences? Look no further – it’s time to spend one night in a hanok. Hanok are traditional buildings where you can experience the Korean way of life. After exploring the beautiful sights around the country, sleep on a comfy futon and warm yourself up with the floor heating system called ondol.

34. Fill your belly with strawberries

Both Europeans and Americans are used to pick their strawberries in spring but things are different in South Korea. Koreans pick their strawberries in winter, when they are the ripest.

Visit a local farm and enjoy these delicious fruits!

35. Drink tea in a Korean traditional Tea House

Head to one of the few Korean tea houses left and experience the art of drinking tea. There’s nothing better than a cup of hot tea after facing the cold winds of winter. To check out the best tea houses in Seoul, click here.

5. Transport in South Korea during winter

I know that many tourists who visit South Korea plan their trip only around big cities such as Seoul or Busan. For things to do in Busan, make sure to check out these 15 incredible activities. For the perfect Seoul itinerary, read this guide.

However, it would be a shame not to explore more of this country. Go skiing, enjoy some winter festivals or go to a theme park! There’s so much to do in South Korea in winter!

I’ve researched everything there is to know about all the transport options in the country. Here’s everything you need to know about transport in South Korea.

Travel by train

The most comfortable mode of transport is the train. South Korea has great railway connections, making each destination easily accessible. If you plan to travel by train often, I recommend getting a Rail Pass to save money.

Trains in South Korea are very comfortable, modern and fast. Usually, there are no delays.

Travel by bus

Another option is the bus. There are two types of buses in South Korea – Express buses and Intercity buses. Express buses run on expressways and usually they only stop at the destination and a few rest stops along the way. Intercity buses stop in smaller cities along the way.

Either way, traveling by bus is a good option since the roads in South Korea are well-developed and the bus terminals are usually located near the city centre.

Rent a car

Renting a car is always a good idea when traveling to a foreign country. You’ll have the freedom to travel at your own pace and you’ll visit a lot more places.

For the best rates, I recommend renting your car well in advance of your trip. You can book on RentalCars or any other car rental service. Keep in mind that in South Korea, you’ll have to drive on the right-hand side of the road (similar to the USA and Europe).

Important! – you will need an international driver’s permit from your home country. Make sure to apply for one before arriving in South Korea.

6. Final thoughts

South Korea is the perfect winter destination and it has a wide variety of activities for every type of tourist. Enjoy the unique winter festivals, go hiking, book a few nights at a ski resort or explore Seoul and Busan.

Whatever you choose, I’m sure that your winter vacation in South Korea will be unforgettable. For more information about South Korea (prices, accommodation and more) check out out my travel guide.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section below. May the travel bug bite you!

Disclaimer: This post was created in collaboration with the Korean Tourism Organization. As always, all opinions are my own and they reflect my true, unbiased experience. 

Aurelia Teslaru

Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited.

She has been to more than 40 countries during the past 10 years and aims to explore 50 countries before turning 30 years old. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Read more about her here.

To follow her adventures, check out her Instagram and Facebook pages!