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If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light.

Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness and fears.

~ Cesare Pavese

Olympic Park pink muhly during autumn in seoul

Hi! I’m Shelley, the woman behind the words.

I’m a coffee loving, cubicle hating introvert, who quit the grind years ago… to live life on my own terms.

Traveling & living around the world has changed my life in all the very best ways. And I hope the words and images here inspire you not just to dream, but to actually set forth on an adventure of your very own.

I traveled extensively and independently to 61 countries around the world, but this site mainly focuses on South Korea travel content. In Seoul, I found not just a physical home, but also a home for my heart, soul, and spirit.

Follow along, comment and ask me all your burning travel-related questions. Let’s connect!

One does not discover new lands

without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.

~ Andre Gide

Winter in South Korea

Spanning the months of December, January, and February, winter in Korea might be deathly cold, but it’s also full of unique things to do. December brings holiday sparkle, and Seoul is illuminated with lanterns and Christmas lights galore. January is the coldest month of the year, but it’s also the best time of the year for snowy activities like skiing, sledding, and ice fishing.

The weather is definitely challenging, but gear up properly to explore the many winter festivals, events, and activities on offer in Seoul and beyond. You won’t regret doing so!

What’s the best time to visit Korea in winter?

It might be more frigid than you ever thought possible, but I’d time a winter trip to Korea for mid-December to the end of January. This is when the most festivals and events take place across the country, ski resorts are at their best, and you’ll have the highest chance of seeing snow!

korea in december | myeongdong at christmas
South Korea in December 2025 | Weather + Best Festivals in Seoul and Beyond

Here’s the lowdown on what to expect in Korea in December.

christmas in seoul | starfield library
Christmas in Seoul 2025 | The 26 Best Festive Things to Do in Seoul for Christmas

Christmas in Seoul? Here’s how to celebrate!

balwangsan cable car yongpyong resort korea
The Balwangsan Cable Car and Skywalk at Yongpyong Resort | A Breathtaking View from 1458-metres up!

Simply extraordinary.

seollal | charye table set up with traditional korean foods
Seollal | 7 Cool Korean Lunar New Year Traditions to Know About

Seollal is an important traditional holiday in Korea.

Where do you want to go?

Check out even MORE places under Destinations

Best Winter Day Tours in Korea for 2025 / 2026

Winter in Korea is positively alive with sparkling lights, snowy landscapes, and wonderful things to do. Here are the tours and day trips I personally recommend for experiencing the best of winter in Seoul and beyond.

ski in korea | high1 resort

Vivaldi Park Snowy Land | December 6th – February 28th

  • the best sledding park near Seoul in Vivaldi Park Ski Resort
  • 6 totally unique sledding hills, an igloo village, snowflake tunnel, and various cold-weather activity zones

Balwangsan Cable Car + Samyang Ranch  |  December 10th – February 27th

  • the best snowy landscapes I’ve seen in Korea – located inside Yongpyong Ski Resort
  • longest cable car course in Korea at 7.4-km long
  • can also enjoy the highest elevation skywalk in the country, with spectacular views of Pyeongchang

Sanjeong Lake Sledding Festival + Strawberry Picking + Ice Wall Cafe + Herb Island Light Festival | December 26th – February 27th

  • adorable duck sleds atop a frozen lake, surrounded by piles of snow
  • huge light festival, with pink Christmas trees and a pink sand sledding hill
  • strawberries are a seasonal winter fruit in Korea, and SO delicious

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival |  January 10th – February 1st

  • ice fishing atop a crystal clear river full of fresh sancheoneo
  • fun winter activities like sledding, ice skating, and a ice sculpture area too!