The incredible autumn colour of Korea in November is all but finished, but there’s still a lot to look forward to in Korea in December. This is the first month of winter in Korea, and while it might be colder than you ever thought possible, the country is alive with festive cheer and sparkling lights.
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TITLE: 🇰🇷 Korea in December: Quick Travel Snapshot INTRO_START December is an incredibly magical time to visit South Korea! You will experience freezing winter weather, brilliant festive light festivals, and vibrant holiday energy, though you might want to reserve hotels in popular areas like Myeongdong or Hongdae early to beat the winter break rush. INTRO_END INFO1_ICON: 🥶 INFO1_LABEL: Weather: INFO1_TEXT: Freezing, brisk winds (-3°C – 4°C) INFO2_ICON: 🗓️ INFO2_LABEL: Peak Dates: INFO2_TEXT: Dec 25th & Dec 31st (Holiday Crowds) INFO3_ICON: 🎄 INFO3_LABEL: Top Highlights: INFO3_TEXT: Winter Light Shows & NYE Countdowns INFO4_ICON: 🧳 INFO4_LABEL: Packing: INFO4_TEXT: Heavy parka, thermal layers, hot packs BTN_TEXT: Compare South Korea Hotel Rates Here → BTN_URL: https://booking.tpk.ro/YVA2a3sDVisiting Korea in December
There’s a major uptick in travel to South Korea in December, with school vacations starting around the world, SE Asian visitors hoping to see snow, and the holiday season upon us. If you’ve planned your trip to Korea in the month of December, prepare for arctic weather, crowded streets and busy festivals.
This is a challenging time to book good value accommodation in popular neighbourhoods like Myeongdong and Hongdae. It’s best to reserve your hotels as early as possible, particularly if you’re traveling to Korea in the last 2 weeks of December.
Hotels and resorts are jam-packed with international tourists, as well as Korean couples and families enjoying Christmas staycations.
In Korea in December, it gets progressively colder, with sub-zero temperatures and snowfall around the country. If you’re coming from a hot country like Singapore or the beaches of Thailand, you’ll feel the chill even more. You’ll definitely need extra-warm winter gear to cope with the December weather in Korea.
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How’s the Weather in Korea in December?
December is the first month of winter in Korea, and while it may feel incredibly frigid, it’s actually the warmest month of the season. During daylight hours, average high temperatures reach just 4°C | 40°F.
The average lows are -3°C | 26°F, but it can feel significantly worse than the temperature would suggest. If it’s windy or there’s an absence of sunshine, it can feel impossibly cold.
December in Korea also has the shortest days of the year, with approximately 9.5 hours of daylight available. There’s a lot of cloud cover in December and a chance of rain, mixed rain and snow, and snowfall across the country.
Weather in Korea in December: Breakdown by Major Cities
C1_NAME: Seoul C1_LOW: -3°C (26°F) C1_HIGH: 4°C (40°F) C1_RAIN: 22 mm (0.87 in) C2_NAME: Busan C2_LOW: 1°C (34°F) C2_HIGH: 9°C (48°F) C2_RAIN: 23 mm (0.91 in) C3_NAME: Jeju Island C3_LOW: 6°C (43°F) C3_HIGH: 11°C (52°F) C3_RAIN: 45 mm (1.77 in) C4_NAME: Pyeongchang C4_LOW: -9°C (16°F) C4_HIGH: 0°C (32°F) C4_RAIN: 29 mm (1.14 in)Seoul Weather in December
The sun sets before 6 PM, Siberian winds are blowing, and it reaches a maximum high of 4°C | 40°F during daylight hours. You’ll need to be prepared with real winter gear to survive the frosty December weather in Seoul.
There’s a mix of rain and snow in Seoul in December, with most of the snowfall concentrated near the end of the month. If you’ve got your heart set on seeing snow in Korea, there’s a decent chance your dream will come true.
Snow in Seoul tends to melt almost as soon as it hits the ground though, so if you see the white, fluffy stuff floating through the sky, get outside as soon as you can.
* Personal note: I grew up in Canada – land of 6 month winters and – 30°C temps, yet I barely survived my first winter in Korea. Although the thermometer readings look relatively gentle, Korean winter is a beast I’d never experienced before. It’s REALLY cold. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Busan Weather in December
Busan is located on the southeastern coast of Korea, so it’s a bit warmer than Seoul in December, with temperatures ranging from 4°C | 39°F to 8°C | 47°F. There’s approximately 10 hours of daylight in Busan in December.
It’s impossible to have a white Christmas in Busan though, because there’s literally zero chance of snowfall!
MAX OUT BUSAN TOUR | Short on time? The incredible Max Out Busan takes you to all of the city’s best attractions on a nonstop tour, that even includes a ride on the iconic Haeundae Sky Capsule! Check full details here.
Pyeongchang Weather in December (Gangwon-do)
For the most chance of seeing snow in Korea in December, get thee to Gangwon-do Province, which lies east of Seoul. There’s a reason why most ski resorts in Korea are concentrated in this region.
Average snowfall in Pyeongchang in December is around 25-cm, with the most snowfall occurring in the last week of the month.
Pyeongchang in December has average temperatures ranging from -9°C | 15°F to 0°C | 33°F. Bundle up and be sure to have a warm hat and gloves if you plan to visit this area of Korea. While there is quite a bit of sunshine in this region, it’s on another level of cold.
WINTER HIGHLIGHTS TOUR | Seeing the Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival, snow sledding, picking sweet strawberries, and marveling at a wall of ice are 4 of Korea’s best winter activities, and you can do them ALL on this convenient one-day tour. Check full details here.
Jeju Island Weather in December
Jeju in December has very similar weather to Busan, with average temperatures ranging from 5°C | 42°F and 11°C | 52°F. As in the rest of South Korea in December, the days are short, it’s relatively dry, and there’s quite a bit of cloud cover.
You won’t see much snow on Jeju Island’s cities or beaches, but head up the slopes of Hallasan Mountain, and you’ll increase your odds greatly. Keep in mind though, that Jeju is known for having fairly fickle weather, so you should be prepared for just about anything!
TITLE: JEJU ISLAND TRANSIT AND LOGISTICS SNAPSHOT INTRO_START Public transit on Jeju Island is not nearly as efficient or fast as in Seoul. Distances are long and bus routes are slow, so planning your transportation ahead of time is critical to maximising your itinerary. INTRO_END ITEM: Car rentals are highly recommended but require an International Driving Permit (IDP) booklet. ITEM: You must present your physical IDP booklet, native driver’s licence, credit card and passport at the rental counter. ITEM: If you prefer not to drive, hiring a INLINE_LINK is your best alternative. ITEM: Private car charters with local drivers are widely available for completely custom travel routes. INLINE_LABEL: private driver INLINE_URL: https://klook.tpk.ro/ZhBV36nC BTN_TEXT: Compare Jeju Rental Car Rates Here → BTN_URL: https://klook.tpk.ro/V1zJtON5Korea in December | Public Holidays 2026
In Korea in December, there are 2 observances and 1 public holiday.
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are both observances that fall on a Thursday, and Christmas in Korea lands on a Friday in 2026.
GOOD TO KNOW | While Christmas is a national holiday in Korea, it’s not celebrated in quite the same way as in the western world. If you’re worried about stores and restaurants being closed, don’t be. Almost everything will be open and running as normal. Check out this guide to learn about Korean Christmas traditions.
Korea in December | Best Festivals and Events
After a relatively quiet November, the festival schedule is back in full force in Korea in December. Major holidays like Christmas and New Years Eve herald some of the biggest events and festivals of the year. So equip yourself with hot packs, and a long padding jacket and get out there!
Visiting Korea at another time of the year? Learn about weather and festivals for other months in Korea, in the following detailed guides.
- Korea in January: The Coldest Month of the Year
- Korea in February: The Final Month of Winter
- Korea in March: First Signs of Spring
- Korea in April: Chasing Cherry Blossoms
- Korea in May: In Full Bloom
- Korea in June: The Best Month of Summer
- Korea in July: The Peak of Summer
- Korea in August: Summer Vacation for EVERYONE!
- Korea in September: Autumn Relief
- Korea in October: Full on Fall Foliage
- Korea in November: Autumn to Winter Transition
Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival | 아침고요수목원 오색별빛정원전
NAME: Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival DESCRIPTION_START Explore a sprawling botanical garden beautifully lit up with millions of vibrant, eco-friendly LED lights dancing across the trees, tunnels, and open fields. DESCRIPTION_END DATES_LABEL: Festival Dates: DATES_TEXT: December 4, 2026 – March 14, 2027 ENG_LABEL: Address: ENG_TEXT: 432, Sumogwon-ro, Sang-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do KOR_TEXT: 경기도 가평군 상면 수목원로 432 아침고요수목원 START_DATE: 2026-12-04 END_DATE: 2027-03-14There are a ton of lighting festivals for the holiday season, but the Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival is probably the best. It has an awe-inspiring display of glimmering lights and festive cheer.
You’ll be totally wowed by the sight of tens of thousands of twinkling bulbs brightening the night sky, as far as the eye can see. I loved it so much, I’ve gone twice!
Read my full guide to visiting the Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival for all the details.
ALPACA WORLD + THE GARDEN OF MORNING CALM LIGHTING FESTIVAL | Pet fluffy alpacas, stop in on Nami Island’s winter sonata, and see the Garden of Morning Calm’s stunning Starlight Festival on this day tour of winter hotspots. Check full details and availability here.
Seoul Lantern Festival | 서울빛초롱축제
NAME: Seoul Lantern Festival DESCRIPTION_START Stroll past hundreds of glowing, large-scale paper lanterns and interactive LED art sculptures layered right along the historic central city stream. DESCRIPTION_END DATES_LABEL: Festival Dates: DATES_TEXT: December 11, 2026 – January 3, 2027 ENG_LABEL: Address: ENG_TEXT: Cheonggye Plaza and Cheonggyecheon Stream, 148, Seorin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul KOR_TEXT: 서울특별시 종로구 서린동 148 청계광장 및 청계천 일대 START_DATE: 2026-12-11 END_DATE: 2027-01-03Taking place in the second half of December in South Korea, the Seoul Lantern Festival is one of the biggest and most popular festivals to attend in the city, around the holiday season.
Gorgeous large-scale paper lanterns and colourful LED sculptures bring Cheonggye Plaza and Cheonggyecheon Stream wonderfully to life every winter. Nearly 3 million visitors attend the Seoul Lantern Festival, so prepare for crowds. This is a free event.
Seoul Winter Festival | 서울윈터페스타
NAME: Seoul Winter Festival DESCRIPTION_START Catch an expansive, mega-scale city celebration that links together massive media facades, holiday night markets, and outdoor skating rinks across the capital. DESCRIPTION_END DATES_LABEL: Festival Dates: DATES_TEXT: December 11, 2026 – January 3, 2027 ENG_LABEL: Address: ENG_TEXT: Various primary hubs including Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul Plaza, and DDP KOR_TEXT: 서울특별시 종로구 세종대로 172 (광화문광장), 서울광장, DDP 등 서울 전역 START_DATE: 2026-12-11 END_DATE: 2027-01-03This is a huge festival that ran for the first time a few Decembers ago in Korea. It is large scale, taking place at 7 main attractions in Seoul during the peak of winter.
There are some huge events planned that will light up the city during the festive season, including the large-scale Seoul Light at Gwanghwamun Square and several light festivals. Keep your eyes peeled for more details.
Haeundae Light Festival | 해운대 빛축제
NAME: Haeundae Light Festival DESCRIPTION_START Gaze at ocean-themed waves of starlight and brilliant glowing trees stretching directly along the edge of Busan’s most iconic winter beach. DESCRIPTION_END DATES_LABEL: Festival Dates: DATES_TEXT: November 27, 2026 – January 17, 2027 ENG_LABEL: Address: ENG_TEXT: Gunam-ro Haeundae Square and Haeundae Beach, 280, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan KOR_TEXT: 부산광역시 해운대구 해운대해변로 280 (중동) 해운대해수욕장 및 구남로 광장 START_DATE: 2026-11-27 END_DATE: 2027-01-17The Haeundae Light Festival is back this December in Korea. Enjoy the festive streets of Busan with LED light displays, free concerts, street performances and more brightly lit Christmas trees in one place than you can possibly imagine.
This unique lighting festival adorns the road from the beach, up to Haeundae Market and Hot Spring Road in a long line of sparking lights. Special activities include a Carolling Competition, 100 Santa Ceremony, and Wishing Tree Festival.
GYEONGJU DAY TOUR FROM BUSAN | This UNESCO museum city without walls is one of the most worthwhile day trips you can make from Busan. Explore ancient royal tombs, gorgeous temples, and enjoy one of the best historical places in Korea. Check full details here.
Seoullight at DDP | 서울라이트
NAME: Seoullight at DDP DESCRIPTION_START Watch the futuristic silver curves of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza turn into a giant digital canvas for immersive, high-definition architectural projection mapping. DESCRIPTION_END DATES_LABEL: Festival Dates: DATES_TEXT: December 17 – December 31, 2026 ENG_LABEL: Address: ENG_TEXT: Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), 281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul KOR_TEXT: 서울특별시 중구 을지로 281 동대문디자인플라자 (DDP) START_DATE: 2026-12-17 END_DATE: 2026-12-31Seoul Light is a large-scale media light event that takes place multiple times a year at at Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
This December in Korea, they’ve added showing, and the event runs from 18:00 – 22:00, every the half hour. There’s also a special NYE Countdown and event scheduled for December 31st at 23:55.
I’ve personally seen Seoul Light on a few different occasions, and been in total awe at the scale. It’s worth checking out.
NYE COUNTDOWN & FIREWORKS AT DDP + 1ST SUNRISE OF 2027 | Enjoy Seoul fireworks and a party at DDP, then be transported to either Jeongdongjin Beach or Naksansa Temple to make wishes on the the first sunrise of 2026! Check full details here.
Hangang River Festival Winter | 한강페스티벌 겨울
NAME: Hangang River Festival Winter DESCRIPTION_START Bundle up for riverfront holiday fun featuring beautiful twilight photo zones, localized music performances, and specialized winter sledding setups. DESCRIPTION_END DATES_LABEL: Festival Dates: DATES_TEXT: December 18 – December 31, 2026 ENG_LABEL: Address: ENG_TEXT: Ttukseom Hangang Park, 1302, Gangbyeonbuk-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul KOR_TEXT: 서울특별시 광진구 강변북로 1302 뚝섬한강공원 및 주요 한강공원 일대 START_DATE: 2026-12-18 END_DATE: 2026-12-31Head to the Hangang River Festival for its winter instalment, which takes place near the end of December in Korea. Expect a Christmas Market, light sculptures, cute photo zones, special holiday performances, and an exciting Snow Sledding area.
Sanjeong Lake Sledding Festival | 포천 산정호수 썰매축제
NAME: Sanjeong Lake Sledding Festival DESCRIPTION_START Ride quirky duck-shaped sleds and push penguin ice-bicycles directly across the deep, thick frozen waters of a mountain-ringed lake in Pocheon. DESCRIPTION_END DATES_LABEL: Festival Dates: DATES_TEXT: December 25, 2026 – February 7, 2027 ENG_LABEL: Address: ENG_TEXT: 104, Sanjeongho Lake-ro 411beon-gil, Yeongbuk-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do KOR_TEXT: 경기도 포천시 영북면 산정호수로411번길 104 산정호수 일원 START_DATE: 2026-12-25 END_DATE: 2027-02-07With super-cute ducky sleds, penguin bicycles, and enough snow to build a massive snowman, this is one of the best festivals to check out if your priority is to experience a snowy landscape.
Be sure to gear up with parka, snow pants, warm gloves, hats, and boots to fully enjoy your time in Pocheon, without feeling too cold.
Before you go, check out my full guide to visiting the Sanjeong Lake Sledding Festival.
ULTIMATE WINTER DAY IN POCHEON | Want to feel some real snowy, winter in Korea vibes? Then Pocheon is the place to go! This excellent day tour takes you to the top of frozen Sanjeong Lake AND the Herb Island Lighting Festival, with some strawberry picking on the way. Check full details here.
Boseong Tea Plantation Light Festival | 보성차밭 빛축제
NAME: Boseong Tea Plantation Light Festival DESCRIPTION_START Take in a rural sea of light down south as rolling, terraced green tea hillsides are transformed with thousands of glowing, colorful holiday bulbs. DESCRIPTION_END DATES_LABEL: Festival Dates: DATES_TEXT: December 11, 2026 – January 3, 2027 ENG_LABEL: Address: ENG_TEXT: Korea Tea Culture Park, 775, Nokcha-ro, Boseong-eup, Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do KOR_TEXT: 전라남도 보성군 보성읍 녹차로 775 한국차문화공원 일원 START_DATE: 2026-12-11 END_DATE: 2027-01-03Located in Jeollanam-do Province, the Boseong Green Tea Plantation is wonderful to see in every season, but during December in Korea, the entire plantation gets a festive facelift with twinkling lights adorning its symmetrical bushes.
If you plan to go, dress extra warm. There are few indoor areas to warm up at Boseong, and I can’t remember the last time I felt so cold. Hot packs and warm boots are a must!
Korea in December | Christmas Displays
Festival Dates: varies, but typically start November 1st and ends by December 31st
The holiday season in Korea probably won’t be like what you’re used to at home, but there’s still plenty of sparkle to enjoy during December in Seoul.
Huge light displays and exhibitions take over malls, sparkling lights fill the streets, and theme parks go all out with festive decorations.
These holiday events typically start in early November, and run right through to the end of the year. I’ve covered all the options I could find in my Christmas in Seoul guide, so make sure to check that out, if you’re visiting Korea in December.
Korea in December | Sunrise Festivals
Festival Dates: December 31st, 2026 – January 1st, 2027
Every year, from December 31st to January 1st, thousands of people are lined up on a coast or standing on high mountains in the bitter cold, making wishes and waiting for the sun to rise.
Welcoming the new year by watching the first sunrise of a new year is one of the most popular things to do on the last day of December in Korea. Join the locals who believe that wishes made while witnessing the first sunrise of the year, are most powerful!
I’ll rundown a few of the most popular sunrise festivals in Korea here, but there are a ton more.
Achasan Sunrise Festival | 아차산 해맞이
LABEL: Address: ENG_TEXT: Achasan Mountain Sunrise Observatory, 3-2, Gwangjang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul KOR_TEXT: 서울특별시 광진구 광장동 3-2 아차산 해맞이광장The Achasan Sunrise Festival is a good one to visit if you don’t want to travel too far out of Seoul. It’s easy to access using public transportation, and it takes just 15 minutes to hike up to the viewing spot.
Be warned though – this is one of the more popular places to visit for New Year’s Eve in Korea, due to its proximity to Seoul. 40,000 visitors regularly attend this event at the end of December in South Korea. Expect crowds.
KOREAN FOLK PERFORMANCES AT THE GUGAK CENTRE | Seeing a performance at the National Gugak Centre in Seoul is a must-do activity for any culture enthusiasts interested in Korean traditional folk arts. Be sure to visit the excellent free museum nearby to try out some traditional instruments yourself! Check availability and reserve tickets for a traditional performance at the National Gugak Centre.
Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival | 정동진 해맞이 축제 모래시계회전식
LABEL: Address: ENG_TEXT: Jeongdongjin Beach, 952-18, Jeongdongjin-ri, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do KOR_TEXT: 강원도 강릉시 강동면 정동진리 952-18 정동진해변Jeongdongjin is mostly known for that crazy cruise ship on a cliff (Sun Cruise Resort), but on New Year’s Eve, the bigger draw is Sandglass Park.
This sandglass is so huge that it takes from the first day of January to the last day of December in Korea for the sand to trickle completely through it. Weighing a whopping 40-tons, it’s turned over precisely at midnight on New Year’s Eve (December 31st).
SEOUL LIGHT COUNTDOWN AT DDP + JEONGDONGJIN BEACH (or Naksansa Temple) SUNRISE TOUR | Countdown to 2026 in Seoul at the stunning Dongdaemun Design Plaza with a media art show and fireworks, then head to Jeongdongjin Beach to make wishes on the first sunrise of the year. Check full details here.
Homigot Sunrise Festival | 호미곶 한민족 해맞이축전
LABEL: Address: ENG_TEXT: Homigot Sunrise Square, 20, Haemaji-ro 150beon-gil, Homigot-myeon, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do KOR_TEXT: 경상북도 포항시 남구 호미곶면 해맞이로150번길 20 호미곶 해맞이광장If you’ve ever wondered where the striking images of a sunrise peeking over hand sculptures in the ocean are from – it’s Homigot Village in Pohang.
At the Homigot Sunrise Festival, enjoy cultural performances, a fireworks show, sunrise concert and other inspirational events like kite-flying and launching hope balloons filled with wishes for the new year.
Be sure to sample some free tteokguk – which is a traditional New Year’s Day dish for Koreans.
SPENDING NYE IN BUSAN? | Countdown at Yongdusan Park, watch fireworks, explore Gamcheon Village in the midnight hours, then head to Homigot Village for the iconic first sunrise of the 2025. Check full details here.
Seongsan Sunrise Festival | 제주성산일출축제
LABEL: Address: ENG_TEXT: Seongsan Ilchubong Seongsan Sunrise Peak, 1, Ilchul-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do KOR_TEXT: 제주특별자치도 서귀포시 성산읍 일출로 1 성산일출봉I can’t quite think of a better place to see the first sunrise of the year in Korea than Seongsan Ilchubong (Sunrise Peak) on Jeju Island. This is one of Jeju’s gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage sites, renowned for a gorgeous sunrise that peaks over an ancient volcanic tuff cone.
This festival was held online last December in Korea, but live events appear to be on the agenda again this year. Check for updates on their website (Korean only).
Ganjeolgot Sunrise Festival | 울산 간절곶 해맞이축제
LABEL: Address: ENG_TEXT: Ganjeolgot Cape Park, 189, Ganjeolgothaean-gil, Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan KOR_TEXT: 울산광역시 울주군 서생면 간절곶해안길 189 간절곶 공원 일원Ganjeolgot Cape in Ulsan is the first place to see the sunrise in Korea, because it sticks out into the ocean. This festival includes special performances, fireworks displays, traditional bowls of tteokguk, and much more. Join a tour here.
GYEONGJU UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES | See stunning Gyeongju UNESCO world heritage sites like Seokguram and Bulguksa Temple on an easy and convenient day trip from Busan. Check availability and full tour details here.
Yeosu Hyangiram Sunrise Festival | 여수향일암일출제
LABEL: Address: ENG_TEXT: Impo Village and Hyangiram Hermitage, 60, Hyangiram-ro, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do KOR_TEXT: 전라남도 여수시 돌산읍 향일암로 60 향일암 및 임포마을 일원Hyangiram Hermitage in Yeosu is one of my favourite places to visit during autumn in Korea, but it’s probably just as worthy for New Year’s Eve.
Hyangiram actually means “hermitage facing the sun,” and its annual Sunrise Festival celebrates that fact. This is an awe-inspiring place to take in the first sunrise of a new year, as it peeks over the horizon and lights up the sea.
Wonderful Winter Tours in Korea
Sure, December in Korea might feel downright frosty, but there’s still plenty of fun things to do to help you forget the cold. Some winter tours can be difficult to get to using public transit, so definitely compare prices and value, if there’s a snowy place you really want to visit.
Korea in December | What to Wear
Well, I’m not going to sugarcoat it. The Korea weather in December is crazy cold, with temperatures slightly milder at the beginning of the month.
You might be able to get away with layers of clothing and a thinner jacket if you’re someone that’s usually hot for the first few weeks. However, by the end of the month, I don’t know many people who aren’t freezing cold from the gale-force winds and icy temperatures.
Most Koreans wear “long padding,” jackets and heattech inner wear to deal with the December weather in Korea.
It’ll feel a lot colder once the sun goes down. Hats, scarves, and mittens are recommended to avoid turning into an icicle. Fortunately, it’s easy and affordable to pick up what you need on the fly. This type of gear is literally everywhere.
There’s a good chance it’ll snow at least once in Seoul before the end of December. If the snow sticks around, it’s useful to wear some type of waterproof winter boots, with good tread. The streets can get pretty slippery.
I wear waterproof sneakers around Seoul, almost year-round. It’s enough for me. If I plan to be outside for a long period of time, or if the snowfall sticks around, I wear waterproof Uggs to keep my toes toasty.
*Personal note: it’s been unseasonably warm so far this year. I’m writing this on November 23rd and it’s still reaching highs of 15°C. If you tolerate cooler climates well, it’s warm enough to be out in a hoodie, jeans, and light jacket during daylight hours. No promises for December in Korea though. The weather changes fast here.
What to Pack for Korea in December (and What to Buy When You Get There)
Here is a rough guideline of items to pack for the Korea weather in December. Knowing what to bring from home and what to pick up at local shops makes packing much easier.
TITLE: 🎒 PACKING & TRAVEL BLUEPRINT FOR DECEMBER COL1_TITLE: Bring from Home COL2_TITLE: Buy in Korea PACK_ITEM: Travel Documents: Passport, itineraries, hotel reservations, plane tickets, travel visas, insurance PACK_ITEM: Adaptor / plug PACK_ITEM: Long sleeved shirts, sweaters, hoodies, cardigans PACK_ITEM: Warm pants, leggings, thick tights PACK_ITEM: Winter skirts or dresses PACK_ITEM: Sunglasses PACK_ITEM: Deodorant, feminine hygiene items PACK_ITEM: Comfortable running shoes for lots of walking (water resistant shoes are good at this time of year) PACK_ITEM: Warm winter boots if you plan to be outside a lot PACK_ITEM: Winter gear like a down jacket, scarf, mittens, gloves, and hat, snowpants if you plan to ski or snowboard PACK_ITEM: Any special medications you might need BUY_ITEM: Umbrella if it rains BUY_ITEM: Hot packs (at the convenience store or DAISO) BUY_ITEM: Gloves, scarves, and winter hats are cheap and easy to buy everywhere BUY_ITEM: HEATTECH inner layers for warmth (Uniqlo) BUY_ITEM: Disposable air pollution / medical masks BUY_ITEM: Batteries / charging cables (super cheap at Daiso) BUY_ITEM: Skincare products like sunscreen (high quality and cheap in Korea!) BUY_ITEM: Eyeglass updates or contact lenses (with a free walk-in eye test) BUY_ITEM: Over-the-counter birth control (no prescription needed at local pharmacies) BTN_TEXT: Grab Your Winter Korea Transit & Experience Passes Here → BTN_URL: https://creatrip.comTips for What to Wear in Korea in December
1. It’s a bit warmer at the beginning of December in Korea than at the end, so prepare accordingly. If you’re visiting in the last few weeks of December, expect it to be a lot colder with high winds and freezing temperatures. Hot packs are your friends.
2. It feels very dry in Korea in December, with ondol heating and strong winds. You’ll definitely need chapstick, hand cream and sunscreen.
3. Moving between indoor and outdoor environments in Korea in December can be challenging. It’s very warm inside malls, stores, and subways, and very cold outside. Be prepared for big changes in temperature, and take your vitamins to keep your immune system strong.
Korea in December FAQs
LABEL: ❄️ PEOPLE ALSO ASK FAQ_START Q: Is December a good time to visit South Korea? A: It really is, as long as you pack the right gear. The winter weather gets incredibly cold, but the entire country comes alive with gorgeous holiday displays, festive night light shows, and winter sports like sledding and ice fishing. FAQ_END FAQ_START Q: Does it snow in Seoul in December? A: You have a decent chance of seeing snow in Seoul toward the end of December, but it tends to melt quickly once it hits the city streets. If you want guaranteed deep powder and winter wonderland vibes, you should take a day trip out to the ski resorts in Gangwon-do Province. FAQ_END FAQ_START Q: How cold does it get in Korea in December? A: It gets progressively colder as the month goes on, with average daytime highs around 4°C (40°F) and night temperatures dropping below freezing to -3°C (26°F). The Siberian winds can make it feel much colder, so thick layers are a must. FAQ_END FAQ_START Q: What is there to do in Korea in December? A: You can catch incredible ice fishing, ice fountain, and lighting festivals all over the country. It’s also the perfect time for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, sledding, or ice skating on outdoor rinks. FAQ_END FAQ_START Q: Are shops and restaurants closed in Korea on Christmas Day? A: Not at all. While Christmas is an official public holiday in South Korea, it’s treated more like a festive couples’ holiday. Almost all restaurants, shopping malls, markets, and major attractions stay wide open and running on normal schedules. FAQ_END FAQ_START Q: What should I wear during winter in South Korea? A: Most locals rely on a long down coat, often called “long padding,” along with thermal base layers like Heattech. Make sure to pack thick wool socks, a warm beanie, gloves, and sturdy shoes with good tread for slippery sidewalks. FAQ_END HEADING: 🎄 SPENDING CHRISTMAS IN SEOUL TEASER_START If you think the early winter light festivals are stunning, wait until you see how the city transforms for the holidays. From giant glowing trees to spectacular department store media facades, the holiday spirit completely takes over the streets of Seoul. TEASER_END BTN_TEXT: THE 26 BEST FESTIVE THINGS TO DO IN SEOUL FOR CHRISTMAS → BTN_URL: https://travel-stained.com/christmas-in-seoul-what-to-do/I originally researched, wrote & published this guide on November 26, 2022. I review & update my content for accuracy regularly. Watch out for copycats.This post was last updated on September 3, 2026. Copyright © 2022–2026 Travel-Stained. All rights reserved.
