How to Survive Winter in Korea + 33 Incredible Winter Activities and Things to Do in Seoul and Beyond

Winter in Korea is amazing, but challenging. Gale force Siberian winds and sub-zero temperatures make it tempting to sit inside, binge-watch Netflix and drink coffee all day long. At least that’s what I want to do most winter days in Seoul.

Winter in Korea is especially stunning at Gyeongbokgung Palace.

You definitely shouldn’t hibernate till the cherry blossoms bloom though, (no matter how tempting it is). There’s plenty of snowy weather activities and interesting places to visit in Korea during winter.

So, throw on your long padding coat, equip yourself with hot packs, and venture forth bravely into the frostiest of Korea’s seasons.

Gear up and explore Korea’s wonderful winter landscapes.

What is winter in Korea really like?

In Korea’s winter months of December, January, and February, the colourful vistas and cobalt skies of autumn transform into snowy landscapes, barren trees, and freezing temperatures. Ski resorts open across the country, festivals light up the night sky, and juicy strawberries are in season.

Winter in Korea lasts for about 3 months © Lee Hong-sang, Korea Tourism Organization

From mid-December onwards, it gets REALLY cold, at exactly the same time that masses of visitors descend upon Korea for Christmas vacations. If you’re planning to travel at this time, it’s important to book hotels and other accommodation in Seoul as early as possible.

Unique activities like riding the Tornado sled at Snowy Land sledding park, ice fishing at one of Gangwon-do’s snow festivals, or taking in the gorgeous sparkling lights at the Garden of Morning Calm, only take place during winter in Korea, so be sure to check those out.

Gangwon-do has a number of ice and snow festivals during winter in Korea.

READ NEXT: The 7 Best Areas to Stay in Seoul + Hotel Recommendations (from a 14 Year Expat)

When is winter in Korea?

Winter in South Korea spans the months of December, January, and February, lasting for approximately 3 months. Typically, we expect cold weather from about late November to the end of February.

Skiing and snowboarding are popular winter sports in Korea ⓒ Korea Tourism Organization

All of Korea experiences the deep-freeze of winter, but Gangwon-do Province in the northeast corner is typically the coldest part of the country. This is where you’ll find the most snowfall, the best ski resorts, and the typical wintry scenes you’re dreaming of.

Not surprisingly, as you head further south, winter in Korea gets shorter and ever so slightly warmer.

Count on snow at the top of Hallasan on Jeju Island © kangbch (Pixabay)

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What to wear for winter in Korea?

I can’t reiterate this enough. The winter months in Korea are freezing cold. If you live in a hot climate like Singapore or Thailand, you will feel like an icicle twice frozen. Guaranteed.

Gangwon-do Province usually gets the most snowfall during winter in Korea.

While the temperatures aren’t actually that low, it can feel significantly colder with strong, icy winds and humidity.

If you’re not used to cold temperatures, it’s best to be extra prepared with super warm clothes, thermals to layer underneath, thick socks, a hat, scarf, and gloves. There’s a rush on Uniqlo heattech products during winter in Korea for good reason.

Korean Winter | December’s Weather

December is the first and warmest month of winter in Korea, with average temperatures ranging from -3°C | 26°F to 4°C | 40°F.

The Lantern Festival is one of December’s biggest events © Live Studio, Korea Tourism Organization

The first few weeks of the month can feel reasonably comfortable during daylight hours, but you’ll need to reach for warm winter clothing the moment the sun goes down. The nights feel significantly colder than the thermometer reading would suggest.

The first snow of Korean winter usually happens this month, but doesn’t tend to stick around long – particularly in Seoul.

READ NEXT: Visiting Korea in December: Weather, What to Wear + Best Festivals

Korean Winter | January’s Weather

January is the coldest month of winter in Korea, with average temperatures ranging from 1.5°C | 35°F to -6°C | 21°F. Nightfall comes to Korea early in January, with the latest sunset occurring around 6:00PM.

That time I was snowed in unexpectedly in Gangwon-do – yeah, that’s my stranded car in the distance.

If you’re planning a winter wonderland trip, hoping to see blankets of snow – this is the month to do it! Historically, January is the month with the most snowfall in Korea, with 7 snowfall days over the course of the month, accumulating about 11-cm of snow.

READ NEXT: Visiting Korea in January: Weather, What to Wear + Best Festivals

Korean Winter | February’s Weather

February is the last month of Korean winter. It gets ever so slightly warmer with temperatures falling in the -3°C | 26°F to 5°C | 41°F range. There isn’t as much snowfall in February, but still enough for a quality day of skiing at resorts like Yongpyong and Alpensia.

Yongpyong and Alpensia Ski Resorts typically stay open into early March.

The days get a bit longer in February, with the sun setting around 6:30PM. The balmy temperatures and pretty flowers of Korea’s spring season are finally within sight.

READ NEXT: Visiting Korea in February: Weather, What to Wear + Best Festivals

Does it snow in South Korea?

It snows all over Korea in winter, but more in certain regions. If you’ve got your heart set on experiencing snow, head northeast to Gangwon-do Province for the best chances of catching it. Plan your trip for late December or January to increase your chances of seeing snow in Korea.

Gangwon-do is the snowiest region in Korea.

If you’re staying in Seoul, your timing will have to be absolutely perfect to catch snow. Because snowfall is actually a pretty rare occurrence in the capital region.

If you’re lucky, and happen to be here when it DOES snow, get outside as fast as possible to enjoy it. Because it melts just about as fast as it appears.

Snowy scenes like this are few and far between in Seoul.

READ NEXT: The Balwangsan Cable Car is one of the Snowiest Places in Korea (and it’s gorgeous too!)

Where to see snow in Korea

You’re guaranteed to see snow at any of the ski resorts around Korea. And even if you don’t ski, many of them have wintry activities, like sledding to participate in.

Sledding is a popular activity for families in Korea during winter.

Another popular destination for seeing snow near Seoul, is Nami Island. They even have a snowman festival every winter in Korea, that you can check out!

It takes a long time to get to Nami Island by public transportation, so it’s worth looking into all-inclusive tours from Seoul to make it more convenient. I don’t know about you, but standing outside in the freezing cold, waiting for public transport isn’t really my idea of fun.

You can get all Winter Sonata on Nami Island © .angels. (CC BY-ND 2.0)

3 Top Winter Tours in Korea

I’ve gone to all of these winter festivals in Korea, and recommend them whole-heartedly. Most are quite challenging to get to using public transit, due to their rural locations, so it’s easiest to visit on a day tour. Make sure to dress extra-warm for any of these events. Winter in Korea is fun, but also beyond freezing.

Sledding at Snowy Land is SO much fun!

Best Winter Festivals in South Korea

There’s no doubt Korea loves its festivals and during winter, there’s a huge variety to choose from. From festive light events to ice fishing and snow festivals, the cold, snowy season brings unique festivals that are only possible during winter in Korea.

There are so many fun festivals (like the Sanjeong Lake Sledding Festival) to go to during winter in Korea,

Attending one of these outdoor events is undoubtedly one of the most popular things to do during winter in Korea, for residents and travellers alike.

I’ve highlighted some of the best winter festivals in Korea here, but for an extensive list, be sure to check out my monthly guides.

Miracle Winter at Lotte World Adventure | 롯데월드

Festival Dates: November 23rd – December 31st, 2024

Address: 240, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 240

Lotte World Adventure is a popular theme park in the middle of Seoul. With both indoor and outdoor spaces, it’s the perfect place to visit during winter in Korea with kids, if you need somewhere to escape the cold.

Miracle Winter at Lotte World promises to be full of sparkle.

You can enjoy a special Christmas parade and performance, white winter village, special photo zones, and a ton of thrilling rides and attractions.

37th Haeundae Polar Bear Swimming Festival | 북극곰 수영대회

Festival dates: December 4th – 6th, 2024

Address: 47, Dalmaji-gil 62beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan

If you’re just a little bit crazy, you can become one of 5,000 Busan Polar Bears, by diving into the icy cold waters off Haeundae Beach, during the 36th Polar Bear Swim.

You can become a crazy polar bear too! © Busan Metropolitan city (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Considered one of the best festivals to participate in for winter in Korea, it costs 30,000KRW, and it looks like you get some really cute souvenirs out of it.

Registration is open from October 30th to November 22nd. Get more details here.

The Garden of Morning Calm | 아침고요수목원 오색별빛정원전

FESTIVAL DATES: December 6th, 2024 – March 13th, 2025

Address: 432, Sumogwon-ro, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 가평군 상면 수목원로 432

The Garden of Morning Calm is one of the best places to see a lighting festival during winter in Korea. It’s the biggest one in the whole country! Prepare to be wowed by the sight of tens of thousands of glowing lights in every possible colour covering acres and acres of land.

Be sure to bundle up for the Garden of Morning Calm. It’s cold!

During winter in Korea, the Garden of Morning Calm has extended evening hours, so visitors can enjoy the spectacle after dark. The lights come on at sunset, and the Garden stays open until 9PM on weekdays, and 11PM on Saturdays.

Seoul Winter Festival | 서울윈터페스타

Festival Dates: December 13th, 2024 – January 5th, 2025

Address: Various locations including DDP, Sejongdaero, Gwanghwamun Square, Cheonggyecheon, Seoul Square and more

This was a brand new festival that ran for the first time last winter in Seoul. Taking place at 6 main attractions across the city, this year’s Winter festival promises to be huge.

All the pretty lights at Cheonggyecheon Stream for WINTA festival.

There are some incredible events planned that will light up the city during the festive season, including a several media art and light festivals.

READ NEXT: The 26 Best Lights & Festivals to See during Christmas in Seoul

Seoul Lantern Festival | 서울빛초롱축제

Festival dates: December 13th, 2024 – January 12th, 2025

Address: 148 Seorin-dong, Jongno District, Seoul | 서울시 종로구 서린동 148

The annual Seoul Lantern Festival will light up Cheonggye Plaza and Cheonggyecheon Stream, with gorgeous LED light installations, traditional hanji paper lanterns, and fun photo zones.

Cheonggye Plaza is one of the starting points for the Seoul Lantern Festival.

This is definitely a can’t miss event if you’re visiting South Korea in winter. Best of all, it’s free!

Haeundae Light Festival | 해운대 빛축제

Festival dates: December 14th, 2024 – February 2nd, 2025

Address: Haeundae Beach, U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan |해운대해수욕장, 해운대광장, 해운대시장, 온천길 일원

While Haeundae Beach in Busan is known more for sand, sun, and surf, it gets a brilliant makeover every winter in Korea.

Lights, lights, lights! ⓒ Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization

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.

Sanjeongho Lake Sledding Festival | 포천 산정호수 썰매축제

FESTIVAL DATES: December 30th, 2024 – February 9th, 2025 (TBC)

Address: 104, Sanjeongho Lake-ro 411beon-gil, Yeongbuk-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 포천시 영북면 산정호수로411번길 104 

I have to say that the Sanjeong Lake Sledding Festival is probably one of my all-time favourite winter festivals in Korea. We easily spent hours and hours on top of that frozen lake, with breaks for fresh odeng and hot chocolate to warm up.

The cutest festival happening during winter in Korea.

With super-cute ducky sleds, penguin bicycles, a nearby amusement park, and enough snow to build a massive snowman, this is the perfect festival for families looking for a wonderful winter day out.

Be sure to gear up with parka, snow pants, warm gloves, hats, and boots to fully enjoy your time, without feeling too cold. Check out my full guide to visiting the Sanjeong Lake Sledding Festival for all the details.

Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival | 칠갑산얼음분수축제

Festival dates: January 1st  – February 18th, 2025 (TBC)

Address: 175-11, Cheonjangho-gil, Cheongyang-gun, Chungcheongnam-do | 충청남도 청양군 정산면 천장호길 175-11

Every winter in Korea, Alps Village near Cheongyang holds an ice fountain festival with fantastical sculptures made out of ice. Aside from the huge ice sculptures, there’s also snow sledding, ice fishing, bobsleigh, ice sledding, a zip line, and more.

You can channel your inner Elsa at the Alps Village Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival

For ideal conditions, I recommend visiting when it’s really cold out, so that all the ice and snow sculptures are completely intact. Bundle up!

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival | 얼음나라 화천산천어축제

Festival dates: January 11th – February 2nd, 2025

Address: 137, Sancheoneo-gil, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do | 강원도 화천군 화천읍 산천어길 137

Each year, Hwacheon is the first place to freeze over in Korea in winter, with Hwacheon Stream becoming a thick sheet of ice perfect for fishing, skating, hockey, bobsledding and much more. If you’re brave enough, you can even try bare-handed fishing.

The Hwacheon Ice Fishing Festival is so fun! © Korea Tourism Organization

The prime catch at the  Hwacheon Ice Festival is the Sancheoneo fish. Full of vitamins, amino and fatty acids, it only survives in super clean, super cold water.

Daegwallyeong Snow Festival | 대관령 눈꽃축제

Festival dates: January 24th – February 2nd, 2025

Address:135-5, Daegwallyeong-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do | 강원도 평창군 대관령면 대관령로 135-5 강원도 평창군 대관령면 대관령로 135-5

With rolling hills 700-m above sea level, the Daegwallyeong is known as the “Asian Alps.” The popular Daegwallyeong Snowflake Festival is in its 28th year and features a winter wonderland of snowflakes and ice.

Snow sculptures at the Daegwallyeong Snowflake Festival © Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization

Check their website for more details (Korean only).

READ NEXT: 5 Unique Things to do at Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch

Places in Korea for Winter Vibes

The following places don’t really have a specific festival, but they’re still wonderful to visit for a great winter feeling.

Festive winter vibes at Yongpyong Resort in Pyeongchang.

Edelweiss Swiss Village | 에델바이스 테마파크

Address: 226-57 Darakjae-ro, Seorak-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 가평군 설악면 이천리 304

There isn’t an actual festival at Edelweiss Swiss Village, but it’s definitely an excellent place to feel some winter in Korea vibes. Nestled in the gorgeous mountains of Gapyeong, you can hear yodelling, eat Swiss fondue, and roast marshmallows over an open fire!

This yodeling performance is a definite highlight!

The yodeling performance starts at 2, and includes cowbells, singing and more. Don’t miss it!

Sangso-dong Forest Park | 상소동 산림욕장

Address: San 1-1, Sangso-dong, Dong-gu, Daejeon | 대전 동구 상소동 산 1-1

Sangso-dong Forest Park is another place to visit in cold weather, that doesn’t have exact festival dates. Come December however, this totally FREE park in Daejeon transforms into an icy wonderland, with amazing ice towers, and snowy landscapes.

Trust me – this place is an Instagram dream come true.

An incredible wall of ice at Sangso-dong Forest Park in Daejeon.

Aside from the fantastic ice sculptures, there are unique stone pagodas throughout Sangso-dong Forest Park that are incredibly photogenic. Add a stone and make a wish!

READ NEXT: Jangtaesan Recreational Forest in Daejeon is a Spectacular Metasequoia Dream

Winter in Korea | Activities & Sports

Don’t turn into a couch potato watching Pyeongchang Winter Olympics re-runs when there’s tons of sporting options you can get involved in yourself. Winter in Korea is the perfect time to try something new!

Skiing is one of the most popular winter sports in Korea.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Many people don’t realize that Korea is absolutely covered in mountains. Once snow blankets the ground in Gangwon-do Province, snowboarding and skiing become super popular activities during winter in Korea.

Skiing is one of Korea’s best winter activities © Lee Beomsu, Korea Tourism Organization

The best thing is that many of these ski resorts are accessible from Seoul, so it’s easy to visit on a day or overnight trip.

If you don’t know how to ski, not to worry. You can sign up for lessons easily at any of the ski resorts in Korea. You can also rent equipment and any gear you need at the same time.

Yongpyong is one of the best ski resorts in Korea.

My daughter first learned to ski at Yongpyong Resort, and steadily progressed in skill and confidence over the years. All her instruction has been in english, all gear was rented, and she’s absolutely adored all her teachers.

Ski Resorts in Korea

If you want to ski during winter in Korea, there are quite a few different ski resorts around the country to choose from. It’s best to book an all-inclusive package that includes transport, accommodation, lift passes, gear and clothing rental, and even lessons!

There’s a perfect ski resort for your level in Korea.

These are the resorts I recommend for each level, but you can check out full details in my complete ski resort guide.

READ NEXT: How to go Sledding at Vivaldi Park Snowy Land | Complete Guide

Hahahoho Olympic Park Sled Park | 하하호호 올림픽 눈썰매장

Address: 424 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 424

Winter in Seoul means flying down hills of snow at top speed. Fortunately, there are a lot of very affordable places to go sledding.

The Hahahoho Sled Park at Olympic Park in Jamsil is a new one, and it’s completely free. Aside from snow sledding, you can also enjoy ice sculptures, a games zone, food carts, and snow play.

On December 31st, this plaza at Olympic Park will be full of snow.

It’s open from December 31st, 2024 until January 24th, 2025, from 10:00 to 17:00. It’s limited to 500 participants at a time.

SIDE NOTE: Another alternative is the Hangang Sledding Hills. While not free, they are very cheap, with other activities like ice fishing, bumper cars, and dalgona making available too. Head to any of Ttukseom, Jamwon, or Yeouido Hangang Parks for a day of winter fun in Seoul. They’re open until February 16th, 2025

Ice climbing

There are a plethora of options for sledding, snowboarding and skiing in the country, but how about trying ice climbing for something new. With its mountainous terrain, Korea has climbs for all levels where you can try this challenging sport.

Korea has lots of places to ice climb in winter ⓒ Jeong In-jeong, Korea Tourism Organization

Sanirang offers beginner ice climbing courses for individuals who have never climbed before. It’s pricey, but it might start you on a lifetime of adventure, scaling heights you never thought possible.

Ice Skating

In Seoul, you can take your pick from a huge range of municipal, university, indoor, or hotel skating rinks that open during winter in Korea. Prices range from totally free to upwards of 40,000 KRW for admission (skate rentals not included).

There are ice skating rinks all over Seoul. This one is at Starfield Coex Mall.

Here’s a few popular ice rinks in the city to check out:

• Seoul Plaza Ice Rink: admission fee + skate rental for just 1000 won
• Lotte World Indoor Skating Rink: admission + skate rental for 13,000 won (discounted tix here)
• Olympic Park Ice Rink: admission + skate rental for 3,000 won

Winter in Korea | Rejuvenation

The changing of seasons in Korea is so definitive, it’s violent. And the transition from autumn’s crisp, blue skies, warm days, and gorgeous leaves to the freezing winds and negative temperatures of Korea’s insanely cold winter might be the worst of all.

Here’s what you can do to rejuvenate mind and body from the brutality of winter in Seoul.

Oh winter in Korea – why you gotta be so pretty, and so brutal at the same time?

Get a Korean facial

The dry air and freezing winds of Seoul’s winter are seriously bad for the skin. There’s no better time to hop on the K-beauty bandwagon and pamper yourself with a super moisturizing facial than now. Added bonus: the heated bed you get to lie on while your skin is getting spoiled.

The Sulwhasoo Balance Spa at the flagship store in Gangnam is GORGE.

If you’re looking for customised skincare analysis, and facial treatments in Seoul, be sure to check out the foreigner-friendly Individuel Geneve Clinic in Gangnam. I recently had a few treatments there and couldn’t be happier with the results.

Visit a Jjimjilbang or Mogyoktang

A weekly visit to the humble neighbourhood mogyoktang or bathhouse is on most Koreans’ agendas, for relaxation, revitalization and a skin-bruising scrub. Consisting of hot tubs, saunas and a cold plunge pool, it’s an ideal way to recharge the body and spirit in the depths of a winter in Korea.

A traditional Korean sauna you’d find at a jjimjilbang.

A visit there is not for the faint of heart though, since the entire experience is enjoyed completely in the buff. If that thought is too much for you, you can check out a jjimjilbang, which offers both the naked bath house area PLUS a clothed area with various dry saunas and entertainment areas.

If you’re in Seoul for winter, try out Aquafield Spa, and Spa Land Centum City if you’re in Busan. Both are foreigner-friendly jjimjilbangs that are worth a visit.

Soothe your aching bones in the Himalayan Salt Crystal Room at Aquafield Spa.

If you’re headed to Incheon Airport, a stop at Cimer Spa in the spectacular Paradise City might be just the jjimjilbang you need to heal your aching winter bones.

Relax in a Korean Oncheon

If your idea of winter in Korea relaxation is soaking in a steaming pool in the great outdoors, head to one of Korea’s oncheon or hot springs. The water in these springs is usually full of body soothing minerals, from deep below the surface of the earth.

Soaking in a mineral-rich pool sounds about right.

Some popular oncheon around the country include:

• Onyang Hot Springs | 온양온천지구: Onyang Hot Springs was founded over 1,300 year ago. It’s the oldest hot spring in Korea. Its alkaline water has a temperature around  57℃, and is known to be helpful for treating many diseases, including arthritis, skin problems, liver disease, and high blood pressure. There are over 120 hotels and motels in this area, but the Onyang Hot Spring Hotel is the original.
• Hurshimchung Grand Spa in Busan is supposed to be the largest hot spring fed spa in Asia. Its waters have high levels of magnesium, which is great for smooth skin. There are also a number of different pools of varying temperatures, as well as 40! seasonal baths.
• Termeden Spa in Icheon is a 30,000 square metre German-style spa resort located about 70-km south of Seoul. It features a ton of different outdoor pools, hot springs, jjimjilbang style saunas, Korean-style bathhouse, and much more. Be sure to find the jets shooting strong sprays of water for a revitalizing underwater massage.

Termeden Spa has underwater jets for massage.

READ NEXT: Do Koreans Celebrate Christmas? 5 Strange Korean Christmas Traditions

Winter in Korea | Places to Escape the Cold

If you’re one of those people who can’t get warm, no matter what, here’s a few places to visit in winter, that are designed just for you.

Go strawberry picking

Are Korean strawberries the most delicious ones in the world? Possible, I think. And what better way to eat them, then by picking them yourself, while escaping winter in Korea in a super warm greenhouse. It also happens to be the perfect family-friendly activity.

Korea has strawberry seasons in both winter and spring.

We visited the 대가농원 farm in Namyangju, and ate a ton of delicious strawberries, but there are plenty of strawberry farms near Seoul to check out. It’s worth booking an all-inclusive tour that includes transport, because most of these farms are not exactly in public transit friendly locations.

Here’s a few good options that also go to great Korean winter attractions at the same time:

• Eobi Ice Valley + Strawberry Picking + Nami Island
• Strawberry Picking Experience + Nami Island + Garden of Morning Calm Light Festival

Spend the day at the Aquarium

Don’t turn into a penguin yourself! Head into one of Seoul’s aquariums to admire them instead. There are several aquariums to choose from in Seoul, but the Lotte World Aquarium in Jamsil (discounted tix), and the Coex Mall Aquarium (discounted tix) are 2 of the most popular.

It’s warm and cozy inside Lotte World Aquarium.

I’ve personally spent a ton of time at Lotte World Aquarium, and definitely recommend it – especially if you have children. However, the Aquarium at Starfield Coex Mall is also excellent, with the added bonus of being in the same mall as the Starfield Library.

READ NEXT: 49 Wonderful Indoor Activities in Seoul (Many of them Free!)

See an indoor performance

Seeing an indoor performance is undoubtedly one of the best ways to escape the cold during winter in Korea. Whether it’s the longest running show in Korea, or a traditional gugak concert, you’re sure to enjoy your time.

See a traditional folk arts performance © National Gugak Center, Korea Tourism Organization

Here are some popular options:

• Nanta: an energetic show filled with acrobatics, comedy, and percussion using kitchen utensils! It’s non-verbal, so anyone can enjoy this show.
• K-Kick Taekwondo Show: an unmissable Korean martial arts performance sure to thrill you
• The Painters: combines live action drawing with 3D visual effects, dance performances, and comedy. It’s been one of the top 5 most popular attractions in Korea for the last 5 years running.
• Saturday Gugak Performance: a traditional folk arts performance at the National Gugak Centre is a great way to learn about Korean culture, while staying warm. It’s incredibly affordable too!

Head to the top of Korea’s Tallest Building

For incredible views of Seoul as far as the eye can see, there’s no other place to go than Lotte World Tower and the Seoul Sky Observatory. This gorgeous 123 story tower is Korea’s tallest building and an iconic landmark of the city.

Lotte World Tower is Korea’s tallest building.

Winter in Korea | Watch a sunrise

From December 31st to January 1st, thousands of people are standing on high mountains or lined up on a coast in the bitter cold waiting for the sun to rise.

Welcoming a new year this way, is one of the most popular things to do in Korea in winter, because Koreans believe that wishes made while witnessing the first sunrise of the year, are more powerful.

Watching the first sunrise of the year is a popular activity for New Years Eve

Yeosu Hyangiram Sunrise Festival | 여수향일암일출제

Hyangiram 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.

You can watch both sunset and sunrise from the stunning Hyangiram Hermitage in Yeosu.

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.

Homigot Sunrise Festival | 호미곶 한민족 해맞이축전

If it’s the first sunrise of the year you’re after, the place to be in Korea on NYE is Homigot Village. It’s the furthest east you can get in the ROK.

At this festival, you can witness cultural performances, a sunrise concert, kite-flying and the launching of hope balloons with wishes attached. Be sure to have a free bowl of tteokguk – a traditional New Years Day dish.

The sunrise at Homigot near Pohang is stunning.

Spending New Year’s Eve in Seoul? Learn about all the best parties, events and fireworks in this complete guide to celebrating the New Year in Seoul.

Best Foods to Eat during Winter in Korea

Dolsot Bibimbap | 돌솥 비빔밥

Dolsot bibimbap takes your basic mixed rice bowl, and elevates it into a winter in Korea classic. The bibimbap is served in a hot stone bowl that keeps all the ingredients toasty warm. The best part is the scorched rice stuck to the sides of that hot bowl. Yum!

Scorched, crispy rice is such a satisfying winter treat © Sous Chef (CC BY 2.0)

Tteokguk | 떡국

Come January 1st, nearly every Korean household is enjoying a bowl of hearty and satisfying tteokguk, or rice cake soup. Consisting of a beef-based broth (usually), and sliced garaetteok, it’s customary to eat this on New Year’s Day for good luck. Incidentally, you also age a year from eating it…. apparently.

Nothing like a hearty bowl of tteokguk to start a new year © Jeon Han, Korea.net (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Kimchi Jjigae | 김치 찌개

Kimchi jjigae or Korean kimchi stew is one of my personal comfort foods. It will forever remind me of my mom’s kitchen on cold winter days, growing up in Canada. Made with ripe kimchi and pork belly, in its most classic version, this spicy, fortifying and truly delicious stew is sure to keep the sub-zero temps of winter in Korea at bay.

Spicy, satisfying kimchi jjigae © Dgram, Korea Tourism Organization

Hotteok | 호떡

Sweet, cinnamon-y, doughy pancakes pan-fried to crisp, golden perfection. There’s a reason why hotteok is one of the most popular street foods to grab during winter in Korea. This treat warms you from inside-out.

Hotteok is one of Korea’s most popular street foods © Alexbundo, Korea Tourism Organization

Contrary to popular belief, hotteok isn’t just a winter street food. You can find it year round, and it’s always delicious… though maybe just a little bit more delicious in cold weather.

Roasted Chestnuts | 군밤 (Gun Bam)

The second cold weather hits Korea, roasted chestnut vendors make their appearance. Not only are Korean chestnuts incredibly flavourful, they’re usually fully peeled for you to enjoy. No annoying shells to deal with.

Roasted chestnuts make their appearance during winter in Korea © Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization

Added bonus: Standing next to the fire used to roast chestnuts on the street.

Winter in Korea | Give Back

For me, the winter holiday season is about connecting with those we love and being grateful for everything the year has brought and taught us. I’ve been incredibly blessed in my life, and it’s important to remember that not everyone is so fortunate.

2024 KUMFA holiday gift drive

Being a single mother in Korea can be incredibly difficult, not just financially, but because of outdated ideas and social stigma.

Every winter, the Korean Unwed Mothers Foundation (KUMFA) holiday gift drive allows you to sponsor a family by buying a gift for the children of unwed mothers. There’s a list of wishes on their website, and most of the requests are so humble, that I couldn’t make it through the list without shedding a tear. Ok…a lot of tears.

I’ve been incredibly blessed in my life

Detailed information about this year’s holiday gift drive has not been released yet, but in the meantime, you can DONATE HERE.

Feed the homeless

Sadly, the homeless population in Korea continues to rise… with little social safety net in place yet to help them make it through the long, bitterly cold winter in Korea.

A lot of homeless congregate around Seoul Station

There are organizations that meet up on weekends to provide food to the homeless congregated around Seoul Station, which you can find with a quick online search. However, you might find more value doing this independently, with ALL of your money being used to buy food and support the homeless – rather than collected as “administrative fees.”

Korea’s Cardboard Halmonis (Grannies)

If you walk the streets of any Korean city, you’ll inevitably see a “cardboard granny.” These elderly women (AND men), pick up used cardboard and other recyclable materials to earn a little bit of money to survive.

Often bent in half from malnutrition and osteoporosis, these old women push huge and heavy carts up and down the streets in the bitter cold and wind of winter in Korea. Every time I see one, my heart literally feels like it’s being ripped out of my chest, but I always feel powerless and frankly a little shy to approach them with help.

Winter in Korea can be bitterly cold. Help out if you can!

One day though, I came across a halmoni who’s cardboard boxes were being blown off her cart by the wind, and stopped to help her pick them up. The total gratitude and humbleness with which she received this simple help sent me to the nearest bathroom in painful tears. I realized in that moment, that ANY help is appreciated and my shyness was not only silly, but totally selfish.

If you see a cardboard granny on the street this winter in Korea, just walk up and lend a hand. Help push her cart, give her a pair of warm gloves, a hot drink, or cash if you feel inclined to do so. Whenever I have approached a granny with money, she inevitably refuses, but persist, and she will accept, because she really truly needs it.

Winter in Korea can be so beautiful © Kim Gwang-jin, Photo Korea

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