Seasonal Focus
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 is the best time to visit?
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!
Best Winter Day Tours and Activities in Korea
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.
Vivaldi Park Snowy Land
december – February
- 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 – February
- 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
- see Korea’s largest organic ranch, with outstanding natural scenery, sheep, and powerful windmills
Sanjeong Lake Sledding Festival + Strawberry Picking + Ice Wall Cafe + Herb Island Light Festival
late december – february
- 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 mountain trout
- enjoy your freshly grilled catch on-site
- fun winter activities like sledding, ice skating, and a ice sculpture area too!
