Annyeonghaseyo from Korea!
December has settled over Korea with a gentle, wintry charm. The last hints of autumn have slipped away, and city streets are now glowing with festive lights.
Cosy cafés are filled with warm seasonal treats while mountains, hanok villages and coastlines all take on a soft, frosted beauty. We also welcomed our first snow of the year! Discover our highlights for December:
Key Takeaways:
Products:
This month’s new experiences capture the spirit of Korea’s winter, offering warmth, flavour and cultural depth. A traditional market visit and cooking class in Seoul invites travellers into bustling stalls and hands-on winter recipes. A Royal Dining Experience in Seoul is recommended, celebrating Korea’s refined culinary heritage and drawing inspiration from the flavours of the royal court. Continue with our unique Lunch with a Local: Seoul’s Flavours and Culture tour, offering an intimate encounter with everyday Seoul life through homemade dishes and shared traditions. Discover Suwon & Korean Folk Village is also highlighted, combining historic fortresses, folk culture and timeless village charm beneath the winter sky.
Hotels:
From elegant hanok stays warmed by ondol heating to contemporary hotels overlooking snow-dusted cityscapes, December accommodation highlights embrace comfort and atmosphere.
Destination News:
Winter illumination festivals continue throughout December and January, lighting up cities like Seoul, Busan and Jeju with glowing installations and seasonal displays, adding an extra touch of magic to winter evenings.
Looking ahead to early 2026, Korea’s next major seasonal celebration will be Seollal (Lunar New Year), which falls from 14 – 18 February 2026. As always, cultural sites across the country, from the Korean Folk Village to national museums and historic palaces, will host special performances, folk games and festive activities during the holiday period. Please note that during this period, Koreans often travel to their hometowns and this may affect travel plans, with closures and limited services nationwide.
Product updates
Traditional Market &
Cooking Class in Seoul
Half Day
Explore a more local side of Seoul on this half day culinary and market experience. Alongside a local chef, shop for fresh produce and ingredients before stepping into the kitchen to prepare a traditional Korean lunch. Then browse for antiques and hidden gems at one of Seoul’s most unique markets.
- Discover a traditional Seoul market with a local chef, finding fresh ingredients and authentic flavours.
- Enjoy a hands-on cooking class preparing a Korean lunch while learning culinary history and techniques.
- Savour the homemade meal before enjoying a relaxed afternoon to continue exploring at leisure.
Royal Dining
Experience in Seoul
Half Day
Step into Korea’s regal culinary past with a sophisticated evening of royal cuisine. Each course reflects centuries of tradition, offering guests an insight into Joseon court dining, its flavours, aesthetics and cultural significance, all within a serene and elegant environment.
- Enjoy a private transfer to an elegant restaurant showcasing the heritage of Korea’s royal cuisine.
- Savour a multi-course dining experience inspired by Joseon court traditions, enriched with storytelling and cultural insight.
- Experience an evening that blends refined gastronomy with history before returning comfortably to the hotel.
Lunch with a Local:
Seoul’s Flavours & Culture
Full Day
Experience the heart of Seoul through its food and people. Share a home-cooked meal with a local host, sample sweet treats at Mangwon Market and soak in the city’s creative spirit while wandering through the youthful energy of Hongdae, where tradition meets today.
- Explore the National Museum of Korea, discovering centuries of history through royal artefacts, Buddhist art and cultural treasures.
- Share an intimate home-cooked lunch with a local host, enjoying seasonal ingredients and meaningful conversation in a warm, personal setting.
- Dive into Seoul’s creative side with a norigae-making workshop, lively market stops and fun photo moments in trendy Hongdae.
Discover Suwon &
Korean Folk Village
Full Day
Take a captivating glimpse into Korea’s past, from the strategic military architecture of Suwon’s Hwaseong Fortress to the vibrant cultural heritage preserved within the Korean Folk Village. Be enriched with a deeper understanding of Korea’s fascinating history and cultural traditions.
- Discover Suwon’s UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress, an impressive 18th-century stronghold showcasing remarkable military architecture and royal heritage.
- Explore the Korean Folk Village, a living museum that brings Joseon-era daily customs to life through traditional homes, workshops and cultural spaces.
- Travel comfortably in a private vehicle and enjoy a relaxed day combining history, culture and local charm.
Hotel updates
Pullman Ambassador Eastpole
Seoul
A sleek 4-star hotel with 117 rooms and 33 residences, set directly above Guui Station for effortless access across Seoul. With its riverside pool, rooftop bar and modern dining options, it’s an excellent choice for both business and leisure travellers seeking a stylish, well-connected stay.
Owon Hanok
Gyeongju
A charming traditional-style hanok tucked in the heart of Hwangnidan-gil, blending authentic Korean architecture with modern comforts like an outdoor jacuzzi. Its tranquil, culture-rich atmosphere makes it ideal for couples, solo travellers or small families looking for a peaceful base while exploring Gyeongju’s historic treasures.
Destination news
Winter illumination festivals continue throughout December and January, brightening Seoul and Busan with glowing installations and seasonal displays that add a touch of magic to winter evenings.
Looking ahead to early 2026, Seollal (Lunar New Year) will fall from 14–18 February 2026, with cultural sites across the country hosting special performances, folk games and festive activities.
Please note that this is also one of the busiest travel periods in Korea, as many Koreans return to their hometowns, which can lead to closures, fully booked bus and train tickets and limited services nationwide. Don’t hesitate to plan ahead and reach out to our team if you would like to develop new itineraries or have any travel requests for February.
A holiday message
Finally, I would like to take a moment to thank you all for your trust in EXO Korea. Our destination is gaining remarkable attention, and I’m truly grateful to every agent who has partnered with us to create unforgettable itineraries.
We deeply value open communication and always appreciate hearing your feedback or learning what you would like to see in the years ahead.
As a Product Manager, I’m genuinely excited for what’s to come, and I believe EXO Korea will continue to grow as one of Asia’s most inspiring travel destinations.
It was a true pleasure meeting you this year, whether during FAM trips, inspections, training sessions, workshops or academies and I can’t wait to meet you again in 2026, building the future of the tourism industry together!
Thank you so much ~ kamsahamnida!
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 