From snow-capped mountains to vibrant cultural festivals, winter in Korea presents a unique travel experience.
The colder months in Korea reveal a picturesque landscape, with serene, snow-draped mountains and white-washed urban settings. The substantial snowfall in the higher elevations means incredible opportunities for skiing and snowboarding while less-active travellers will enjoy soaking in the country’s renowned hot springs.
Winter, being off-peak tourist season, rewards with few crowds and low-season pricing. Visitors can explore historical sites and urban wonders at a more relaxed pace and partake in the cultural festivals on a more personal level.
Read on to learn more about this underrated but rewarding time to visit Korea.
We recommend to focus morning visits on museums and other indoor activities before bundling up for outdoor sightseeing in the warmer afternoon hours.
Weather:
Winter in Korea typically lasts from December to mid-March. During this period the air is crisp, with temperatures hovering around freezing in the daytime and dipping lower at night. Snowfall is almost daily in the mountainous regions while the lowlands get occasional snow, covering the cities and sites in a beautiful white blanket.
During the winter, we recommend to focus morning visits on museums and other indoor activities before bundling up for outdoor sightseeing in the warmer afternoon hours.
There are also plenty of delicious Korean stews and hearty soups to warm-up with. Some of our winter favourites include Kimchi-jiggae, a thick stew of pork and kimchi, and Galbi-tang, a beef short-rib soup.
Korea is home to a surprising number of ski resorts with terrain suited to all levels.
Winter highlights
Winter brings plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. Although it may not be the first destination that comes to mind for skiing and snowboarding, Korea is home to a surprising number of resorts with terrain suited to all levels. After all, it did host the 2018 Winter Olympics! And thanks to Korea’s relatively small size, the country’s best ski resorts, such as Phoenix Park and Yongpyong, are a short 3-hour trip from Seoul.
Within the city limits, ice skating is a popular option with rinks pop up around Seoul and Busan during the winter months. This presents a fun opportunity to mingle with local residents as they get out on the ice with friends and family. Also spas and hot spring resorts are favourite winter pastimes of Koreans and a great way to relax and indulge during a holiday.
Winter festivals:
Seoul Lantern Festival- Seoul: This popular November festival lasts three weeks and features hundreds of hand crafted lanterns and LED light displays along the Cheonggyechon Stream. The festival attracts local and international artists, who craft impressive lanterns, many of which are life-sized creations.
Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival- Taebaek: Taking place in late January or early February, this festival showcases spectacular snow and ice sculptures as well as various snow-themed activities.
Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival- Gapyeong: From December to March, the famous Garden of the Morning Calm is transformed into a luminous fairy tale land.
Hwacheon Sancheoneo (Mountain Trout) Ice Festival- Hwacheon: This famous winter event celebrates ice fishing. Visitors can catch trout through holes in the frozen river and join in activities such as ice sledding and sculpting. Known for its lively atmosphere and unique winter experiences, it attracts tourists from around the world.
Pyeongchang Trout Festival- Pyeongchang: This month-long festival begins in late December. Similar to the Hwacheon festival, participants can fish for trout, enjoy snow sports and indulge in the festival’s wonderful food court and market. It is a comprehensive winter destination for both adventure and relaxation
Korea is a year-round destination, offering diverse travel experiences tailored to each season.
Spring (March to May) is the most popular travel period, with mild temperatures and the country awash in pink cherry blossoms. It’s the perfect time to be outdoors exploring all that Korea has to offer. Summer (June to August) offers verdant landscapes and the opportunity for soaking in the sun on Busan’s shores.
Come Autumn (Sept to Nov), the leaves begin to change, painting landscapes with vibrant foliage that form an ideal backdrop for trekking and other outdoor pursuits.
Check out more of our tips for visiting by clicking here.
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