Visiting South Korea In Winter: The Best Things To Do

While South Korea can be magical in winter, it’s also very cold, especially in the northern part of the country. But don’t worry: even though it can be freezing cold and uncomfortable to explore outside for hours, there’s plenty to do indoors.

From spas and cafés to festivals and hot springs, visiting South Korea in winter is a unique, fun, but also enchanting experience.

Without further ado, here are the best things to do during the cold season.

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What to expect in South Korea in winter

Although some of you might not have expected it, South Korea is usually freezing cold in winter, with temperatures often dropping below -10°C in the northern regions.

So if, like me, you’re not a big fan of the cold, your best bet is to head south, where it rarely snows and where you can often survive the season more comfortably, without having to seek shelter indoors every two hours to bask in the warmth.

But if you still want to brave the cold and enjoy a true winter wonderland, sprinkled with snowy landscapes and runny noses, then you’ll need to bundle up, stock up on hot packs, and get ready to face sub-zero temperatures.

Indoor activities for winter in South Korea

If you visit South Korea in winter, you’ll quickly see that there are plenty of things to do outside, whether they’re famous landmarks or seasonal festivals. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t indoor activities to enjoy if you want to escape the cold or try something different. Here are the indoor activities I recommend most.

Jjimjilbang

Jjimjilbang or the Korean version of a public bathhouse is not only a must-do activity, it’s also a moment or pure pleasure, where you’ll completely forget the chilly temperatures and make the most of a day of relaxing and wellness.

Start by scrubbing off the dirt and fatigue, then enter the basin (separated by gender) naked and enjoy the rejuvenating cold pools or the more soothing hot waters. Next, enter the sauna, or one of the other available rooms, before making your way to the communal area dressed in your cute matching spa outfit. Sleep, read, or try local snacks (sikhye and maekbanseok gyeran or the famous sweet rice drink and its baked egg) and live the full jjimjilbang experience.

While getting naked in front of other people isn’t always the easiest thing to do for some of us, that slight discomfort faded faster than I thought, especially once I realized I was the only one who really cared about my appearance.

And if you’re looking for a slightly more luxurious Jjimjilbang, don’t forget to visit my favorite in Busan: SpaLand.

Note: unlike onsens in Japan, most Jjimjilbang don’t mind tattoos.

Cafés

The café culture is stronger than you would think in this country, where people seem unable to go a single day without their caffeine fix, and more particularly their “americano”.

So if you intend to visit South Korea in winter, there’s one simple activity you can do every day, no matter the season: café hopping. From themed cafés to coffee shops featuring traditional architecture or impressive decor, going to a café is much more than just a place to grab your favorite drink in Korea.

It’s also a place to socialize, take Instagram-worthy photos, work, and relax. So if you’re visiting in winter and want to spend a few hours staying warm in a fun and unique place, head to a café.

Whether you’re a fan of Harry Potter, K-pop, cats, or just love quirky settings, it’s up to you to find your next favorite coffee shop!

↪ See also: 8 Best Tips To Survive Winter In South Korea!

Museums

Are you more of a history buff or an art enthusiast? Then, you’ll be glad to learn that South Korea is a treasure trove of museums. And the best part? They’re often completely free!

Perfect for budget travelers and for those who want to learn more about the country while staying indoors, sheltered from the frosty air and bitter cold.

Workshops

In search of a cultural experience that will immerse you in the country and let you take home a memorable gift? Why not book a workshop and let your spirit of creativity run wild?

From hands-on experiences such as pottery, ring-making or stamp-making, to more sensory experiences, like liquor making, cooking classes, and perfume making, join an unforgettable moment while exploring the city.

CHECK OUT THE WORKSHOPS HERE

Hot Springs

I mentioned the jjimjilbang, but how about a more natural activity that will soften your skin with its alkaline waters, surrounded by nature? If that’s more your kind of thing, then you should definitely visit a hot spring in Korea in winter.

Whether you’re just looking for a foot bath or a full-body experience, soak up the comforting heat and relaxing atmosphere at one of these 3 spots: Yuseong Hot Springs in Daejeon, Cheoksan Hot Spring in Sokcho, or Seokmodo Mineral Springs in Incheon.

Outdoor activities for winter in South Korea

Now that we’ve gone over indoor activities, let’s talk about all the fun you can have outdoors this winter in Korea!

Ski Resorts

Want to spice things up a bit and spend an exciting vacation filled with fresh powder snow, acrobatic feats, and an unforgettable ski trip? Opt for a holiday to one of the many ski resorts in the country.

Hit the slopes in Gangwon-do, famous for its thrilling winter activities and heavy snowfall. Choose MonaYongPyong (Korea’s largest resort) for its convenience and proximity of the slopes to the rooms; Alpensia Ski Resort for beginners, its water park and kid-friendly activities; Welli Hilli Park Snow Park for snowboarders and its easy access by train, or Deogyusan Ski Resort (Muju) for its challenging slopes and location in the heart of a national park.

Note: remember to book in advance, as accommodations fill up quickly!

Winter Festivals

Looking to add some fun to your winter trip? Take this opportunity to attend a festival or two!

South Korea is brimming with festival throughout the year, so it’s no surprise that the coldest season also offers a myriad of entertainment and excitement!

Go sledding or try your hand at trout fishing at the Hongcheongang Winter Festival in Hongcheon; have fun on the ice during Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival in Hwacheon; practice your figure skating moves at the ice rink, check out the markets and much more during the Seoul Winter Festa in Seoul; admire the beautiful and unique snow sculptures at the Taebaeksan Snow Festival in Taebaek; or watch the first sunrise of the year at the Homigot Sunrise Festival in Pohang.

For a more complete list of all the festivals happening in Korea in winter, check out this website.

Note: Seollal (or Korean Lunar New Year) also takes place in winter. Lasting three days, this public holiday is also synonym with large crowds and heavy traffic. So be sure to check the dates (usually late January or early February), and book your accommodations in advance.

Christmas and New Year’s

While Christmas is often associated with family gatherings and caroling in some parts of the globe, in South Korea, the holiday is celebrated more among couples and friends, and it’s customary to dine out, have fun at a theme park, or go shopping.

Reserve a table at one of the capital’s upscale restaurants for a romantic experience, watch the winter parades at Lotte World, or visit Gwanghwamun Square to discover an European-style Christmas market.

And if you’re in Korea for New Year’s Eve, count down the final seconds before the new year while admiring the fireworks from the Lotte World Tower or DDP.

Winter strawberry picking

Whereas in Europe I’m used to the sweet, sometimes tart taste of strawberries during the hot summer months, in Korea you can enjoy fresh, juicy strawberries in winter. And while they can sometimes be a bit pricey, their taste is incomparably delicious and the best strawberries I’ve ever had!

So if you’re looking for a more unique and flavorful activity, add strawberry picking to your itinerary. There are plenty of farms around South Korea, but here are two solid options:

Atal Strawberry Farm in Pocheon
Seongyeon Strawberry Farm in Goyang

Pick and eat your fresh strawberries, and even take the opportunity to make some jam to bring back to your friends and family!

Hiking

More of an outdoor enthusiast? I’ve got you covered!

Snow-covered trails, snow-capped mountains, and frozen waterfalls await you if you’re planning to go hiking in Korea in winter. Even though winter hikes are often breathtaking, don’t forget that they’re also often more challenging and dangerous.

Be sure to pack the right gear, such as microspikes (crampons), and dress appropriately!

As for mountains you should check out during the season, here are three destinations:

Hallasan, on Jeju Island
Jirisan, near Gurye and Sancheong
Taebaeksan, in Taebaek

Ice Valley

Nothing really evokes a winter wonderland quite like a valley that transforms into a natural ice wall dozens of meter high in winter.

Located between an hour and an hour and a half from Seoul by car, Eobi Ice Valley is the ideal getaway for those who want to discover a magical attraction near the capital.

Note: you can also join an organized tour, and see the beautiful ice valley as part of a day trip 👉 here’s one of the best tours by Klook!

Illuminations & Light Festivals

As I said above, there are many winter festivals in Korea, but who says end of year celebrations, also says colorful illuminations. And since Koreans generally don’t do things by halves, you can certainly expect dazzling festivals that, rather than warming your body, will surely warm your heart (even if you’re more of a Grinch), and make your eyes sparkle.

Head to Seoul and Busan and don’t miss these three lively events:

Haeundae Light Festival in Busan (late November-mid January): watch the seaside bathed in millions of tiny colorful lights, right on the beach.
Seoul Lantern Festival in Seoul (mid-December-early January): one of the most iconic festivals in South Korea, watch as Seoul comes into life with traditional lanterns and other light sculptures.
Lighting Festival at The Garden of Morning Calm in Gapyeong (early December-mid March): enjoy themed displays and exhibitions under twinkling lights in a beautiful garden.

And that’s a wrap for the best things to do and see in Korea in winter. Although it’s probably not the most popular season among travelers because of its freezing temperatures, South Korea still offers a lot of fun and fewer crowds for travelers willing to brave the sub-zero temperatures!

Visiting South Korea In Winter: The Best Things To Do

What to expect in South Korea in winter