Winter in South Korea 2026: Top Destinations & Activities

Spending winter in South Korea is a dream for adventure lovers and couples seeking a romantic getaway. Its snowy landscapes, lively festivals, and top attractions make it one of the best places to visit in South Korea for honeymoon trips. From skiing in picturesque resorts to exploring cultural landmarks, South Korea offers an unforgettable winter experience.

If you’re planning a honeymoon in South Korea, this guide provides a detailed overview of weather insights, exciting winter activities, seasonal celebrations, packing tips, and more to help you make the most of your romantic winter vacation. South Korea’s unique charm ensures it ranks among the top honeymoon destinations in South Korea for couples seeking both adventure and intimacy.

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Is It Good to Spend Winter in South Korea?

Winters are the most rewarding time of the year to explore Korean landscapes and their beauty. Listed below are a few reasons that make it the best time to visit South Korea during winter:

• Winter Adventures

Korea is all set to welcome adventure seekers by offering unique winter sports opportunities. These include riding the Tornado sled at Snowy Land Sledding Park, taking in the gorgeous sparkling lights at the Garden of Morning Calm, and more.

• Korean Festivals 

The festivals in South Korea during Winter are an excellent attraction for the visitors. Festivals like the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival and the Pyeongchang Trout Festival greatly explore the rich Korean culture.

• Stunning Landscapes

This place transforms into a winter wonderland during the winter months, December to February. The visitors will be amazed by the exciting tourist attractions in South Korea in Winter. The stunning Korean landscapes let you explore frozen waterfalls, lakes, blooming cherries, and more.

• Christmas Celebrations

The visitors plan to spend Christmas vacations in Korea and explore the surreal festive vibe here. Korea is magical during this time; you can hear Christmas and decorations all around.

• Exploring Hot Spas & Springs

Winter in Korea offers relaxing opportunities in some exclusive spas and hot springs. You can experience the therapeutic properties of hot springs at Woljeongsa Hot Springs and Seorak Waterpia.

Weather Guide for Winter in South Korea

	December	January	February
Average High	-6°C (21°F)	-8°C (18°F)	-6°C (21°F)
Average Low	5°C (41°F)	3°C (37°F)	5°C (41°F)
Rainfall (mm)	25	22	23

Winter in South Korea typically spans from December to March, with January being the coldest month when snowfall is most frequent. Average temperatures range from around -10°C in the mornings and evenings to highs of 5°C during the day. Mountainous regions often see heavier snow, making them ideal for skiing and snow activities. The winter chill can feel sharper due to strong winds, so layering up is essential, especially if you’re planning a honeymoon in South Korea or visiting as one of the best honeymoon destinations in South Korea.

Top Attractions in South Korea in Winter

Mentioned below are a few interesting places that you must add to your South Korea travel list:

Seoul

The Dynamic Capital

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This is among the most stunning cities in South Korea and offers more than just being the capital city. You can explore the streets of Myeongdong in Seoul, where you can find a combination of modern and traditional trends. The place shows a dynamic culture and rich history like no other place in South Korea. 

Major Attractions:

• Bukchon Hanok Village
• Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Seoul Museum Of Art
• Lotte World Tower
• Jingwansa Temple

Busan

Best Place for Maritime Culture

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This seaside town in South Korea is popular for a blend of old-fashioned charm paired with contemporary experiences. This place has a fascinating mix of towering mountains, skyscrapers, stunning beaches, and Buddhist temples. The visitors can also enjoy the seafood menu at some authentic restaurants and try local cuisine at the popular street food stand.

Major Attractions:

• Haeundae Beach
• Gamcheon Culture Village
• Sea Life Busan Aquarium
• Haedong Yonggungsa
• TaejongDae
• Jagalchi Fish Market
• Nampodong Market

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Pyeongchang

A Paradise For Hikers

The visitors here can experience tranquillity and stunning scenery, which makes it a top place to visit during winter in South Korea. You can find it in Taebaek Mountains, a picturesque country hosting the famous Winter Olympics in February 2018. 

Major Attractions: 

• Alpensia Ski Resort
• Yongpyong Ski Resort
• Odaesan National Park
• Jeongseon Rail Bike
• Phoenix Snow Park
• Hwaam Cave
• Woljeongsa Temple

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Gyeongju

A Treasure Of Cultural Sites

This place houses an undiscovered treasure of artifacts that range from royal to religious. You can also refer to this city as an open-air museum to experience during your stay in South Korea, discovering its rich culture. This is the capital city of the great Silla Kingdom and has a collection of historical and cultural sites.

Major Attractions:

• Bulguksa Temple
• Gyeongju National Museum
• Anapji Pond
• Seokguram Grotto
• Yangdong Folk Village
• Tumuli Park
• Daereungwon Tomb Complex

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Exciting Festivals in South Korea During Winter

Winter in South Korea gives you an outstanding opportunity to explore some of the best events and festivals as listed below:

• Ice Fishing Festivals



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Ice fishing festivals are a true blast to experience during the Korean winters. Korea, during winter, is surrounded by beautiful frozen lakes and rivers, which makes it a perfect place for ice fishing. These events combine ice fishing with other activities like sledding, hand-catching fish, and more.

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival	Venue: Hwacheon Cheon Stream, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do Held: Jan 6 – Jan 28
Pyeongchang Trout Fishing Festival	Venue: 3562 Gyeonggang-ro, Pyeongchang Held: Everyday Jan 17- Feb 16
Inje Ice Fishing Festival	Venue: 555-2, Bupyeong-ri, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do Held: Jan 20 – Jan 29

• Winter Illumination Festivals

The winter illuminations bring the Korean night to life with an outstanding ambiance. Some popular places like Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon and Busan’s Haeundae sparkle differently with millions of illuminating lights. During winter, visitors to South Korea can experience stunning winter landscapes with these illumination events.

Garden of Morning Calm Winter Illuminations	Venue: The Garden of Morning Calm Held: Dec 1- Mar 16
Herb Island Light Festival	Venue: Pocheon Herb Island Held: All-Year-Round
Busan Christmas Tree Cultural Festival	Venue: During Christmas season Held: Seoul Plaza at City Hall
Jeju Light Garden Festival	Venue: Jeju Light Garden Theme Park Held: All-Year-Round

• Snow and Ice Festivals

Visitors are all set to experience Outdoor adventures in South Korea in Winter, which comes with exploring some great snow festivals here. The Gangwon Province in South Korea is popular for its snowy winters and hosting the top snow events. The visitors can explore ice sculptures, snowy paths, and many winter activities at these Korean snow and ice festivals.

Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival	Venue: Cheongyang Alps Village Held: Dec 23 – Feb 28
Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival	Venue: Snow Playground on Mount Taebaeksan Held: Jan 25 – Jan 29
Daegwallyeong Snowflake Festival	Venue: 135-5, Daegwallyeong-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do Held: Jan 27- Feb 11

Top Activities During Winter in South Korea

Listed below are a few interesting activities that you can put on your list when coming for winter in South Korea:

• Pick Sweet Korean Strawberries



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The winter months witness strawberry season throughout, and you can go on an exciting Korean strawberries picking journey. You can explore the fresh and most delicious strawberries in the Korean markets during this time. You can experience this enjoyable activity by visitingPocheon Art Valley or Garden of Morning Calm.

• Try a Traditional Korean Bathhouse

To enjoy winter in South Korea, visiting traditional Korean bathhouses, known as jjimjil-bangs, is a must. These cozy spas are perfect winter activities in South Korea, allowing you to relax and warm up in hot baths, saunas, and heated rooms. Jjimjil-bangs are widely available across the country, making them ideal spots for couples enjoying a honeymoon in South Korea or anyone seeking comfort from the cold.

• Go Nami Island

This is a popular half-moon-shaped island and the most romantic photography spot in South Korea during Winter. This island is on the shores of Gangwon Province, all filled with redwood trees that transform into gorgeous ice cones during winter. The reason for its popularity includes the filming of a popular K-Drama, Winter Sonata here.

• Visit Amusement Park

Visitors can prefer going to amusement parks in South Korea during winter for extra entertainment. You can find parks decorated for the Korean Christmas and New Year celebrations. You can find plenty of fun activities to explore during your visit here.

Major Attractions: Lotte World, Everland

• Explore Korean Art Museum

South Korea offers several fantastic museums that are perfect to explore during winter. Among them, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art stands out, showcasing Korea’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary artistry. Visiting these museums is one of the best places to visit in South Korea for honeymoon or cultural exploration, allowing you to enjoy indoor attractions while creating memorable experiences in the warmth of beautifully curated galleries..

• See Bukhansan National Park

Visitors in South Korea during winter must not miss hiking or a warm-up at Bukhansan National Park. You can enjoy the stunning mountain view from this park located in Seoul. This place offers a fantastic natural preserve, making it an absolute favorite for trek lovers.

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What to Pack For Winter in South Korea?

After you are clear about the weather and activities in South Korea, it’s now time to get some packing tips for Winter in South Korea:

Clothing Essentials

• Thick sweater
• Long sleeve shirts:
• Thermal base layer
• Jeans
• Leggings or trousers
• Winter boots
• Sneakers
• Trainers
• Warm hat
• Scarf
• Gloves
• Sunglasses
• Winter PJ’s
• Underwear
• Thick socks
• Normal socks

Travel Essentials

• Travel Insurance
• Your passport
• Accommodation details
• Flight information
• Cash and credit cards
• A travel eSIM card with a data plan

FAQs

Is winter a good time to visit South Korea?

Yes. For avid winter sports lovers, winter in South Korea is an ideal time.

What are some seasonal foods in South Korea during winter?

Some include red bean-filled pastry, Bungeoppang, and yummy roasted chestnuts, such as Gunbam. 

What to wear in South Korea during winter?

Wear a warm long coat with winter leggings and pair them with comfortable boots during winter in South Korea.

How to enjoy Winter in South Korea on a budget?

Some tips include:

• Indulge in Korean Winter Street Snacks
• Enjoy Christmas Decorations for Free
• Visit Nami Island
• Go Strawberry Picking

Is South Korea crowded during Winter?

Yes, winter in South Korea is generally less crowded, making it an ideal time to explore popular sites, enjoy ski resorts, and experience cultural attractions without the usual tourist rush. This season is especially appealing for couples seeking a best honeymoon destination in South Korea or travelers looking for a peaceful winter getaway.