Nigel Seah has extensive experience travelling through South Korea and shares his adventures and insider tips with us below.
I never expected Seoul (서울) in January 2026 to feel like the inside of a refrigerator.
Yet here I am, bundling up every morning knowing that cold snaps have gripped the city with temperatures dropping as low as −8°C (17°F) at dawn. And don’t get me started on the warnings about frostbite and icy conditions issued by local agencies.
But I wasn’t about to let that stop me from having a good time in Seoul. Because as a wise queen once said, the cold never bothered me anyway (sometimes).
Armed with my South Korea eSIM and Asia eSIM on my phone, I was able to explore the city while staying connected and receiving real-time alerts from the Korea Meteorological Administration.
In this guide, I’ll cover classic Seoul travel activities that can also be done in winter, along with festive events, before wrapping up with a few day trip recommendations.
So pack your winter clothes and let’s get exploring!
In this article:
- What Winter in Seoul Is Really Like
- Practical Tips for Enjoying Seoul in Winter
- Classic Things to Do in Seoul in Winter
- Winter Activities in South Korea You Can Do Right in Seoul
- December Festivals and Seasonal Events in Seoul
- Best Day Trips From Seoul During Winter
- Indoor Things to Do in Seoul When It’s Too Cold Outside
- Winter in Seoul Is Absolutely Worth It!
- FAQ: Winter in Seoul in December
Stay connected on your adventures with 15% off your first South Korea eSIM. Use the promo code SEOULWIN15 at checkout and enjoy seamless data throughout your trip. Terms and conditions apply.
What Winter in Seoul Is Really Like
When Does Winter Start in Korea?
Winter in Korea officially starts in December, with temperatures dropping sharply from late November onward. By early December, cold weather is fully established across Seoul and most of the country.
How Cold Does It Get in Korea in the Winter?
Winter temperatures in Korea regularly drop below freezing, especially from December to February. In Seoul, daytime temperatures typically range from –5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F), with wind making it feel significantly colder.
The cold is dry and sharp rather than snowy, and wind chill is a major factor. Proper layering is essential.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Seoul?
Yes, December is a good time to visit Seoul if you’re comfortable with cold weather. Crowds are smaller than peak seasons, and the city operates normally despite winter conditions.
There’s a quiet charm to exploring historic sites in winter, and nighttime walks feel more intentional when you’re bundled up and moving with purpose.
That said, December isn’t for everyone. If short daylight or cold hands stress you out, another season might suit you better.
Practical Tips for Enjoying Seoul in Winter
Stay Connected with Airalo’s eSIM
Winter in Seoul made one thing clear: staying connected matters. 📱
As a digital nomad, I’ve been using Airalo’s Asia eSIM as I cross borders in the region. So I was online the moment I landed, so travel apps like maps and transit apps worked instantly without relying on public Wi-Fi.
You can also get Airalo’s dedicated South Korea eSIM.
The key advantages are easy to see:
- A broad range of data plans: from 1GB up to unlimited (South Korea eSIM only)
- Affordable prices with hassle-free top-ups when needed
- Connect instantly on arrival without lining up for airport SIM cards
- Avoid expensive roaming charges by keeping roaming switched off
- Works seamlessly on dual-SIM smartphones
What to Pack for a Seoul Winter Trip
Here’s a quick checklist on how to dress for the Korean winter:
- Layer up - Base layer, mid layer for insulation, and outer layer for protection
- Get thermal layers like Uniqlo’s Heattech
- Prepare cold protection for your extremities, like your ears and hands
- Prepare a scarf for neck protection
You may or may not end up using all of them. But my experience so far has taught me that even in harsh winters, a change of 2 degrees Celsius can make a huge difference.
Getting Around Seoul in December
Seoul’s public transport runs reliably even in winter, with subways and buses offering warm breaks between walks. 🚌
I adjusted by shortening outdoor stretches and relying more on quick transit hops, especially after dark. The city is built for this kind of movement, making winter navigation far easier than expected.
Quick Note: Seoul's public transport can be disrupted by heavy snow, causing road gridlock and black ice that can lead to bus delays and skids.
Classic Things to Do in Seoul in Winter
Explore the Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
The first time I walked through Gyeongbokgung Palace in winter, it felt unreal. Snow softens everything. The sharp lines of the roofs look calmer, footsteps echo less, and suddenly the place feels less like a landmark and more like a moment you accidentally wandered into.
Winter strips away the busyness and lets the history breathe, especially in the early morning when the cold keeps casual visitors away.
Timing matters more than I expected. I learned quickly to go late morning, once the sun has done a little warming but before the afternoon chill settles back in.
Nearby palaces follow the same rhythm, and hopping between them feels easier in winter since you’re not dodging tour groups every few steps. Gloves help. So does taking your time.
Walk Traditional Neighborhoods Without the Crowds
I didn’t realize how much winter changes places like Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을) until I wandered through on a cold weekday.
Without crowds, the neighborhood feels lived-in rather than staged. Smoke curls from chimneys, doors creak open and shut, and the quiet makes you more aware of your surroundings in a good way.
Over in Insadong (인사동), winter slows everything down. Shops feel warmer and more welcoming, tea houses invite you to linger, and photos turn out moodier and more atmospheric.
I found myself stopping more often, not because I was tired, but because winter makes you notice details you’d rush past in warmer months.
Ride the Cable Car for Winter City Views
Taking the cable car up to Namsan Seoul Tower (남산서울타워) was one of those cold-weather decisions that paid off immediately.
The city looks sharper in winter. Clear skies stretch farther, buildings feel more defined, and the Han River (한강) reflects light in a way I hadn’t seen before.
I tested both sunset and night, and winter nights won. December darkness comes early, and the city lights kick on fast, turning the view into something cinematic.
Bundle up before heading to the observation areas. The cold up there doesn’t mess around.
Winter Activities in South Korea You Can Do Right in Seoul
Ice Skating Like a Local
Ice skating popped up everywhere once December hit, and I quickly learned it’s not just a tourist thing. ⛸️
Outdoor rinks feel festive, especially after dark, while indoor ones offer a warmer, calmer vibe if you’re easing into it.
I’m not a natural skater, and that turned out to be completely fine. People wobble, laugh, and help each other up without making a big deal out of it.
If it’s your first time, expect a learning curve and zero judgment. Renting skates is straightforward, and the energy is more playful than competitive.
Winter in Seoul has a way of turning simple activities into shared experiences, even with strangers.
Warm Up in a Korean Jjimjilbang
A jjimjilbang (찜질방) is a large, 24-hour Korean public bathhouse and spa. Stepping into one after a long, cold day outside can feel like discovering a cheat code for winter.
Heat hits you instantly, muscles relax, and suddenly, the cold from earlier feels like a distant memory.
These bathhouses aren’t just about getting warm. They’re a reset button locals rely on all winter.
The first visit can feel intimidating, but once you understand the flow, it’s easy. Just follow what others do, take your time, and don’t rush through the experience.
Try Seasonal Korean Winter Food
Winter in Seoul is the best time to eat Korean comfort food. Full stop. 🥘 Cold weather is when many classic dishes are meant to be eaten, and locals lean into them hard.
Start with tteokbokki (떡볶이) and odeng (어묵) or fishcake soup from street stalls, especially around Gwangjang Market. The broth alone is enough to warm your hands and core in minutes.
For something heartier, go for kimchi jjigae (김치찌개) or budae jjigae (부대찌개)—both are spicy, filling, and ideal for freezing days. Reliable places include Yukdaejang (육대장) and Nolboo Budae Jjigae (놀부부대찌개), which you’ll find across Seoul.
I tried Seolleongtang (설렁탕) at the Michelin-recommended Oegojip Seolleongtang (외고집설렁탕)
If you want deep, slow warmth, order seolleongtang (설렁탕) or gomtang (곰탕). These milky beef soups are winter staples, and long-running spots like Imun Seolleongtang (이문설렁탕) are popular for a reason.
For late nights or extra-cold evenings, dakgalbi (닭갈비) and gamjatang (감자탕) hit hardest. Look for Yoogane (유가네) for dakgalbi, or Original Gamjatang (원조감자탕)-style shops clustered in older neighborhoods.
December Festivals and Seasonal Events in Seoul
Christmas Lights and Winter Illuminations
December evenings in Seoul are made for slow walks. Winter light displays appear across the city, adding a soft glow to streets and pedestrian paths without feeling overwhelming. ✨
The best time to see them is just after sunset, when the sky is still slightly blue, and the lights stand out most. Bring gloves and a warm drink—the cold is part of the experience.
Winter-Themed Cultural Festivals
Seoul hosts several well-established winter festivals from December to February, and while exact dates shift slightly each year, the overall calendar stays fairly consistent. That makes it easy to plan without needing to lock everything in months ahead.
Seoul Lantern Festival (서울빛초롱축제)
One of the most popular is the Seoul Lantern Festival (서울빛초롱축제), usually held from late November to early January along Cheonggyecheon Stream. Large illuminated lanterns line the waterway, and it’s especially enjoyable in the evening when the lights reflect off the stream.
Seoul Christmas Festival (서울 크리스마스 페스티벌)
In mid-December, the city leans into the season with the Seoul Christmas Festival (서울 크리스마스 페스티벌), typically running through late December around Cheonggye Plaza.
Expect festive light displays, small holiday markets, and occasional performances without the chaos of a full-scale Christmas market.
Korean Folk Village Winter Festival (한국민속촌 겨울축제)
For a more traditional experience, the Korean Folk Village Winter Festival (한국민속촌 겨울축제) takes place from December through February in nearby Yongin. It focuses on historical winter life during the Joseon era, with folk games, performances, and seasonal scenes.
Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival (화천 산천어 축제)
If you’re open to a short trip outside Seoul, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival (화천 산천어 축제) usually runs in January and is one of Korea’s most famous winter events. Ice fishing, sledding, and snow activities draw both locals and visitors every year.
Best Day Trips From Seoul During Winter
When city life started feeling dense, getting out for a day became my way of resetting without burning energy on complex planning.
Snowy landscapes sit just outside the city, and December brings a quieter rhythm that’s hard to find during warmer months. 🏔️
Snowy Nature Escapes Near Seoul
Nami Island is calm and intentionally during the winter, with bare tree-lined paths and a clean, minimalist winter look.
Fewer crowds and softer sounds make wandering feel slow and meditative, where light, textures, and atmosphere matter more than photo spots. Winter here isn’t about doing much, and that’s exactly what makes it special.
From Seoul, take the ITX-Cheongchun train to Gapyeong Station, then a short taxi or local bus to the ferry terminal, followed by a brief ferry ride to the island.
Fun fact: The 2002 Korean drama Winter Sonata widely credited for sparking the "Korean Wave" (Hallyu) across Asia, was filmed here.
Garden of Morning Calm (아침고요수목원)
The Garden of Morning Calm feels like two places in winter.
By day, it’s quiet and open, with frosted paths and snowy views that let the layout shine. At night, seasonal lights transform it into a glowing winter landscape, warm and immersive without feeling overwhelming.
From Seoul, you can get there by taking the ITX-Cheongchun train to Cheongpyeong Station, then transferring to a local bus or taxi for the final stretch.
Ski and Snow Experiences for Beginners
I went into Seoul’s winter assuming skiing would be complicated. It wasn’t. ⛷️
Beginner-friendly ski areas near the city make trying snow sports surprisingly accessible, even if you’ve never stood on skis before.
The atmosphere is relaxed, not intimidating, and falling is treated as part of the process rather than a failure.
At the end of the day, these snow experiences aren’t really about mastering technique for most of us anyway. They’re about leaning into the season, giving it a try, and warming up afterward before heading back to the city.
Indoor Things to Do in Seoul When It’s Too Cold Outside
Museums and Cultural Centers
On days when the cold cuts straight through my gloves, I head indoors and slow everything down. 🏛️
The National Museum of Korea (국립중앙박물관) is an ideal winter stop. The space is calm, expansive, and perfect for warming up without feeling rushed.
The good thing about going during winter is that it makes museum visits easier. There are smaller crowds, no heat, and no pressure to move quickly.
I ended up lingering longer than expected, exploring at a relaxed pace. When it’s cold outside, taking your time indoors just feels right.
Shopping and Entertainment Complexes
Seoul does indoor entertainment exceptionally well, which becomes obvious the moment winter settles in.
Places like Lotte World (롯데월드) turn cold days into something playful rather than restrictive. 🎢
It’s warm, energetic, and surprisingly easy to spend hours inside without noticing time pass.
Beyond theme parks, malls, and underground shopping areas quietly keep the city moving all winter.
I ducked into cafés to warm up, wandered underground passages that stretched farther than expected, and realized winter here isn’t about staying indoors.
It’s about flowing seamlessly between indoor spaces, without ever feeling stuck.
Winter in Seoul Is Absolutely Worth It!
Winter isn’t about doing less here, just doing things differently, from jjimjilbang visits to lantern-lit strolls and snowy day trips beyond the city.
Staying flexible mattered, and reliable connectivity made that possible.
With shorter days, shifting weather, and changing plans, having a South Korea eSIM that worked instantly kept everything smooth.
Winter in Seoul rewards travelers who come prepared, stay curious, and move with the season rather than against it. ✨
FAQ: Winter in Seoul in December
Is December a good time to visit Seoul?
December is a solid choice if you like quieter streets, festive lights, and fewer crowds. The cold is real, but the city is well prepared, and winter adds character rather than limitation.
Does it snow in Seoul in December?
It does snow, but not constantly. When it happens, it usually doesn’t last long, but it transforms the city for a brief time, especially around palaces and parks.
What should I wear in Seoul in December?
Warm layers, a proper winter coat, insulated shoes, and wind-blocking accessories make all the difference. Dressing like locals makes winter much easier to enjoy.
Is Seoul too cold to walk around in winter?
Not if you plan smart. Walking is still very doable, especially during the day, and public transportation makes it easy to warm up between stretches outdoors.
Photo credits : Unsplash and Nigel Seah
