In the event you’re planning a visit to Korea between December and March, you’ll have to know the most effective locations to go to in the course of the cooler months. So seize your huge coat and prepare to discover winter in Korea!
Whether or not you’re a fan of winter sports activities, seeking to immerse your self in conventional Korean actions, or in search of a New Yr like no different, Korea’s winter locations promise adventures and reminiscences to be made. Seize your huge coat and prepare to discover winter in Korea!
South Korea is an excellent place to go to all yr spherical. There’s a lot to see and do, a plethora of tradition, arts, delicacies and historical past to enjoy. Because the temperatures drop and South Korea dons its winter coat, a magical transformation unfolds throughout the nation, which you wouldn’t wish to miss. From icy landscapes to New Yr celebrations, Korea turns into a winter wonderland ready to be explored.
I’ve put collectively among the greatest locations to go to in winter in Korea, discovering the surprise of snowy escapes, frozen lake festivals, palaces and sunrises!
The perfect locations to go to in winter in Korea
There are many great locations to go to in Korea in the course of the winter months, from palaces to islands and ski resorts to festivals.
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul
Open all yr spherical, however an particularly wonderful sight to behold in winter, Gyeongbokgung is the most important of the 5 Grand Palaces constructed in the course of the Joseon Dynasty. There‘s a lot beautiful structure inside the palace and loads of alternatives for nice vacation snaps!
Just a few highlights of the palace embody Geunjeongjeon, the primary throne corridor, the place the king formally granted audiences to his officers. There are additionally not one however two gorgeous pavilions, Gyeonghoeru and Hyangwonjeong, that are located on islands inside the palace grounds.
Guests can witness the ceremonial Altering of the Guard at Gwanghwamun, the primary gate, and expertise the day by day reenactment of the normal royal guard-changing ceremony. Open to the general public, the palace affords an exploration of its grounds, offering insights into Korean historical past amid lovely gardens. Gyeongbokgung Palace can also be illuminated at night time, providing extra wonderful photograph alternatives. It might undoubtedly be one of the vital lovely locations to go to in winter in Korea.
2. Namsan Seoul Tower, Seoul
Namsan Seoul Tower, often known as N Seoul Tower, is an icon of the world and is positioned on Namsan Mountain within the coronary heart of Seoul. In the event you fancy it you might take a hike or a cable automobile to the highest of Namsan Mountain which is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in winter in Korea for its breathtaking views of Seoul lined in snow.
Over time, the tower has develop into a preferred vacationer attraction, providing two statement decks that supply gorgeous 360-degree views of Seoul and its surrounding areas and the fantastically illuminated at night time too making for a wonderful backdrop to your vacation images!
3. Jeju Island
Only a brief flight from Seoul, you’ll discover Jeju Island. Visiting Jeju in December has been one in all my favorite wintry journeys. The island was quiet, the seashores have been nonetheless lovely, and it was nice worth!
Click on right here to learn extra about what to do on Jeju Island in winter, the place to remain on Jeju, and find out how to do a highway journey spherical Jeju Island too.
I’d additionally suggest you learn my information to travelling Jeju solo, ideas and recommendation for all!
4. Seoul Lantern Competition, Seoul
Seoul Lantern Competition is an annual occasion held in November and December. The pageant is well known in and round Gwanghwamun Sq., Cheonggyecheon Stream and Seoul Plaza and transforms the areas right into a wonderland of vibrant lanterns. It’s a mesmerising sight, particularly after sundown.
The pageant supplies wonderful alternatives for pictures, particularly in the course of the nighttime when the lanterns are illuminated. Because it solely takes place for a number of weeks, it’s undoubtedly one in all my prime solutions for locations to go to in winter in Korea. Additionally, it’s a free pageant which makes it accessible to everybody who needs to go!
Needless to say occasion particulars and dates range barely from yr to yr, so I like to recommend double-checking essentially the most present details about the Seoul Lantern Competition and cross-referencing it with the date you intend to journey there. I wouldn’t need you to overlook it!
READ MORE: 14 of the Greatest Cafes in Seoul, South Korea
4. Nami Island
Nami Island, formally often called Naminara Republic, is a small, lovely island positioned in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, South Korea. Throughout the winter months, sometimes from December to February, it transforms right into a winter wonderland.
The island is legendary for its tree-lined paths which create a fairy-tale-like environment when lined in snow; and when the lakes which encompass the island freeze it turns into much more magical when the ice displays the panorama.
It gained worldwide fame because the filming location for the favored Korean drama ‘Winter Sonata’, so you might even see a number of vacationers who’re followers of the present visiting the island because it performed a big function in selling South Korea’s cultural affect throughout Asia.
Beautiful strolling trails that wind by means of the wooded areas are aplenty on the island. These trails, embellished with snow-covered branches and paths, make for a good looking setting wherein you’ll wish to take a number of images. After all, it could make for a really romantic setting as effectively.
All through the island, you’ll discover varied artwork installations and sculptures that solely add to the pure magnificence. These items of artwork, combined with the winter panorama, create wonderful sights which I’m positive you’ll fall in love with, which is why it’s top-of-the-line locations to go to in winter in Korea.
Given the chilly temperatures, it’s essential to keep in mind to pack a number of heat layers; all the things from a winter coat, gloves, and a hat wouldn’t go amiss. Appropriate footwear for strolling in snow is crucial because the island is a must-do however will probably be icy.
Nami Island is accessible by a ferry trip from Gapyeong Wharf and the brief journey throughout the river provides one other thrilling component to the journey!
The explanation it’s important to go to Nami Island is its potential to move guests right into a magical world of snow-covered landscapes as if from a film! This implies it’s undoubtedly one of many prime locations to go to in winter in Korea
5. Alpensia Ski Resort, Gangwon Province
Alpensia Ski Resort is located in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province. The resort performed a big function in the course of the 2018 Winter Olympics, internet hosting varied occasions corresponding to alpine snowboarding, cross-country snowboarding, and biathlon.
Alpensia Ski Resort is a haven for winter sports activities followers. The resort affords wonderful snowboarding and snowboarding services, catering to all ranges of experience, from inexperienced persons to superior skiers. It additionally options luxurious locations to remain, with many resorts that supply gorgeous panoramic views of the encircling mountains and slopes.
Other than winter sports activities, guests can discover the Alpensia Olympic Park, which incorporates the Olympic Stadium and different services used in the course of the Winter Olympics. The Olympic legacy makes it top-of-the-line locations to go to in winter in Korea and is undeniably a premier winter sports activities vacation spot.
6. Jeongseon Rail Bike, Gangwon Province
The Jeongseon Rail Bike is one for the adventurers! Expertise driving a rail bike by means of the snow-covered landscapes of Jeongseon. The route takes you thru tunnels and over bridges, making you are feeling like an motion hero! The Jeongseon Rail Bike expertise is a one-of-a-kind journey the place guests trip specifically designed bikes alongside previous railroad tracks. The tracks wind by means of the snow-covered countryside providing you with an journey you wouldn’t wish to miss and makes it top-of-the-line locations to go to in winter in Korea.
The Jeongseon Rail Bike is appropriate for guests of all ages and health ranges so everybody can have a go. It’s an awesome exercise for households, teams of associates, and adventurers on the whole who’re in search of an attention-grabbing winter tour.
Each Alpensia Ski Resort and Jeongseon Rail Bike supply unbelievable experiences in Gangwon Province, catering to these in search of the fun of winter sports activities and people searching for a extra scenic journey. Whether or not you’re a snowboarding fanatic or somebody desirous to benefit from the winter landscapes in a relaxing means (pardon the pun), Gangwon Province has one thing to supply.
7. Pyeongchang
One other main ski resort in Pyeongchang is Yongpyong Resort, recognized for its intensive slopes and internet hosting the slalom and big slalom occasions in the course of the Olympics. The resort is a well-liked vacation spot for each leisure {and professional} skiers.
Pyeongchang is surrounded by the Taebaek Mountains, creating a shocking backdrop for winter actions which is able to take your breath away – undoubtedly one to be captured on digicam to share with all of your nearest and dearest when house.
Past the Olympic venues, Pyeongchang affords scenic trails for winter climbing and exploration. The snowy landscapes and surroundings make it a beautiful vacation spot for nature lovers.
Pyeongchang isn’t solely about sports activities; you’ll be able to discover conventional markets, temples, and native festivals to get a style of the area’s traditions.
Whether or not you’re an avid winter sports activities fanatic or somebody in search of a scenic escape, Pyeongchang’s mixture of world-class services and pure magnificence makes it one of many prime locations to go to in winter in Korea.
8. Inje Icefish Competition
The Inje Icefish Competition takes place within the city of Inje, positioned in Gangwon Province, South Korea. The pageant is held in the course of the winter season, when the climate is chilly sufficient to freeze the floor of Soyangho Lake. The precise dates can range from yr to yr, so it’s advisable to examine the pageant schedule upfront.
The spotlight of the pageant is the ice fishing! The lake’s frozen floor turns into a brief fishing floor in the course of the pageant. Guests are supplied with the chance to expertise conventional ice fishing by drilling holes within the ice and attempting their luck at catching mountain trout. This can be a must-do exercise in winter in Korea, what number of different alternatives in life will you get to attempt your hand at one thing so distinctive! The mountain trout caught in the course of the pageant can typically be ready and cooked on-site, permitting contributors to get pleasure from their catches!
Along with ice fishing, the pageant options a wide range of performances and actions that showcase the native traditions and heritage of Inje. Conventional music, dance performances, ice sculptures and artwork installations by native artists offer you insights into the great historical past of the area and add to the magic of the pageant.
Soyangho Lake, surrounded by mountains, makes for an awe-inspiring setting for the pageant excellent for a lot of a photograph alternative to seize the second and make reminiscences for all times. It’s absolutely top-of-the-line locations to go to in winter in Korea.
9. Hahoe Folks Village
Hahoe Village stands out as one in all Korea’s famend folks villages, nestled amidst the Nakdonggang River. A UNESCO World Heritage web site, this village preserves conventional Korean homes, often called hanok. Strolling by means of the village seems like stepping again in time, and winter provides an additional layer of magnificence to the environment.
Its fame grew considerably after notable visits from Queen Elizabeth II in 1999 and President George H. Bush of the usA. in 2005. Acknowledged for its cultural richness, the village is a house to so many treasures that it led to its designation as Nationwide Folklore Cultural Heritage in 1984. Notably, the village options the Hahoe Masks, acknowledged as a Nationwide Treasure.
The village is house to a whole bunch of conventional Korean homes that are characterised by their wood buildings, tiled roofs, and courtyards referred to as marues. Lots of the hanoks have been preserved, providing guests a glimpse into conventional Korean structure. Some homes are open to the general public, functioning as cultural centres and museums.
10. Mudeungsan Nationwide Park
Go winter climbing in Mudeungsan Nationwide Park and be rewarded with the panoramic views of Gwangju. It’s recognized for its superior panorama, together with rugged peaks, forests and temples.
Mudeungsan Nationwide Park is a well-liked vacation spot for climbing lovers all year long however the winter provides an additional particular dimension. The park’s trails, that are surrounded by lush greenery throughout different seasons, remodel right into a winter wonderland when lined in snow. Hikers might come throughout temples, shrines, and stone pagodas nestled inside the park, making for an much more rewarding hike!
The park is characterised by three essential peaks: Gwanggyo, Hyangjeokbong, and Deokyusan. Every peak affords completely different ranges of issue for hikers, which means each inexperienced persons and skilled trekkers can have a go.
It could be apparent however keep in mind it’s essential to decorate appropriately for winter climbing. Put on insulated layers, a superb winter jacket, gloves, and a hat to remain heat. Put on sturdy and waterproof climbing boots to navigate snowy and icy trails extra comfortably.
Gwangju, the sixth-largest metropolis in South Korea, serves as a gateway to Mudeungsan Nationwide Park. The park is well accessible from town, making it a handy day journey for you in your journey.
As solutions for locations to go to in winter in Korea go, climbing in Mudeungsan Nationwide Park affords a particular mixture of nature, snowy trails, lovely views, and temples makes it a wonderful alternative for an out of doors journey.
11. Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Competition
This pageant, held on the frozen Hwacheon Cheon Stream, affords a wide range of winter actions, together with ice fishing, sledging, and conventional folks video games. It’s a full of life and festive environment, excellent for experiencing Korean winter traditions.
Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Competition embraces Korean winter traditions by that includes a wide range of conventional folks video games. Guests can take part in actions like yutnori (a conventional board sport), jegichagi (a sport utilizing a shuttlecock-like object), and tuho (arrow throwing).
The pageant affords sledging actions designed to cater to completely different age teams and ability ranges, making it a family-friendly exercise.
Identical to the Inje IceFish pageant talked about earlier, one of many essential highlights of the pageant is ice fishing on the frozen Hwacheon Cheon Stream. You’ll be able to expertise the distinctive thrill of drilling holes within the ice and trying to catch sancheoneo, a sort of mountain trout native to the area.
Hwacheon is well accessible by public transportation from Seoul and different main cities and affords an awesome mixture of winter actions, memorable experiences and festive enjoyable.
New Yr’s Dawn Festivals
Welcoming within the New Yr in Korea is likely one of the best issues you are able to do. There are a lot of ‘Dawn Festivals’ the place folks collect to look at the very first dawn of the New Yr.
1. Seongsan Dawn Competition
The Seongsan Dawn Competition takes place at Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone, often called ’Dawn Peak’. Past the gorgeous dawn, the occasion guarantees parades, performances, firework shows, bowls filled with tteokguk (rice cake soup). Regardless of the time of yr, it’s one of many greatest issues to see on Jeju Island.
To make sure security, solely 500 persons are allowed up the tuff cone on the early morning of January 1. For these desirous to take part, purposes shall be open on the Seongsan Dawn Competition web site ranging from midday (KST) on December 20.
2. Homigot Dawn Competition
Homigot Dawn Plaza at Homigot Cape stands out as a very fashionable spot for witnessing the New Yr’s dawn, because of its breathtaking yellow and golden dawn panorama.
The Homigot Dawn Competition options fascinating performances, a spectacular fireworks show, and a tteokguk occasion able to serving as much as 10,000 folks!
3. Jeongdongjin Dawn Competition
That includes a singular outstanding sandglass on Jeongdongjin Seaside this dawn pageant serves up an area landmark and a magical focus for the Jeongdongjin Dawn Competition. It’s a spectacle because it takes a full yr for the sand within the higher bulb to fall into the decrease one.
On the stroke of midnight, a grand ceremony unfolds, that includes the flipping of the sandglass, symbolising the passage into the brand new yr. This momentous event is marked with fireworks and performances.
There are different dawn festivals too however these are among the most notable. As locations to go to in winter in Korea go, these dawn festivals welcoming within the New Yr are an awesome thought!
Simply because it’s chilly within the winter doesn’t imply the enjoyable has to cease. If something, it opens up an entire new means of experiencing the nation and having a vacation not like some other. Get your snowshoes, skis, scarves and gloves and provides your self the present of enchanted forest getaways and gorgeous first sunrises in Korea this winter!
Is it value visiting Korea in winter?
Completely, visiting Korea throughout winter is a splendid thought. The season transforms the panorama right into a picturesque wonderland, particularly within the mountainous areas. Winter sports activities lovers will discover loads of alternatives for snowboarding and snowboarding, notably in well-known resorts like Pyeongchang. Moreover, it’s a good time to expertise Korea’s distinctive winter delicacies and conventional festivals, which provide a deep dive into the nation’s wealthy tradition.
Is it value going to Seoul in December?
Visiting Seoul in December is extremely advisable. Town is adorned with festive lights and decorations, making a magical environment. It’s a really perfect time for purchasing, with quite a few markets and purchasing festivals. Cultural occasions are in full swing, and you may get pleasure from conventional Korean performances. The chilly climate is ideal for savouring sizzling avenue meals and warming conventional drinks, making it a comfortable and pleasant expertise.
What’s the winter temperature in Korea?
In winter, temperatures in Korea can range considerably relying on the area. Usually, the common temperature ranges from -6°C to three°C. Nevertheless, it could get colder, particularly within the northern components and within the mountains, the place temperatures can drop beneath -10°C. It’s advisable to organize heat clothes, together with thermal put on, to comfortably benefit from the winter season in Korea.