{"id":50463,"date":"2019-09-11T11:01:40","date_gmt":"2019-09-11T10:01:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/?p=50463"},"modified":"2026-10-29T13:15:00","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T04:15:00","slug":"winter-in-korea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/blog\/winter-in-korea\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter in Korea: What to do and what to expect"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Latest updated: October 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Winter in Korea is a wonderful time to experience the country in a different way. From snow-covered palaces and exciting ski trips to steaming bowls of Korean stew and cozy jjimjilbang visits, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the colder months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re planning a trip or preparing to study and live in Korea, knowing what to expect from the weather, what to pack, and which seasonal activities to try can make your winter experience much more comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this guide, we&#8217;ll cover everything you need to know about <strong>winter in Korea<\/strong>, including temperatures, winter clothing, local food, activities, and seasonal celebrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is the winter season in Korea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Winter in Korea generally lasts from <strong>December to February<\/strong>, although cold weather can continue into March. January is usually the coldest month, and temperatures can drop well below freezing during cold spells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Korea&#8217;s winter climate is generally cold and dry, with strong winds that can make it feel even colder. Snowfall varies depending on the region. Seoul may experience occasional snow, while mountainous areas, particularly in Gangwon State, tend to receive more snow and offer better conditions for winter sports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re hoping to experience a snowy winter in Korea, consider visiting a ski resort or a mountainous destination rather than relying on snowfall in central Seoul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the weather like in winter in Korea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Winter temperatures vary by location and day, so it&#8217;s important to check the forecast before traveling. Seoul can experience temperatures below -10\u00b0C during particularly cold periods, while southern cities such as Busan generally have milder winters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although snow-covered streets and palaces can make beautiful scenery, icy sidewalks and strong winds can also make getting around more challenging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are a few things to keep in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Seoul and Incheon:<\/strong> Expect cold, often windy weather and occasional snowfall.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gangwon State:<\/strong> Mountainous areas can be colder and snowier, making them popular for skiing and snowboarding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Busan and southern Korea:<\/strong> Winters are generally milder than in Seoul, although warm clothing is still necessary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Indoor spaces, including shopping malls, caf\u00e9s, and public transportation, are usually well heated. Dressing in layers makes it easier to stay comfortable when moving between cold outdoor areas and warm indoor spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"798\" height=\"449\" src=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Inverno-in-Corea.png\" alt=\"Warming pad to use in winter in Korea\" class=\"wp-image-61723\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Inverno-in-Corea.png 798w, https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Inverno-in-Corea-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Inverno-in-Corea-768x432.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should you wear during winter in Korea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The key to dressing for winter in Korea is <strong>wearing warm layers<\/strong>. A thick coat is essential, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Consider packing the following items:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Item<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Why you need it<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Thermal clothing<\/td><td>Adds warmth without too much bulk<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Padded or insulated coat<\/td><td>Protects you from cold temperatures and wind<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hat and scarf<\/td><td>Help keep your head and neck warm<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Gloves<\/td><td>Protect your hands from the cold<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Warm socks<\/td><td>Keep your feet comfortable outdoors<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Waterproof shoes or boots<\/td><td>Useful for snow, slush, and icy conditions<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Moisturizer and lip balm<\/td><td>Help protect your skin from dry air<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don&#8217;t necessarily need heavy snow boots for every winter day in Seoul, but waterproof footwear is useful when there is snow or slush on the ground. If you&#8217;re planning to visit a ski resort or a snowy mountain area, bring suitable winter shoes and clothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also buy winter accessories in Korea if you don&#8217;t want to pack everything from home. Department stores, clothing shops, and many other retailers sell coats, scarves, gloves, and thermal wear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can you stay warm during winter in Korea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Besides wearing suitable clothing, there are several easy ways to keep warm during winter in Korea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hot packs<\/strong>, known in Korean as <em>hot packs<\/em> or <em>\ud56b\ud329 (hatpaek)<\/em>, are widely available at convenience stores, supermarkets, and other retailers. These portable warmers can be held in your hands or placed in your pockets. Some types are designed to stick to clothing, so always follow the product instructions and avoid placing them directly against bare skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Warm drinks are another popular choice. Convenience stores and caf\u00e9s sell hot coffee, tea, and traditional Korean drinks made with ingredients such as citron, honey, ginger, or ginseng.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don&#8217;t forget about skincare, either. Cold winds and dry air can leave your skin, hands, and lips feeling dry. Moisturizer, hand cream, and lip balm can help keep them comfortable throughout the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What food should you try during winter in Korea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the best parts of winter in Korea is enjoying warm, comforting food. Korean cuisine has plenty of soups, stews, and street snacks that are especially satisfying when the weather is cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are a few winter favorites to look out for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Kimchi-jjigae (\uae40\uce58\ucc0c\uac1c):<\/strong> A spicy kimchi stew often prepared with tofu, pork, or other ingredients.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ramyeon (\ub77c\uba74):<\/strong> Korean instant noodles (Pair with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DVylJUxE8WW\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">kimbap<\/a> for a more satisfying meal!)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hotteok (\ud638\ub5a1):<\/strong> A sweet Korean pancake traditionally filled with a mixture such as brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Roasted sweet potatoes (\uad70\uace0\uad6c\ub9c8):<\/strong> A warm, naturally sweet snack sold by some street vendors and retailers during winter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Warm citron tea (\uc720\uc790\ucc28):<\/strong> A sweet, citrus-based drink commonly enjoyed hot.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more ideas, check out our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/blog\/winter-foods-you-definitely-need-to-try\/\">winter foods you definitely need to try in Korea<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"798\" height=\"449\" src=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Winter-in-Korea-3.png\" alt=\"Winter activities in Korea\" class=\"wp-image-78878\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Winter-in-Korea-3.png 798w, https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Winter-in-Korea-3-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Winter-in-Korea-3-768x432.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What can you do during winter in Korea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Korea has ski resorts for beginners and experienced skiers alike. Many are located in Gangwon State and other areas within reach of Seoul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ski season typically runs through the winter, but opening dates and slope conditions depend on the weather. If you&#8217;re visiting during peak season, check the resort&#8217;s official website for operating schedules, rentals, lessons, and transportation before you go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another popular option is to visit a <a href=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/blog\/jjimjilbang-the-korean-traditional-spa\/\"><em>jjimjilbang<\/em><\/a> (\ucc1c\uc9c8\ubc29), a Korean bathhouse and sauna facility where visitors can relax in heated rooms, use bathing facilities, and sometimes enjoy restaurants or other amenities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many jjimjilbangs have separate bathing areas and shared relaxation areas where visitors wear the clothing provided by the facility. They offer a cozy way to unwind after exploring Korea in the cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some facilities also offer overnight stays, although availability, opening hours, and services vary by location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/blog\/winter-outdoor-activities-in-korea\/\">top 3 most unique winter outdoor activities in Korea<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"798\" height=\"449\" src=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Christmas-in-Korea.png\" alt=\"Christmas tree in Korea - Winter in Korea\" class=\"wp-image-54590\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Christmas-in-Korea.png 798w, https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Christmas-in-Korea-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Christmas-in-Korea-768x432.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is it like spending Christmas and New Year in winter in Korea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Winter is also a time for seasonal lights, holiday decorations, and <a href=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/blog\/celebrate-new-years-eve-in-korea\/\">New Year celebrations<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just like in the West, <strong>Christmas in Korea<\/strong> is celebrated on December 25, which is a public holiday. Shopping districts, department stores, caf\u00e9s, and other popular areas may display festive decorations and light displays. However, Christmas traditions and celebrations can differ from those in your home country, and not every business will have the same opening hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">New Year&#8217;s Eve and New Year&#8217;s Day are also popular times for special events. Some people gather to watch fireworks, attend countdown events, or travel to coastal and mountain destinations to see the first sunrise of the year. Event schedules and access arrangements can change, so check official announcements before making plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re staying in Korea over the holidays, remember that January 1 is a public holiday and Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, also falls in winter. Travel can be busy around Seollal, so plan transportation and accommodation in advance if you intend to travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/blog\/christmas-holidays-in-seoul\/\">6 best ways to spend Christmas holidays in Seoul<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Korean vocabulary should you know for winter?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Learning a few seasonal Korean words can help you understand weather forecasts, shop for winter essentials, and talk about the season with Korean friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Hangul<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Transliteration<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>English<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\uaca8\uc6b8<\/td><td><em>Gyeoul<\/em><\/td><td>Winter<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\ub208<\/td><td><em>Nun<\/em><\/td><td>Snow<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\ucda5\ub2e4<\/td><td><em>Chupda<\/em><\/td><td>To be cold<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\ud328\ub529<\/td><td><em>Paeding<\/em><\/td><td>Padded winter jacket<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\ubaa9\ub3c4\ub9ac<\/td><td><em>Mokdori<\/em><\/td><td>Scarf<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\uc7a5\uac11<\/td><td><em>Janggap<\/em><\/td><td>Gloves<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\ud56b\ud329<\/td><td><em>Hatpaek<\/em><\/td><td>Hot pack \/ hand warmer<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\ucc1c\uc9c8\ubc29<\/td><td><em>Jjimjilbang<\/em><\/td><td>Korean sauna and bathhouse<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is winter a good time to visit or live in Korea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Winter in Korea can be cold, but it also offers experiences that you won&#8217;t get in the same way during other seasons. You can admire snowy landscapes, try seasonal Korean food, enjoy winter sports, relax in a jjimjilbang, and experience the festive atmosphere around the holidays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most important thing is to prepare for the weather. Dress in layers, protect your skin from the dry air, and check local conditions before planning outdoor activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re thinking about more than a short visit and want to experience everyday life in Korea, <strong>studying Korean in Korea is another way to immerse yourself in the language and culture<\/strong>. <a href=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/language-schools\/\">Check our school page<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/#form\">Contact us<\/a> about living and studying in Korea, and remember to follow the <a href=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/blog\/\">Go! Go! Hanguk blog<\/a> for more content.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Latest updated: October 2026 Winter in Korea is a wonderful time to experience the country in a different way. From snow-covered palaces and exciting ski trips to steaming bowls of Korean stew and cozy jjimjilbang visits, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the colder months. If you&#8217;re planning a trip or preparing to study [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":122,"featured_media":78868,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[1220],"tags":[1289,1295,1315],"class_list":["post-50463","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-life-in-korea","tag-culture","tag-how-to","tag-things-to-do"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50463","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/122"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=50463"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50463\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":112558,"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50463\/revisions\/112558"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50463"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=50463"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=50463"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}