Seoul in winter: a December to February guide
How cold it really gets, what to wear, winter events and lights, warm indoor ideas and what is busy over the holidays.
Winter in Seoul is cold, dry and often sunny. Skies are clear, crowds at many sights are smaller, and the city is lit up for the holidays. With the right clothes, it is a great time to visit.
How cold is it?
- Temperatures are often below freezing, especially in January, and the wind makes it feel colder.
- Snow falls a few times each winter, but usually not much.
- The air is very dry. Bring lip balm and moisturizer.
- Indoors is warm, sometimes hot, thanks to floor heating.
What to wear
- A long padded coat is what most locals wear. You can buy affordable ones in Seoul if you arrive unprepared.
- Hat, gloves and a scarf or neck warmer.
- Thermal underlayers, so you can take a layer off indoors.
- Hand warmers (핫팩, hot pack) are sold at every convenience store.
- Shoes with good grip for icy pavements.
Winter lights and events
Dates change every year, so check official listings before you go.
- Lantern and light festivals along Cheonggyecheon Stream and around Gwanghwamun are usually held from mid-December into January.
- Christmas lights in Myeongdong, including the large light displays on department store buildings.
- Ice skating at an outdoor rink in central Seoul in many winters.
- New Year’s Eve bell-ringing ceremony at Bosingak in Jongno. It is very crowded, and roads close nearby.
Warm indoor ideas
- COEX and the Starfield Library: a huge indoor mall in Gangnam. See the Seoul map.
- Museums: the National Museum of Korea and the National Palace Museum are large and well heated.
- Jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouse and sauna). Read the etiquette guide first.
- Markets: Gwangjang Market’s food stalls are warm and steamy. See the Seoul map.
- Underground shopping streets connected to subway stations, such as those around Gangnam and Jamsil.
Winter street food
Look out for bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastry with red bean), hotteok (sweet filled pancake), roasted sweet potatoes and fish cake skewers in hot broth. See Korean food 101.
Holidays and closures
- Christmas Day is a public holiday, but most shops and restaurants stay open.
- New Year’s Day is a holiday. Many places open, but expect some closures.
- Lunar New Year (Seollal) usually falls in late January or February. Many small shops and restaurants close for several days, and trains and roads out of Seoul are packed. Palaces and large malls usually stay open. Check before you go.
A winter day in Seoul
- Morning: Gyeongbokgung Palace, when the light is clear and the crowds are smaller.
- Lunch: a hot bowl of stew or noodles in Insadong.
- Afternoon: a museum or COEX.
- Evening: winter lights at Cheonggyecheon, then street food in Myeongdong.
Plan your days with our trip planner, and check the live weather before you go out.
Official sources
- Visit Seoul: event listings
- Visit Korea: festivals and holidays
Prices, timetables and rules in Korea change often. We check this guide regularly, but please confirm details with the official sources linked above before you travel.