Things To Do This Winter In Korea

Winter in Korea is not just a season; it’s a magical time when the country transforms into a snowy wonderland. The chilly air, the pristine snow-covered landscapes, and the joyous laughter of people enjoying the season make it a truly unique experience.

This guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect during the Korean winter, from the thrill of cross-country skiing to the warmth of Korean winter dishes, and how to make the most of your winter experience in Korea.

Winter In Korea: An Overview of the Cold Months

Winter in Korea is a magical time that lasts from December to February. The landscape transforms into a snowy wonderland, painting the country with a blanket of white snow. The temperature averages around -6~3°C but can drop below -10°C. The winter months in Korea bring more snow than rain, creating a picturesque white landscape that showcases the country’s natural beauty. It’s essential to dress warmly, with extra layers, a thick coat, gloves, hat, and winter shoes, especially if you plan to partake in outdoor activities. A winter vacation in Korea is a unique experience that combines the charm of Korean culture with the thrill of winter sports and activities.

Winter Activities and Festivals

A winter vacation in Korea is a unique experience that combines the charm of Korean culture with the thrill of winter sports and activities. Check out some of the things you can do this Winter in Korea.

Visit a Jimjilbang (Korean Spa)

A Jimjilbang is a traditional Korean spa and a quintessential part of Korean culture. These communal bathhouses are open 24/7 and offer various facilities such as hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas. Some even have entertainment facilities like karaoke rooms, internet cafes, and restaurants. The idea is to relax, detoxify, and enjoy the company of others in a communal setting.

One of the most popular Jimjilbangs in Seoul is Dragon Hill Spa, which offers seven floors of relaxation, including a rooftop garden. Another is Siloam Sauna, known for its medicinal baths filled with ginseng, jade, and other healing elements. Visiting a Jimjilbang is a great way to escape the cold, rejuvenate your body, and immerse yourself in a slice of Korean culture.

Visit the Jeju Fire Festival

The Jeju Fire Festival is a unique event that celebrates the arrival of spring. Held in late winter on Jeju Island, the festival involves setting fire to dry fields to prepare for the upcoming farming season, a tradition that dates back centuries.

The sight of the vast fields set ablaze against the night sky is truly spectacular. But the festival is not just about the fire; it also includes various cultural performances, fireworks, and interactive programs. You can participate in traditional games, try local foods, and learn about Jeju‘s agricultural traditions. The Jeju Fire Festival is more than just a spectacle; it’s an immersive cultural experience that brings together locals and tourists alike.

Strawberry Picking

Contrary to popular belief, strawberries are not just summer fruits. Thanks to the advanced development of greenhouse farming, you can harvest strawberries even during the “off-season”. Picking strawberries at a local Korean farm is a great activity for family members of all ages.

It’s a unique way to experience Korean culture and enjoy the fruits that are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, which can help keep us from catching a cold during the winter months. Remember to book online in advance to secure your spot.

Snow Swimming

Snow swimming is a unique and exhilarating winter activity that has gained popularity in Korea. It’s exactly what it sounds like – swimming in a pool of snow. This activity is a fun and exciting way to embrace the cold and enjoy the winter season.

Snow swimming events are typically held in regions known for heavy snowfall, such as Gangwon-do Province. One of the most popular places to try snow swimming is at the High1 Resort in Jeongseon, where participants can dive into a large pool filled with fresh snow. The resort also provides safety gear and supervision to ensure everyone can enjoy this activity safely.

But snow swimming is more than just a fun activity; it’s also a test of endurance. The cold snow against your skin can be a shock at first, but as you move and generate heat, you’ll find a balance that allows you to enjoy this unique experience. It’s a great way to challenge yourself and create unforgettable winter memories.

In addition to the thrill of swimming in snow, participants can also enjoy the beautiful winter scenery. The snow-covered landscape of Gangwon-do Province, especially the view of Mt. Deogyusan’s peak topped with snow, adds a magical touch to this unique experience.

Snow swimming in Korea is a must-try for those seeking a unique winter adventure. It’s a chance to embrace the cold in a fun and exciting way, and it’s sure to be an experience you’ll never forget. So, if you’re planning a winter trip to Korea, don’t miss out on the chance to try snow swimming. It’s a winter activity like no other!

Snow Sledding

If you’re not into sports but still want to enjoy the snow, try snow sledding in Seoulland, Seoul’s first theme park. You can also watch the amusing illumination show at night. Snow sledding is a fun and easy way to enjoy the winter season. It’s a popular activity during the festival season in winter and a great way to experience the joy and excitement of a winter vacation in Korea.

Winter in Korea is a season of joy, beauty, and adventure. Whether you’re a fan of winter sports, love the outdoors, or simply want to experience the magic of a snowy landscape, there’s something for everyone. So bundle up, step out, and embrace the Korean winter!

Taebaeksan Snow Festival

The Taebaeksan Snow Festival is a celebration of winter’s beauty. Held every winter in the snow-covered landscape of Taebaeksan Mountain, the festival offers a true winter experience. It features magnificent snow and ice sculptures by artists from around the world, lighting up the area with the smiles of visitors.

The festival also hosts a variety of activities, including cross-country skiing, which is a great way to enjoy the winter landscape while also getting a good workout. The physical activity can help regulate blood pressure, making it a healthy and fun winter activity.

Rail Biking

Rail biking is a unique activity that combines exercise and sightseeing. As you pedal down the rail track, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful winter scenes.

The most famous places for rail biking are Jeongseon rail bike and Gangchon rail park. These locations offer stunning views of the Korean countryside blanketed in snow. It’s a perfect activity for those who want to enjoy the winter scenery while keeping active.

Winter Light Shows

Winter in Korea is not just about the snow and cold; it’s also a time when the country comes alive with dazzling light festivals. These festivals transform various locations into magical landscapes filled with thousands of lights, creating a warm and festive atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the chilly winter weather.

One of the most popular winter light festivals is the Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival. Located in Gapyeong, the Garden of Morning Calm is the oldest private garden in Korea. During the winter, the garden is adorned with over 30,000 lights, creating a stunning spectacle that illuminates the winter nights. The lights are arranged to create various shapes and themes, such as a tunnel of lights, a field of illuminated flowers, and a forest of lighted trees. The festival is a must-see for anyone visiting Korea during the winter.

Another popular light festival is the Pocheon Herb Island Light Festival. Herb Island is not an actual island but a theme park dedicated to herbs. During the winter, the park is transformed into a luminous wonderland with millions of LED lights. The lights are used to create various scenes, such as a Santa village, a Venus garden, and a tunnel of wishes. The festival also includes a variety of performances and events, making it a fun and festive destination for the whole family.

In Seoul, the Seoul Christmas Festival lights up the Cheonggyecheon Stream. The festival features a stunning display of lights along the 1.2-kilometer stream, with various installations and sculptures. The highlight of the festival is the Christmas tree festival, where various Christmas trees are decorated with lights and ornaments.

These winter light festivals in Korea offer a unique way to enjoy the winter season. They provide a warm and festive atmosphere that contrasts with the cold winter weather, making them a must-see for anyone visiting Korea during the winter. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these light festivals are sure to illuminate your winter nights and create unforgettable memories.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is a popular winter activity in Korea. The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, announced as one of the “7 Winter Wonders of the World” by CNN, is a great place to try this activity. Here, you can test your beginner’s luck and try to catch fish with your bare hands.

It’s a fun and exciting way to enjoy the winter season. If you’re looking for a different location, the Pyeongchang Trout Ice Fishing Festival is another great option.

Sheep Feeding

Sheep feeding in Korea is a unique activity that offers a delightful break from the bustling city life and the adrenaline rush of winter sports. Amidst the snow-covered landscapes, a visit to a sheep farm provides a warm and fuzzy experience that’s perfect for families, couples, and nature lovers.

One of the most popular places to experience sheep feeding is the Daegwallyong Sheep Farm in Pyeongchang. This farm, nestled in the highlands of the region, is home to hundreds of fluffy sheep that freely roam the vast meadows. During winter, the farm transforms into a picturesque scene straight out of a storybook with its snow-covered pastures and herds of sheep.

Visitors are given the opportunity to feed the sheep with hay, a delightful experience that brings you closer to these gentle creatures. The sheep, accustomed to human interaction, are friendly and approachable. Children, in particular, find immense joy in feeding and petting the sheep.

But the experience is not just about feeding the sheep. The farm offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes. A walk around the farm is a serene experience, with the only sounds being the gentle bleating of sheep and the crunch of snow under your boots.

The farm also has a cozy café where you can warm up with a hot drink and enjoy the views of the snowy meadows dotted with sheep. They also sell wool products made from the sheep’s wool, making for a perfect souvenir to remember the experience.

Skiing and Snowboarding

South Korea is home to several world-class ski resorts, thanks to the successful hosting of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. Resorts like Yongpyong Ski Resort, Vivaldi Park Ski Resort, and Aplensia Ski Resort offer a wide range of slopes for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Whether you’re into freestyle skiing or just want to enjoy the slopes, these popular ski resorts have something for everyone. They offer a wonderful winter landscape that makes your winter vacation in Korea even more memorable.

Exploring Winter in Major Korean Cities

Winter in Korea is not just about the countryside; major cities like Seoul and Jeju Island also offer a variety of winter activities. In Seoul, you can visit the Lotte World indoor theme park, which offers a variety of indoor ice events. You can also explore the city’s winter light shows and enjoy Korean winter dishes at various restaurants around Seoul Station.

On Jeju Island, winter is a time of tranquility. The island’s mild winter weather makes it a great place for outdoor activities. You can explore the island’s natural beauty, visit its famous volcanic craters, or enjoy a relaxing walk along its beautiful beaches.

Nami Island is another must-visit location during winter. The island becomes a winter wonderland, with its tree-lined paths covered in snow. It’s a perfect location for a romantic winter walk.

Koreas Best Ski Resorts

As winter blankets Korea in a layer of pristine snow, the country transforms into a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. The mountains come alive with the sound of skis carving through the snow and snowboards sliding down the slopes. Korea, with its diverse terrain and excellent snow conditions, is home to some of the world’s best ski resorts.

From the Olympic slopes of Pyeongchang to the trendsetting trails of Hongcheon, these resorts offer a unique blend of thrilling sports, breathtaking scenery, and immersive cultural experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned skier, a beginner snowboarder, or someone who simply enjoys the winter landscape, Korea’s ski resorts have something for everyone.

Yongpyong Ski Resort

Yongpyong Ski Resort, the largest ski resort in South Korea, is a winter paradise that caters to everyone’s needs. Nestled in the mountains of Pyeongchang, it was the main venue for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, putting it on the global map. The resort boasts 28 slopes, 13 ski lifts, and a gondola, providing a variety of options for both skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.

Yongpyong is not just about skiing; it’s a cultural hotspot too. It has gained fame for its appearance in popular K-dramas like “Winter Sonata” and “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God”. The resort offers a unique blend of sports and entertainment, making it a must-visit destination during the Korean winter.

Phoenix Park Ski Resort

Phoenix Park Ski Resort is a snowboarder’s dream come true. Located in Pyeongchang, the resort is known for its wonderful natural scenery and perfect powder. It offers 21 slopes and 8 ski lifts, providing a variety of options for snowboarders of all levels.

Phoenix Park is not just about snowboarding; it’s also a cultural icon, having appeared in the K-drama “Autumn in My Heart”. The resort combines the thrill of snowboarding with the beauty of Korean culture and nature, making it a must-visit destination for snowboarding enthusiasts.

Vivaldi Park Ski Resort

Vivaldi Park Ski Resort, located in Hongcheon, is known as a trendsetter among ski resorts. It’s the perfect place for thrill-seeking young people, offering the best night skiing experience and slopes full of twists and turns. The resort boasts 12 slopes and 10 ski lifts, providing a variety of options for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

Vivaldi Park is also a cultural hotspot, having been featured in the K-drama “The Legend of the Blue Sea”. The resort combines the thrill of skiing and snowboarding with the beauty of Korean culture, making it a must-visit destination for young thrill-seekers.

Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort

Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort, located in Chuncheon, is the closest resort to downtown Seoul, making it an ideal spot for a spontaneous half or full-day trip. The resort offers 10 slopes and 6 ski lifts, providing a variety of options for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

Elysian Gangchon is not just about skiing; it’s also about exploring the beauty of Korean winter. The resort is located near popular sightseeing destinations, allowing non-skiers to enjoy the winter scenery. Whether you’re a skier or a sightseer, Elysian Gangchon has something for you.

Alpensia Ski Resort

Alpensia Resort, located in Pyeongchang, is a family-friendly resort that boasts top-notch leisure and premium lodging facilities. The resort offers 6 slopes and 3 ski lifts, providing a variety of options for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

Alpensia Ski Resort is not just about skiing; it’s also about enjoying a luxurious winter vacation. The resort offers a range of facilities, including restaurants, shops, and a water park, making it a perfect destination for a family winter getaway.

Each of these ski resorts offers a unique experience, combining the thrill of winter sports with the beauty of Korean culture and nature. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-time snowboarder, these resorts have something for you.

Winter In Korea: An Overview of the Cold Months