Seoul is an incredible city that should be on everyone’s travel list at least once. With its mix of modern skyscrapers, historic palaces, vibrant street markets, and cozy cafés, it’s a destination that truly has something for everyone. But if you’re wondering when is the best time to visit, we have a secret: winter is when Seoul shines the most.
From snow-dusted streets and festive lights to warm comfort food and unique seasonal experiences, winter transforms the city into a magical wonderland. In this guide, we’ll share exactly why visiting during this season is so special, along with the best areas to stay and top recommendations for making the most of your winter trip.
Page Contents
Why should you visit Seoul in Winter?
Festivals are among the main reasons you should visit Seoul in winter. They are special because you can’t do them at any other time of the year. The experience is also further elevated because you won’t have trouble finding space to enjoy them. This is because winter in Seoul can get really cold, so chances are, not many people will gather at the same time.
Furthermore, you can experience some fantastic sights and visit some marvelous places. Seoul has some of the best natural experiences in the world. But if that is not to your liking, then Seoul’s food and stores will do the trick. Every recommendation in this article will be things you might enjoy, and they will complement each other, making this winter trip to Seoul a complete experience.
15 Things to Do in Seoul in Winter
#1 Nami Island
Do you know how I talked about the beautiful sights in Seoul? Well, Nami Island is an excellent example. Nami Island is home to some of the most amazing natural sights, so much so that even the most introverted person would agree! If that doesn’t interest you, you can visit the filming locations for the popular Korean drama Winter Sonata.
Finally, you might even see some animals in their natural habitat, which is always fun. Animals are always a joy! You can then end your experience by visiting some nearby restaurants.
Definitely try out the KKOKKO Chuncheon chicken ribs during your visit. They are certainly delicious, and while you enjoy this delicacy, you can also take in sights you may have missed.
#2 MyeongDong Shopping
Some people believe they should dress like the people of the country they visit. If you are one of them, then you should definitely visit the Myeongdong Underground shopping center. This place is home to some of Korea’s best fashion. You don’t even need an interpreter because fashion doesn’t have “multiple languages.” I mean, clothes are just clothes, so you should be able to style yourself just fine on your own.
But what about paying for your clothes? Don’t worry; the cashier is there to help you, and they are used to dealing with tourists. Also, don’t worry about getting tired of looking at clothes. There are many other places to visit near Myeong-dong shopping. You can get some delicious food or watch movies at a movie theater. There is even a cat cafe to visit! That doesn’t need an explanation as to why you should visit, haha!
#3 Garden of Morning Calm
Are you a plant fanatic? Well, you’re in luck. The Garden of Morning Calm is one of the best places to go if you want to look at different plants. It is home to 5000 different species! You can go to this place often without seeing the same plants for a long time. The only downside is that the plants would be affected by the harsh winter Seoul faces. But in my opinion, winter helps increase the appeal of the different plants.
You may even get lucky and see some rare or endangered plants. Unfortunately, they are endangered, but this makes visiting the garden even more special since you can’t see them anywhere else. You can help preserve their beauty in photography. So they can still at least be remembered through your pictures, even if they do become extinct.
#4 Insadong Cultural Street
You know what they say, good food brings people together. This is certainly true when you visit Insadong Cultural Street. This place is great for people who want to try some good Korean food, like Korean barbecue or street food like Tteokbokki. What makes this great is that you can take the street food with you while visiting some shops there with your group.
You can look for some antique-like pottery while chomping down on your Tteokbokki and chatting with your friends. You might even get a chance to experience what it is like to live in Korea if you pay careful attention to the locals. There is a lot to learn about the language and mannerisms—definitely, a must-go-to place if you come to Seoul.
#5 Parasite Filming Location
This section is a little special since I will spend a lot of time praising Parasite. This movie is such a great watch, and you should definitely see it if you get a chance. It’s such a well-written and directed story. You really get to see the differences between the characters. The build-up is just amazing, and the ending is still such a shock, even if you could predict it. I was definitely happy with the time and money I spent on this movie.
If my opinion doesn’t convince you, then maybe the four Oscars it won will. They won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film! A foreign film that won this many Oscars should undoubtedly gain your interest so much so that you should be interested in visiting the locations where this wonderful movie was filmed. There are not many places, but they are all great places to visit!
#6 Gyeongbokgung Palace
I personally believe that history will always be interesting to look at and learn about. You can learn how people lived before. This is why you should definitely visit this palace, because it was the Joseon dynasty’s royal palace. You get to see the place where politics play out. Plus, this place is one of the most beautiful buildings in South Korea.
Though you should note that this royal palace is not the original Palace; it was destroyed a long time ago, and they rebuilt it as best as possible. Initially built in 1394, it was later burned down and abandoned for three centuries, and rebuilt in 1867. So, even though it isn’t the original, it’s still an impressive building that’s well worth the visit.
#7 Bangsan Market
Bangsan Market is such a surprising place is lots of things happening all the time. This place is special because it has everything you could want in one place, just like Netflix or Amazon! It has 550 stores all in one place! This means there is food, clothes, souvenirs, you name it!
There is no way you will ever find it a waste of time to visit this place. It is just a great place to visit with a group of friends to hang out!
#8 Seoul lantern festival
The lantern festival is easily one of the best things to do in Seoul during the winter. You get to experience a popular tradition that is fun to visit with your family or friends. The public recreation space of Cheonggyecheon is decorated with hundreds of lanterns that make the sights even more appealing during the festival. So with the lanterns, you can see the beautiful snowy sights in all their natural beauty.
During the two weeks of November when the festival is held, visitors can encounter various types of lanterns from Cheonggye Plaza to Supyo Bridge.
#9 Little prince lighting festival of Petite France
Petite France is a French-themed park in Seoul; it’s pretty nice, with great places to see and photograph. In fact, there is so much that you can do that you’ll probably get tired while exploring. For those who want to take a break from walking, there are other things to see, like an organ, a marionette, magic, and a puppet show.
The Little Prince Lighting Festival of Petite France is held throughout the Park, featuring beautiful lighting scenes at night. Lovely buildings and streets, as well as Christmas trees, are adorned with shimmering lights like a fairy tale. It’s guaranteed to give you that joyful winter experience that you need!
#10 Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink
I know this seems kinda simple and bland, but bear with me. I know you can ice skate in northern Europe and America as easily as in Korea, but Ice skating is always fun! Plus, the Seoul Plaza ice skating rink is more than just a rink; it also features many complementary areas, such as concerts and restaurants.
Don’t know how to skate? It’s also a great fun place to learn how to skate properly. It will be well worth it, but remember that ice skating is really hard. At least, in my opinion, haha!
#11 Jjimjilbang
When traveling to Seoul in Winter, one must be ready for the cold weather! And what do you need when facing cold weather? Heat! That is where the Jjimjilbang enters. A Jjimjilbang is a large, public bathhouse in South Korea. They are sex-segregated and furnished with showers, massage tables, hot tubs, and traditional Korean kiln saunas.
During the winter, you can enjoy all of these facilities to the fullest. Go with a group of friends and warm yourself up in the sauna! If that doesn’t do the job for you, then the hot tubs or showers will certainly do the trick.
Furthermore, you can enjoy an excellent massage at an affordable price. It may seem bland that I am just listing activities you can do, but there are so many. You will find it hard to get bored in the Jjimjilbang, particularly the foreigners who will find most of it a new experience.
#12 Bukchon Hanok Village
All right, I mentioned the royal palace as one of the best things to do in Seoul in Winter, which offers a glimpse into the royal life. But what about the other people? To learn about them, we have the Bukchon Hanok Village, which shows how normal Koreans lived back then. You can see the housing and where they ate during this time, like restaurants. But the main appeal would be this village’s design, architecture, and cultural value. Even the alleys and small streets are important features of this village.
Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of Hanok (traditional houses) that date back to the Joseon dynasty. Bukchon means “northern village,” as the neighborhood lies north of two significant Seoul landmarks, the Cheonggyecheon River and Jongno. Today, the Hanoks operate mostly as guest houses, tea houses, cultural centers, and restaurants. Providing visitors with an opportunity
It’s one of the best places to experience, learn, and immerse oneself in traditional Korean culture. You can even learn how people traveled throughout the village, as well as how tough it may be on them. Think of it like an Adventure that you can enjoy with your group.
The last great thing about this place is that you can go on an actual tour and learn about each of the main attractions in greater detail. This way, you’ll learn to appreciate the Korean culture even more!
#13 Winter food
I firmly believe that some foods taste better at specific times, in this case, winter. I will recommend several Korean dishes that are great for your winter trip to Seoul. Bungeo-ppang, Sundubu-jjigae, fish cakes, and Hotteok are all special because they get elevated by the winter season. How are they elevated? The answer is simple: they help keep you warm or warm you up when you are too cold. But let us go over each of these foods in great detail.
The Bungeo-ppang are pretty little fish pastries filled with a hot filling like red bean paste. The sweetness is just irresistible and to die for! Another great option would be the fish cakes that are just plain scrumptious. They are a mix of a wide variety of seafood and vegetables that are later fried!
Hotteok, aka Korean pancakes, is something simpler and healthier, and will get the job done! The final thing is the healthiest: Sundubu-jjigae, a tofu soup. You get all the vegetables and meat that you want. Add in a mouth-watering broth, and you will definitely warm up at the end of your meal!
#14 Ice Fishing
I am willing to bet that many people reading this have never fished before. Let us add that most of you have never ice-fished before. Well, if you are interested in such a thing, you should visit the Hwacheon Sancheoneo ice festival. There, you can actually try to fish for something with a rod or even fish with only your hands. I wouldn’t suggest the latter for beginners because it could be devastating if something goes horribly wrong!
Nearby, it’s possible to visit a place like a winter village and enjoy “dalgona,” a sponge candy. Granted, candy might not be enough to encourage you to come and visit, but it’s a great addition to this wonderful experience of immersing yourself in Korea’s unique culture!
There is also a winter sports zone where you can try ice soccer and ice badminton! I know most people have tried soccer or badminton before, but I’m pretty sure you haven’t tried the ice version unless you are Korean. It is such a unique activity to try with your friends.
#15 Seoul Everland
Everland is probably one of the most famous parks in Seoul. You get five distinct areas, each special in its own way. For example, it has an area with a European and American theme. There is even a water park and roller coaster. Granted, who would want to go to a water park during the winter, right? Only if you want to develop a horrible cold. Also, not everyone would go on a roller coaster during the winter because they would be exposed to heavy winds. But if you can deal with that, then you should be fine.
On the other hand, Everland makes up for it by having sledding options for you, and they will change up some of the other attractions to give you that winter joy! You will also still be able to see the animals, but again, that will depend on their ability to handle the cold. Finally, there are fewer people during winter, and you won’t have to endure the typically long lines for rides in these popular parks!
In the end, I can assure you that you will enjoy your time in Seoul’s masterpiece, even in Wintertime.
Where to Stay in Seoul
The best accommodation to stay in Seoul for your winter vacation is a hotel. They are really affordable during winter, and they are typically near great tourist spots! Your best bet is to research where you want to visit, and a good hotel will typically be nearby! Have a look below!
About the author
Kaila Yu is an on-camera correspondent/expert and travel & food writer based in Los Angeles. She is the co-author of the best-selling book 30-Day Travel Challenge and the founder of the blog NomList. She also writes for several other outlets: VICE, Extra Crispy, Fodor’s, The Matador Network, Skyscanner, and Fly Washington.