10 Best Winter Activities in Seoul

The winter season in South Korea may officially run from November to March, but its chilly embrace often lingers well into April or even May. The months are known for their harsh cold, where bundling up in the warmest attire becomes a daily ritual. However, don’t let the freezing temperatures deter you; Seoul’s winter season offers a unique charm of its own. In this travel blog post, we’ll guide you through the top 10 winter activities in Seoul, so keep on reading!

1. Visiting Palaces in Korean Winter

The grandeur of Gyeongbokgung Palace remains stunning year-round, and winter is no exception. If you’re lucky to visit on a snowy day or after a snowfall, it’s a must-see historical marvel. Changdeokgung Palace, another beauty, transports you back in time when blanketed in snow.

How to get there? Both palaces are easily accessible by public transportation, with Gyeongbokgung situated in the heart of Seoul.

Price: Admission fees typically range from 3,000 to 10,000 KRW (approximately $2.50 to $8.50 USD), with discounts available for children and seniors.

2. Hiking

Seoul offers numerous hiking trails, and winter adds an enchanting layer to the experience. However, be prepared with appropriate winter hiking gear, as snowy trails require a bit more care. To know more information about hiking read our ultimate hiking guide here.

How to get there? The city’s mountains are accessible by public transportation, often with well-marked paths and nearby temples to seek help if needed.

Price: Hiking itself is free, but budget for any gear rentals or transportation fees.

3. Winter Festivals in South Korea

Korea is renowned for its grand ice festivals, where people craft incredible frozen sculptures and enjoy a winter wonderland. While most of these festivals are a bit farther from Seoul, we couldn’t resist mentioning them. Although we haven’t personally visited them all, several are incredibly popular and worth exploring.

The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival (얼음나라 화천산천어축제) stands out as one of South Korea’s premier winter celebrations. Here are some of the exciting activities you can experience at this frosty fiesta:

1. Marvel at the Largest INDOOR Ice Sculpture in South Korea.
2. Try Your Hand at Ice Fishing.
3. Take on the Thrill of Bare-Hand Ice Fishing.
4. Embark on Night Fishing Adventures.
5. Zoom Down Ice Slides for Some Chilly Fun.
6. Immerse Yourself in a Winter Culture Village.

These ice festivals are a testament to Korea’s creativity and love for embracing the cold season with joyous activities. If you have the chance, don’t miss the opportunity to explore these icy wonders and make unforgettable memories!

To be honest, it’s a family destination, a fun date, or a great place to hang out with your friends. 
For more information click on the following links: https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/whereToGo/locIntrdn/locIntrdnList.do?vcontsId=96732
https://www.narafestival.com/01_icenara/ 

4. Museums

When you’re in South Korea, don’t miss the chance to explore its fascinating museums. They’re not only informative but also a great way to stay warm indoors. One of the biggest and most famous museums is the National Museum of Korea. Here, you can learn all about the history of Korea, including the time when different kingdoms ruled before Japan’s occupation.

For more information click on this link: https://www.museum.go.kr/site/eng/home 

In the Gyeongbokgung area, there are other interesting museums to visit. If you’re curious about the Korean language, make sure to check out “The Story of King Sejong.” It’s a museum that tells the story of King Sejong’s life and how the Korean language, known as Hangeul, came to be. It’s a fascinating glimpse into South Korea’s language and history.

For more information click on this link: https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=999517

How to get there? Museums are located throughout Seoul, often near major tourist areas.

Price: Museum entrance fees are generally affordable, ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 KRW (approximately $2.50 to $8.50 USD).

5. Visiting Everland

Are you a fan of sledding? If so, you should definitely plan a trip to Everland! Most people don’t think of going to theme parks during the winter, but Everland is an exception because it’s open for sledding, and it’s a blast.

When you visit Everland, you’ll discover a whole bunch of exciting activities, especially in December. At night, they put on a fantastic lighting show where they illuminate everything, making your visit truly unforgettable. Plus, during November and December, you can catch a moonlight parade, adding even more fun to your day. So why not take a break from Seoul and enjoy this fantastic attraction just a stone’s throw away from the city?

For more information click on this link: http://www.everland.com/MultiLanguage/english/everland/annual/dec/dec.html

6. Lotte World

Lotte World is an indoor amusement park located in Jamsil, Seoul. Many people consider it the Korean version of Disneyworld. There are a ton of attractions inside that it even surprises you how all of that can fit indoors. It is a perfect place to take your family or to go with your friends.

This place is usually packed on Korean holidays since families are always looking for a fun activity to do.

Prices:
Adult: 59,000 won
Youth: 52,000 won
Child: 47,000 won
Baby: 15,000 won
For more information click on this link: https://adventure.lotteworld.com/eng/enjoy/attrctn/list.do 

7. Ice Skating

Skating Rink in Seoul Plaza

This spot offers a fantastic opportunity to glide gracefully on ice during the chilly winter season. If you’re exploring the City Hall area in Seoul, you simply can’t miss it – it’s right in the center of all the action. So, if you’re already wandering around, admiring the beauty of Korean palaces and taking snapshots, be sure to make a pit stop at the ice rink.

Additionally, there’s a website where you can sign up for skating and curling classes. It might surprise you to know that South Korea has earned numerous medals in ice skating and curling at the Winter Olympic Games. The classes cater to different skill levels, including beginners and children, as well as more advanced skaters. Don’t hesitate to give it a go, even if it’s your very first time – there’s a slot that’s just right for you!

Price: vary depending on the activity that you want to do. Don’t worry about skates because they are also offered there. 

Skating and curling is around 1,000 KRW per hour 
Socks, gloves, hot packs can cost around 1,000-2,000 KRW (I would recommend to just bring your own)
Storage is around 500 KRW (so don’t worry about not knowing where to put your stuff)

Available times: Usually opened everyday but depending on the day the time may vary.
For more information click on this link: https://plaza.seoul.go.kr/ 

Skating Rink in Lotte World in Jamsil

If you find yourself in the Jamsil area, make sure to check out this gem. Just a stone’s throw away from Lotte Tower, you’ll discover Lotte World, where an amazing indoor skating rink awaits. The best part? It’s open throughout the year, offering a perfect setting for charming dates and enjoyable gatherings with friends.

Prices: Here prices tend to be a little bit more expensive than the public skating rink in City Hall. 

Admission is around 11,000 KRW for adults and 10,000KRW for children. 
Skate rental is around 5,000KRW per person. 

Available times: Times vary but between Sunday and Friday it will be open from 12:00-8:00 pm and Saturdays from 10:00am- 10:00pm.
For more information click on this link: https://adventure.lotteworld.com/co/coc/index.do

8. Jjimjilbang

If you thought the sauna experience was exclusive to Japan, think again. South Korea shares a genuine love for saunas, and it’s a cultural phenomenon you won’t want to miss. If you’ve ever watched a Korean drama, you’ve probably witnessed characters casually enjoying their local saunas – and that’s precisely what they do! We’re fortunate to have a sauna right here in our building, and we make the most of it.

If you’re a first-time visitor, we recommend starting with the most popular saunas, which also happen to be tourist attractions. They offer an excellent introduction to the sauna experience and provide a cozy escape from the winter chill in Korea. So, don’t hesitate to dive into this quintessential Korean relaxation tradition!

9. Coffee Shops

While coffee shops are undoubtedly great spots to cozy up and warm yourself, we suggest adding a sprinkle of fun to your coffee adventures by visiting themed coffee places. Seoul is a treasure trove of coffee shops, and they’re scattered all around the city, making it a delightful quest to find the perfect one.

For an extra dose of excitement, make sure to venture into themed cafes. You won’t have to search far – they’re practically on every corner. These cafes offer not only fantastic brews but also charming settings where you can snap a quick selfie or two to remember your visit.

Some popular areas where you’ll find a concentration of themed cafes include Hongdae, Hannam, and Gangnam. However, don’t limit yourself to just these areas because Seoul’s coffee culture surprises you at every turn. Keep your eyes peeled, and you’ll discover coffee gems waiting to be explored around every corner.

10. Visiting Temples

Amidst the hustle and bustle of city exploration and checking off your list of must-visit Korean tourist spots, don’t forget to embrace moments of serenity. South Korea’s temples offer a profound sense of peace at any hour of the day. Even during winter, they hold a unique charm, especially after a recent snowfall. To help you make the most of your visit, take a look at our curated list of top temples to explore in South Korea.

If you are also interested in temple stay click on this link to find out more information: https://eng.templestay.com/