Can I See Snow In Seoul In The Winter?

I cannot count the number of times I’ve seen this question pop up in my inbox. If you’re traveling to Korea in the winter and wondering if you’ll get to see snow in Seoul or just wondering where to see snow in Korea at all, I get it. Snow is a quintessential part of winter and if you’ve traveled from a warmer country, I totally understand the interest.

You might get lucky and see snow in Seoul, but if you want to see snow for sure, I’ve created a list of places to see snow in Korea and detailed the best snow-covered sights. From winter festivals in Korea to snowcapped mountains and snowscapes, here’s your guide to snow in Seoul and across Korea.

Get ready to see snow in Korea:

• What to know about winter in Korea
• When does it snow in Seoul?
• When does it snow in Korea?
• Where to go when it snows in Seoul
  • Korean Palaces
  • World Cup Park
  • Seooreung Royal Tombs
  • Seoul Fortress Wall
  • Olympic Park
  • Bukchon Hanok Village
• Best places to see snow in Korea
• What to wear in the winter in Korea
• Winter in Korea FAQ
  • How do locals deal with the cold weather in Seoul in the winter?
  • How much daylight can I expect in Seoul in the winter?
  • Is it too cold to travel in Korea in the winter?
  • When is the best month to see snow in Korea?

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you.)

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What to know about winter in Korea

• Winter is from December ~ February.
• January is usually the coldest month of the year with average temperatures from -6C ~ 3C.
• The samhansaon (삼한사온) weather phenomenon is repeated throughout the winter. That is, a cycle of three days of cold weather followed by four days of warmer weather. Though this has become less predictable in recent years due to climate change. However, it’s good to note if you are here and want to look forward to a little rise and fall in the temps.
• Holidays during winter include: Christmas, New Year, Lunar New Year and numerous sites may have different holiday schedules, so plan accordingly. Holidays also mean that numerous sites will be open for free and offer special holiday programs so scour those websites.
• There are plenty of ski resorts that are easily accessible from Seoul and make seeing snow even more fun and worth the trip to Korea in the winter.
• The winter solstice occurs on the shortest day of the year and is known as Dongji. You should eat patjuk if you’re in Korea on this unofficial holiday if you want to go all Korean style on it.
• From celebrating ice and fish to snow and mountains, fire and lights and lanterns too, there are festivals all around the country in the winter. Get out and about and make the season special.

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When does it snow in Seoul?

Each year, the first snowfall in Seoul happens in late November or early December. If you’re here then, you might be lucky to see it. However, that is just a snowfall and it may or may not stick… it usually doesn’t stick to be honest.

The thing is, snow falls in Seoul, it just only really sticks and makes for gorgeous winter wonderland scenes once or twice a winter. If it happens more than that… we’re having a very powdery winter here in Seoul. My BIGGEST TIP if you want to see snow while you’re visiting Seoul… get OUT of Seoul. It’s easier than you might think.

When it does snow in Seoul, it’s pretty gorgeous of course. What wonders the flakes of snow can do to a place. In the winter the frigid gusts of wind blowing between tall buildings in downtown Seoul and the bare trees dotting the forests can make one feel as though she chose the wrong place to live. Once that powdery white blanket falls though, the whole scene changes. Everything becomes magical even the city streets of Seoul.

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When does it snow in Korea?

As mentioned above, it can snow anytime between late November and early March with the most snowfall during January and February. It’s important to realize that snowfall isn’t consistent, as in, it doesn’t just fall for days at a time. Generally, it will snow for a couple days and then warm up for a few after that and do this in cycles.

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Where to go when it snows in Seoul

One of the few reasons I appreciate winter, but by far the best one, is snow. When that snow does fall, there are numerous places that photographers love to head.

Korean palaces

Most people will try to go to Gyeongbokgung Palace or Changdeokgung Palace, but if you want to have a magical palace experience where you’re likely to be alone, go find Changgyeonggung Palace that is also downtown. The scenes are the same and you’ll more than likely have the views to yourself.

World Cup Stadium

In World Cup Park, the beautiful meta-sequoia lined lane or the top of Sky Park is a gorgeous place for snowy views. With few others in the vicinity except for photographers hoping to get a good shot, it was the perfect place to spend the morning with snowflakes dazzling my eyes. I also walked over into the Nanji Stream Park area of the World Cup Parks and found a white field of snow all to myself.

Seooreung Royal Tombs

We’ve also visited Seooreung Royal Tombs when it snowed and were the only ones there. It was pretty magical. The tombs are in a gorgeous forested park so there is flat space and paths that are kept clear of debris, but there are also pine covered paths to wander along. It was all kinds of beautiful. Actually, the snow was falling there when it wasn’t falling in central Seoul so if you hear it’s snowing, head northwest and you might get lucky when there’s no snow to be found south of the Han River.

Seoul Fortress Wall

Another place to check out after it has snowed to get great views of the surrounding city from above is the Seoul Fortress Wall. If you hike the portion of the path just behind Cheongwadae, or the Blue House, the path is well maintained and offers beautiful views out over the city of Seoul.

Olympic Park

If you’re on the east side of Seoul, a lot of people race to Olympic Park in Jamsil to try to get a picture of One Tree Hill with snow on the ground. The park itself is beautiful when it’s all white. It’s also beautiful when it’s all green or covered in colorful foliage.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Always a popular sight in every season, when the traditional rooftops of the traditional Hanok houses in Bukchon Hanok Village are blanketed in snow, it’s just a beautiful sight. If you want a less busy Hanok village in the city and are more north, be sure to visit the quieter Eunpyeong Hanok Village where you can also visit a beautiful Buddhist temple on the foot of Bukhansan Mountain.

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Best places to see snow in Korea

If you are visiting Seoul in the winter and want to ensure a glimpse of snow or really sink your boot covered feet into some, I suggest making plans to head out of Seoul into areas like the mountainous region of Gangwon-do. 70% of the country is covered in mountains so you can find a good mountain from north to south. The numerous mountains and ski resorts that call those mountains home are where you can definitely see snow.

Since the winter Olympics were here, it is even easier to get out to the region than ever before. Hop on a train to get out and then get back in one day. It’s really that easy and you are far more likely to spot the magical white powder outside of Seoul than in.

Nami Island

We’ve visited Nami Island in spring, summer, fall, and winter and all of the views are just gorgeous. Nami Island is also super easy to get to with numerous tours and buses available. They also often have a snowy play area for kids and ice sculptures.

Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm

One of the most popular spots for the Instagrammers, Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm is set in the ‘Alps of Korea’. The mountaintops are covered in a blanket of snow and you can even find sheep… if you can find them. They’re very camouflaged up there.

Ski Resorts

Klook and Trazy offer some amazing and very easy inclusive tours JUST for those people that want the snow SNOW SNOW SNOW!

• Join this SNOW Sightseeing Tour to Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort. Get those snowy pics with a beautiful mountainous background. You can also go SLEDDING on this tour!
• Join this tour if you want to SEE snow AND try SKIING or SNOWBOARDING after a basic lesson. This is a GREAT option if its your first time in the snow but you want to really experience a day on a mountain.
• Jisan Ski Resort is another amazing place to go and it’s just 40 minutes from Seoul. Easy to get to and fun fun fun in the snow.

Wondaeri Birch Forest

Another area that always gets all of the likes on Instagram each winter in Korea, the Wondaeri Birch Forest in Inje is home to 700,000 silvery birch trees so the trees blend in seamlessly with the blanket of snow. Walk along paths that take between 40 minutes to an hour and a half.

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What to wear in the winter in Korea

Winter in Korea is mighty cold and in the city the frigid frosts can freeze you to the core. Make sure you’re prepared for winter in Korea. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

• Wear thermal base layers. We love Uniqlo’s Heattech from late fall through early spring.
• Bring a winter parka or coat. Just any ole’ jacket just won’t do. Be prepared for long walks outside.
• Wear proper shoes or boots. A warm lining and thick soles to walk on ice and snow are super helpful and will keep your tootsies toasty.
• Wear a good warm scarf because if you’re neck is uncovered, you’ll be cold no matter what!

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Winter in Korea FAQ

How do locals deal with the cold weather in Seoul in the winter?

Well, we’re accustomed to it, but we’re also not out and about as much that’s for sure. You’d also be amazed how many underground tunnels there are connecting various places so you don’t necessarily have to be outside all of the time.

How much daylight can I expect in Seoul in the winter?

The sun is usually setting just after 5:00pm and it rises again just before 8:00am during the winter.

Is it too cold to travel in Korea in the winter?

It’s not TOO cold at all but it is cold certainly. Just come prepared with proper clothing and you should be alright.

When is the best month to see snow in Korea?

The best months to see snow in Korea are January and February. November and December are just a bit early usually but you can get lucky in those months.

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Winter in Korea is beautiful and if you’re in Seoul when it snows, the city can be gorgeous clothed in a powdery white cape covering everything.

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