Korea In December: The Weather, Travel Tips, Flowers and Things To Do

Last Updated on June 17, 2026

December in Korea always feels a little big magical to me. The air turns crisp, the cities start to sparkle, and suddenly everyone seems to be moving a bit slower, savoring the last moments of the year. It can get cold, of course, but December isn’t the deep-freeze kind of winter that January sometimes brings. It’s that in-between season where you can still wander comfortably as long as you’ve got a good coat and something warm in your hands.

After nearly twenty years of living here, I’ve noticed that December is when Korea really leans into atmosphere. Streets glow with holiday lights, mountains get their first dusting of snow, and cafes switch to their cozy menus that make you want to linger. If you dress smart and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor stops, you’ll find December is one of the most charming months to explore. Think winter festivals, steaming bowls of comfort food, soft sunsets, and that hopeful feeling that comes right before a new year begins.

Will you be traveling to Korea in December? Here’s everything you need to know from the weather to the festivals.

• The Weather In Korea In December
• What To Know About Visiting Korea In December
• What To Pack and What To Wear
• The Public Holidays In Korea In December
• The Best Festivals and Events In December
• Where To Go Skiing or Snowboarding
• Ideas For Things To Do
• What To Eat In The Winter In Korea
• The December Flower Guide
• Day Trips & Adventures To Take From Seoul

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The Weather In Korea In December

December in Korea marks the onset of winter, and the weather becomes notably cold, with temperatures ranging from -7°C to 3°C (19°F to 37°F). The clear, crisp air lends a pristine quality to the scenery, and you can look forward to enchanting snowy landscapes, mostly outside of Seoul, and the possibility of engaging in winter sports. Despite the cold, December can offer a magical atmosphere with occasional snowfalls, creating a picturesque setting for festive celebrations and winter activities.

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What To Know About Visiting Korea In December

December is a popular month for travel in Korea since people are taking end-of-year vacations and students start winter breaks. You’ll notice busier streets, especially in Seoul’s shopping districts, but it’s still very manageable with a bit of planning.

Christmas isn’t a major family holiday here, but Korea absolutely loves festive lights and decorations and the holiday installations are getting bigger and better every year. Cities, parks, and even small neighborhoods shine all month long, which makes December one of the prettiest times to wander after sunset. Just keep in mind that prices can rise closer to Christmas and New Year’s Eve, so booking ahead is always a good idea.

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What To Pack and What To Wear

You will definitely want layers for winter in Korea. If you plan on leaving Seoul, Korea, make sure to get good gear that is water-resistant and will keep you warm and safe. Remember that your shoes need to be easy to take off though as many places require you to remove your shoes to be seated.

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The Public Holidays In Korea In December

Christmas Day | December 25: Unlike in the west where you may have a full week off for the Christmas merriment, in Korea, the holiday is just the one restful day. There’s a mix of places that really go all out to celebrate Christmas in Korea and plenty that don’t do much at all.

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The Best Festivals and Events In December

December in Korea is filled with some fantastic and fun events and festivals to those that like to celebrate winter. From snow festivals to lanterns and lights, ice, dress warmly and you will have a fantastic time.

Lighting Festivals

There are a number of lighting festivals that span from December into March so even if you start to notice the Christmas lights in Seoul being taken down, just know there are lights still to see.

• Seoul Lantern Festival (서울빛초롱축제): December 12, 2025 ~ January 4, 2026
  • The Seoul Lantern Festival is Seoul’s signature winter light festival and features hundreds of hanji lanterns, media facades, and LED installations that celebrate Seoul’s seasons, palaces, and everyday life.
  • Address: 172 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 세종대로 172 5호선 광화문역)
• Seoul Winta Festa (서울윈터페스타): December 12, 2025 ~ January 4, 2026
  • This festival is held at various locations around Seoul including the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Sejongdaero, Gwanghwamun Square, Cheonggyecheon, and in front of Seoul City Hall
• Garden of the Morning Calm Lighting Festival (아침고요수목원 오색별빛정원전): December 5, 2025 ~ March 15, 2026
  • From December through February, you can visit this gorgeous garden that has been transformed into a winter wonderland of lights.
  • Address: 432 Sumogwon-ro, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 가평군 상면 수목원로 432)
  • Join a tour: On Viator, On Klook
• E-World Illuminations (이월드 일루미네이션): November 15, 2025 ~ February 28, 2026
  • E-World Illumination is a lighting festival that takes place from mid-November to mid-February that decorates E-World and 83 Tower with ten million lights.
  • Address: 200 Duryugongwon-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu (대구광역시 달서구 두류공원로 200)

• Seoul Light: Watch as lights cover the facades of two of Seoul’s iconic buildings, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Gyeongbokgung Palace’s Gwanghwamun Gate.
  • Seoul Light Gwanghwamun: December 12, 2025 ~ January 4, 2026
  • Seoul Light Dongdaemun Design Plaza: December 18, 2025 ~ December 31, 2025
• Haeundae Lighting Festival (해운대 빛축제): November 29, 2025 ~ January 18, 2026
  • You can walk along a promenade of light displays in Busan. Light arches, light sculptures, trees, and fairy lights are on display for all.
  • Address: 264 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan (부산시 해운대구 해운대해변로 264)
• Moonlight Lotus Show at Changgyeonggung Palace: September 30, 2025 ~ December 31, 2025
  • Follow the luminous path of water that colors the deep night of Changgyeonggung Palace, leading to a profound conversation with the palace itself. In moments when all visible forms fade into the darkness, you can feel the complete harmony of light that transcends time and space at Changgyeonggung.
  • Full Screening: until November 8. Partial Screening: From Nov. 9 ~ Dec. 31. Partial screening excluses Daechundangji and Sochundangji.
  • Hours: 7:00pm ~ 9:00pm
  • Address: 185 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울시 종로구 창경궁로 185)
  • Website: Korean Heritage Agency
• Gwanak Starlight Walk White Magic: December 1, 2025 ~ December 31, 2025
  • This year’s “Gwanak Starlight Walk,” subtitled “White Magic,” uses warm light and sculptures to comfort the challenges faced by young people and the hardships of local residents.
  • Where: From Bongnim Bridge to Sillim Bridge
  • Hours: 6:00pm ~ 10:00pm

Holiday Celebrations

• 2025 Gwanghwamun Christmas Market: December 12, 2025 ~ December 31, 2025
  • Held on Gwanghwamun Square to promote Seoul’s night tourism, support local small businesses, and revitalize the regional economy, there are more than 100 small business participants with handcrafted goods, seasonal items, and food to enjoy.
  • Address: 172 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 세종대로 172)
  • Hours: 6:00pm ~ 10:00pm
• Marche de Noel Market: December 6, 2026
  • Located at the Seorae Maeul Park, there will be mulled wine, cheese, foie gras, smoked salmon, and more. There is usually a visit from Santa Claus, carol singing, and a clown that visits. This is a very popular market, but note that the park is quite small so be prepared for a crowd.
  • Address: Seorae Maeul Pari 15-gu Park; 68-2 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul (서울시 서초구 반포동 68-2)
  • Hours: 10:00am ~ 4:30pm

• Marche de Noel by Lycee International Xavier: December 13, 2026
  • Another French Christmas market, this one is hosted by the Lycee International Xavier and has all of the winter delicacies you could want, raffles, crafts for sale, and more. There will also be special performances.
  • Address: 23 Bibong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울시 종로구 비봉길 23)
  • Time: 10:00am ~ 4:30pm
• Lotte Town Christmas Market: November 20, 2025 ~ January 4, 2026
  • Beginning in 2023, Lotte started hosting a European style Christmas market. Not just a market, there is a light show, a dreamy “snow shower”, along with the F&B booths and Christmas goods.
  • Address: Lotte World Mall World Park, 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 300)
• Apsan Winter Garden (‘앞산 겨울정원): December 1, 2025 ~ January 31, 2026
  • Walk down the Road of Light that stretches from Apsan Cafe Street to the Matdullegil Trail, see the 10-,meter tall tree and enjoy the light show.
  • Address: 365 Apsansunhwan-ro, Nam-gu, Daegu (대구광역시 남구 앞산순환로 365)

New Year’s Sunrise Festivals

Rather than ringing in the New Year at midnight, a lot of Koreans head to the tallest mountains near them or to the east coast of Korea to watch the first sunrise. Koreans believe that wishes made while watching that first sunrise of the year are the most powerful so if you need some good juju in the coming year, maybe this is the best way for you to celebrate.

• Gyeongpo Sunrise Festival (경포해맞이축제): One of two major sunrise festivals in the Gangneung area. Jump on a KTX train and you’ll be out to the east coast in just a couple of hours!
  • Address: 514 Changhae-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 강릉시 창해로 514 (안현동))
• Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival (정동진 해맞이 축제 모래시계회전식): The other popular festival in Gangneung for celebrating the coming of the New Year.
  • Address: Jeongdongjin2-ri, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 강릉시 강동면 정동진2리)
• Seongsan Sunrise Festival (제주성산일출축제): Jeju Island makes for a great place to enjoy the New Year and Seongsan Ilchulbong hosts THE sunrise festival to find.
  • Address: 284-12 Ilchul-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do (제주특별자치도 서귀포시 성산읍 일출로 284-12)
• Ganjeolgot Sunrise Festival (울산 간절곶 해맞이축제): Fireworks displays, tteokguk, and performances make Ganjeolgot a popular place to visit from sunset on December 31st until the morning on January 1.
  • Address: 39-2 Ganjeolgot 1-gil, Ulju-gun, Ulsan (울산광역시 울주군 서생면 간절곶1길 39-2 (서생면))
• Homigot Sunrise Festival (호미곶 한민족 해맞이축전): One of the most popular sunrise festival spots in the country, don’t miss the iconic hand reaching out of the ocean to embrace the new year.
  • Address: 136 Haemaji-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 포항시 남구 호미곶면 해맞이로 136)

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Where To Go Skiing or Snowboarding

Korea offers a number of skiing opportunities thanks to its mountainous terrain. If you want to be assured you’ll see snow in Korea this winter, you should definitely plan a trip to the slopes.

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Ideas For Things To Do

Don’t let winter get you down. I think the best way to enjoy the season is to have equal parts indoor fun and outdoor fun. Take advantage of the outdoor ice rinks and ice fishing festivals, but make sure to have some places to warm up and sights to take in like museums and a Korean sauna.

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What To Eat In The Winter In Korea

There are some delightful winter delicacies in Korea and many of them can be found right at your local street food cart or convenience store.

There are some delightful winter delicacies in Korea and many of them can be found right at your local street food cart or convenience store.

Some winter favorites to find at street food carts include hoddeok (호떡), a doughy treat stuffed with cinnamon, brown sugar and nuts, and bungeobbang (붕어빵), a bready treat that looks like a little fish and is stuffed with a sweet red bean concoction.

You should also look out for the fire roasted sweet potatoes (군고구마), walnut baked treats, or hodu-gwaja (호두과자), and roasted chestnuts (호두과자), too.

Of course, not all of the winter delicacies require you to find a friendly street food vendor while you’re braving the cold. One of my favorite warm soups is seolleongtang (설렁탕). This ox bone soup is hearty and filling and after a meal of it, you’ll be warm and happy. I recommend finding one of the oldest restaurants in Seoul to fill up. They can’t be beat.

Gomtang (곰탕) is similarly delicious and nutrient-dense. It’s a traditional soup made by boiling different cuts of beef including ribs, ox tail, and brisket, among other parts that was enjoyed by the royal courts. I recommend trying it at Hadonggwan in Myeongdong.

Doganitang (도가니탕), or Korean ox knee soup, is a traditional Korean soup that draws its deep, savory flavor from slow-cooked beef knee joints. The soup is somewhat reminiscent of seolleongtang but has a richer taste, thanks to the beef gelatin in the broth.

Sundubu jjigae (순두부찌개) is a popular comfort stew made with soft tofu and though it is red, it’s not spicy. You can find sundubu jjigae all over the place and really don’t have to travel far to get a good bowl of it. If you want an artisanal option, try Golden Bean Field.

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The December In Korea Flower Guide

After all of that talk about it being cold, snowy, and frigid, you you might be surprised to learn that flowers bloom in the winter in Korea. One of my favorite reasons to head south to Gimhae to visit our in-laws in the winter is because I get to see the camellia flowers blooming. They’re also all over the island of Jeju so it might be time to take a trip!

Camellia Flowers (동백꽃): Native to Korea, camellia flowers bloom from November to March in the southern regions of South Korea. If you plan to travel in Korea in January and are headed south, be sure to look for these beautiful magenta blooms.

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Day Trips & Adventures To Take From Seoul

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I bet you didn’t guess that you could visit Korea in December and spot flowers and see a festival of lights! You can indeed! Get ready for an epic adventure in South Korea this December. Get ready for the fun.

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