A Guide To Winter In Korea: Snow and Ice and Everything Nice

Though the winter in Korea can be cold, maybe even frigid at times, there can also be some beautiful wintery white landscapes, light festivals, and iced over canyons and waterfalls that create beautiful experiences. Make sure you know what to pack for winter, and you’ll be able to stay warm while enjoying this magical season.

From street food to warm your insides and heat packs to warm your outsides, zip up, get out, and there is plenty to enjoy about winter in Korea.

Winter is one of the top travel seasons in Korea. What to expect:

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When is winter in Korea?

Good question, winter in Korea falls from December to February with the coldest months being January and February.

Is it your first time visiting Korea?
Check out this Epic Travel Guide To Seoul For the First Time Visitor to get prepared.

What’s the weather like in the winter in Korea?

In the winter, the weather can be pretty frigid and harsh at times. Traveling in Korea in the winter isn’t the easiest, but it can truly be beautiful if you’re prepared. While many locals will tell you the way to get through it is to do some form of hibernating, I say just be prepared and you’ll be alright. Preparation in this case means clothing like Uniqlo’s Heattech, long padding coats, and hot packs.

Snow In Seoul, Nanji Stream Park, World Cup Parks, Seoul, Korea: Hallie Bradley

Let’s break it down by month to know what to expect when you visit Korea in the winter.

December weather in Korea

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.

January weather in Korea

January in Korea ushers in the heart of winter, and temperatures drop considerably, ranging from -10°C to 1°C (14°F to 34°F). This is the coldest time of the year, and the landscape is often covered in a pristine layer of snow. Crisp, wintry air fills the atmosphere, and while it may be quite chilly, there’s a unique charm in the winter wonderland that Korea becomes during this month. Despite the cold, January in Korea has its own enchanting beauty, and it’s a time when you can relish the cozy ambiance of winter.

February weather in Korea

February in Korea signifies the tail end of winter, and the weather can be quite chilly, with temperatures typically ranging from -8°C to 3°C (18°F to 37°F). It’s a month when the final traces of winter’s grip are still visible, with occasional snowfall and a tranquil, snow-covered landscape that imparts a serene beauty to the country. February can be pretty frigid, but there are some great reasons to visit during this less-popular month of the year.

What to pack for winter in Korea

What to wear? What to wear? What should I wear in the winter in Korea? Because winter is so cold, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared especially if you’re coming from a country that is much warmer. You will want to prepare clothing that works well for layered outfits so you can remove and add depending on the situation.

Once you hit December, it’s definitely cold and you’ll want thick sweaters and good coats. We’re wearing long padding coats down to our ankles and boots and keeping hot packs in our pockets for extra warmth. There is a whole guide for what to pack when you visit Korea to check out.

Long Padding Coats: I used to think long padding was a bit silly because I never needed it in Ohio, but when the Siberian winds are blowing, you want to block it everywhere. Go for long padding whenever possible.
Sweatshirts & Sweaters
Uniqlo Heattech. If you want to wear pretty floral dresses, consider wearing Uniqlo Heattech beneath. These are my go-to in the winter, but I definitely wear them into the spring as well when I’m starting to get my lighter clothes out but need to stay warm.
Jeans/Pants with longjogns or Heattech beneath.
Thick Socks
Scarves, Hats, and Gloves

Lotte Department Store, Christmas in Korea, Christmas lights in Seoul

Public holidays in the winter

It’s important to be aware of public holidays in Korea, as many businesses and attractions may be closed or have different hours.

Here are the major public holidays to be aware of during the winter in Korea:

December 25th – Christmas Day
January 1st – New Year’s Day
Korean Lunar New Year (Seollal) – The date varies based on the Lunar Calendar but usually falls in January or February. This is a 3-day holiday.

While you will find that most things are open on these days, it’s good to know that during the holidays, you’ll find even more people out and about as the locals are also not working.

Shinsegae Department Store, Christmas in Korea, Christmas lights in Seoul

While Koreans do celebrate the New Year on January 1st, you should note that traditionally they celebrate with the first sunrise of the year, not with a New Year’s Eve kiss!

What to do for New Year’s Eve in Korea

And, while Christmas Day is a one-day holiday, there are holiday light installations all around Seoul to get into the festive spirit. Not the large festive European markets, but there also Christmas events, markets to enjoy. Learn more about what to do for Christmas in Seoul.

On Lunar New Year, there are still a variety of things open but often the morning of the actual Lunar New Year is when things might be closed.

Go Skiing In Korea

Korea offers a wealth of skiing opportunities thanks to its mountainous terrain. If you’re wondering where to go skiing in Korea, get ready to learn about the best slopes, ski resorts, and mountains for an unforgettable winter experience. While it doesn’t snow in Seoul all that often, it definitely snows outside of Seoul a LOT! Get ready to hit the slopes.

Check out this complete guide to the best ski resorts in Korea for these and more opportunities to hit the slopes in South Korea

Taebaek Mountain, Taebaek, Korea, snow in Korea, winter in Korea

Bears Town Ski Resort (베어스타운리조트 스키장)

Bears Town has eleven slopes and eight cable lifts and is the closest to Seoul. This resort is perfect for the beginning to intermediate skier/snowboarder or the snow bunnies among us. This is a great spot to go for a day trip at the beginning of the season to get your ski or board legs under you.

Where To Stay Nearby: Bears Town
Opening Hours: 9:00am ~ 5:00pm & 6:30pm ~ 4:00am
Tours: Book a daytrip from Seoul to Bears Town on kkday.
Address: 27 Geumgang-ro 2536beon-gil, Naechon-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 포천시 내촌면 금강로2536번길 27 (내촌면))

Jisan Forest Ski Resort (지산 포레스트 리조트 스키장)

Situated just 40 minutes from Seoul (if you’re around the Gangnam area), this resort makes for an easy daytrip from the city to hit the powder. There are five lifts and eight runs in this small ski area. This resort is great for the beginner or the skier or boarder looking to get an easy day at the beginning of the season. While the slopes are pretty easy and straight forward, the park does also feature a terrain park.

Where To Stay Nearby: Hotel Bene on Booking.com or on Agoda.com
Opening Hours: 7:00am ~ 2:00am
Tour: Book a daytrip package with Klook which includes transportation/gear. There are also numerous ski packages for daytrips and even night skiing on kkday.
Address: 267 Jisan-ro, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 이천시 마장면 지산로 267 (마장면))

Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort (엘리시안 강촌 스키장)

Set in the mountains near Chuncheon, the Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort is just an hour outside of Seoul and is even accessible via the Seoul subway system so it could easily be considered more of a near Seoul resort. The park has ten slopes and six lifts. This resort is conveniently located for an easy daytrip outside of Seoul spent in the powder and since it’s in Chuncheon there are plenty of other things to do too like visiting Nami Island, famous for being in the TV drama Winter Sonata.

Where To Stay Nearby: Elysian Gangchon Resort on Booking.com or on Agoda.com
Opening Hours: 9:00am ~ 5:30pm & 7:00pm ~ 3:00am
Tour: Book a daytrip package with Klook which includes transportation/gear/apparel + lift ticket. There are also great option for skiing daytrips on kkday.
Address: 688 Bukhangangbyeon-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 춘천시 남산면 북한강변길 688 (남산면))

Daemyung Resort Vivaldi Park (비발디 파크 스키월드)

Officially named Daemyung Resort Vivaldi Park, this resort of generally referred to simply as Vivaldi Park and is one of the most popular ski resorts in Korea. The park features twelve slopes and ten lifts including Asia’s first 8-seater express chairlift and 8-seater gondola. Stay in a ski in ski out condo on the slopes and you’ll love the trip out to these gorgeous mountains in Gangwon-do.

Where To Stay Nearby: Vivaldi Park – The Park Hotel on Booking.com or Sono Felice Vivaldi Park on Agoda.com
Opening Hours: 8:30am ~ 5:00pm & 6:30pm ~ 5:00am
Tours: Book a weekend package with Klook which includes transportation/gear/apparel/lift ticket + accommodation. You can also find great daytrips and weekend trips to Vivaldi Park on kkday.
Address: 262 Hanchigol-gil, Seo-myeon, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 홍천군 서면 한치골길 262 (서면))

Oak Valley (오크밸리 스키장)

Oak Valley is a small resort area with three chairlifts. The area is great for families and has a great runs for learning to ski or board.

Where To Stay Nearby: Hansol Oak Valley Resort
Opening Hours: 8:30am ~ 5:00pm & 6:30pm ~ 4:00am
Tour: Book a daytrip package with Klook which includes transportation/gear/apparel + lift ticket. You can also find ski packages for Oak Valley on kkday.
Address: 58 Oak Valley 2-gil, Jijeong-myeon, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 원주시 지정면 오크밸리2길 58 (지정면))

Alpensia (알펜시아리조트 스키장)

Alpensia is a resort that offers something for everyone all throughout the year. The ski resort has six slopes and they are perfect for everyone from the beginner to the advanced skier.

Where To Stay Nearby: Intercontinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort on Booking.comor on Agoda.com
Opening Hours: 8:30am ~ 12:30pm, 12:30pm ~ 4:30pm & 6:30 ~ 10:30pm
Tour: Book a 2D1N Package with Klook which includes transportation/gear/apparel + lift ticket. Or, book a daytrip to Alpensia on kkday.
Address: 325 Solbong-ro, Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 평창군 대관령면 솔봉로 325 (대관령면))

Yongpyong Ski Resort (용평리조트 스키장)

Yongpyong is known as the Alps of Korea and is the largest ski resort in Korea but the best thing about it is that it gets the HIGHEST amount of snowfall each year. Ski and boarding loving Koreans flock to these slopes at the center of the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range every year and there are very good reasons as to why. The slopes here average 250 centimeters of snowfall per year!

Where To Stay Nearby: Yongpyong Resort on Booking.comor on Agoda.com
Opening Hours: 8:30am ~ 4:30pm & 6:30pm ~ 12:30am
Tour: Book a 2D1N Package with Klook which includes transportation/gear/apparel + lift ticket. Or book a 4D3N Ski Adventure on kkday.
Address: 715 Olympic-ro, Daegwanryeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 평창군 대관령면 올림픽로 715 (대관령면))

High1 Resort (하이원 리조트)

The High1 Resort, named so as to reflect the concept of being “first and foremost”, has eighteen slopes across three mountain peaks. It’s not the easiest resort to access but that means the people that do get there are avid skiers and boarders. That shouldn’t dissuade beginners though as this resort has a 4.2 kilometer long beginning slope and it’s family friendly.

Where To Stay Nearby: High1 Castle Resort
Opening Hours: 8:30am ~ 4:00pm & 6:00pm ~ 10:00pm
Tour: Book a 1N2D or 2N3D ski package on kkday.
Address: 424 High1-gil, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 정선군 고한읍 하이원길 424 (고한읍))

Pheonix Pyeongchang Ski Resort (휘닉스 평창)

Phoenix is often reputed for having some of the most high-quality snow around and was the location for the free style ski and snowboarding competition during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics. The resort offers nine lifts and ten runs to visitors as well as a terrain park and halfpipe.

Where To Stay Nearby: Pheonix Pyeongchang Ski Resort on Booking.com or on Agoda.com
Opening Hours: 8:30am ~ 4:30pm & 6:30pm ~ 4:00am
Tour: Book a 3D2N trip with Klook.
Address: 174 Taegi-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 평창군 봉평면 태기로 174)

The best winter festivals in Korea

Taebaek Mountain Snow Festival (태백산 눈축제)

Large snow sculptures look over the crowds of tourists to this venue and welcome visitors as they enter the popular winter wonderland in Taebaek. After viewing the sculptures the pure natural beauty of the mountain takes over and if the snowy mountains aren’t enough and you want just a bit more to do, there’s also a beautiful temple and train museum in the vicinity.

Address: 4834-31 Taebaeksan-ro, Taebaek-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 태백시 태백산로 4834-31)

Jirisan Namwon Baraebong Snowflake Festival (지리산 남원 바래봉 눈축제)

Fifty days of snow sledding and snowman making, kite flying, snow ball fights and more events on the spectacularly beautiful picturesque snow covered Baraebong Peak in Namwon are calling all those people looking for fun in the snow this winter.

Address: 442-4 Yongsan-ri, Unbong-eub, Namwon-si, Jeollabuk-do (전북 남원시 운봉읍 용산리 442-4)

Naganeubseong Folk Village, Suncheon, Korea: Persimmons

Naganeubseong Folk Village, Suncheon, Korea: Persimmons, Hallie Bradley

Yeongdong Dried Persimmon Festival (영동곶감축제)

The ‘Holy Land of Fruit’ offers a cold but fruity winter festival. This local produce festival gives visitors a good ‘ole down on the farm feel celebrating the persimmons famous in the region as well as pyogo mushrooms, walnuts and chestnuts.

Expect to chow down on some good eats made from the produce and take in some cultural performances. Other activities include peeling persimmons and jam making as well as a foot bath in persimmon leaves.

Address: 122 Yeongdonghwangan-ro, Yeongdong-eub, Yeongdong-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do (충북 영동군 영동읍 영동황간로 122)

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival (얼음나라 화천 산천어축제)

This mountain trout festival takes place in the first place in Korea that freezes over every winter. Wouldn’t you be ecstatic if you lived in a place known for freezing? Of course ice fishing, ice sledding and sliding and catching fish with bare hands in a pool of frigid water is on the agenda for anyone attending this event. Take that fish and grill it up on nearby grills in tents and enjoy your catch. Dress warmly, but this is so worth the trip. I went my first year in Korea and loved it.

Join a Tour: Head out to the Hwacheon Trout Festival with Klook for easy access to all of the fun.
Address: 137 Sancheoneo-gil, Hwacheon-eup, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do (강원 화천군 화천읍 산천어길 137)

Pyeongchang Trout Festival (평창송어축제)

Head to a fish festival where you can dive into some freezing cold water and catch fish with your bare hands. Okay, you don’t really dive, but you can get into a large pool of cold water and try to catch those fish before your fingers become too numb. If that’s not appealing, I don’t know what is!

Join a Tour: Head out to the Pyeonchang Trout Festival with Klook to make it an easy adventure.
Address: 1289-80 Hajinbu-ri, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원 평창군 진부면 하진부리 1289-80)

Inje Ice Fishing Festival (인제빙어축제)

After Hwacheon, the second ice fishing festival I attended was in Inje. Find a hole, catch some bingeo and eat it up. The great thing about the fish festivals is that after getting cold on the ice, you can find some warm tents to eat in.

Address: 555-2 Beon-ji, Bupyeong-ri, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 인제군 부평리 555-2번지

Garden of the Morning Calm Lighting Festival (아침고요수목원 오색별빛정원지)

Garden of the Morning Calm puts on a fantastic light show. Visit to see the park transformed into a light-filled garden. It’s a great way to celebrate the holidays in Korea. The lighting festival usually takes place from December to March so plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful array.

Address: 432 Sumogwon-ro, Sang-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 가평군 상면 숨오권로 432)
Join A Tour:
- Did you know strawberries are a winter fruit in Korea? This is a great tour on Klook that includes strawberry picking and jam making as well as a trip to Garden of the Morning Calm.
- Another great option if you want to celebrate winter a bit more. Klook has a winter tour that visits the Cheongyang Ice Fountain Festival or Eobi Ice Valley as well as the Garden of the Morning Calm Lighting Festival.

Boseong Green Tea Fields, Boseong, Jeollanam-do, Korea

Boseong Green Tea Plantation Light Festival (보성차밭 빛축제)

Boseong Green Tea Fields also light up. Did you know the green tea fields look beautiful in the winter too, but even more so with the Boseong Green Tea Light Festival. Visit to see some of Korea’s gorgeous green tea fields and celebrate winter.

Address: 763-65 Nokcha-ro, Boseong-eup, Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 보성군 보성읍 녹차로 763-65) (<– This is the address for the Daehan Dawon Tea Plantation (대한다원), the biggest and dare I say most beautiful green tea plantation in the area.)

Everland, Christmas in Korea, Christmas lights in Seoul — Credit: Yeonjigon Centipede Blog

Haeundae Light Festival (해운대 빛축제)

While you may not be heading down to Busan for the beaches, in the winter snow on sand and light festivals are still just as beautiful.

Address: 47 Dalmaji-gil 62 beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan (부산시 해운대구 62번길 달마지길 47)

Busan Polar Bear Swimming Festival (북극곰 수영대회)

So while it’s not really swimming season, you might find reason to dive into the chilly winter waves at the Polar Bear Swimming Festival. Also in Haeundae, it’ll be cold, but fun.

Address: 47 Dalmaji-gil 62 beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan (부산시 해운대구 62번길 달마지길 47)

Pinocchio and Little Prince Lighting Festival (피노키오 과 어린왕자 별빛축제)

Petite France (쁘띠프랑스) hosts this festival each winter from December to March and in this little village area with cotton candy colored buildings, it’s pretty magical in the winter.

Address: 1063 Hoban‐ro, Cheongpyeong‐myeon, Gapyeong‐gun, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 가평군 청평면 호반로 1063)
Take A Tour: The trip out to the station and then onto the bus can rack up a lot of time, so a lot of people opt to take a day tour. Numerous companies offer them and you can combine Petite France with some nearby stops with ease. Here are a couple options to look into:
- Petite France & Nami Island with Klook: Klook offers a great option with just Petite France and Nami Island. But you have the option to add Garden of the Morning Calm and/or Gangchon Rail Bike to the tour as well if you want it to make a fabulous day out in the area. Check out tour details here.
- Petite France, Nami Island, Garden Of The Morning Calm with Get Your Guide: Stop into three of the must see places in Gapyeong in ONE day. Get Your Guide is a great tour service with smooth tours that will get you out and back easily. Check out the tour to Gapyeong here.

Things to do in the winter in Korea

You might be surprised how much there is to do in Korea from the toasty strawberry picking to the nippy sledding, there are plenty of options!

Nonsan Strawberry Festival, Nonsan, Korea

Strawberry Picking

Strawberry season in Korea is from winter into spring so when you’re cold and want to warm up and sink your teeth into juicy fruit, look for the strawberry farms. Not only are you in for delicious fun, but the strawberry greenhouses are nice and toasty so you can warm up in the winter.

Go Ice Skating

There are some pretty popular rinks in Seoul but also around Korea you can find great ice rinks both indoor and outdoor. In Seoul, you can find indoor rinks at Lotte World and Onemount Snow Park and you can find an outdoor ice rink that gets set up on Seoul Plaza in front of Seoul City Hall.

Visit an Icy Wonderland

In the past few years, visiting places in Korea that are incredibly icy has become very popular. From frozen over waterfalls to lakes where you can ride in duck-shaped sleds, there are some really fun and super icy places to visit. Just make sure you are dressed for the endeavor because these places will be very cold and stepping on ice will make you even colder.

Sanjeong Lake: Located in Pocheon, Sanjeong Lake became very popular last winter as photos of people in a duck sled on an icy lake started popping up online. Join a tour to Sanjeong Lake on Klook, or on kkday.
Hantan Ice Canyon: See a wall of ice in this canyon and walk along bridges out over the ice to where it’s thick enough to hold you. Klook offers a tour to visit the icy canyon and then head to above mentioned Sanjeong Lake to ride on the popular duck sleds.
Alps Village Ice Festival: While not quite the Alps, it is still very beautiful and you can experience everything from an Ice Fountain to icy AND snowy activities that make winter fun. Join a tour out to the Alps… in Korea with Klook.
Cheongyang Ice Festival & Eobi Ice Valley: If you didn’t know how fun and exciting ice can be, then head out to the Cheongyang Ice Festival. There is just beautiful white covered scenery when you get out of Seoul. Join a tour too this area with Klook.

Warm Up and Exfoliate at a Korean Bath House

There are plenty of ways to warm up in Korea and take care of yourself too and one of those is the Korean jjimjilbang (찜질방). I love a good visit to a Korean bath house. Whether you go to a small local one, or a popular one like Spa Land Centum City in Busan, you’ll find a good experience. Even just getting a facial in Seoul is worth it for some rejuvenation.

Seek Out the Holiday Light Installations

Yes, I say seek out because the holidays may not be celebrated with huge Christmas markets like Europe, but there are all some beautiful installations and decor to be found if you know where to look. Check out this full list of the best places to see Christmas lights in Seoul to know where to go.

Some of the popular places to see Christmas lights in Seoul include:

The Hyundai Seoul (더현대 서울)
Lotte World Tower (롯데월드타워) and Amusement Park (롯데월드 어드벤처)
Lotte Department Store (롯데백화점 본점)
Shinsegae Department Store (신세계백화점 본점)
Times Square Shopping Mall (타임스퀘어)

Visit an Amusement Park

Even in the winter the amusement parks can be incredibly fun. On top of that, they’re usually decorated up for the winter and holidays. Oh, and you should know that they can be warm too. Half of Lotte World is indoors and they have an indoor skating rink as well so it’s loads of fun in the winter. Don’t miss the holiday-inspired events at the amusement parks in Seoul.

Lotte World (롯데월드): Lotte World has everything from lights to a Santa Claus Parade. There are beautiful displays and this indoor/outdoor amusement park is the most popular place in Seoul for some fun.
- Address: 240 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (서울 송파구 올림픽로 240)
- Admission: Adults: W62,000; Youth: W54,000; Child: W47,000; Baby: W15,000; After 4:00pm: Adults: W50,000; Youth: W43,000; Child: W36,000; Baby: W15,000
- How to get discounted tickets for Lotte World: Don’t buy tickets at the door if you can help it! You will absolutely get better deals online. Get the Lotte World 1 day Pass on Klook.
Everland (에버랜드): Just south of Seoul, Everland is one of the biggest theme parks in Korea. There are five zones with roller coasters and more to enjoy. They guarantee an amazing Christmas display, complete with fireworks and lights.
- Address: 199 Everland-ro, Pogok-eub, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 용인시 처인구 포곡읍 에버랜드로 199)
- Book Tickets: Get your tickets online with Klook to take advantage of the online discount.

Korean Stone Art Museum, Museum Wave, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Korea; Artist Jacky Tsai

Lotte Museum of Art (롯데뮤지엄), Jamsil, Seoul, Korea

Visit an Art Museum

Okay, so not all of the fun to be had has to be outdoors. If it’s especially frigid and cold, there are a ton of amazing art museums in Seoul. Click that link to learn more about the many many amazing artistic spaces you can visit and they are family-friendly and can often have amazing experiences to participate in.

Resom Forest & Have9 Spa, Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea: Hallie Bradley

Resom Forest & Have9 Spa, Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea

Take a Dip in the Hot Springs

Japan isn’t the only place where you can find some amazing hot springs to warm up in. There are some great hot springs in Korea and if you want to warm up with a dip, here’s where to go:

Hurshimchung Grand Spa (허심창): The largest hot spring-fed spa in Asia, there are 40 pools to rejuvenate your body and mind.
- Address: 23 Geumganggongwon-ro 20beon-gil, Dongnae-gu, Busan (부산시 동내구 20번길 금강공원로 23)
Onyang Hot Springs (온양온천지구): The oldest hot springs in Korea, the alkaline water is kept at 57C and is known to help treat arthritis, skin problems, liver disease, and high blook pressure.
- Address: 1459 Oncheon-daero, Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do (충청남도 아산시 온천대로 1459)
Bugok Hot Springs (부곡하와이 아쿠아존): A National Tourist Resort since 1977, the Bugok Hot Springs is a sulfur hot springs and the water is rich in minerals such as calcium and iron.
- Address: 77 Oncheonjungang-ro, Changnyeong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (경상남도 창녕군 부곡면 온천중앙로 77)

PAINTERS: Nonverbal performance in Seoul, Korea

See a Performance… Inside

There are some fantastic performances to see in Seoul and even if you can’t speak Korean, not to worry, because they are non-verbal and fun. The most popular shows for foreigners and tourists to see are:

PAINTERS: This non-verbal show is so fun to watch and if you have kids they will love it. The performers dance, create artistic wonders and tell a story along the way. It’s really fantastic.
NANTA: One of the most popular shows, you’ll see acrobatics, percussion with kitchen utensils, and fun.
Gugak Show: If you want something more traditional, check out the Gugak Performance put on every Saturday at the National Gugak Center.

Where to see snow in Korea

I’ve been asking again and again, “does it snow in Seoul?” and I know that the reason is that people come from all over hoping for that winter wonderland. While it does snow in Seoul from time to time, it doesn’t often stick for very long so there are better places to go if your goal is to see snow.

Aside from the places mentioned above for snow festivals like Taebaek, here are a few more places where snow abounds and the white snowy landscape is magical.

Wondae-ri Birch Forest (인제 원대리 자작나무 숲)

The Wondae-ri Birch Forest is beautiful year round, but in the winter the white bark of the trees with the white snow underfoot is especially gorgeous. It is truly a winter wonderland. It’s not the easiest place to get to, but so worth the trip to this unique forest in Korea.

Address: 763-4, Wondae-ri, Inje-eup, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 인제군 인제읍 원대리 763-4)
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 9:00am ~ 5:00pm
Tour: Join a tour to the Wondae-ri Birch Forest and Maebawi Ice Wall with Klook to really enjoy this winter in Korea.

Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm (대관령 양떼목장)

Try spotting the white fluffy sheep that blend in with their snow-covered surroundings. This vast farm is usually covered in tons of snow. Considering it’s located in Pyeongchang where the Winter Olympics was hosted, you can just imagine how much snow falls there. It’s a must-see.

Address: 483-32 Daegwallyeongmaru-gil, Daegwalnyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 평창군 대관령면 대관령마루길 483-32)

Nami Island (남이섬)

Nami Island is promoted as a place to visit in Korea year round and and with a layer of snow, it is definitely beautiful. Nami Island is also really easy to get to from Seoul because it’s so popular. Whether you want to get there on your own or join a tour, there are plenty of options.

Address: 198 Bangha-ri Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 춘천시 남산면 방하리 198)

There is much to enjoy about winter in Korea despite the cold. You just have to be prepared for the low temperatures and you can enjoy white puffy snow covered lands, light festivals, and more.

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