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Guide To Winter In Korea 2021-2022

Activities, attractions, food and more that you can only enjoy in the cold winter months in Korea!

Yeong
2 years ago

2021 Korea Winter Guide

It's getting colder in Korea. But this is just the beginning! The three month long winter of Korea will begin soon.

Although many people think that Korea is too cold in winter and that it's better to come here in autumn and spring, in fact, there are many advantages to coming to Korea in winter. Hurry up with this article and plan your next winter trip to Korea.


2021 Korean Winter Time

The definitive winter months in Korea are December through February. It may not snow much in urban areas, but it gets freezing cold, literally. 

2021 Korea Winter Guide palace in winter

In December 2021, the temperature has already dipped below freezing and you can see people on the streets bundled up in their long padding coats.


2021 Korean Winter Weather

In fact, winter came very quickly this year! It suddenly became colder after the hot summer passed and cool autumn was approaching, and there was a big temperature difference between autumn and winter. People's fashion in November this year consisted of short sleeves and trench coats or heavier coats on chillier days. In December, everyone is bundled up in padding and thermal undergarments, because even if there isn't much snow, it gets really cold and windy, so you have to be sure to dress warmly enough.

Korean Weather in December

Starting around the end of November, you'll need long sleeves, trousers, and coats to keep warm as the temperature gets colder.

The first snow in Seoul fell on November 10th in 2021, earlier than usual, so perhaps that is why it got cold so quickly.

2021 Korea Winter Guide snowy rooftop

Starting mid-November, thick down jackets should be taken out. The lowest temperature can nearly reach 0 degrees Celsius, and the highest temperature starting in December will basically fall to single digits.

Korean Weather in January & February

2021 Korea Winter Guide people in winter clothes

In January and February in Korea, you will need warm clothes and lots of layers. You will feel quite warm when you go inside somewhere heated, but be careful to dress warmly enough when you go back outside so you don't get sick.

2021 Korea Winter Guide snowy sidewalk

Despite the freezing temperatures, it is difficult to find snowy places in Korea, so don't expect a white winter wonderland in the major cities.


2021 Korean Winter Landscape

2021 Korea Winter Guide winter landscape

Winter in South Korea is divided into two types, one is the snowy scene that most would expect, and the other is just cold and frozen. The latter would be the more common of the two.

2021 Korea Winter Guide snowy winter landscape

When it is really cold, when you look outside you can just tell, right? Bare branches and an icy chill that seems tangible create a different type of winter vibe to the snowy mountain scenes. 

2021 Korea Winter Guide snowmenSource: 강원포토

If you do happen to see snow in the city, then you are lucky! Many people wonder if they will need snow boots, but if you don't have any, you should be fine without as long as you avoid icy roads.


Winter Activities

2021 Korea Winter Guide: Winter Activities

Winter in Korea offers many opportunities for cold weather special activities, so there are many people who look forward to winter. 

There are plenty of fun things to do to help shake off the cold, both indoors and outdoors.

For ideas, check out our list of must-try winter activities in Korea!


Ski Resorts

2021 Korea Winter Guide: Ski Resorts

Skiing and snowboarding are the most popular winter activities in Korea.

Gangwon-do, Gyeongsang-do, Jeolla-do, and Gyeonggi-do are home to famous ski resorts in Korea.

Ski season lasts for just three months, so if you visit Korea in winter, check out one of these ski resorts!


Winter Festivals

2021 Korea Winter Guide: Festivals

There are many winter festivals in Korea, ranging from snow and ice festivals, to winter lights displays and shows.

Festivals that have not been able to take place due to COVID-19 are being held again this year, with social distancing guidelines in mind, so if you plant to visit this winter, you can enjoy one of these unforgettable experiences.


Christmas Spots

2021 Korea Winter Guide: Christmas spots

One of the existing parts of winter for many people is Christmas and there are some beautiful places in Seoul where you can feel the Christmas spirit to the fullest.

Each location has its own charm, and it is made even more special for Christmas.

Be sure to check out these Christmas spots if you visit during the holiday season.


Winter Fashion Trends

2021 Korea Winter Guide: Winter Fashion

If all you think of when you think Korean winter fashion is long padding coats, then you're missing out!

Long padding is good because it is one of the most efficient ways to stay warm and protect yourself from the biting winds, but fashion is still an indispensable part of life here.

There are plenty of clothing items and accessories to help keep you warm in style!

Try out some of these trends or one off these cozy fleece jackets.


Winter Snacks

2021 Korea Winter Guide: winter snacksSource: 소비자평가

Delicious already, but even better when the weather is cold! Introducing winter snacks found in Korea.

There are famous snacks like bunggeopang that are actually hard to find in the warmer seasons, so be sure to try them while you can! They're a wonderful way to warm up in the winter.

There are lots of amazing street foods that pair perfectly with the cold weather for the foodies out there to enjoy.


So are you going to be visiting Korea in the winter?

It may be cold, but as you can see there is still plenty to do and see, in fact, a lot of things that can only be enjoyed in the winter!

We hope you found this post helpful, and if you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments.

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