2025 South Korea Travel Guide: January Edition | Average Weather, What To Wear, Things To Do, etc.
If you're traveling to Korea this January, check out our guide to help you plan your trip!
January in South Korea is a delightful time for winter enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike. As the heart of winter, the country offers pristine snowy landscapes and a serene atmosphere. Streets are still adorned with festive lights, and traditional markets exude warmth with hot street foods and unique crafts. This month is ideal for experiencing outdoor winter sports like skiing or ice fishing. If you're headed here in January, here’s what you need to pack and the top activities you can't miss for a truly memorable trip!
South Korea in January | 2025
❄️ Must-Do Activities | 2024 Winter
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January Weather in Korea
(Credit: Donga Ilbo)
In January, South Korea plunges into the heart of winter, with temperatures frequently dipping below freezing. This month is characterized by a biting cold that can intensify with strong winds, making the air feel particularly icy. Snowfall adds a picturesque layer to the landscape, enhancing the beauty but also bringing colder conditions.
(Credit: Yonhap News)
Forecasts for January 2025 predict even lower temperatures than usual, potentially falling to -20°C (-4°F) in some regions. In Seoul, expect average temperatures to hover between -6°C (21°F) and 2°C (36°F). Visitors should come well-prepared with thermal clothing, multiple layers, and accessories like scarves, gloves, and hats to stay warm. Whether exploring the urban sights or venturing into the rural snowscapes, adequate winter gear is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Seoul January Weather | Highs & Lows
January 2024 Seoul Temperature (credit: weatherspark)
- Early January (Daytime): -1 to 4°C (30.2–39.2°F)
- Early January (Nighttime): -7 to -2°C (19.4–28.4°F)
- Late January (Daytime): -3 to 2°C (26.6–35.6°F)
- Late January (Nighttime): -9 to -4°C (15.8–24.8°F)
In Seoul during January 2025, temperatures are expected to remain close to freezing, with an average around -3°C (26.6°F). This period typically experiences the peak of winter, where cold waves can become more frequent and severe, potentially driving temperatures down to extreme lows of -18°C (-0.4°F).
However, January can also occasionally witness milder days, with temperatures slightly climbing above freezing. These brief warmer spells offer a gentle break from the relentless cold, providing a more comfortable environment for travelers and residents alike.
How many days of snow can we expect?
In Seoul, January is one of the colder months, and it does experience snow, but not extensively. Typically, Seoul sees snowfall on about 5 to 7 days in January, though this can vary from year to year. The snow usually isn’t very heavy, with accumulation often being light and sometimes melting relatively quickly due to urban warmth and sporadic sunny days.
The actual snow depth rarely exceeds a few centimeters in the city, unlike in more mountainous regions of South Korea, where the snow is both heavier and more persistent. For those in Seoul, snowy days tend to create picturesque scenes, particularly in parks and along the Han River, but they don’t usually disrupt city life significantly.
Korean Fashion | What To Wear in January
Source: 무신사
In January, dressing for the cold in South Korea is crucial, especially considering the harsher temperatures compared to December. A thermal base layer followed by a long-sleeve top and a heavy down jacket should suffice for outdoor activities.
Indoors and in subways, heating is typically very efficient during the winter months, making excessive layering unnecessary and sometimes uncomfortable. A warm, windproof outer layer is essential when stepping outside, but indoors, you'll likely want to shed some layers to stay comfortable. While accessories such as scarves, hats, and gloves are not strictly necessary, they will help you feel more comfortable being out in the cold.
How everyone experiences weather is subjective, so dress how you feel comfortable! For an in-depth guide on how to dress and what clothes to pack for your Korea trip, check out our guide below!
What to Wear in Korea | Seasonal Guide
What to shop for warmer clothes while you're here? Check out our shopping guides below!
Winter Essentials Shopping Guide
Things To Do in South Korea January
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Where to See The New Year's Countdown in Seoul
It’s a unique experience celebrating the New Year in a crowd full of people just as excited for the upcoming year, counting down the last few seconds of another fulfilling year. Here are the major New Year's Eve events happening in Seoul!
Bosingak Bell-Ringing Ceremony
A historic and deeply symbolic event, the Bosingak Bell-Ringing Ceremony features the striking of the large bell in Jongno 12 times at midnight, heralding the New Year. This tradition, attended by both locals and tourists, is a vibrant celebration of Korean heritage and communal hope for the future.
Address: Bosingak Bell, 54 Jong-ro, Jongno District, Seoul (서울 종로구 종로 54 보신각)
Seoul Light DDP & Gwanghwamun
The Seoul Light DDP event transforms the Dongdaemun Design Plaza into a mesmerizing light festival. Featuring spectacular light installations and multimedia shows, this event combines art and technology to create an unforgettable New Year’s Eve spectacle in the heart of Seoul.
Address: 281 Eulji-ro, Jung District, Seoul (서울 중구 을지로 281)
2025 Lotte World Tower Countdown
Celebrating New Year's Eve at Lotte Tower involves an impressive fireworks display that lights up the Seoul skyline from one of the tallest buildings in the world. The event draws large crowds, all eager to catch the breathtaking views of the fireworks enveloping the tower.
Address: 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa District, Seoul (서울 송파구 올림픽로 300)
Myeongdong Shinsegae Department Store 2025 Countdown Show Light Now
The Myeongdong Shinsegae Department Store hosts a special concert event for New Year’s Eve, offering live performances that attract K-pop fans and shoppers alike. Set against the backdrop of one of Seoul’s busiest shopping districts, it’s a lively way to ring in the New Year with some musical flair.
Address: 63 Sogong-ro, Jung District, Seoul (서울 중구 소공로 63 신세계백화점본점)
2025 Sinchon Countdown Concert
The Sinchon Yonsei-ro concert is a dynamic street party that brings together live music and festive celebrations on the road leading to Yonsei University. This event is particularly popular among young people and students, featuring performances by up-and-coming artists and bands to kick off the New Year with energy and excitement.
Address: Yonsei Street, Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (서대문구 연세로)
Many Koreans travel to the east coast to see the first sunrise of the year to pray for the upcoming year. You can do so too by joining a tour with transportation covered! Check out the tours below for more information:
Cafes & Other Places to Enjoy the Snow
Seeing the snow is a highlight for many travelers to Korea, especially those from areas where it doesn't snow! However, spending extended periods outside in the cold can be less enjoyable. Here are some hidden gems where you can watch the snowfall from the comfort of the indoors.
📍 Inwangsan Shelter in the Woods
This rest stop near the base of Inwang Mountain transforms into a cozy sanctuary during snowfall. Stocked with books (in Korean) and free water, it offers a beautiful view of Seoul blanketed in fresh snow. If you plan to visit, be careful while hiking in the snow, and make sure to look up directions beforehand.
📍 Eunpyeong Hanok Village
Located in the northern part of Seoul, Eunyeong Hanok Village is less known than the popular Bukchon Hanok Village, but it is equally beautiful. Its charm truly comes alive when it snows, with the white snow covering the traditional roofs and Mt. Bukhansan in the background creating a must-see view.
Here are two cafes that we recommend stopping by to see the view from indoors.
📍 The Lone Tree (Nahollo Namu)
The Nahollo Namu is a lone tree on a hill in Olympic Park in the Jamsil area. When it snows, the hill turns a cottony white, and the tree stands out even more, enhancing its beautifully solitary presence.
📍 Tung Anguk
Tung is a cafe with a view of Changdeokgung Palace. You can enjoy a warm cup of tea by the window while watching the snow fall gently on the palace.
2025 SBS Inkigayo Tickets
Are you a K-pop fan? If so, you probably know about SBS Inkigayo, the iconic weekly music show featuring the hottest performances from your favorite K-pop groups! Now, you can watch them live in person by securing your tickets through Creatrip. Tickets for January through March are on sale now, but hurry—there are only 10 slots available each week! Don’t miss out—book your spot today!
Skin Treatments for Dry Skin
Taking care of your skin during the drier months is essential, especially with the harsh contrast between chilly outdoor air and heated indoor spaces. One quick and effective solution is getting a skin treatment! It’s also surprisingly affordable in South Korea, so be sure to give it a try while you’re here!
Here are our top foreigner-friendly skin clinics:
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South Korea in January | 2025
❄️ Must-Do Activities | 2024 Winter
💄 K-Beauty: Hair Salons, Skin Clinics, etc.
We hope that this has helped you plan out your winter Korea trip! If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com! You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!