Winter in Korea is pretty cold, so there are plenty of special activities to enjoy only in winter.
Today we're going to introduce 7 popular and fun things to do in the winter in Korea.
Jjimjilbang
찜질방
To thaw out from the cold, Koreans go to jjimjilbangs, or Korean saunas, to warm up. Jjimjilbangs are open year round, but they are most enjoyable on a blustery winter's day.
The price is usually around 10,000 won per person and they are equipped with showers, baths, and jjimjilbangs of various temperatures.
There are usually a lot of people on weekend, so we recommend visiting during the day on weekdays.
Local's Tip: Make sure to try the various kinds of Korean sauna food at the jjimjilbang!
Ice Skating
스케이트
Did you know skating is very cheap in Korea?
In the winter, skating rinks are provided practically for free.
You can skate for just 1,000 won per person. Isn't it amazing?
Unfortunately, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said it will not be able to open the skating rink in 2021 due to COVID-19.
If the COVID-19 situation improves next year, then be sure to come check out the skating rink in the winter of 2022.
Local's Tip: Skate rental is available at the skating rink in front of Seoul City Hall, and you can purchase gloves, socks, hot packs, and other skating needs.
Gloves are pretty important when skating, so it's a good idea to bring your own if you have some!
Winter Illumination
겨울 일루미네이션
Source: 울산매일
In Korea, there are some great light festivals that complement the snowy winter atmosphere perfectly.
The one pictured above is called Garden Of Morning Calm and is located close to Nami Island.
Source: 산경일보
Garden of Morning Calm Information
Address: 경기 가평군 상면 수목원로 432
432 Sumogwon-ro, Sang-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
Hours: 08:30-17:30
Last entry 17:00
Admission:
Adults 9,500 won
Teens 7,000 won
Children 6,000 won
Winter Street Food
겨울 길러리음식
The pancake-like food pictured above is called hotteok (호떡) and it is a popular warm sweet snack in winter in Korea.
Typical winter street foods include hotteok, fish-shaped bread called bungeoppang (붕어빵), fish cake called odeng (오뎅), and tteokbokki (떡볶이). In particular, hotteok and bungeoppang are hard to find in other seasons, but in the winter you can find them everywhere.
We recommend hotteok the most as it is a flavor many miss in the warmer months.
bungeoppang & fishcake skewers
Local's Tip: Typically prices are 1,000 won for one hotteok, bungeoppang is usually 1,000 won for 2, and skewered fish cake is 700 won for 1.
Skiing & Snowboarding
스키 & 스노우보드
Skiing and Snowboarding are the favorite winter activities among young Koreans. There are ski resorts around Seoul and Busan, so it's very convenient to enjoy skiing and snowboarding these days.
Contrary to the belief that skiing is difficult and dangerous, you can soon safely enjoy it if you take a one or two hour lesson and practice steadily on your own.
There are a lot of ski tours in Korea for visitors who don't have much chance to see snow back home, so if you come to Korea in the winter, be sure to check it out.
Vivaldi Park (비발디파크)
Local's Tip: One day ski tours can also depart from Busan! There is a ski resort near Busan as well.
Ice Fishing
얼음 낚시
Source: 경북일보
Ice fishing is a good winter leisure sport for people who want something a little less active than skiing or snowboarding. Many people enjoy ice fishing because you can enjoy it without and professional equipment.
Source: 한국일보
However, it is dangerous to pierce the ice, so it is imperative that someone experienced in ice fishing safety and protocol is present to assist and prepare.
Source: 소셜타임즈
If you don't have an expert available to help you, then we recommend you participate in a winter festival where they have ice fishing as an activity.
Local's Tip: Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival runs from January 8th-30th and the Inje Icefish Festival starts January 21, 2022.
Paragliding
패러글라이딩
Source: pixabay
For the thrill-seekers out there, paragliding is on your bucket list, if you haven't already done it, right? More Koreans are taking an interest in paragliding as of late because of the spectacular views of the mountains that you can only get from the skies.
We even tried paragliding in Danyang earlier this year, which was an unforgettable experience.
Source: 무주패러글라이딩
If you're tired of the monotony of regular daily activities, why not try paragliding (with the safety of experienced guides) to experience the freeing sensation of flying through the air like a bird on the breeze?
Source: 헤럴드 경제
But be sure to check the weather before planning a paragliding adventure so you don't end up like Yoon Se-ri in the 2019 hit drama Crash Landing On You!
Local's Tips:
Danyang Story (단양스토리): The cheapest price in Korea, about 2.5 hours from Seoul
Yeongwol Paragliding (영월패리글라이딩): 800m glide, twice as long as other places
Yeosu National Paragliding (여수 국가대표 패리글라이딩): Feels like flying through the cool sea, many good restaurants in Yeosu
Daecheon National Paragliding (대천 국가대표 패리글라이딩): Discounts available for users of Naeilro (내일로), suitable for beginners
Yangpyeong Paragliding Park (양평 패리글라이딩 파크): Korea's highest glide (860m), former national team instructor, Seoul's closest glide, solo flight education available
Those were 7 must-try winter activities in Korea!
Make your winter experience in Korea more special and memorable by trying some of these!
Which ones are you going to add to your to-do list?
