Top 12 Things to Do in South Korea in Winter

Why travel to South Korea in the Winter?

If you’re wondering why travel to South Korea in the winter, let me tell you, this season offers some of the most magical and underrated experiences. Having explored South Korea during both summer and winter, I can confidently say that winter brings a quieter, more relaxed charm. It’s off-peak season, which means fewer crowds, lower prices, and a more laid-back travel experience compared to the busy spring and autumn months.

Visiting South Korea in December is especially magical. Cities like Seoul come alive with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and events like the Winter Festa. Christmas markets pop up around the city, offering a enchanting mix of European-style charm and Korean holiday spirit.

When planning what to do in Korea in winter, think snow-dusted vistas, indulging in soul-warming food, and soaking traditional Korean bathhouses. The colder weather makes everything from cafe hopping to late night karaoke feel extra cosy and memorable.

Curious how to fit all these winter activities into one trip? My 10 Day South Korea Travel Itinerary maps it all out for you.

What areas should I visit in South Korea during winter?

You’ll have no shortage of things to do in South Korea during winter, no matter where you choose to go. However, to make the most of your trip, I highly recommend basing yourself in Seoul.

Winter in Seoul gives you access to some of the country’s best indoor activities and seasonal festivals. It’s also a convenient hub for day trips to popular winter destinations like Busan or Nami Island. This winter guide on what to do in Korea in winter will focus primarily on activities in Seoul and Busan.

Coastal regions like Jeju are still beautiful during the colder months, but most travellers agree they’re best enjoyed in warmer seasons like spring or autumn. Summer can be sweltering and rainy, while winter weather can interfere with outdoor plans. You wouldn’t want to base your whole trip around beaches and natural attractions, only to have your experience ruined by freezing winds, or rain.

What to do in Seoul during Winter

1. Cosy Winter Eats in Korea – Cafés, Street Food & Seoul Warming Meals

The way to explore Seoul is to eat your way around the city, one bit at a time. Seoul is home to some of the most unique and creative cafés, alongside incredible restaurants that will keep you warm and full all winter long.The city’s cosy café culture offers the perfect winter escape, with beautifully decorated spaces that feel like stepping into another world. Hearty Korean meals (think hot stews and ginseng chicken soups) warm you from the inside out, bringing a deep sense of comfort and fullness. And as you explore, hot street food snacks will keep you toasty and satisfied from one stop to the next.

Instaworthy Cafés to Escape the Cold

Here are a few of my favourite (and highly photogenic) cafés to check out during winter:

Nudake Café (Gangnam)
Café Onion (Seongsu, Mia, Anguk, Gwangjang Market)
London Bagel Museum (Anguk)
Café Highwaist (Ikseon)
Mil Toast House (Ikseon)
Café Layered (Bukchon)
Danny’s Supermarket (Seongsu)

Honestly, I could write a whole separate blog post just on all the coolest cafés in Seoul, but with new ones popping up constantly, it’d be outdated in no time! Finding the hottest new cafe is as simple as a quick google search (or naver search – IYKYK).

Must Try Winter Meals in SeouL

Samgyetang (삼계탕)
A traditional ginseng chicken soup made with a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice. The clear, savoury broth is infused with red dates and herbal ginseng, making it the perfect recovery meal after a day braving the Korean winter.
Two popular places I’ve personally tried and recommend are:
- Baeknyeon Tojong Samgyetang
- Tosokchon Samgyetang (토속촌삼계탕)
  Both are conveniently located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, making them ideal places to defrost after you’ve walked the outdoor palace.
Bibimbap (비빔밥)
A colourful, nourishing rice bowl with sautéed veggies, meat, chilli paste, and topped with a raw egg. Healthy, filling, and absolutely satisfying.
Jajangmyeon (짜장면)
Perfectly chewy noodles smothered in a rich, sweet-and-savoury black bean sauce.

Warm Up with Korean Street Food

If you’re wandering the shopping streets of Myeongdong or Hongdae, be sure to grab some hot street snacks along the way. Some winter favourites include:

Tteokbokki (떡볶이) – Spicy, chewy rice cakes simmered in sweet red chili sauce
Hotteok (호떡) – Crispy fried pancakes with gooey, honey-nut filling (my personal fave)
Gyeran-ppang (계란빵) – Soft, warm little loaves of bread with a whole egg baked inside

2. Shop Your Way Through Seoul – The Best Winter Destinations to Stay Warm

Break up your cafe-hopping, and get your steps in while exploring South Korea’s limitless shopping scene. From ultra-aesthetic malls to sprawling underground shopping centres, Seoul is a shopper’s paradise, especially in winter. Hiding out in the city’s countless heated malls is the perfect way to escape the snow or rain while still making the most of your day.

💡 Pro Tip: Bring your passport while shopping! Many stores (like Olive Young) offer instant tax refunds on-site.

Popular Shopping Malls in Seoul

Starfield COEX Mall & Library

The largest underground shopping centre in Asia, COEX Mall offers everything from major fashion brands to restaurants and entertainment. Even if you’re not in the mood to shop, you can still head to the insta-famous Starfield Library which features towering 13 meter bookshelves.

The Hyundai Seoul

A trendy, nature-themed mall with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic.

🛍️ Underground Shopping Malls

Duck one of the many stations which have an underground network of shops malls what are filled with anything you can imagine from goods from fashion, beauty, accessories and homeware, normally at a more affordable price compared to your more commercial department stores and malls.

GOTO Mall (Express Bus Terminal Underground Mall)
Gangnam Station Underground Shopping Center
Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center
Jamsil Underground Shopping Center (connected to Lotte World Mall)

🏙️ Outdoor Shopping Streets

If the weather’s on your side, explore some of Seoul’s most famous outdoor shopping districts

Myeongdong Shopping Street
Tourists flock to this neon-lit district packed with beauty boutiques, fashion shops, and street food, busy and overwhelming at times, but a must-visit for first-timers in Seoul
Hongdae Shopping Street
Hongdae is a lively, eclectic district filled with and youth-focused korean shopping boutiques, which has a lively nightlife scene with live music from street performers.
Seongsu Shopping District
Seongsu is packed with independent boutiques, stylish cafes, and creative energy that’s popular with locals, artists, and trend-savvy visitors.

3. Lotte World Amusement Park

Spend a day at Lotte World Amusement Park, one of the top things to do in Korea in winter. It features both indoor and outdoor sections, a premium indoor ice skating rink, and an attached mall, making it the perfect full day winter activity. There are rides for both thrill seekers and kids, plus fun parades and even a castle, giving you that full Korean Disney-esque experience.

📍 Open year-round: 10 AM – 9 PM

4. Visit a Fun and Interactive Museum in Seoul

If you’re looking for something a little different from the usual historical museums, why not switch it up and explore some of Seoul’s more unique and interactive museums? Visiting a fun museum the perfect if you’re not sure what to do in Korea when it’s raining and too cold to be outdoors. Here are two of my favourite museums I visited in Seoul.

🎨 Trickeye Museum Seoul
This immersive art museum is a great activity to enjoy with friends. You can take quirky optical illusion photos with their constantly updated murals. Download the Trickeye AR app for extra augmented reality features that bring the artwork to life. Capture one-of-a-kind photo and video memories without having to confront the cold.

🥬 Museum Kimchikan (Kimchi Museum)
This was a surprise favourite among my friends and me! The Kimchi Museum in Seoul offers remarkably engaging exhibitions about Korea’s beloved national dish. Be fascinated by Kimchi’s history, ingredients, and cultural significance. You can sample different types of kimchi and even join a hands-on kimchi-making class. It’s one of Seoul’s most underrated museums in my opinion, and a great winter activity to do in Korea.

5. Watch a Live E-Sport Game in Seoul This Winter

Not keen on freezing through an outdoor sports match? Why not warm up and catch all the hype indoors by cheering on professional gamers at a live E-sports event with a bunch of other sweaty fans! Even if you’re not into gaming (ex Iron LoL player over here…), watching a match at one of Seoul’s purpose-built E-sports arenas, like LCK Arena at LoL PARK, is such a fun and uniquely experience that you won’t regret being indoors for. The crowd energy is electric, and it’s an unexpected but exciting thing to do in Korea in winter. Definitely worth checking out if there’s a live match while you’re in town!

6. Celebrate the Winter Season with Seoul’s Winter Festa

Discover Christmas Markets, Light Displays, Lantern festivals and more in Seoul

You won’t run out of things to do in Korea in winter with Seoul’s Winter Festa lighting up the city with festive events and installations across multiple locations in the city. One of my personal highlights was the Gwanghwamun Christmas Market, which takes the top seat for what to do in Korea in December around Christmas. This artifical winter wonderland rivalled some of the proper European Christmas markets I’ve been to! The city goes all out with twinkling lights, festive music, and magical displays at every turn. Even the Grinch in your group won’t be able to resist the holiday cheer during December in Seoul!

7. Visiting the Coex Aquarium Seoul during Winter

The Coex Aquarium is a great place to visit during winter in Seoul due to its impressive indoor collection of aquatic animals from all over the world, in fun themed exhibits. Even as an adult, I enjoyed the various interactive exhibits and unique photo opportunities with my friends.

8. What to Do in Korea on a Winter night? Experience Korean Karaoke Culture

What better way to keep warm in Seoul than by singing and dancing your heart out in a private karaoke booth? Noraebangs (Korean karaoke rooms) are a must-do winter activity in Korea and are perfect for groups and solo travellers alike. You can rent a one-person booth if you want a judgement free zone to belt out your favourite bangers! It’s super affordable, tons of fun, and most spots stay open late, making it one of the best cheap and convenient things to do in Seoul during winter.

9. A Cosy Winter Activity in Seoul: Craft Your Own Norigae Keychain

If your fingers are starting to go numb from wandering the streets of Hongdae, escape Seoul winter at Leesle’s Hongdae branch to make a a DIY Norigae keychain workshop. Norigae are traditional Korean pendants typically worn with a hanbok, and this workshop lets you create your own as a beautiful and meaningful souvenir. You’ll be given pliers and guided step-by-step by friendly staff, making it super beginner-friendly and perfect group activity.

When my friends and I visited in December, we were able to walk in without a reservation, which was a bonus, especially since bookings are often required during peak seasons. It’s a wholesome winter experience and a unique way to take home a little piece of Korean culture.

What to do in Busan during Winter

When planning what to do in Korea in winter, Busan offers fantastic cultural experiences to keep you warm and entertained. If you’re wondering what to do in Busan when it’s raining or cold, you can’t miss the thrilling Running Man Thematic Experience, a unique indoor activity perfect for winter days. For food lovers, the reknowned Jalgachi Fish Market is a must-visit spot to enjoy delicious fresh seafood to warm you from the inside out. And to truly unwind, visit Spa Land Jimjilbang, a luxurious Korean bathhouse where you can relax and rejuvenate in heated baths and saunas. If you’re visiting South Korea this winter, don’t miss these Busan activities which offer memorable ways to enjoy the cold season.

10. Running Man Thematic Experience – Top Indoor Activity in Busan

This is my favourite indoor activity in Busan. So much so that I go every time I visit, rain or shine! Inspired by the iconic Korean variety show “Running Man”, this interactive theme park lets you step into the shoes of the show’s celebrity contestants, tackling missions that test everything from teamwork and athleticism to problem-solving and reaction speed.

Participants wear wristbands to track points (though how competitive you get is totally up to you). Get ready to jump, crawl, and laugh your way through a massive indoor mission arena. It’s the perfect way to break a sweat if you’re looking for something active to do winter in Korea. It kept us entertained for a solid 1-2 hours.

💥 Optional Add-On: Dynamic Maze
We also paid extra to try the Dynamic Maze. This was a fun additional obstacle course, where we raced through a large maze with arcade game style challenges. At the end, we each even got a photobooth-style souvenirs featuring snapshots taken during your challenges!

🎒 Pro Tip: Bring cash for the lockers outside, as you’ll need to be hands-free to fully enjoy the experience.

11. Jagalchi Fish Market: The Ultimate Winter Seafood Experience in Busan

If you’re wondering what to do in Korea in winter, especially in Busan, make sure Jagalchi Fish Market is on your list. As Korea’s largest seafood market, it’s a chaotic, colorful, and delicious adventure. Located right by the harbour, the market features endless rows of live seafood tanks and stalls in both its indoor and outdoor sections. We visited on a winter’s evening and had a super fresh hearty meal freshly prepared by the enthusiastic stall owners.

Stuck on what to try?

Wander the wet market downstairs and choose your seafood.
Vendors will prepare it fresh and guide you upstairs to eat it with side dishes.

🦑 When it comes to raw fish and sashimi, Japan is known for its rich, fatty cuts like salmon and tuna, while Korea—particularly Busan—specializes in firmer, chewier white fish such as rockfish, flounder, and sea bream, offering a completely different texture and flavor experience.
🤯 Feeling adventurous? Try live octopus (산낙지). Yes, it’s as scary as it sounds, the tentacles move while you eat them!
Prefer cooked options? No problem, there’s plenty of grilled, steamed, and fried seafood to choose from.

🎣 How it works:
🕒 Opening Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily

⚠️ Pro Tips:

Prepare to be heckled in multiple languages by vendors vying for your business, the chaos is part of the experience!

Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip as the floors are wet and slippery. And maybe skip wearing anything light or delicate; it’s a working fish market, after all.

12. Spa Land Busan: The Best Jimjilbang to Visit in Korea During Winter

Spa Land in Busan is the ultimate Jimjilbang (Korean bathhouse) experience. Jimjilbangs are a big part of Korean culture, where people enjoy hot/cold baths, saunas, and spa treatments as well as socialising over Korean food and drinks in a relaxed environment.

Spa Land Busan is well-equipped with comfortable lounges, restaurants, and cafes, providing a luxurious and comfortable environment for your first Jimjilbang experience. It’s the perfect introduction to Korean bathhouse culture, especially in the colder months.

🧖‍♀️ Yes, You Might be Naked (But Don’t Panic!)
Certain spa areas require you to enter nude, which can feel a little intimidating if you’re new to the experience. But trust me, no one’s judging. Everyone is respectfully minding their own zen, and within minutes, the awkwardness melts away. If you’re feeling brave, go all in and book the traditional Korean body scrub. You’ll lie on a waterproof table while a pro scrubs off layers of dead skin in an deep exfoliation style treatment. You’ll walk out feeling baby-soft and refreshed.

🛁 What to Expect at Spa Land Busan:

Multiple themed saunas and hot/cold baths
Traditional Korean exfoliation treatments
Comfortable rest areas and lounges
Cafes and Korean food inside
Gender-segregated nude bathing zones
Open late, ideal for a winter night activity

Bonus Activity!

📸 Capture the Moment – Photobooths Are a Must-Do Winter Activity in South Korea

Looking for a quick, budget-friendly way to escape the cold? Be on the look-out for Korea’s many self-service, themed photobooths, found across Seoul, Busan, and other major cities. These booths are super popular with locals and tourists alike and are usually include fun props, headbands, glasses, and high-quality filters that make everybody look like an kpop idol.

For around 4,000 KRW, you can squeeze as many people as you can, into a booth, throw on some accessories, and walk away with both printed and digital photo memories, and sometimes even fun little GIFs!

We ended up popping into a different themed photo-booth almost every day, as it was a fun activity to do during winter in Korea when we wanted a break from the cold.