Since South Korea is so geographically close to Siberia, winters are usually some of the toughest months. However, winters in South Korea have their charm. From exploring snow-filled wonderlands to drinking traditional hot tea, there’s a lot that people do in South Korean winters.
For those not used to cold weather, the experience may be uncomfortable. However, by the end of the winter months, you’ll surely learn to appreciate South Korea’s winter beauty.
If you’re spending your winter in South Korea for the first time, you should make sure you’re prepared. Luckily for you, this article lists all the basic things you should know.
Let’s get to it.
Winters in South Korea Usually Last Five Months
Winter is the longest season in South Korea, lasting around five months. Usually, winter months begin from November, lasting till March.
If you’re averse to winter weather, the best time to visit South Korea is in late July as the weather has significantly warmed up (although not uncomfortably so).
However, if you like winter vacations, South Korea’s winter gives you significant time to plan one.
The snowfall lasts all five months. In March, the weather becomes milder. However, many parts of the country, particularly coastal cities, still face night frost.
Everything Is Covered in Snow
On average, South Korea winters see up to 67 inches of snowfall and precipitation. In winter, there’s a lot of rainfall. However, the rain soon freezes into icicles.
This is because the temperature falls below 0 degrees almost as soon as the first rain falls. On average, in December, weather conditions drop below -10 degrees Celsius. In January, the temperature eases a bit, falling back to 0 degrees.
With these conditions, it’s very dangerous to travel without proper precautions during winters in South Korea.
However, the weather is easily manageable. Make sure you’re wearing the right shoes. Also, if you’re traveling by car, try to spot black ice. You can get car thermometers, which help identify black ice on roads.
If you do this, there’s no reason to be intimidated by South Korean winters. Instead, you can enjoy the weather.
You Can Visit Teahouses or Hanoks to Warm Up
Since it’s a popular tourist hub, South Korea offers a wide range of winter sports such as sledding, skiing, and ice skating. If you like recreational sports, all main localities have some form or another.
However, if you’re looking to warm up after a day of walking or skiing, you can look to the local teahouses. These teahouses serve hundreds of varieties of traditional Korean tea.
Ginseng tea, in particular, is a popular winter treat. It warms you up and energizes you, chasing away some of that winter lethargy.
Moreover, you can stay at the local hanoks. These are small guesthouses with heated floors. Typically, living in hanoks requires a minimalist attitude. Hanoks pride living with limited resources.
If you’re in Jeonju, you should definitely experience living in a hanok. Jeon-gu village has some of the best hanoks in the country.
You Can Also Go to Jjimjilbangs With Friends or Family
If you’re in South Korea with friends or family, going to public baths is a very fun bonding experience. Jjimjilbangs are traditional Korean public baths. In winter, these baths are steaming, perfect for warming up.
Jjimjilbangs are gender-segregated, so you don’t have to feel uncomfortable. Most small towns and villages have jjimjilbangs.
If you’re looking for recommendations, Siloam Sauna in Seoul is a very popular tourist destination, especially in winter. Alternatively, there’s also Dragon Hill Spa, located on the outskirts of Seoul.
These public baths aren’t just a fun time. They can also act as a shelter, especially if you’re unable to travel out of the city because of the weather.
Many Korean Street Foods Are Better in the Winter
If you’re spending winters in South Korea, you have to try all the winter street foods.
Hotteok, Bindaetteok, and Mayak Gimbap are three of the best winter street foods in South Korea. Hotteok is a sweet traditional pancake while Bindaetteok is a mung bean pancake. Gimbap, on the other hand, is a rice cake of sorts.
Korean Street Food
Today I would like to tell about Korean street food. Trying street food is must to do if you are going to go to Korea. I tried a lot of Korean food,…
These are popular winter dishes because they promote body heat and temperature regulation. In this way, you can easily warm up with a street food item.
Street food vendors also sell rice wine and tea as warm beverages.
Conclusion
In sum, winters in South Korea may seem scary, but they are easily managed. Of course, the weather is a bit harsh. However, the landscape is very beautiful, and the winter traditions are very insightful experiences in the wider Korean culture.
If you’re spending winter time in South Korea, consider visiting indoor attractions such as the Seoul Botanic Park. Don’t forget to check out this guide to Seoul Botanic Park, one of Seoul’s most popular attractions.
