South Korea in December
For a full year overview, see our best time to visit South Korea guide.
December in South Korea is cold, festive, and domestically popular for winter-specific activities. The ski resorts open (typically late November to early December), illumination events run across the cities, and the food culture pivots to warming dishes - hot pot (jeongol), rich bone broth soups (seolleongtang, gomtang), and samgyeopsal by the grill. Christmas and New Year add a celebratory dimension to the month.
Weather
| City | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul | 3°C | -5°C | 20mm | Cold snaps to -10°C possible; dry and clear between snow |
| Busan | 9°C | 1°C | 25mm | Milder; rarely freezing overnight |
| Jeju | 10°C | 5°C | 45mm | Warmest part of the country; windy coastal conditions |
| Pyeongchang | -1°C | -10°C | 30mm | Ski season in full operation; reliable snowfall |
Wind chill is a significant factor in Seoul - the real-feel temperature on exposed streets can drop 5–10°C below the actual reading. The air is dry and clear between snow events, which makes for good visibility on clear days.
Things to Do in December
Winter illuminations - Seoul’s major commercial districts and cultural sites put on extensive light installations in December. The Cheonggyecheon Stream, Lotte World (entry approximately KRW 52,000 for adults as of 2026), and department store exteriors including Shinsegae Main Store are decorated. The Seoul Christmas Festival near Gwanghwamun is a recurring event with free outdoor access.
Ski resorts - the main Gangwon Province resorts (Alpensia, Vivaldi Park, High1, Jisan, Phoenix Park) open for the season in late November or early December. Day lift passes at Alpensia start from approximately KRW 70,000 as of 2026; full equipment rental (skis or snowboard, boots, poles) adds approximately KRW 40,000. Vivaldi Park, approximately 90 minutes from Seoul by car, is popular for day trips. The season runs through February.
New Year’s Eve at Bosingak - the Bosingak Bell Pavilion in Jongno, Seoul, hosts a bell-ringing ceremony at midnight on New Year’s Eve, a tradition with roots in the Joseon era. The 33 strokes of the bell are broadcast nationally. The event is free but crowds around Jongno are very large - arrive well before midnight to secure a viewing position.
Jeju Island winter escape - Jeju is the domestic winter getaway of choice for many Korean families. Winter tangerines (hallabong) are in season, the island is far less crowded than in summer, and the coastal walks have a particular bleached, austere quality. Hallasan can be hiked in winter with proper equipment - the snow-covered summit crater is one of South Korea’s most striking winter landscapes.
Jjimjilbang culture - public bathhouses with heated floors and communal resting areas are central to Korean winter life. Dragon Hill Spa in Yongsan, Seoul charges approximately KRW 15,000 for adults as of 2026 and is open 24 hours. Spending time at a jjimjilbang - bathing, eating ramen from the in-house kitchen, sleeping on the heated floor - is a Korean experience with no real equivalent elsewhere.
Where to Stay and Eat
Seoul - Signiel Seoul at Lotte World Tower offers luxury winter stays from approximately KRW 400,000 per night as of 2026, with views over the city from upper floors. For a mid-range option, Aloft Seoul Myeongdong starts from approximately KRW 110,000 per night. For winter dining, Hadongkwan near Myeongdong serves gomtang (ox bone soup) from approximately KRW 16,000 per bowl - a Korean winter staple since 1939.
Busan - Lotte Hotel Busan in Seomyeon offers rooms from approximately KRW 130,000 per night as of 2026. Ssiat Hotteok near BIFF Square serves hotteok (filled sweet pancakes with seeds and sugar) from approximately KRW 2,000 - the most famous winter street food in Busan, with queues forming in cold weather.
Jeju - Hidden Cliff Hotel & Nature in Seogwipo starts from approximately KRW 100,000 per night as of 2026, perched above the coastline. Donsadon near Jeju Airport serves heukdwaeji (Jeju black pork) barbecue from approximately KRW 16,000 per person - warming and substantial for cold-weather eating.
Christmas in Korea
Christmas Day is a national public holiday. Christian churches hold services; shopping centres and commercial areas are decorated and active throughout December. It is observed more as a social occasion than a family-gathering holiday (that role belongs to Seollal and Chuseok). Couples and friends are the main social dynamic for December festivities in Seoul. Christmas Eve dinner at restaurants in Gangnam and Itaewon is popular and reservations are advisable.
Crowds and Prices
December is shoulder to low season for international visitors outside major holidays. Flights and accommodation in central Seoul are often reasonably priced in early to mid-December. The Christmas-to-New Year week picks up. Ski resort accommodation in Gangwon Province is in demand from December onward - weekend bookings should be made at least 2–3 weeks ahead.
What to Pack
- Heavy down jacket - Korean winters require serious insulation
- Thermal base layers (merino or synthetic)
- Warm hat, insulated gloves, and scarf
- Boots with good insulation and grip for icy pavements
- Hand warmers (hotpack) - available at every convenience store for approximately KRW 1,000 as of 2026
- Lip balm and moisturiser - the dry winter air is harsh on skin
- For ski trips: resorts rent full equipment, but bring your own thermal socks and base layers
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Korea cold in December?
- Yes - December is firmly winter. Seoul averages -3°C to 5°C, with cold snaps pushing temperatures below -10°C. Wind chill is significant. Busan and the south coast are milder (3–10°C). Jeju is the warmest part of the country in December, around 8–14°C.
- Is Christmas celebrated in South Korea?
- Yes - Christmas Day (25 December) is a public holiday in South Korea, making it unusual among Asian countries. The holiday is observed commercially and by the large Christian population. Decorations, shopping events, and Christmas markets appear throughout December, particularly in Seoul.
- What is there to do in South Korea in December?
- Winter illuminations, ski resorts (season begins in December), jjimjilbang bathing culture, Korean BBQ and hot pot restaurants, and indoor cultural attractions make December a good month for certain types of travel. Jeju is a popular domestic winter destination.