When to go · Busan
Busan in January
Good month. Outside the best window (Apr–Jun and Sep–Nov (mild, dry, before/after the summer beach crowds)). Across South Korea: Cold and dry, low prices; ski in Gangwon; Seollal can fall late in the month — check.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Good
- Temperature
- 8°C46°F / 0°C32°F
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 5
- Crowds
- Low
- South Korea overall
- Prices
- Low
- South Korea overall
Verdict
Outside the best window (Apr–Jun and Sep–Nov (mild, dry, before/after the summer beach crowds)). Across South Korea: Cold and dry, low prices; ski in Gangwon; Seollal can fall late in the month — check.
Weather in January
- BusanHighs around 8 °C, lows around 0 °C, rain on about 5 daysHighs around 46 °F, lows around 32 °F, rain on about 5 days
- Busan and south-east coast, South Korea · Busan, Gyeongju, Tongyeong, Ulsancool
Milder winters than Seoul, rarely below freezing; typhoons most likely Aug–Sep and ferries to Japan stop when they pass.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Seollal (Lunar New Year) big impact
About 5–8 Feb 2027 (lunar; incl. substitute day — check) · South Korea
Three-plus days off: many restaurants and shops close, trains and buses sold out, palaces open (often free), Seoul quiet.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · South Korea overall
- Low
- Prices · South Korea overall
- Low
South Korea overall: Cold and dry, low prices; ski in Gangwon; Seollal can fall late in the month — check.
What to pack
- A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
- Layers: a fleece or light jacket