When to go · South Korea
South Korea in January
Good month. Cold and dry, low prices; ski in Gangwon; Seollal can fall late in the month — check.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Good
- Crowds
- Low
- South Korea
- Prices
- Low
- South Korea
Verdict
Cold and dry, low prices; ski in Gangwon; Seollal can fall late in the month — check.
Weather in January
- Seoul and north-west · Seoul, Incheon, Suwon, the DMZcool
Continental: dry winters down to −15 °C on cold snaps, hot humid summers. Fine dust (yellow dust and pollution) peaks Mar–Apr; the monsoon runs late Jun – Jul.
- Busan and south-east coast · Busan, Gyeongju, Tongyeong, Ulsancool
Milder winters than Seoul, rarely below freezing; typhoons most likely Aug–Sep and ferries to Japan stop when they pass.
- Jeju · Jeju City, Seogwipo, Hallasancool
Windy and wet; the island takes the first hit of most typhoons. Hallasan summit gets snow in winter; flights stop in strong crosswinds.
- Gangwon mountains and east coast · Sokcho, Seoraksan, Gangneung, Pyeongchangcool
Coldest region: ski season Dec–Feb, peak autumn colour mid-October in Seoraksan; summer beaches crowded in late Jul – Aug.
- Seoul2° / -6°, 8 rain days
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.
New Year's Day
1 Jan
One day off; sunrise crowds on the east coast and at Seongsan Ilchulbong.
Seollal (Lunar New Year) big impact
About 5–8 Feb 2027 (lunar; incl. substitute day — check)
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
- Low
- Prices · South Korea
- Low
What to pack
- Layers: a fleece or light jacket