Low Season Travel in Seoul: How to discover Korea’s capital city in wintertime
Writer Emily Adam takes us to Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea during the low season – still brimming with energy and seamlessly blending centuries-old traditions with ultra-modern innovations, all enjoyed without the usually overwhelming crowds.
When is Seoul’s low season?
Seoul’s biggest low season is during the winter months between December and February. Tourism is typically lowest in January, when daytime temperatures average -2 °C. Despite chilly daytime temperatures, visiting during this time offers a uniquely beautiful experience for those who choose to visit in the winter, and makes an unexpectedly cosy getaway, thanks to its smaller crowds, various discounts on attractions and hotels, and the picturesque snowy landscape.
The city is much different during the winter period, the 24/7 hustle and bustle quiets down to a gentle lull and the city, for once, feels peaceful and calm.
Best attractions in Seoul worth visiting during winter
Not all of Seoul’s attractions are especially worth visiting during the winter, particularly those known for their gorgeous gardens and natural beauty. For the ultimate wintertime Seoul bucket list, you’ll want to visit destinations that are equally gorgeous all year round.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
One of the most notable landmarks in all of South Korea, Gyeongbokgung Palace is a destination well worth visiting in winter. When the lake freezes up and the palace rooftops are blanketed with snow, it appears more like an aesthetic painting than it does a real-life destination.
Top Tip: Dress up in a rented Hanbok and have a winter photoshoot in the snow. If you have time to spare, be sure to pair your visit with a trip to the National Folk Museum, located next to the palace grounds.
North Seoul Tower (N Seoul Tower)
North Seoul Tower (or N Seoul Tower) is a major tourist attraction, located at the top of Namsan Mountain. It’s a gorgeous spot to visit at any time of year, as it boasts 360 views across the gorgeous cityscape from its various viewpoints.
COEX Aquarium
COEX Aquarium is the perfect modern attraction to visit if you’re looking to escape from the cold weather. It boasts a huge range of aquatic species, including garden eels, sharks, and turtles. There’s also a small cafe located near the large tank, which is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a drink while admiring the rays that swim by.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village is one of the oldest spots in the city. This traditional village boasts a range of winding streets around old-fashioned hanok buildings and is a must-see destination on any trip to Seoul.
Top tip: It’s important to be quiet and respectful when visiting, as residents still live in these houses. Also, be careful when visiting in bad weather, as the hills can be quite slippery!
National Museum of Korea
A must-see spot for culture and history lovers, the National Museum of Korea boasts exhibitions dating back to the prehistoric period, with plenty of art, design, and historical artefacts on show. There are also gorgeous gardens, the National Hangeul Museum, and various restaurants and cafes located on the Museum grounds.
Must-Do cultural experiences during the Korean winter
South Korea has a wealth of rich and unique cultural experiences, many of which are made even more captivating when paired with the peaceful atmosphere of winter. Here are some must-do cultural experiences to enjoy during your visit.
Jimjilbang (Korean Bathhouse)
Jimjilbangs are a little out of most people’s comfort zones as they involve nudity, which can make some visitors uncomfortable, leading them to skip the experience altogether. In winter, though, they make a great place to stop by after a long couple of days walking around the city. What better way to warm up than by soaking in the heated pools and relaxing in the sauna?
Temple Stays
If you’re interested in a unique and culturally rich experience, a Buddhist temple stay should be at the top of your bucket list. They’re a truly enriching wintertime experience thanks to the beauty of the snow-lined temple grounds and meaningful connections that can be made here. Guests can enjoy the opportunity to help out with the cooking, creating hearty, warming dishes for everyone to enjoy together.
Cooking Workshops
Whether it’s whipping up a tasty stew, learning how to prepare kimchi for fermentation, or making steamed buns, there’s a great range of Korean cooking classes available all across the city that offer help you develop new culinary skills. Take this newfound cooking ability home with you and impress your friends and family by treating them to some homemade Korean cuisine.
Best Korean foods to try in winter
Korean food is known for a few things – Fermented and pickled side dishes, meat-heavy bowls of rice and noodles, and spicy soups, but this is just scratching the surface. If you’re looking for hearty, warming foods to indulge in during your wintertime stay in Seoul, here are some of the best options you simply have to try.
Samgyetang
This hearty dish is one of the most healing dishes you can indulge in during the Korean winter. Containing a whole small chicken or quail, stuffed with sticky rice, and cooked in a broth of ginseng, jujube, and garlic, it’s a revitalising meal that truly invigorates the senses.
Bibimbap
Arguably the most popular Korean dish, Bibimbap is a colourful mix of rice, vegetables, meat, and spicy gochujang sauce. It’s a traditional dish great at any time of year, but if you’re looking for a more unique way to experience it during the winter, be sure to order dolsot bibimbap – a variation of the dish served drizzling hot in a hot stone bowl for extra warmth and crispy rice.
Mandu
These tasty dumplings can be enjoyed on their own, or as an accompaniment to tteokbokki, kimbap, or ramen. If you can’t decide on a flavour, most places offer half and half portions, so you can try both meat and kimchi mandu.
Korean BBQ
Unless you’re a vegetarian, you simply can’t visit Korea without indulging in some BBQ. Cooking fresh cuts of meat over a grill, drinking refreshing shots of soju, and sharing side dishes, soups, and cold buckwheat noodles with friends is a truly authentic Korean experience.
Hotteok
These crispy, filled pancakes are a popular street food in South Korea. They’re available all year round, and can be enjoyed with various fillings, including vegetables and glass noodles. The best way to warm up in winter, though, is with the sweet version. An indulgent combination of honey, cinnamon, and chopped nuts that makes the perfect street-side snack on a cold day.
Events and festivals held in winter in Korea
Like anywhere else in the world, Korea has its fair share of holidays. Christmas isn’t a huge celebration here, so we’d recommend not expecting too many festivities for that if you’re visiting in December.
Seoul Lantern Festival
Seoul Lantern Festival is held every year in early winter, lining the Cheonggyecheon stream and nearby Gwanghwamun Square with huge lanterns in the shapes of various characters, animals, and objects.
Seollal (Lunar New Year)
A major holiday in late January or February, the exact date of Seollal changes each year. It’s a celebration of the new Lunar Year, when there are many special foods, performances, and family-focused rituals. Many attractions, shops and restaurants can close during this time, so keep this in mind when planning your travels.
