The Winter season in South Korea lasts about three months. Usually, it starts in late November and ends at the end of February. Cold winters are experienced throughout South Korea, but Gangwon-do in the northeast corner is usually the coldest place in the country. Not surprisingly, South Korea’s winters get shorter and warmer as you head south on the peninsula. If you want to go outside and experience the cold, you need to be extra prepared for super warm clothes, thermals, thick socks, hats, and gloves as it gets ridiculously cold in South Korea. With this weather, you might as well just hide in your room, while eating spicy ramyeon and binge-watch shows and movies, but there is a lot more to see outside than just snow, so in this article, we’ve listed down some places you should visit during the winter season in South Korea.
Festivals
Boseong Tea Plantation Light Festival (boseongchabat bichchugje)
Boseong Tea Plantation is located in the south of Korea and is suitable for all seasons. If you plan to visit this festival, be sure to bring extra warm clothing. Boseong is very cold, much colder than Seoul. During the Korean winter, the entire garden is given a new look, with twinkling lights adorned with pleasing symmetrical bushes that cover the entire site.
Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park (edelbaiseu temapakeu)
Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park doesn’t really have a festival, but it’s definitely a great place to feel the Korean winter vibe. Located in the beautiful Gapyeong Mountains, you can listen to music, eat Swiss cheese fondue, and roast marshmallows over an open fire. There are also yodel performances, including cowbells, singing, and more.
Activities
Snowboarding, sledding & skiing
Many people don’t realize that Korea is completely covered by mountains. Snowboarding, skiing, and sledding have become popular activities during the snowy Korean winter in Gangwon-do. If you do not know how to ski, you can easily register for skiing lessons at any ski resort in Korea. You can also rent equipment and any gear you need at the same time. Best of all, many of these ski resorts are easily accessible from Seoul, making it easier to visit for a day or an overnight trip.
Ice skating
In Seoul, you can choose from a large number of municipal, university, indoor, or hotel skating rinks that are open during the Korean winter.
Here are some of the skating rinks around Seoul city:
- Seoul Plaza Ice Rink
- Lotte World Indoor Skating Rink
- Olympic Park Ice Rink
Admission fees range from completely free to over 40,000 won(33 USD).
Ice climbing
Yes, Ice climbing is an activity in South Korea you shouldn’t miss. South Korea’s mountainous terrain is suitable for all levels of rock climbing, and you can try this challenging sport. It might be a little expensive, but it can take you on the adventure of a lifetime and climb heights you never thought possible.
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