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If you happen to’re planning a visit to Korea between December and March, you’ll have to know the perfect locations to go to in the course of the cooler months. So seize your massive coat and prepare to discover winter in Korea!

Whether or not you’re a fan of winter sports activities, seeking to immerse your self in conventional Korean actions, or in search of a New 12 months like no different, Korea’s winter locations promise adventures and recollections to be made. Seize your massive coat and prepare to discover winter in Korea!

South Korea is an excellent place to go to all 12 months spherical. There’s a lot to see and do, a plethora of tradition, arts, delicacies and historical past to experience. Because the temperatures drop and South Korea dons its winter coat, a magical transformation unfolds throughout the nation, which you wouldn’t need to miss. From icy landscapes to New 12 months celebrations, Korea turns into a winter wonderland ready to be explored. 

I’ve put collectively among the finest locations to go to in winter in Korea, discovering the surprise of snowy escapes, frozen lake festivals, palaces and sunrises! 

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul

Open all 12 months spherical, however an particularly superb sight to behold in winter, Gyeongbokgung is the biggest of the 5 Grand Palaces constructed in the course of the Joseon Dynasty. There‘s a lot attractive structure inside the palace and loads of alternatives for excellent vacation snaps!

A number of highlights of the palace embody Geunjeongjeon, the primary throne corridor, the place the king formally granted audiences to his officers. There are additionally not one however two gorgeous pavilions, Gyeonghoeru and Hyangwonjeong, that are located on islands inside the palace grounds. 

Guests can witness the ceremonial Altering of the Guard at Gwanghwamun, the primary gate, and expertise the each day reenactment of the standard royal guard-changing ceremony. Open to the general public, the palace presents an exploration of its grounds, offering insights into Korean historical past amid stunning gardens. Gyeongbokgung Palace can be illuminated at evening, providing extra wonderful picture alternatives. It might undoubtedly be some of the stunning locations to go to in winter in Korea.

2. Namsan Seoul Tower, Seoul

Namsan Seoul Tower, often known as N Seoul Tower, is an icon of the realm and is positioned on Namsan Mountain within the coronary heart of Seoul. If you happen to fancy it you may take a hike or a cable automotive to the highest of Namsan Mountain which is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in winter in Korea for its breathtaking views of Seoul coated in snow. 

Through the years, the tower has develop into a preferred vacationer attraction, providing two statement decks that supply gorgeous 360-degree views of Seoul and its surrounding areas and the fantastically illuminated at evening too making for a superb backdrop to your vacation images!

3. Jeju Island

Only a brief flight from Seoul, you’ll discover Jeju Island. Visiting Jeju in December has been one among my favorite wintry journeys. The island was quiet, the seashores have been nonetheless stunning, and it was nice worth!

Click on right here to learn extra about what to do on Jeju Island in winter, the place to remain on Jeju, and methods to do a street journey spherical Jeju Island too.

I’d additionally advocate you learn my information to travelling Jeju solo, suggestions and recommendation for all!

4. Seoul Lantern Pageant, Seoul

Seoul Lantern Pageant is an annual occasion held in November and December. The competition is widely known in and round Gwanghwamun Sq., Cheonggyecheon Stream and Seoul Plaza and transforms the areas right into a wonderland of vibrant lanterns. It’s a mesmerising sight, particularly after sundown. 

The competition gives wonderful alternatives for pictures, particularly in the course of the nighttime when the lanterns are illuminated. Because it solely takes place for a number of weeks, it’s undoubtedly one among my high solutions for locations to go to in winter in Korea. Additionally, it’s a free competition which makes it accessible to everybody who needs to go!

Take into account that occasion particulars and dates differ barely from 12 months to 12 months, so I like to recommend double-checking probably the most present details about the Seoul Lantern Pageant and cross-referencing it with the date you intend to journey there. I wouldn’t need you to overlook it!

READ MORE: 14 of the Finest Cafes in Seoul, South Korea

4. Nami Island

Nami Island, formally often known as Naminara Republic, is a small, stunning island positioned in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, South Korea. In the course of the winter months, sometimes from December to February, it transforms right into a winter wonderland. 

The island is legendary for its tree-lined paths which create a fairy-tale-like environment when coated in snow; and when the lakes which encompass the island freeze it turns into much more magical when the ice displays the panorama.

It gained worldwide fame because the filming location for the favored Korean drama ‘Winter Sonata’, so you might even see numerous vacationers who’re followers of the present visiting the island because it performed a big position in selling South Korea’s cultural affect throughout Asia.

Gorgeous strolling trails that wind by way of the wooded areas are aplenty on the island. These trails, adorned with snow-covered branches and paths, make for a good looking setting wherein you’ll need to take numerous images. After all, it may well make for a really romantic setting as nicely.

All through the island, you’ll discover numerous artwork installations and sculptures that solely add to the pure magnificence. These items of artwork, combined with the winter panorama, create superb sights which I’m positive you’ll fall in love with, which is why it’s among the finest locations to go to in winter in Korea.

Given the chilly temperatures, that you must bear in mind to pack numerous heat layers; every little thing from a winter coat, gloves, and a hat wouldn’t go amiss. Appropriate footwear for strolling in snow is important because the island is a must-do however it is going to be icy.

Nami Island is accessible by a ferry trip from Gapyeong Wharf and the brief journey throughout the river provides one other thrilling aspect to the journey!

The rationale it’s important to go to Nami Island is its potential to move guests right into a magical world of snow-covered landscapes as if from a film! This implies it’s undoubtedly one of many high locations to go to in winter in Korea

5. Alpensia Ski Resort, Gangwon Province

Alpensia Ski Resort is located in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province. The resort performed a big position in the course of the 2018 Winter Olympics, internet hosting numerous occasions reminiscent of alpine snowboarding, cross-country snowboarding, and biathlon.

Alpensia Ski Resort is a haven for winter sports activities followers. The resort presents wonderful snowboarding and snowboarding services, catering to all ranges of experience, from freshmen to superior skiers. It additionally options luxurious locations to remain, with many accommodations that supply gorgeous panoramic views of the encompassing mountains and slopes.

Aside from winter sports activities, guests can discover the Alpensia Olympic Park, which incorporates the Olympic Stadium and different services used in the course of the Winter Olympics. The Olympic legacy makes it among the finest locations to go to in winter in Korea and is undeniably a premier winter sports activities vacation spot.

6. Jeongseon Rail Bike, Gangwon Province

The Jeongseon Rail Bike is one for the adventurers! Expertise driving a rail bike by way of the snow-covered landscapes of Jeongseon. The route takes you thru tunnels and over bridges, making you’re feeling like an motion hero! The Jeongseon Rail Bike expertise is a one-of-a-kind journey the place guests trip specifically designed bikes alongside outdated railroad tracks. The tracks wind by way of the snow-covered countryside providing you with an journey you wouldn’t need to miss and makes it among the finest locations to go to in winter in Korea.

The Jeongseon Rail Bike is appropriate for guests of all ages and health ranges so everybody can have a go. It’s an ideal exercise for households, teams of buddies, and adventurers generally who’re in search of an attention-grabbing winter tour.

Each Alpensia Ski Resort and Jeongseon Rail Bike provide unimaginable experiences in Gangwon Province, catering to these in search of the joys of winter sports activities and people in search of a extra scenic journey. Whether or not you’re a snowboarding fanatic or somebody desirous to benefit from the winter landscapes in a calming method (pardon the pun), Gangwon Province has one thing to supply.

7. Pyeongchang

One other main ski resort in Pyeongchang is Yongpyong Resort, identified for its in depth slopes and internet hosting the slalom and big slalom occasions in the course of the Olympics. The resort is a well-liked vacation spot for each leisure {and professional} skiers.

Pyeongchang is surrounded by the Taebaek Mountains, creating a shocking backdrop for winter actions which can take your breath away – undoubtedly one to be captured on digicam to share with all of your nearest and dearest when dwelling.

Past the Olympic venues, Pyeongchang presents scenic trails for winter mountaineering and exploration. The snowy landscapes and surroundings make it a beautiful vacation spot for nature lovers.

Pyeongchang will not be solely about sports activities; you possibly can discover conventional markets, temples, and native festivals to get a style of the area’s traditions.

Whether or not you’re an avid winter sports activities fanatic or somebody in search of a scenic escape, Pyeongchang’s mixture of world-class services and pure magnificence makes it one of many high locations to go to in winter in Korea.

8. Inje Icefish Pageant

The Inje Icefish Pageant takes place within the city of Inje, positioned in Gangwon Province, South Korea. The competition is held in the course of the winter season, when the climate is chilly sufficient to freeze the floor of Soyangho Lake. The precise dates can differ from 12 months to 12 months, so it’s advisable to verify the competition schedule prematurely.

The spotlight of the competition is the ice fishing! The lake’s frozen floor turns into a brief fishing floor in the course of the competition. Guests are supplied with the chance to expertise conventional ice fishing by drilling holes within the ice and making an attempt their luck at catching mountain trout. This can be a must-do exercise in winter in Korea, what number of different alternatives in life will you get to strive your hand at one thing so distinctive! The mountain trout caught in the course of the competition can usually be ready and cooked on-site, permitting individuals to take pleasure in their catches!

Along with ice fishing, the competition options a wide range of performances and actions that showcase the native traditions and heritage of Inje. Conventional music, dance performances, ice sculptures and artwork installations by native artists offer you insights into the fantastic historical past of the area and add to the magic of the competition.

Soyangho Lake, surrounded by mountains, makes for an awe-inspiring setting for the competition good for a lot of a photograph alternative to seize the second and make recollections for all times. It’s absolutely among the finest locations to go to in winter in Korea.

9. Hahoe People Village

Hahoe Village stands out as one among Korea’s famend people villages, nestled amidst the Nakdonggang River. A UNESCO World Heritage web site, this village preserves conventional Korean homes, often known as hanok. Strolling by way of the village appears like stepping again in time, and winter provides an additional layer of magnificence to the environment.

Its fame grew considerably after notable visits from Queen Elizabeth II  in 1999 and President George H. Bush of the usA. in 2005. Acknowledged for its cultural richness, the village is a house to so many treasures that it led to its designation as Nationwide Folklore Cultural Heritage in 1984. Notably, the village options the Hahoe Masks, acknowledged as a Nationwide Treasure.

The village is dwelling to a whole bunch of conventional Korean homes that are characterised by their wood buildings, tiled roofs, and courtyards referred to as marues. Most of the hanoks have been preserved, providing guests a glimpse into conventional Korean structure. Some homes are open to the general public, functioning as cultural centres and museums.

10. Mudeungsan Nationwide Park

Go winter mountaineering in Mudeungsan Nationwide Park and be rewarded with the panoramic views of Gwangju. It’s identified for its superior panorama, together with rugged peaks, forests and temples.

Mudeungsan Nationwide Park is a well-liked vacation spot for mountaineering lovers all year long however the winter provides an additional particular dimension. The park’s trails, that are surrounded by lush greenery throughout different seasons, remodel right into a winter wonderland when coated in snow. Hikers could come throughout temples, shrines, and stone pagodas nestled inside the park, making for an much more rewarding hike!

The park is characterised by three most important peaks: Gwanggyo, Hyangjeokbong, and Deokyusan. Every peak presents completely different ranges of issue for hikers, which means each freshmen and skilled trekkers can have a go.

It might be apparent however bear in mind it’s essential to decorate appropriately for winter mountaineering. Put on insulated layers, winter jacket, gloves, and a hat to remain heat. Put on sturdy and waterproof mountaineering boots to navigate snowy and icy trails extra comfortably.

Gwangju, the sixth-largest metropolis in South Korea, serves as a gateway to Mudeungsan Nationwide Park. The park is definitely accessible from the town, making it a handy day journey for you in your journey.

As solutions for locations to go to in winter in Korea go, mountaineering in Mudeungsan Nationwide Park presents a particular mixture of nature, snowy trails, stunning views, and temples makes it a superb selection for an outside journey.

11. Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Pageant

This competition, held on the frozen Hwacheon Cheon Stream, presents a wide range of winter actions, together with ice fishing, sledging, and conventional people video games. It’s a energetic and festive environment, good for experiencing Korean winter traditions.

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Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Pageant embraces Korean winter traditions by that includes a wide range of conventional people video games. Guests can take part in actions like yutnori (a conventional board sport), jegichagi (a sport utilizing a shuttlecock-like object), and tuho (arrow throwing).

The competition presents sledging actions designed to cater to completely different age teams and talent ranges, making it a family-friendly exercise.

Identical to the Inje IceFish competition talked about earlier, one of many most important highlights of the competition is ice fishing on the frozen Hwacheon Cheon Stream. You may expertise the distinctive thrill of drilling holes within the ice and making an attempt to catch sancheoneo, a kind of mountain trout native to the area.

Hwacheon is definitely accessible by public transportation from Seoul and different main cities and presents an ideal mixture of winter actions, memorable experiences and festive enjoyable.

New 12 months’s Dawn Festivals

Welcoming within the New 12 months in Korea is without doubt one of the most interesting issues you are able to do. There are a lot of ‘Dawn Festivals’ the place folks collect to look at the very first dawn of the New 12 months. 

1. Seongsan Dawn Pageant

The Seongsan Dawn Pageant takes place at Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone, often known as ’Dawn Peak’. Past the gorgeous dawn, the occasion guarantees parades, performances, firework shows, bowls stuffed with tteokguk (rice cake soup). Regardless of the time of 12 months, it’s one of many finest issues to see on Jeju Island.

To make sure security, solely 500 individuals are allowed up the tuff cone on the early morning of January 1. For these desirous to take part, functions will likely be open on the Seongsan Dawn Pageant web site ranging from midday (KST) on December 20.

2. Homigot Dawn Pageant

Homigot Dawn Plaza at Homigot Cape stands out as a very fashionable spot for witnessing the New 12 months’s dawn, due to its breathtaking yellow and golden dawn panorama.

The Homigot Dawn Pageant options fascinating performances, a spectacular fireworks show, and a tteokguk occasion able to serving as much as 10,000 folks!

3. Jeongdongjin Dawn Pageant

That includes a novel outstanding sandglass on Jeongdongjin Seashore this dawn competition serves up a neighborhood landmark and a magical point of interest for the Jeongdongjin Dawn Pageant. It’s a spectacle because it takes a full 12 months for the sand within the higher bulb to fall into the decrease one.

On the stroke of midnight, a grand ceremony unfolds, that includes the flipping of the sandglass, symbolising the passage into the brand new 12 months. This momentous event is marked with fireworks and performances.

There are different dawn festivals too however these are among the most notable. As locations to go to in winter in Korea go, these dawn festivals welcoming within the New 12 months are an ideal concept!

Simply because it’s chilly within the winter doesn’t imply the enjoyable has to cease. If something, it opens up an entire new method of experiencing the nation and having a vacation not like every other. Get your snowshoes, skis, scarves and gloves and provides your self the present of enchanted forest getaways and gorgeous first sunrises in Korea this winter!