Korea in December 2026: Weather, Christmas and What to Pack

Source: KMA climate normals 1991–2020, stations 108, 159 and 184 (KMA).

In a normal year, Seoul's first snow falls around 20 November (KMA), so snow is possible in December, but winter in Seoul is dry. Expect clear, cold days more often than snowy ones. Wind makes the coast and Jeju feel colder than the numbers suggest.

These are 30-year averages, not a forecast. Check the KMA forecast in the week before you fly. During cold snaps KMA issues a 한파주의보hanpa juuiboCold wave advisory.

• A warm coat. A padded or down jacket for Seoul, especially at night.
• Layers underneath. Shops, subways and cafés are heated, so you will take the coat off often.
• Hat, gloves and a scarf. Easy to buy locally if you forget them.
• Shoes with grip. Pavements and stairs can ice over after snow.
• Lip balm and moisturizer. The air is dry, indoors and out.

Busan and Jeju need a warm jacket too, but rarely the heaviest coat.

Source: KASI monthly sunrise and sunset, checked October 2026.

The winter solstice, 동지DongjiWinter solstice, falls on 22 December 2026 (KASI). It is not a public holiday. Plan outdoor sights between about 10:00 and 16:00.

Source: KASI calendar data for 2026 and 2027.

On public holidays, banks, post offices and government offices close (VisitKorea). Department stores open on holidays, generally 10:30–20:30, but each one closes on its own day once a month, so check before you go. Change money and post parcels before the holiday.

Dates below are listed only where an organizer has confirmed them.

• Seoul city programs. As of 20 October 2026, Visit Seoul lists the 2026 Seoul Autumn Festa running to 29 November 2026. A winter program had not been posted yet. Check the Visit Seoul events page from late November.
• Christmas decorations. Department stores and shopping streets in central Seoul decorate for the season. Expect crowds on the evenings of 24 and 25 December.
• New Year sunrise. Many people watch the first sunrise of the year, 해돋이haedojiSunrise, on 1 January. KASI gives these sunrise times for 1 January 2027: Seoul 07:47, Gangneung 07:40, Pohang 07:33, Busan 07:32 and Seogwipo 07:37 (KASI). East-coast viewpoints get crowded well before dawn.
• Skiing. Winter is ski season in Korea, mostly in Gangwon Province (VisitKorea). Opening dates depend on each resort and on the snow.
• Early January. If you stay into January, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival runs from 9 to 31 January 2027 (official site). See Korea in January.

For other events, check the Korea Tourism Organization's festival listings.

The Korea Tourism Organization names December to January as a peak season, when flight prices rise (VisitKorea). Book flights and rooms early if your dates include Christmas or New Year.

Many stores run winter sales from December to February (VisitKorea). Olive Young holds its O.Y SALE every December, as well as in March, June and September (CJ OLIVE YOUNG), so its stores in tourist areas are busier that week. See the shopping hub.

• Seoul works well in December: palaces, museums, markets and indoor shopping. See the Seoul guide.
• Busan is milder, with highs around 10°C. See the Busan guide.
• Jeju is the mildest of the three, but windy. Hallasan's upper trails can be icy. See the Jeju guide.