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Windswept ice covering the summit area of Hallasan on Jeju

Korea in January 2027: Weather, Ice Festivals and What to Wear

Photo: Jaccoob23, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Winter Hallasan Summit.jpg

Checked against official sources on October 20, 2026

Summary

January is Korea's coldest month. In Seoul the KMA 1991–2020 normals give an average of -1.9°C, highs of 2.1°C, lows of -5.5°C and only 16.8 mm of precipitation; Busan and Jeju stay above freezing on average. New Year's Day, Friday 1 January 2027, is the only public holiday. The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival runs from 9 to 31 January 2027, according to its organizer.

At a glance

Seoul average
-1.9°C
High / low
2.1°C / -5.5°C (Seoul)
Precipitation
16.8 mm (Seoul)
Public holiday
1 January 2027 (Friday)
Ice festival
Hwacheon, 9–31 January 2027

Details

January is the coldest and driest month in Seoul, and the heart of the winter festival season in Gangwon Province. Days are short but slowly getting longer, and outside the New Year weekend there is only one public holiday. This guide covers weather, clothing, festivals with confirmed dates, daylight and crowds.

Weather in January

City Average (°C) Average high (°C) Average low (°C) Precipitation (mm)
Seoul -1.9 2.1 -5.5 16.8
Busan 3.6 8.2 -0.1 34.5
Jeju City 6.1 8.6 3.7 67.5

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

January is Seoul's coldest month and its driest, with less precipitation than any other month (KMA). Expect clear, freezing days. Mountain areas of Gangwon Province, where the ice festivals are held, are among the coldest in Korea: Daegwallyeong has the lowest annual average of KMA's main mainland stations, about 7°C (KMA).

When temperatures fall sharply, KMA issues a 한파주의보hanpa juuiboCold wave advisory or a 한파경보hanpa gyeongboCold wave warning. Some outdoor programs change during these alerts. In January 2026, for example, Gyeongbokgung adjusted its regular guided tours while a cold wave advisory or warning was in effect (Korea Heritage Service notices).

What to wear

  • Your warmest coat. A long padded or down coat is normal in Seoul.
  • Thermal base layers, which you can wear under jeans or trousers.
  • Hat, gloves, scarf and warm socks. For ice festivals, add waterproof boots and hand warmers.
  • Shoes with grip for icy pavements and stairs.
  • Layers you can remove. Indoors is warm, so avoid a single thick sweater under your coat.

Frost-covered Korean fir branches in soft winter light

Daylight

Place and date Sunrise Sunset
Seoul, 1 January 2027 07:47 17:24
Seoul, 15 January 2027 07:46 17:37
Seoul, 31 January 2027 07:37 17:54
Busan, 15 January 2027 07:32 17:35
Jeju City, 15 January 2027 07:38 17:48

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

Holidays and closures

New Year's Day, 1월 1일Irwol iril1 January, falls on Friday 1 January 2027 and is the month's only public holiday, so 1 to 3 January is a long weekend (KASI). Banks, post offices and government offices close that day.

Seollal is in February in 2027, from 6 to 9 February. If your trip runs into early February, read Korea in February.

Festivals with confirmed dates

  • Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival (화천산천어축제Hwacheon Sancheoneo ChukjeHwacheon Mountain Trout Festival), Hwacheon, Gangwon Province: 9 January (Sat) to 31 January (Sun) 2027, 23 days, according to the organizer's site, checked October 2026. Programs include ice fishing for trout, sledding and a lantern street. The site lists a separate ice-fishing area for foreign visitors. Ice festivals depend on the ice, so check the site again just before you go.

Festivals without confirmed 2027 dates

  • Pyeongchang Trout Festival, Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province. The last edition ran from 9 January to 9 February 2026 (organizer). Dates for the 2026–27 season had not been posted as of 20 October 2026.
  • Daegwallyeong Snow Festival, Pyeongchang. The last edition ran from 13 to 22 February 2026, and the organizer was recruiting vendors for the 2027 edition in September 2026 (organizer). The organizer's site describes it as a January festival, although the 2026 edition was held in February.

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

Getting to the festivals

Hwacheon and Pyeongchang are in Gangwon Province, east and north-east of Seoul. Intercity buses and trains serve the region; see KTX and trains. Festival weekends are busier than weekdays, so go on a weekday if you can, and leave Seoul early for a day trip.

Crowds and prices

The Korea Tourism Organization names December to January as a peak season for flights (VisitKorea), so book early for the New Year weekend. Many stores continue winter sales from December to February (VisitKorea).

Where to go

  • Seoul for palaces in the snow, museums, markets and cafés. See the Seoul guide.
  • Gangwon Province for ice festivals and skiing.
  • Busan and Jeju for milder weather; Jeju averages above freezing even at night. See the Busan and Jeju guides.

Snow-dusted granite ridgeline of Bukhansan above dark winter forest

Questions and answers

How cold is Seoul in January?

The 30-year average low is -5.5°C and the average high is 2.1°C. Cold snaps go lower, so check the forecast before you fly.

Can foreign visitors join the Hwacheon ice fishing?

Yes. The organizer's site lists a dedicated ice-fishing area for foreign visitors alongside the general and reserved areas.

Is January a good time to visit Korea?

Yes, if you want winter scenery, festivals or skiing and do not mind the cold. It is a quiet month for holidays after 1 January.

Next: Korea in February.

Official sources (12)

Last checked October 20, 2026Next check due April 18, 2027

Rules can change. Confirm on the official site before you travel.

Next stepKorea in February 2027: Seollal Dates, Closures and Weather

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