Winter in South Korea transforms the country into a magical wonderland filled with snowy landscapes, sparkling festivals, cozy villages, and thrilling adventures. Whether you’re drawn to snow-covered mountains, traditional villages wrapped in white, or festive lights that brighten up the cold season, South Korea offers a diverse range of destinations that cater to every kind of winter traveler.
In 2025, these ten destinations stand out not only for their beauty but also for the unique experiences they provide during the chillier months. Let’s take a scenic journey through the best winter spots South Korea has to offer this year.
1. Pyeongchang
When it comes to winter destinations in South Korea, Pyeongchang often tops the list—and for good reason. Known globally for hosting the 2018 Winter Olympics, this alpine region in Gangwon Province is a snow lover’s dream. In 2025, Pyeongchang continues to attract winter sports enthusiasts with its state-of-the-art ski resorts, including Yongpyong and Alpensia.
The area boasts well-groomed slopes, beginner-friendly courses, and facilities for snowboarding, sledding, and even biathlon trails. Beyond skiing, you can visit Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm, where the snow-blanketed pastures make for an ethereal photo opportunity. Imagine fluffy sheep standing against a backdrop of frosted hills—it’s every Instagrammer’s winter fantasy.
2. Nami Island
Nami Island, just an hour from Seoul, is a year-round favorite, but winter brings a special kind of magic. As snow drapes the island’s iconic tree-lined paths and wooden cottages, visitors are transported into what feels like a romantic movie set. This is the very spot made famous by the Korean drama Winter Sonata, and in 2025, it remains just as enchanting.
The island’s peaceful atmosphere makes it perfect for a quiet winter stroll or a couple’s getaway. Snowflakes fall gently as you explore cultural exhibitions, art installations, and cozy cafés serving warm Korean drinks like yuja tea. A light snow crunches underfoot as you wander, camera in hand, through landscapes that feel almost too beautiful to be real.
3. Seoraksan National Park
For those who love nature in its raw, untamed form, Seoraksan National Park offers a breathtaking winter retreat. Located in the northeastern part of the country, the park is home to jagged peaks, ancient temples, and icy waterfalls that create a dramatic contrast against the snow.
In 2025, the park’s popularity continues to rise, thanks to improved transportation links and updated hiking facilities. Adventurers can trek along snowy trails to the iconic Ulsanbawi Rock, while more relaxed visitors can ride the Seorak Cable Car for panoramic views of the snow-dusted mountains. Don’t miss Sinheungsa Temple, where snow settles quietly on the roofs and statues, creating a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere.
4. Taebaeksan Snow Festival
Every winter, the city of Taebaek in Gangwon Province hosts the famous Taebaeksan Snow Festival, and in 2025, it promises to be even more spectacular. This event, set against the backdrop of the towering Taebaeksan Mountains, features massive snow and ice sculptures, themed installations, and whimsical lighting that turns the landscape into a glowing ice garden at night.
Families and children can enjoy sledding parks, snowball fights, and ice slides, while couples might prefer a romantic stroll among the icy artworks. The festival also incorporates local food stalls, selling everything from hot street snacks to traditional Korean soups that warm you from the inside out. Visiting the festival feels like stepping into a frozen fairytale, complete with twinkling lights and smiling faces.
5. Jeju Island
Jeju Island might be better known for its sunny beaches and volcanic craters, but winter adds a unique charm to South Korea’s largest island. Snow occasionally falls on Hallasan Mountain, creating a dramatic contrast with the island’s evergreen forests and coastal cliffs. In 2025, Jeju offers the perfect blend of cool breezes, sea views, and mountain hikes.
For something truly special, consider hiking the snow-covered trails of Hallasan National Park, where frost clings to the branches and wildlife peeks through the snow. The island’s famous tangerines are in season during winter, and many farms offer picking experiences. There’s also the Jeju Fire Festival in February, which celebrates agricultural traditions with torch parades, folk games, and huge bonfires that light up the night sky.
6. Gangneung
Gangneung is one of those rare places where you can enjoy snow-covered streets and coastal scenery all at once. Located on the east coast, this seaside city is a hidden winter gem. In 2025, it’s especially appealing to those looking for a peaceful getaway with a cultural twist.
Imagine standing on Gyeongpo Beach while snowflakes fall into the sea, or enjoying a coffee at a beachfront café with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the icy waves. Gangneung is also home to the Ojukheon House, one of the oldest wooden buildings in Korea, which looks particularly striking with a dusting of snow.
Foodies will love the city’s winter seafood, especially freshly caught snow crab served piping hot at traditional markets. And if you’re lucky, you might catch one of the seasonal ice fishing events nearby.
7. Boseong Green Tea Fields
Boseong is famous for its terraced green tea plantations, but few travelers realize how stunning these fields look in winter. In 2025, Boseong is emerging as a unique winter destination where the green tea bushes are gently covered in white frost, creating a mesmerizing pattern of green and white stripes across the rolling hills.
Visiting in the colder months is a serene experience. The crowds are thinner, and the chilly air adds a new depth to the fragrance of fresh tea. The Boseong Tea Museum and several local cafés offer tea-tasting sessions where you can sip hot green tea or indulge in green tea lattes and desserts.
The area also holds a small but charming lighting festival in December, illuminating the paths through the fields with glowing lanterns. It’s a place where nature, tradition, and tranquility meet under a blanket of snow.
8. Seoul
Of course, no list of South Korea’s winter destinations would be complete without Seoul. The capital city transforms into a festive metropolis every December through February. In 2025, winter lights and themed events are bigger than ever, especially in places like Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Cheonggyecheon Stream, and Seoul Plaza Ice Rink.
The mix of old and new is what makes Seoul so fascinating in winter. You can skate in front of City Hall, then stroll over to a traditional hanok village like Bukchon to see it decked in snow. Palaces like Gyeongbokgung take on an entirely different ambiance with white rooftops and icy courtyards.
Street food vendors line the alleys with warm tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes), and steaming cups of sweet corn tea. Seoul’s winter nightlife is also alive and well, with rooftop bars, themed cafés, and holiday markets adding warmth to the chilly evenings.
9. Inje Icefish Festival
If you’re looking for something uniquely Korean, the Inje Icefish Festival in Gangwon Province offers a blend of culture, adventure, and local flavor. Held every January, this festival revolves around fishing for bingeo (mountain trout) through holes drilled into the frozen Soyang Lake.
In 2025, the event includes not only ice fishing but also sledding, snow rafting, and traditional Korean performances. Families can participate in snowman-making contests, while thrill-seekers try barefoot fishing—a test of endurance where participants catch fish with their bare hands in icy water.
It’s more than just fun; the festival provides a rare look into Korea’s winter heritage and rural community life. And after all the excitement, you can warm up with freshly grilled fish or a bowl of piping hot odeng soup, enjoyed around a communal fire.
10. Gyeongju
Rounding out the list is Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty. Known as a “museum without walls,” Gyeongju is filled with historic sites like royal tombs, Buddhist temples, and stone pagodas. In winter, these landmarks become even more beautiful under a light dusting of snow.
In 2025, the city is investing in seasonal walking tours and light installations to highlight its rich history during the colder months. Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto are particularly captivating in winter’s quiet solitude, offering a reflective escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
There’s something deeply poetic about walking through the snow-covered Tumuli Park, with its ancient burial mounds rising like peaceful hills, or viewing the star-shaped Cheomseongdae Observatory under a crisp winter sky. For history lovers and romantics alike, Gyeongju is a timeless destination.
Bottom line
Winter in South Korea is more than just cold weather—it’s a season full of charm, contrast, and culture. Whether you’re carving down snowy slopes in Pyeongchang, wandering snow-covered gardens on Jeju Island, or sipping green tea in frost-kissed Boseong, every destination offers a new perspective on what winter can be.
As 2025 unfolds, these ten places provide the perfect mix of adventure, beauty, and warmth to help you embrace the season in all its forms. So pack your coat, charge your camera, and get ready to explore the magic of South Korea in winter.
