Surviving the chilly winters in Seoul is practically considered a national pastime, but don't let that dissuade you. Chill winds, harsh cold, and skin damaging dry weather mark these months, leading one to question whether humans should consider hibernation instead!
However, instead of surrendering to the cold, pull on your warm coat and head outdoors. Not only will it save you the cost of heating and cable, but there are a host of unique winter-only Seoul activities that'll make bracing the cold worthwhile.
In particular, indulging in winter street food is one of the city's best seasonal pastimes. It acts as a delightful respite to the cold weather. This is when the streets of Seoul come alive with various vendors selling hot delicacies like piping hot tteokbokki, steaming bungeoppang, and much more. After spending your day exploring the street food scene, you might want to kick back and relax in some of the city's premium accommodations. You can find some of the best five-star hotels on this page - https://www.seoulhotelspage.com/en/5-stars/, perfect for a warm and luxurious retreat after your gastronomic adventures.
1. Relishing Winter Street Food
In the chill of winter, the streets of Seoul come alive with the aroma of distinct seasonal delicacies. These treats are unique to the winter months, adding a special flavor to the city's robust food scene.
The stars of this seasonal show? Undeniably, sweet potatoes and chestnuts.
As the temperature drops, it becomes impossible to resist the mouthwatering smell of sweet potatoes being roasted at every turn of the street and near subway exits. Similarly, the comforting, warm glow of chestnuts crisping on coal beds lends a unique wintertime atmosphere to Seoul.
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Besides being pocket-friendly, these winter snacks are wins for health-conscious foodies. The sweet, earthy flavors of the roasted sweet potatoes and chestnuts come with a bonus - they don't contain added salt, sugar, or oil unlike other popular street foods such as hotteok (Korean-style pancakes) and tteokbokki (fiery rice cakes).
Street food vendors can usually be spotted bustling around subway stops. But to enjoy this special winter fare, I urge you to explore Seoul's old neighborhoods like Jongno, Jonggak, and Insadong. These areas host a greater variety of such seasonal treats.
2. Fun in the Snow at Everland
Everland, a popular amusement park in South Korea, offers an exciting winter retreat for both thrill-seekers and families, presenting the 'Snow Buster', a noteworthy sledding hill. The park serves up slopes and sleds enveloped in a picturesque white winter.
Famous for keeping up its winter offerings, Everland satisfies not just the adventurous but also the comfort-seekers. Thoughtful amenities like heated lounges dispensing scrumptious refreshments and a cleverly innovated 'tube lift' ensure a snug winter experience.
"Earlier, guests had to haul their sleds back up the slope, a rather tiresome process," shares Esther Park, a representative from the customer service center. "With the new installation, they simply set the sled on the lift, hop on it and swoop back up. It essentially functions like an outdoor escalator."
Contrary to what one might assume, this fun-filled, sledding experience comes at no extra charge apart from the general admission fees of Everland.
Winter enthusiasts should note that the sledding season usually begins around December 16 at Everland, albeit it's reliant on how Mother Nature fares that time of the year.
Entrance fee for adults is set at $46 (₩52,000), while children's tickets are priced at $36 (₩41,000). Late-comers can enjoy a special evening discount, with tickets after 4 p.m. being marked down to $38 (₩43,000) for adults and $30 (₩34,000) for children.
Discover more about opening hours and special ticket packages on the Everland official website.
For hassle-free access, head down to 310 Jeondae-ri, Pogok-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 용인시 처인구 포곡읍 전대리 310), or call at: +82 31 320 5000. Visit: www.everland.com to know more.
3. Unleash your inner ski enthusiast
South Korea's distinct typography, with mountains blanketing approximately 70% of its terrain, offers an adventurous retreat during the cold months, transforming the harsh weather conditions into a playground for ski enthusiasts.
Lying in proximity to Seoul, the prestigious Bearstown Resort in Gyeonggi-do only requires a 50-minute drive from the capital, making it excitingly accessible for a day of snow-filled adventure.
Providing eleven various slopes, the resort boasts of its large surface area making it the go-to ski resort around the capital's vicinity," says Lee Jeong-hoon, the head of public relations.
The resort operates considering specific time slots - remain open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and also a second shift from 6:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. This flexibility ensures that visitors can have fun at the times that are suitable for them.
You can rent skiing equipment beginning at a modest $7 (₩8,000), while the professional ski lessons commence at a price of $26.50 (₩30,000). However, be prepared to make extra expenses for needs like ski-pants rentals and lift tickets that enhance your skiing experience.
For more information, visit 295 Sohak-ri, Naechon-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 포천시 내촌면 소학리 295번지), +82 31 540 5000, or their website at www.bearstown.com.
4. Events for Ice-Fishing Enthusiasts
The freezing winter in South Korea also gives rise to the traditional ice fishing festivals. Combining adventure and local culture, these are an absolute must-visit when you're exploring Seoul's winter.
Even if you dislike fishing, ice fishing can be fun.
While the thought of prancing about on a subsection of river with only a few layers of ice between you and the freezing water below might be slightly off-putting, there is minimal real risk, as long as you take proper precautions.
Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do will host the 7th Pyeongchang Cherry Salmon Festival at the Odae River (오대천) by Mount Odae (오대산) from around Dec 23 this year.
The location alone should put your irrational fears to rest – a city that was selected as the site of the 2018 Winter Olympics should know a thing or two about ice.
“The ice is tested for safety,” says festival director Park Yong-man. “It’s more than 40 centimeters thick, so there is no danger of it melting or cracking.”
The real issue for novices is whether they’ll be able to catch any fish at all.
“Cherry salmon tend to travel in droves,” says Park. “So there is a possibility that you might not catch anything.”
Ice fishing itself isn’t hard, not with instructional videos playing at ticket booths and festival workers willing to lend a hand.
If you’re lucky enough to catch a fish, you can bring it to nearby restaurants. For $6 (₩3,000) they will either salt it and cook it, or prepare it raw.
A regular fishing ticket will set you back $11.50 (₩13,000). For $22 (₩25,000) you get a tent to keep the wind off your face.
You might also join fishermen, fisherwomen and fisherchildren at one of several ice fishing festivals that dot the Korean winter calendar.
100 Hajinbu-ri, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 평창군 진부면 하진부리 100번지), +82 33 336 4000, www.festival700.or.kr
5. Outdoor ice skating
Ice skating is not necessarily a winter sport. But outdoor ice skating is. And that makes all the difference: an unscratched but sterile indoor rink for athletes versus a picturesque winter tableau with fairy lights for first dates.
Blades down, we vote for the magical winter tableau. Here are Seoul’s best (and only) outdoor ice skate rinks:
Seoul Plaza Ice Skate Rink (서울 광장 스케이트장)
“We’re big, we’re in the heart of the city, and we’re inexpensive,” says Han Mun-hee of the Seoul City Hall Sports Promotion Department when describing Seoul Plaza.
Opening date: December 16
Admission: Starts at around 80 cents (₩1,000) an hour, with or without rentals.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
63 Euljiro 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 을지로1가 63), +82 2 3210 1267, www.seoulskate.or.kr
Grand Hyatt Seoul Ice Rink
The opening dates of most outdoor ice rinks are subject to change, but the Grand Hyatt is armed with a cooler, making reliability its trump card.
Admission: Monday-Friday, $23 (₩26,000), Saturday-Sunday, $28 (₩32,000); rentals start at $17.50 (₩20,000)
Hours: Monday-Thursday noon-9 p.m., Friday-Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
747-7 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 용산구 한남동 747-7), +82 2 799 8113, www.seoul.grand.hyatt.com
Sheraton Walker Hill
“The rentals are technically for two hours, but it’s not as though we really keep track of the time,” says Sheraton Walker Hill manager Lee Seong-jun. “So you don’t really need to worry about that.”
Opening date: December 22
Admission: Weekdays $17.50 (₩20,000), weekends $26.50 (₩30,000); rentals start at $10.50 (₩12,000)
Hours: Monday-Thursday: noon-9 p.m., Friday-Sunday: noon-10 p.m.
21 San, Gwangjang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 광진구 광장동 산 21), +82 2 455 5000, www.sheratonwalkerhill.co.kr
6. Christmas concerts
Within the cultural context of South Korea, Christmas is perceived more as an intimate time for couples rather than a gathering for the whole family. A significant evolving trend in recent years has seen many couples choosing to mark this holiday by attending concerts on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Sites such as this Korean ticket platform offer the latest in K-Pop performances, showcasing top artists and their seasonal shows.
Meanwhile, we can also muse over the choice between winter activities. Would you prefer a frigid ice dive or the comforting warmth of a spa? Dare to choose! South Korea’s winter offers unique experiences that are captivating in their own right, making it one of the 10 best cities for a winter holiday.
Ha Hyoung-ju, a skilled drummer who plays for K-Pop heavyweights like Rain, Lee Hyori, 2AM, and Dynamic Duo, shared his insight into the Christmas concert experience. “I mean, we definitely see a sizeable influx of couples during the Christmas concerts,” he says. He then adds, "It’s quite a delight to incorporate the Christmas theme into our performances. The holiday rush might be hectic, but it’s so thrilling for us musicians that sometimes, I wish I could perform in three different places at the same time!"
The thrilling Christmas concerts and the chance to see renowned musicians live is certainly an irresistible attraction for couples in the winter. The distinct way South Korea celebrates Christmas presents an exciting spin on traditional holiday activities, offering couples unique experiences they can share together.
South Koreans are well-accustomed to their chilly winters, with ice diving being a popular activity to embrace the plummeting temperatures.
However, if the prospect of diving into frozen waters sounds a bit extreme, a different option awaits. Picture yourself shaking off the winter chill by disrobing to your bathing suit and plunging into the sultry warmth of a heated swimming pool in the heart of winter.
At Asan's Spavis waterpark, this thought transforms into reality. The facility cleverly marries the healthful benefits of naturally-heated, mineral-rich waters and the fun factor brought in by gimmicky pools, exhilarating waterslides, and relaxing saunas.
However, our pro tip is to avoid their peak times, typically when school is out for winter break, as the place can get rather congested.
You can find the waterpark at the following address: 288-6 Sinsu-ri, Eumbong-myeon, Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do (충청남도 아산시 음봉면 신수리 288-6). Feel free to call them at +82 41 539 2000 for any queries. Their opening hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and extend from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends;