Korea in December: Weather, Events and What to Pack
Seoul averages 4.2°C by day and -3.4°C at night in December, so pack a winter jacket, gloves, a scarf and non-slip shoes. Busan is milder at 10.4°C and 2°C. Expect winter lights and skating in Seoul, and shorter palace hours: Gyeongbokgung closes at 17:00.
- Seoul in December
- Average high 4.2°C, low -3.4°C
- Busan in December
- Average high 10.4°C, low 2°C
- Pack
- Winter jacket, gloves, scarf, non-slip shoes
- Official site
- VisitKorea
What should I know before I arrive?
Figures checked October 28, 2026
December is the first true winter month in Korea: cold, dry days in Seoul, a milder coast around Busan and plenty of lights, skating and warm food to make up for it. VisitKorea says winter temperatures "frequently" fall below zero and advises thick outerwear at all times.
- Worth knowing: The cold comes in cycles. Visit Seoul describes a weekly pattern of about three cold days followed by four milder ones, known as samhan saon, so the same trip can feel very different from one day to the next.
- A common mistake: Packing autumn layers. Seoul's average high drops from 11.9°C in November to 4.2°C in December, and the average low goes below freezing.
- Local tip: Check the forecast on the Korea Meteorological Administration site a few days before you fly, and plan indoor stops such as museums, cafes and bathhouses for the coldest afternoons.
What is the weather like in Korea in December?
Cold in Seoul and cool on the south coast: December averages 4.2°C by day and -3.4°C at night in Seoul, against 10.4°C and 2°C in Busan. These are monthly averages published by VisitKorea, so individual days can be colder, and Visit Seoul notes that winter temperatures sometimes drop to about -15°C.
| City | December | January | February |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul, high / low | 4.2°C / -3.4°C | 2.1°C / -5.5°C | 5.1°C / -3.2°C |
| Busan, high / low | 10.4°C / 2°C | 8.2°C / -0.1°C | 10.2°C / 1.5°C |
Visit Seoul says heavy snow falls now and then in winter and that the Han River occasionally freezes solid, but neither official page gives December snowfall totals. Treat snow as possible rather than guaranteed.
Practical example: a visitor flying into Seoul and continuing to Busan by train can expect a gap of roughly 6 degrees between the two cities' December daytime averages, so a coat that is comfortable in Busan may be too thin for an evening in Seoul.
What should I pack for Korea in December?
Follow VisitKorea's own advice: winter jackets, gloves and scarves, plus non-slip shoes for walking on snow. A hat and thermal base layers are a practical addition based on the sub-zero night averages above, not an official requirement.
- Outer layer: A padded or insulated winter jacket; Seoul's average low is -3.4°C.
- Base layers: Thermal tops and leggings that you can remove indoors.
- Accessories: Gloves, a scarf and a hat for evenings, lantern walks and outdoor skating.
- Shoes: Non-slip, water-resistant shoes for icy pavements and palace grounds.
- Skin care: Lip balm and moisturiser for dry winter air (a practical suggestion, not from an official source).
If you head to the mountains for hiking or snow, assume it will feel colder than the city figures above.
What events and activities happen in December?
Seoul's main December draws are the Seoul Lantern Festival, winter light shows, free-to-cheap ice skating at Seoul Plaza and the New Year countdown. Dates change each year, so the table shows the most recent editions on official pages and you should confirm the 2026 dates before you book.
| Event | Last published dates | Where | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul Lantern Festival | December 12, 2025 to January 18, 2026 | Cheonggyecheon Stream | Free in past editions |
| Seoul Light DDP winter festival | December 18 to 31, 2025 | Dongdaemun Design Plaza | Not listed |
| Seoul Plaza ice skating rink | December 19, 2025 to February 8, 2026 | Seoul Plaza, in front of City Hall | 1,000 won per one-hour session, skates and helmet included |
The skating rink listed Sunday to Friday hours of 10:00 to 21:30 and Saturday and public holiday hours of 10:00 to 23:00 last season. For other winter festivals, including ice and snow events that usually fall in January and February, see our Korea festival calendar and our 5-day winter itinerary.
The Seoul Tourism guide also says recent seasons included a Christmas light show and that the Bosingak bell ringing marks the New Year at midnight; confirm the current year's arrangements on the Seoul Tourism winter page, as crowds and road closures are possible on New Year's Eve.
What are the opening hours and holiday rules?
Palaces close earlier in December and Christmas Day is a public holiday, so check each attraction's page before you go. Gyeongbokgung is the clearest example of the shorter winter schedule.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: Visit Seoul lists 09:00 to 17:00 for November and December, last entry one hour before closing, closed every Tuesday, and foreign adult admission of 3,000 won. Entry is free if you wear a complete hanbok. See our Gyeongbokgung guide.
- VisitKorea listing: VisitKorea gives 09:00 to 17:00 from November to February, with last admission at 16:00.
- Christmas Day: December 25 is a public holiday (a Friday in 2026), according to the Seoul Tourism winter page. Shops, restaurants and attractions may change hours.
Both official pages put the last admission at 16:00, so aim to arrive well before then to see the grounds.
How do I plan a December trip?
Choose a mild base such as Busan if you dislike cold, book indoor backups for the coldest days and confirm event dates before you commit.
- Check the weather. Review the KMA forecast in the week before you fly.
- Pack for sub-zero nights. Use the list above and keep gloves and a scarf in your day bag.
- Confirm event dates. Look up the Lantern Festival, DDP light show and Seoul Plaza rink on the official pages once 2026-27 dates are announced.
- Check opening hours. Allow for 17:00 palace closing and Tuesday closures.
- Build in indoor time. Mix outdoor sights with museums, cafes and markets, and keep one spare day for snow or very cold weather.
For other months, see our month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Korea and the November guide.
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Korea?
Yes, if you pack for the cold and like winter lights, skating and hot food. Seoul averages 4.2°C by day and -3.4°C at night in December, according to VisitKorea, and temperatures often fall below zero.
Does it snow in Korea in December?
It can. Visit Seoul says heavy snow falls now and then in winter (December to February), but it gives no December snowfall figures, so check the Korea Meteorological Administration forecast before you go.
What should I wear in Korea in December?
VisitKorea advises bringing winter jackets, gloves and scarves, plus non-slip shoes for walking on snow. Wear thick outerwear at all times, because temperatures frequently fall below zero.
Are Korean attractions open on Christmas Day?
Christmas Day is a public holiday in Korea. Opening hours differ by attraction, so check each official page; Gyeongbokgung, for example, is closed every Tuesday and closes at 17:00 in December.
Official sources and useful links
Links open in a new tab. Temperatures, dates and hours above are approximate; verify on these pages.
- VisitKorea: Climate and seasons monthly temperature averages and winter clothing advice
- Visit Seoul: Seasons what winter in Seoul is like, including cold and snow
- Visit Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace opening hours, closed days and admission
- Visit Seoul: Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink dates, hours and price of the winter rink
- Seoul Tourism: Seoul in winter winter festivals, light shows and Christmas notes
- Korea Meteorological Administration official forecasts and weather services
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