If you’re visiting Korea for the first time between December and February, you’ll quickly realize that winter here isn’t a mild chill — it’s a full sensory experience of icy wind, steaming street food, and sparkling snow.
This guide explains exactly how cold it gets, what to pack, what to wear, and how to enjoy Korea’s winter like a local instead of a shivering tourist.
1 | How Cold Is It, Really?
- Average temperature: –6 °C to 5 °C in Seoul; colder in Gangwon and the north.
- Windchill: Feels 5–10 degrees colder than it looks on the app.
- Snow: Occasional in Seoul, frequent in Gangwon (December → February).
- Indoor vs outdoor: Korean homes and cafés are warm thanks to the ondol (under-floor heating) system — so layer for contrast, not just cold.
2 | Essential Packing List for Foreigners
| Category | Must-Bring Items |
|---|---|
| Outerwear | Thick padded jacket or long coat (down preferred) |
| Layers | Heat-tech innerwear, wool sweater, fleece jacket |
| Bottoms | Lined jeans or thermal leggings |
| Footwear | Non-slip boots, thick socks |
| Accessories | Beanie, scarf, gloves, mask |
| Extras | Lip balm, hand cream, portable heater pack (hot pack) |
Pro tip: Bring at least one pair of thermal underlayers — they’re light and transform your comfort level.
3 | Dress Smart by Temperature
- Above 0 °C: Light coat + scarf enough.
- –1 to –5 °C: Long puffer + heat inner layers.
- Below –5 °C: Add a second inner layer and thermal leggings.
- Snow day: Choose water-resistant outer + boots with grip.
You’ll see locals in ankle-length puffers (long padding) — don’t laugh; you’ll want one by day two.
4 | What Locals Do to Stay Warm
- Carry Hot Packs: Disposable hand warmers sold at every convenience store.
- Indoor Sanctuaries: Cafés and underground shopping arcades double as heating refuges.
- Noraebang & PC Cafés: Unexpectedly great places to warm up late at night.
- Socks Culture: Koreans layer thermal or fleece socks — bring extra pairs.
- Hot Drinks 24/7: Vending machines dispense hot cans of coffee or choco milk for instant comfort.
5 | Indoor Heating & “Shock Temperature” Tips
Because ondol floors are so warm, you’ll sweat indoors if over-layered.
Use a two-layer system: remove outer layers immediately after entering cafés or trains to avoid sweat → chill cycles that cause colds.
6 | Best Winter Experiences in Korea
- Snow Villages & Ski Resorts: Vivaldi Park, Alpensia, Yongpyong.
- Hot Spring Spots: Duksan, Seoraksan, and Busan’s Spa Land.
- Street Food Season: Roasted sweet potatoes, fish-shaped bread (bungeoppang), and hot tteokbokki.
- Night Views: Seoul Tower and Cheonggyecheon glow under winter lights.
7 | Cultural Notes for Foreign Visitors
- Korean houses are barefoot zones — pack cozy indoor socks.
- Fashion over function: You’ll notice locals wearing white shoes in the snow. It’s a thing.
- Respect indoor temperature rules: Most cafés set heating to 23–25 °C; don’t touch the thermostat.
- Humidity: Air gets dry — carry a small face mist or sleep mask.
8 | Emergency Cold Plan
If you get caught in unexpected wind or snow:
- Head for the nearest subway entrance (heated).
- Buy a hot pack at a CU/GS25/7-Eleven.
- Order a steaming kimchi jjigae or sundubu for instant recovery.
9 | What NOT to Pack
- Thin coats from tropical countries — useless against Korean wind.
- Rain umbrellas for snow — use a hooded coat instead.
- Too many formal shoes — roads are salty and slippery.
- Excessive skincare liquids — they can freeze in luggage; use balm type.
10 | Sample 1-Week Winter Packing Plan
| Day | Outfit Base | Extras |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Heat top + jeans + long padding | Scarf, beanie |
| 2 | Wool sweater + coat | Gloves, boots |
| 3 | Fleece layer + parka | Thermal leggings |
| 4 | Casual day indoors | Cardigan + puffer vest |
| 5 | Snow trip | Waterproof jacket + boots |
| 6 | Cafe / Museum | Turtleneck + coat |
| 7 | Departure | Light layer for airport comfort |
11 | How to Enjoy the Cold Instead of Fearing It
Embrace it: walk under snowfall, take photos in Bukchon’s white roofs, sip hot ginger tea in a quiet tea house.
Korea’s winter can be harsh, but it’s also incredibly beautiful — crisp air, clear views, and city lights that feel twice as romantic.
12 | Final Checklist
✅ Thermal innerwear
✅ Long coat or puffer
✅ Gloves + hat + scarf
✅ Boots with grip
✅ Hot packs & lip balm
✅ Moisturizer & hydration
If you pack these and respect the indoor/outdoor contrast, you’ll survive Korea’s winter not just comfortably — but stylishly.
