Korea month by month
Korea in December
Winter begins: cold and dry, with Christmas lights across Seoul. The first snow usually falls this month.
Typical weather
| High | Low | Rain | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul | 4°C | -3°C | 23 mm |
| Busan | 11°C | 2°C | 28 mm |
| Jeju | 11°C | 5°C | 58 mm |
Long-term monthly averages from the Korea Meteorological Administration, rounded. Rain is the month's total.
What's on and what to see
- Christmas lights and winter light shows: the big department stores in Myeongdong, COEX and Cheonggyecheon.
- Ski resorts in Gangwon open in early to mid December.
- Christmas Day is a public holiday; on New Year's Eve the Bosingak bell rings at midnight.
- Hot food season: Korean barbecue, stews and street snacks.
Festivals in December 2026
National Theater FestivalGyeonggi · 14 Mar – 26 DecFree theater performances
Hug RunSeoul · 5 DecHUG RUN is a charity marathon with 5km and 10km courses.
Quad, Questions of Theater: Seoan Tea PartySeoul · 16 Dec – 27 DecTheater performance with questions
Quad, Questions of Theater: FlameSeoul · 14 Nov – 6 DecQuad, Questions of Theater: 'Flame' is a theatrical performance.
Busan Bridge MarathonBusan · 6 DecBusan Bridge Marathon: running event with various courses
Gwangalli Marvelous Drone Light ShowBusan · 1 Jan – 31 DecDrone light show
Culture Lounge Gyeonggi, The VenueGyeonggi · 18 Apr – 15 DecGyeonggi culture lounge with local content
Royal StrollIncheon · 5 Jan – 31 DecTraditional royal parade
Rainbow DayDaejeon · 14 Aug – 11 DecYuseong Onnall offers yoga, outdoor cinema, and music performances.
Chungbuk Goesan Space City: Star ExplorersChungcheongbuk · 30 Apr – 6 DecSpace-themed exhibit with fruit and plants
From the Korea Tourism Organization festival calendar. Dates can change: check the official site before you go.
What to pack
A down coat, gloves, a hat and thermal layers.
Crowds and prices
Quiet early in the month; busier and pricier around Christmas and New Year.