Korea month by month
Korea in January
Deep winter and the coldest month: clear, dry, freezing days in Seoul, milder in Busan and on Jeju.
Typical weather
| High | Low | Rain | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul | 2°C | -6°C | 17 mm |
| Busan | 9°C | 1°C | 36 mm |
| Jeju | 9°C | 3°C | 67 mm |
Long-term monthly averages from the Korea Meteorological Administration, rounded. Rain is the month's total.
What's on and what to see
- Ski and snowboard in Gangwon (Yongpyong, High1, Vivaldi Park), 2 to 3 hours from Seoul.
- Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival: ice fishing for trout on a frozen river.
- New Year sunrise on the east coast (Jeongdongjin, Homigot) on 1 January.
- Seollal (Lunar New Year) can fall in late January: many shops and restaurants close for 2 or 3 days and trains sell out.
Festivals in January 2027
Hwacheon Ice FestivalGangwon · 9 Jan – 31 JanIce Country Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival: ice fishing
Korea Grand SaleSeoul · 23 Dec – 13 FebKorea Grand Sale: shop and experience Korean culture
Masters of 20th Century PhotographySeoul · 20 Nov – 28 Mar20th Century Photography Exhibition: see physical prints
From the Korea Tourism Organization festival calendar. Dates can change: check the official site before you go.
What to pack
A long down coat, thermal underwear, gloves, a hat and a scarf. Heat packs (핫팩) are sold at every convenience store.
Crowds and prices
Low season: some of the cheapest hotels of the year, except around Lunar New Year.