5 Days in Seoul: Winter Wonderland Itinerary (December)

Seoul City Hall and Skyscrapers in Downtown Seoul, South Korea
© Markus Winkler

Discover the magic of Seoul in December with our 5-day itinerary. From bustling markets and historical palaces to dazzling lights and delicious Korean cuisine, experience the best of Seoul during the winter season. Get ready for a trip filled with cultural immersion, stunning scenery, and unforgettable memories.

Day 1 in Seoul: Discover Seoul's Cultural Gems

Explore Seoul's Imperial Palaces

Embark on a journey through time as you explore the grandeur of Seoul's five royal palaces, starting with the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace. Immerse yourself in the rich history and architectural marvels of these magnificent structures.

Explore Seoul's Imperial Palaces
© Joshua Clubley

Wander Through Bukchon Hanok Village

Step back in time as you stroll through the charming streets of Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village. Admire the beautifully preserved Hanok houses, their snow-covered roofs adding a touch of winter magic to the scene.

Wander Through Bukchon Hanok Village
© Rathish Mani

Shop Till You Drop in Myeongdong

Indulge in the vibrant energy of Myeongdong, Seoul's bustling shopping district. Discover the latest Korean cosmetics and fashion trends, and treat yourself to delicious street food snacks.

Shop Till You Drop in Myeongdong
© 워록3세

Savor Authentic Korean BBQ

Experience the flavors of Korea with a delicious Korean BBQ dinner at Wangbijib, a renowned restaurant known for its authentic and flavorful dishes.

Savor Authentic Korean BBQ
© kana yuzu

Day 2 in Seoul: Embrace the Winter Wonderland

Admire the Winter Light Festivals

Escape the city lights and immerse yourself in the magical glow of the Garden of Morning Calm's winter light festival. Be mesmerized by the colorful displays illuminating the gardens, creating a truly enchanting experience.

Admire the Winter Light Festivals
© 黃治瑋

Experience the Beauty of Nami Island

Escape to the picturesque Nami Island, a winter wonderland covered in pristine white snow. Stroll along the scenic paths, admire the snow-covered trees, and capture breathtaking photos of this idyllic setting.

Experience the Beauty of Nami Island
© زايد محمد حديد

Hit the Slopes at Vivaldi Ski Park

Embrace the thrill of winter sports at Vivaldi Ski Park, one of the closest ski resorts near Seoul. Enjoy the slopes, perfect for families and beginners, and create unforgettable memories on the snow.

Hit the Slopes at Vivaldi Ski Park
© Vivaldi Park

Glide Across the Ice at Seoul Plaza

Enjoy a fun-filled evening at Seoul Plaza, a popular outdoor ice rink in the heart of the city. Glide across the ice, surrounded by the festive atmosphere of the season.

Glide Across the Ice at Seoul Plaza
© JE Lim

Day 3 in Seoul: Explore Seoul's Hidden Gems

Discover Colorful Street Art in Ihwa Mural Village

Get lost in the vibrant colors and creative expressions of Ihwa Mural Village. Explore the charming streets adorned with colorful murals, capturing the essence of this unique neighborhood.

Discover Colorful Street Art in Ihwa Mural Village
© Ogawa Shinichi

Learn About Ancient Korean Traditions

Step back in time at Jongmyo Shrine, a UNESCO Heritage site dedicated to honoring the spirits of past Korean kings and queens. Learn about ancient Korean traditions and the significance of this sacred place.

Learn About Ancient Korean Traditions
© Daehyun Kim

Explore Traditional Korean Houses

Immerse yourself in the beauty of traditional Korean architecture at Namsangol Hanok Village. Explore the beautifully preserved Hanok houses, offering a glimpse into the past.

Explore Traditional Korean Houses
© 남산골 한옥마을

Experience the Vibrant Chaos of Gwangjang Market

Indulge in the sensory overload of Gwangjang Market, Seoul's bustling street food market. Sample a variety of delicious Korean dishes, from savory pancakes to spicy kimchi.

Experience the Vibrant Chaos of Gwangjang Market
© 涼麵

Day 4 in Seoul: Embrace the City's Energy

Discover Korean Culture, Art, and History

Delve into the rich cultural heritage of Korea at the National Museum of Korea. Explore a vast collection of artifacts, showcasing the country's history, art, and traditions.

Discover Korean Culture, Art, and History
© YJ Oh

Enjoy a Peaceful Walk Along Cheonggyecheon Stream

Escape the city bustle and enjoy a peaceful walk along the revitalized Cheonggyecheon Stream. Admire the urban landscape, surrounded by the calming sounds of flowing water.

Enjoy a Peaceful Walk Along Cheonggyecheon Stream
© 정숙송

Enjoy Breathtaking Panoramic Views

Ascend to the top of N Seoul Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Seoul. Capture stunning photos of the city skyline, illuminated by the twinkling lights of the night.

Enjoy Breathtaking Panoramic Views
© 박리아

Experience the Vibrant Nightlife of Hongdae

Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Hongdae, a neighborhood known for its street performances, trendy cafes, and bustling nightlife. Enjoy live music, street art, and the unique atmosphere of this creative hub.

Experience the Vibrant Nightlife of Hongdae
© 성스타 (뉴스타만세)

Day 5 in Seoul: Explore Beyond the City Limits

Enjoy Thrilling Rides and Winter Activities

Escape the city and head to Lotte World, one of Seoul's most popular theme parks. Enjoy thrilling rides, winter activities, and a day of fun and adventure.

Enjoy Thrilling Rides and Winter Activities
© 이강호

Enjoy a Day of Fun and Adventure at Everland

Embark on a day of fun and adventure at Everland, a world-class theme park featuring thrilling rides, animal encounters, and seasonal events.

Enjoy a Day of Fun and Adventure at Everland
© Alex Lefevre

Enjoy a Scenic Cruise Along the Han River

Experience the beauty of Seoul from a different perspective with a scenic cruise along the Han River. Admire the city skyline, illuminated by the twinkling lights of the night.

Enjoy a Scenic Cruise Along the Han River
© 한스쥔장채널

Relax in a Traditional Korean Bathhouse

Indulge in a relaxing experience at Dragon Hill Spa & Resort, a traditional Korean bathhouse. Enjoy the soothing waters, saunas, and massage services, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Relax in a Traditional Korean Bathhouse
© Pang Wipaz

References

Weather in Seoul

In December, Seoul, South Korea experiences cold and dry weather, with temperatures ranging from -2°C to 4°C (28°F to 39°F). It's essential to pack warm clothing, including a light jacket, gloves, and a scarf, as the temperature can drop below 0°C (32°F) at night. You may also want to consider bringing a warm hat and earmuffs to protect yourself from the cold. Additionally, the dry air can be harsh on your skin, so don't forget to pack moisturizer and lip balm. It's also a good idea to dress in layers, as indoor places and public transportation are well-heated, and you can easily remove a layer if you get too warm. If you plan to engage in outdoor activities, such as ice skating, be sure to wear warm and waterproof clothing to keep you dry and comfortable.

Transportation in Seoul

To get around Seoul, I would recommend using the public transportation system, which is efficient and affordable. You can use the subway or buses, with the subway being a more reliable option for foreigners. The subway runs at a cost of 1,300 won ($1.10) per 10 km, while buses cost around the same per ride. You can also use taxis, which are relatively cheap and can be paid with a T-Money card. However, be aware that taxis may not speak English, so it's best to have your destination written down in Korean. For navigation, I would suggest using Naver Map or Maps.Me, as Google Maps is not reliable in Seoul. Additionally, consider purchasing a T-Money card, which can be used for public transportation and can be topped up at convenience stores or subway ticket booths.

Dos in Seoul

Don'ts in Seoul