December is Korea’s transition into full winter. Seoul and the metropolitan areas are cold and dry. The ski resorts in Gangwon Province open from late November. Christmas is a public holiday and a major cultural event. And the final days of December build toward Korea’s distinctive New Year traditions. Here is the complete guide.
Quick Answer: Korea in December: Cold throughout the country. Seoul averages 2 to 5 degrees during the day and drops below zero at night. Ski resorts open. Christmas events in all major cities. New Year countdown in Seoul. Low international tourist volumes make December one of the quietest months for travel. See the Seoul in December for the Seoul-specific December guide.
Korea Weather in December
Seoul
Highs of 2 to 5 degrees early December, dropping to 1 to 3 degrees by late December. Lows of minus 5 degrees or below by month end. See the full Seoul in December.
Busan
Slightly milder than Seoul due to the coastal location. Highs of 7 to 10 degrees. Busan rarely sees snow. A good December alternative for those who want to avoid the coldest Seoul weather. See the Busan travel guide.
Jeju
Mildest in Korea. Highs of 10 to 13 degrees in December. Light rain possible. Not beach season but comfortable for hiking and outdoor exploration. See the Jeju guide.
Gangwon Province (Ski Areas)
Deep winter conditions by December. Yongpyong and High1 ski resorts (near Pyeongchang and Jeongseon) typically open from late November. Excellent ski conditions from December through February.
What to Do in Korea in December
Ski Resorts
Korea’s ski resorts are surprisingly good and very well-organised. Yongpyong (2018 Winter Olympics venue), High1, and Bears Town are the main options. All are accessible from Seoul by shuttle bus or KTX to Jinbu Station (for Yongpyong, see Seoul to Daejeon guide for KTX travel reference).
Seoul in December
Christmas markets, the Bosingak Bell New Year countdown, jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouse), and excellent Korean BBQ and hotpot. See the full Seoul in December for Seoul’s December guide.
Busan in December
Busan is Korea’s best December beach-adjacent city: mild enough to walk the Haeundae Beach guide and Gwangalli Beach guide waterfronts comfortably. The Gamcheon Culture Village guide art village and Jagalchi Market guide seafood market are particularly good in the off-season quiet. See the Busan travel guide.
Jinhae and South Coast
The southern coast of Korea is milder than Seoul in December. Jinhae (see Jinhae cherry blossom guide) is quiet in December but the town is worth visiting outside cherry blossom season.
Is Korea Worth Visiting in December?
Yes, especially if you want fewer tourists and lower prices. International visitor numbers to Korea drop significantly in December compared to spring and autumn. The Korean BBQ guide and Korean food guide are particularly satisfying in cold weather. The only reason to avoid December is if you are primarily interested in outdoor natural scenery, which is better in spring (see Korea spring itinerary) or autumn (see autumn in Korea).
Nearby Guides
- Seoul in December
- Korea in winter
- Korea in January
- Busan travel guide
- Jeju guide
- Seoul in November
- Seoul travel guide
FAQ
Does it snow in Korea in December?
In Seoul: occasionally, with light snowfall possible but not guaranteed. In the mountains of Gangwon Province: yes, regular snowfall from November onward. Busan and the south coast: very rarely.
Is December crowded in Korea?
No. December is one of Korea’s quietest months for international tourism. Domestic travel picks up around Christmas and New Year’s Eve but the country overall has plentiful accommodation and short queues.
What Korean food is best in winter?
Samgyeopsal (see samgyeopsal guide), Korean BBQ (see Korean BBQ guide), sundubu jjigae (soft tofu stew), budae jjigae (army stew), and hotteok (sweet pancake street food). Cold weather is the best season for Korean warming foods.
