February is Korea’s second coldest month, very similar to January in most of the country. But it also has the Lunar New Year holiday (Seollal), the final and best weeks of ski season, and the very first signs of spring emerging in Jeju and the deep south by the end of the month. Here is the complete planning guide.
Quick Answer: Korea in February: Cold (minus 2 to 4 degrees in Seoul at night, 2 to 5 degrees in the day). Ski resorts at their best. Lunar New Year holiday (Seollal) typically falls in late January or February. End of February sees first spring warming. See the Korea in winter for the full winter Korea picture.
Korea Weather in February
Seoul
Highs of 2 to 5 degrees. Lows of minus 4 to minus 8 degrees. Very dry. Similar to January, but the month often ends with a noticeable warmth returning by the final week. See Korea in January for the January comparison.
Busan
Highs of 8 to 11 degrees. Lows of 2 to 4 degrees, Korea’s most comfortable February destination. See the Busan travel guide.
Jeju
Highs of 10 to 13 degrees. The very first camellia flowers (dongbaekkkot) bloom on Jeju in late January and February, making it one of the few winter flower experiences in Korea. See the Jeju guide.
What to Wear
In Seoul, the same approach as in January. A proper insulated winter coat, thermal base layers, scarf, gloves, and warm boots. By late February, slightly lighter layers may be sufficient during the day. See the Korea travel essentials for the full packing guide.
Lunar New Year (Seollal)
Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year) falls in late January or February, depending on the lunar calendar. In 2026, Seollal falls in late January. The holiday period spans 3 days, with many businesses closing and significant domestic travel. Trains and buses are extremely crowded during the holiday. Accommodation in Seoul remains plentiful as most Koreans travel to their hometowns. If your trip overlaps with Seollal, book train tickets well in advance and expect some restaurant closures in the days immediately around the holiday.
What to Do in Korea in February
Ski Resorts
February is the finest month for skiing in Korea. Yongpyong and High1 have the best snow depth and longest open runs of the season. Both are accessible from Seoul by KTX to Jinbu Station.
Seoul in February
The same indoor-friendly approach as January, but with the knowledge that spring is close. Jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouse), Korean BBQ guide, the Seoul museums (National Museum of Korea, War Memorial of Korea), and the palace grounds (see Gyeongbokgung Palace guide) in the last dustings of winter atmosphere. See Seoul in December for a similar winter experience.
Jeju in February
The camellia (dongbaek) blooms on Jeju from January to March, and February is a good time to combine the flowers with a milder-than-mainland winter climate. The Jeju itinerary covers the island’s best spots year-round.
Busan in February
Korea’s warmest major city in winter. The Haeundae Beach guide and Gwangalli Beach guide waterfronts, the Gamcheon Culture Village guide village, and the Jagalchi Market guide market are all comfortable in February’s milder coastal temperature. See the Busan travel guide.
Nearby Guides
- Korea in winter
- Korea in January
- Korea in March
- Busan travel guide
- Jeju guide
- Seoul in December
- Seoul travel guide
FAQ
Is February a good time to visit Korea?
Yes, for visitors who want winter culture, low crowds, and affordable travel. February in Korea offers the same advantages as January (quiet, cheap, authentic local life) with the added benefits of the Jeju camellia season and a hint of spring by the month’s end. See Korea in winter.
What is Seollal, and how does it affect travel?
Seollal is the Korean Lunar New Year, one of the country’s two biggest national holidays (along with Chuseok in autumn). Most Koreans travel to their family hometowns during Seollal, making trains and buses extremely crowded. Some restaurants and smaller shops close for 1 to 3 days. Tourist sites remain open. Book transport tickets weeks in advance if your trip overlaps with the holiday.
When does spring arrive in Korea?
The first definitive signs of spring arrive in Jeju and the south coast in late February and early March. In Seoul, spring warmth is reliably felt from late March. Cherry blossoms in Seoul typically peak in late March to early April. See the Jinhae cherry blossom guide for the Jinhae cherry blossom festival, Korea’s most famous.
