January is Korea’s coldest month. Seoul regularly sees temperatures of minus 5 to minus 10 degrees at night. The ski resorts in Gangwon Province are at their best. The Boryeong Mud Festival’s winter equivalent, ice festivals, and the generally quiet state of Korea’s tourist sites make January a rewarding month if you are prepared for the cold.
Quick Answer: Korea in January: Very cold. Seoul highs of 1 to 3 degrees, lows of minus 5 to minus 10 degrees. Dry. Ski resorts at peak season. Low international tourist crowds. Ice festivals in Hwacheon (north of Seoul). See the Korea in winter for the full winter Korea picture.
Korea Weather in January
Seoul
Highs of 1 to 3 degrees. Lows of minus 5 to minus 10 degrees, occasionally colder. Light snow is possible on 3 to 5 days in January. The wind chill makes it feel significantly colder than the temperature suggests. A properly insulated winter coat plus thermal layers are required. See Seoul in December for the comparable December weather as a reference.
Busan
Milder than Seoul. Highs of 6 to 9 degrees. Lows of 0 to 2 degrees. Rarely sees snow the most comfortable major city in Korea during winter. See the Busan travel guide.
Jeju
Warmest in Korea. Highs of 9 to 12 degrees. Some rain. Not beach season, but very walkable. See the Jeju guide.
Gangwon Province
Deep winter. Regular snowfall. Ski resorts are at their best from January through mid-February.
What to Wear
In Seoul: a proper insulated down coat or equivalent. Thermal base layers. Scarf, gloves, warm hat, and waterproof boots with grip for icy pavements in Busan, a warm coat,t but slightly less extreme layering. See the Korea travel essentials for a full Korea packing guide.
What to Do in Korea in January
Skiing and Snowboarding
Korea’s ski resorts are excellent and well-priced by international standards. Yongpyong (the 2018 Winter Olympics venue near PyeongChang, High1 (Jeongseon), and Bears Town (Gyeonggi Province, closest to Seoul) are the main options. Yongpyong and High1 are accessible by KTX to Jinbu Station or by ski resort shuttle from Seoul. Equipment rental is excellent, and lift queues are manageable on weekdays.
Hwacheon Sancheong Ice Festival
The Hwacheon Ice Festival in Gangwon Province, usually held in January, is one of Korea’s most beloved winter events. Ice fishing for trout on the frozen Hwacheon River, sled racing, ice sculpture, and outdoor activities. About 2 hours from Seoul by bus. One of the most authentically Korean winter experiences available to visitors.
Seoul in January
Jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouse) culture is at its finest in January. Indoor winter food includes budae jjigae (army stew), sundubu jjigae (soft tofu stew), and samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup). The Cheonggyecheon Stream guide walk in central Seoul is quieter in winter. Palace grounds (see Gyeongbokgung Palace guide and Changdeokgung Palace guide) are less crowded. See Seoul in December for a similar December atmosphere.
Busan in January
Busan is Korea’s best city in January for those who cannot handle Seoul’s cold. The waterfront walks along the Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach are pleasant on mild winter days. The Gamcheon Culture Village guide art village and Jagalchi Market guide market are uncrowded. See the Busan travel guide.
Is Korea Worth Visiting in January?
Yes, if you are comfortable with cold weather. January offers extremely low international tourist numbers, affordable accommodation, and authentic Korean winter culture that most visitors never experience. The Korean BBQ guide and warming Korean stews taste better in January than in any other month. The main drawback is that outdoor sightseeing requires genuine cold-weather gear and tolerance for the cold. See Korea in December and Korea in February for the adjacent winter months.
Nearby Guides
- Korea in winter
- Korea in December
- Korea in February
- Seoul in December
- Busan travel guide
- Jeju guide
- Seoul travel guide
- Seoul in 3 days
FAQ
How cold does Korea get in January?
Seoul averages -5 to -10 degrees at night in January, with wind chill making it feel even colder. Daytime highs rarely exceed 3 degrees. Busan is significantly milder at 0 to 9 degrees. See Korea in winter for the full winter climate comparison.
What should I wear in Korea in January?
In Seoul: a proper down or insulated coat, thermal base layers, a scarf, gloves, and warm, waterproof boots. The cold in Seoul is dry and windy, making it feel more intense than the temperature suggests. See the Korea travel essentials for the full packing guide.
Can I visit Korea in January without skiing?
Yes. Seoul in January is rewarding for food, culture, and authentic local life without the tourist overlay. The jjimjilbang experience, indoor food markets like Gwangjang Market guide, and evenings of Korean BBQ guide are all excellent in January. Busan is even more accessible in January, as the cold is not a major barrier.
