December in Seoul is genuinely cold. Highs of 2 to 5 degrees and lows approaching minus 5 degrees by month’s end are the norm. But the city does December well: Christmas markets, light festivals, New Year countdowns at major spots, and the deeply satisfying tradition of jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouse) after a cold day of sightseeing.
Quick Answer: Seoul in December: Cold (2 to 5 degrees high, minus 5 to minus 3 low by late December). Dry. Christmas and New Year light displays across the city. Low international tourist volumes. One of the least crowded months to visit Seoul if you can handle the cold. See the Korea in December for the nationwide Korea December guide.
Seoul Weather in December
Early December (1 to 14)
Highs of 5 to 8 degrees. Lows of 0 to 2 degrees. A warm winter coat is needed. The last of the autumn leaves are gone by early December.
Mid-December (15 to 22)
Highs of 2 to 5 degrees. Lows of minus 2 to minus 4 degrees. Light snow possible.
Late December (23 to 31)
Highs of 1 to 3 degrees. Lows of minus 5 degrees or below. A proper down coat, scarf, gloves, and warm footwear are essential.
What to Wear
A properly insulated winter coat (down or equivalent). Thermal base layers. Please note that scarves and gloves are non-negotiable from mid-December. Warm waterproof boots are a good idea as light snow can make pavements slippery. See the Korea travel essentials for a full packing guide.
What to Do in Seoul in December
Cheonggyecheon Stream Winter Festival
The Cheonggyecheon Stream guide runs through central Seoul, and the surrounding area hosts lantern and light installations throughout the winter season. The stream walkway is particularly atmospheric after dark,k with reflections on the water.
Christmas Markets and Light Displays
Myeongdong (see the Myeongdong guide) has Christmas decorations and street food stalls starting in late November. Lotte World Tower and the surrounding Jamsil area (see Lotte World guide) have large-scale light festivals. Everland theme park (see Everland guide) hosts a major Christmas and New Year illumination event.
Jjimjilbang
Korea’s traditional heated bathhouse (see the jjimjilbang guide) is the perfect December activity in Seoul. Spend an evening at a bathhouse, eat eggs and sikhye, and sweat in the heated rooms. A genuinely restorative experience in cold weather,r and very affordable.
Korean BBQ and Hotpot
Samgyeopsal (see the samgyeopsal guide), Korean hotpot (jjigae), and budae jjigae (army stew) taste better in cold weather than at any other time of year. Warming yourself at a grill in December is one of Seoul’s best seasonal experiences. See the Korean BBQ guide.
New Year Countdown
Seoul’s New Year countdown is held at the Bosingak Bell Pavilion in Jongno (near Gwanghwamun), where the Bosingak Bell is rung 33 times at midnight. Crowds of 100,000 or more gather. Myeongdong and the Lotte World Tower plaza also host large gatherings.
Is Seoul Crowded in December?
No. December is one of Seoul’s quietest months for international tourism. The cold deters many visitors, and most are unaware of how the city handles winter. Accommodation is plentiful,l and prices are lower than in spring or autumn. See Seoul in November if you prefer slightly warmer conditions with still-good foliage.
Nearby Guides
- Korea in December
- Seoul in November
- Korea in winter
- jjimjilbang guide
- Korean BBQ guide
- Cheonggyecheon Stream guide
- Seoul travel guide
- Seoul in 3 days
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Seoul?
Yes, if you are comfortable with cold weather. December offers low crowds, low prices, genuine Korean winter culture, and the New Year countdown. It is not the right month for outdoor walking tours or the natural scenery of spring and autumn. See Korea in December for broader December advice across Korea.
Does it snow in Seoul in December?
Occasionally. Seoul’s annual snowfall is light by East Asian standards (average of 15 to 25cm per year total) and concentrated in January and February. A light December snow is possible and beautiful when it happens.
What is the Christmas experience like in Seoul?
Korea has adopted Christmas enthusiastically. It is a public holiday (December 25) and a popular date for couples. Department stores, malls, and tourist areas are heavily decorated. The Myeongdong shopping area, Lotte World, and the major hotels all have significant Christmas decorations and events.
