10 Things to Do in Seoul in Winter

Visiting Seoul in winter is a good choice! Winter in Seoul has an incredible atmosphere and experiences that you will love. From the lights that illuminate the city and its monuments to the Christmas events, the South Korean capital becomes a fascinating destination even in the coldest months.

Even though the mercury drops considerably in winter, there are plenty of things you can do to shelter from the cold and you can even enjoy Seoul's must-see sights, but with a winter charm. Here are 10 things to see and do in Seoul during winter.

Christmas markets in Seoul are one of the activities you can enjoy in winter. If you are going to Seoul during the December vacations and wondering what to do in Seoul at Christmas, you should know that this has to be one of your first visits. With their lights and colors and ambiance, these markets become must-see destinations for locals and visitors alike.

In iconic locations such as Times Square and other public spaces, holiday markets offer a variety of handcrafted goods and unique gifts- from holiday decorations to textiles to food.

One of the most interesting aspects of Christmas markets in Seoul is the food. The food stalls sell delicacies that you will love, so you can take the opportunity to have lunch or dinner at one of them.

It is also common to find live performances and activities for the whole family. For example, children can enjoy encounters with Santa Claus and participate in craft workshops.

If you like action movies, anime or video games, you can't miss the Figure Museum W in Seoul. This museum houses figures of all sizes and franchises: from Disney (including Marvel and Star Wars) to Dragon Ball among many others.

In addition, in this museum you will not only see an exhibition of the best figures, but it also has activities such as toy-making workshops, which will make your experience more dynamic. If you are visiting Seoul in winter, this is an ideal activity because you can take shelter from the cold and find fewer tourists than at other times of the year.

When the cold winter weather hits Seoul, there's no better way to combat it than soaking in the hot springs of a spa. These oases offer a warm and relaxing experience. Some of the best rated are the Lavishspa, the Arden spa or the Guerlain Spa, among others.

This is a way to escape the hustle and bustle of Seoul and relax while escaping the cold temperatures. These spas offer a variety of thermal pools at different temperatures, plus many services and amenities.

On the skyline of Seoul, the 63 Building stands as one of the must-see sights if you are visiting this capital city in winter. In this building you have two attractions in one visit: the 63 Sky Art and the Aqua Planet 63.

The 63 Sky Art is an observation deck located on the 60th floor of the building, from where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city of Seoul. During the day you will be able to see the city up to the mountains and the Han River, while at night you will see how the city lights up. My recommendation is to go at sunset to not miss either option!

The Aqua Planet 63, on the other hand, is a first class aquarium with immersive experience. In this aquarium you will be able to see marine habitats, from coral reefs to tanks full of marine animals: sharks, jellyfish and fish of all kinds.

Seoul is famous for its creativity and originality and this is reflected in its themed cafes. In the Seoul capital in winter you will feel like having a warm coffee to protect you from the cold, but here you will find lots of cafes where having a coffee is much more than just having a coffee.

It is very likely that the cafes in Seoul will surprise you and exceed your expectations. We're not just talking about cafes with cats, but even more extravagant concepts. For example? Thanks Nature is a coffee shop with sheep that went viral in 2015, but is still trendy and offering a different experience. Raccoon cafes are also an option in Seoul and you can even choose from several that offer this same experience.

But you can find not only animal-themed cafes, but also others related to literature, such as Alice in Wonderland's Miss You In Wonderland or pop culture, such as Hello Kitty.

One of the activities you can't miss in Seoul is a typical Korean cooking class with a visit to a market. Whether you are looking for things to see and do in Seoul in summer or winter, this is a very popular activity among visitors to the South Korean capital. However, it is even more interesting to do it in winter so that you can take a break from the cold temperatures and take shelter from the cold during the three and a half hours that this activity lasts.

Korean cuisine is a cultural interest in itself, which is why this activity is one of the most highly rated. First, you will visit a local market to get your hands on the best local ingredients. Then, a professional chef will teach you the best techniques and you will be able to make a typical menu by yourself.

Seoul in winter reaches freezing temperatures, so it may be the time to practice your favorite winter sports. There are several ski and snowboard resorts in the mountains near Seoul, such as:

• Vivaldi Park Ski World.
• Yongpyong Resort.

These resorts offer slopes and equipment rental for winter sports enthusiasts.

At this time of the year, you will also find sports more suitable for everyone, such as ice skating, which you can practice at the Seoul Olympic Park.

Seoul's nightlife is worth a dedicated visit. The city offers you a unique mix of bars and pubs, from traditional to trendy, but always unique and different. Whether you just want to take shelter from the cold during the night or you are passionate about nightlife, this is one of the best things to do at night in Seoul.

You can start by visiting the Itaewon area, one of the liveliest districts in Seoul, known for its international bars and atmosphere. Here you will find a wide variety of places to choose from, from British pubs to cocktail bars with a panoramic view of the city. The Hongdae area is also famous for being considered the epicenter of Seoul's youth and creative culture. Bars in this area often have live performances.

If you are looking for something more authentic, visit a hof, which is a kind of Korean pub. At hofs, you can enjoy Korean beer and snacks while sitting on cushions on the floor and socializing with the locals. For a unique bar experience, try the pojangmacha, which are small mobile bars found on the streets of Seoul. Here, you can sample local drinks and quick dishes while interacting with locals.

Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the historical attractions that you cannot miss if you are going to visit Seoul, no matter what time of the year you are going to go. Gyeongbokgung Palace is on the list of the best palaces in Seoul and is a must-see gem.

During the winter months, this incredible palace is illuminated with a light display, transporting visitors to a bygone era and offering a unique perspective of its splendor.

This event allows visitors to admire the details of traditional Korean architecture. In addition, you can also access the interiors of this complex, including the National Museum, one of the best museums in Seoul. Whether you are interested in history or want to enjoy the light show, this is a must-see.

The Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoulis notonly an architectural destination you can visit, but also a good shopping area. This important building designed by architect Zaha Hadid (one of the most important contemporary architects and winner of the Pritzker Prize in 2004) is a must whether you are a lover of architecture, fashion and design or if you want to make the best shopping to take home.

Within the DDP there is a wide variety of stores, from avant-garde fashion to emerging designer brands. One of the advantages of shopping at Dongdaemun Design Plaza is the chance to buy unique and original pieces not easily found elsewhere. This visit can be the occasion to get your hands on the best souvenirs or to plan your Christmas shopping, so it is a good activity to do in Seoul in December.

In Seoul, during the winter months, temperatures can be quite cold. Winter in Seoul extends from December through February, with January being the coldest month. Temperatures vary, but in general, you can expect the following:

• December: minimum temperatures usually range around -6°C to 0°C, while maximum temperatures can hover around 3°C to 7°C.
• January: January is the coldest month in Seoul. Minimum temperatures can be between -8°C to -3°C, and maximum temperatures tend to reach 1°C to 4°C.
• February: Temperatures start to rise slightly, but it is still cold. Lows can range from -6°C to -1°C, while highs can reach 3°C to 7°C.

It is important to keep in mind that these are average temperatures and weather conditions may vary from year to year. In addition, it is possible that during colder days you may experience a lower wind chill due to the wind. During the winter months, it is essential to dress appropriately with warm clothing, such as coats, scarves, gloves and boots, to protect yourself from the cold. Here's what to pack if you are visiting Seoul in winter:

• Warm clothes: Pack thick coats suitable for cold and windy weather, as well as wool jackets or sweaters. It is also advisable to bring a waterproof coat in case of rain or snow.
• Thermal underwear: Thermal underwear is the most practical way to keep warm when traveling. They take up little space and being lightweight they are also more comfortable for your travels. You can wear thermal T-shirts and leggings under your normal clothing for an extra layer of insulation.
• Scarves, hats and gloves: These accessories are essential to protect the most cold-sensitive areas. Be sure to wear scarves that you can wrap around your neck and gloves that keep your hands warm.
• Proper footwear: Waterproof, slip-resistant boots are ideal for walking on icy or snowy surfaces. Make sure they are warm enough to keep your feet comfortable.
• Thick, breathable socks: Take thermal or wool socks to keep your feet warm.
• Layer clothing: Opt for clothes that you can layer to regulate your temperature, especially to accommodate indoor and outdoor activities. This will allow you to stay cool while you are in heated places.
• Lip balm and moisturizer: Cold weather can dry out your skin and lips, so bring products such as lip balm and lip balm to keep them moisturized.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen: Even though it's winter, the sun can be intense and snow can reflect light. Wear sunglasses with UV protection and a broad-spectrum sunscreen.