Seoul in January (2027): Weather, What to Wear, Festivals and Things to Do

Visiting Seoul in January? Expect the coldest month of the year — crisp, dry and often below freezing — but also clear blue skies, few crowds at the palaces, ski slopes an hour or two away, and some of Korea’s best winter festivals. With the right clothes, January is a rewarding, good-value time to visit. This guide covers the weather, what to pack, the events and festivals planned for January 2027 and how to plan your days around the cold.

Last checked: 31 October 2026. Festival dates for 2027 are as listed by organisers in October 2026 and may change. Dollar figures use about 1,330 KRW = 1 USD (October 2026).

First time in Korea? Start here: our step-by-step guide from landing to your first day.

What’s the weather like in Seoul in January?

January is Seoul’s coldest month. Average daytime highs are just above freezing and night-time lows are typically around −6°C, with cold snaps that can push temperatures to −10°C or lower, especially when wind blows in from Siberia. The air is very dry, skies are often clear, and snow falls a few times in most winters, usually lightly. Days are short: sunrise is around 7:45 am and sunset around 5:30 pm. Indoors, Korean heating (ondol floors) keeps hotels, cafés and the subway warm. For monthly comparisons, see Korea weather by month.

What’s on in Seoul in January 2027?

See Seoul Winter Festival 2026, Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, Seoul ice skating rinks and ski resorts near Seoul.

What happens around New Year?

On 31 December, crowds gather at Bosingak for the midnight bell ringing; see Seoul New Year’s Eve. 1 January is a public holiday, but most shops, restaurants and attractions are open. Many Koreans head east to watch the first sunrise of the year at the coast or on mountains. The big family holiday, Seollal (Lunar New Year), falls on 6–9 February in 2027, when some shops and restaurants close and transport is busy; see Seollal 2027.

What are the best things to do in Seoul in January?

• Palaces under clear skies: Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung are quieter, and look magical after snow.
• Skating: outdoor rinks at Seoul Plaza and indoor rinks such as Lotte World’s.
• Jjimjilbang: warm up at a Korean spa; see jjimjilbang in Seoul.
• Street food: hotteok and bungeoppang taste best in the cold; see Korean winter street food.
• Museums and indoor markets: the National Museum of Korea, Starfield Library and underground shopping centres.
• Day trips: ski resorts, ice-fishing festivals or Nami Island in the snow.

What should I pack?

Dress in layers: thermal top and leggings, a warm mid-layer, and a long padded coat — the knee-length “long padding” coats Koreans wear are popular for good reason. Add gloves that work with touchscreens, a hat, a scarf and warm, non-slip shoes or boots. Lip balm and moisturiser help in the dry air. Convenience stores sell hand warmers (hot packs) cheaply. See what to wear in Korea in winter for a full list.

Tips for travelling in January

• Plan outdoor sightseeing for the middle of the day, when it’s warmest.
• Mix outdoor sights with indoor breaks in cafés, museums and underground malls.
• Check weather alerts for cold waves and heavy snow; snowy days can slow buses and taxis.
• Book ski and festival transport early for weekends.
• Hotels are often cheaper than in spring and autumn, except around New Year.

Notes for families and travellers with reduced mobility

Children feel the cold quickly, so plan short outdoor sessions and warm indoor stops. Snow and ice can make steps and hilly lanes slippery; stick to main streets and use lifts in the subway. Many indoor attractions, such as Lotte World, the National Museum of Korea and COEX, make easy, warm days out.

Planning a late-January trip? Seollal starts on 6 February in 2027, so check the Korean public holiday list before you book trains or hotels.

FAQ

Is January a good time to visit Seoul?
Yes, if you don’t mind cold weather: crowds are smaller, skies are clear and there are winter festivals.

How cold is Seoul in January?
Typically about −6°C at night to 2°C by day, colder in cold waves.

Does it snow in Seoul in January?
Sometimes; snow falls a few times most winters, usually lightly.

What festivals are in Korea in January?
Seoul Winter Festa, ice-fishing festivals in Hwacheon and Pyeongchang, and ski season.

Sources: Visit Seoul – official tourism site · Seoul Festival portal – Winter Festa 2026 · Korea Meteorological Administration · Seoul Start – Pyeongchang Trout Festival
Photos: photos from Wikimedia Commons, credited in each caption