The winters in South Korea are an especially charming time to visit, partly because of the fact that the snow adds beautiful scenery and enhances the feeling of love. Also if you are a big fan of K-dramas you won't want to miss out the opportunity to re-act some of the popular scenes!! (aka Winter Sonata)
Bukhansan National Park/Samgaksan (Triangle Mountain)
Dates for 2019: Anytime! Check weather forecast before hand!!
This Park is the ONLY National Park in the Seoul Metropolitan area!! The mountain is rich in biodiversity since its home for more than 1,300 species of plants and animals. They also have a great wealth of historical and cultural heritage sites and over 100 Buddhist temples and hermitages. However you can visit this Park any season since each season will give you a different taste and experience!!
Gangchon Rail Bike Park
Dates for 2019: November - February
Do you love observing nature and just disconnect your mind from daily tasks? Then head on over to Gangchon Rail Bike Park as you will be able to ride along a path and observe the countryside of South Korea. The Park is considered an eco-friendly featuring low-key bicycle tours over converted railroads lines in a scenic locale.
Since it's Winter the water will be frozen and you will be able to experience beautiful unique views!!
Nami Island
Dates for 2019: Anytime! Check weather forecast before hand!!
As we mentioned earlier, you could re-act your favorite K-Drama scenes if they were taken during the winter, and Winter Sonata is one of the popular ones and it was here Nami Island!! At this Park you will even find a statue of the lead actors from the drama. Also Nami Island is considered as one of the most romantic places to visit in Korea during the winter, so if you don't have a boo don't be surprised by the multiple numbers of couples.
Visit their Official Website for more information!
Busan Jagalchi Market
Dates for 2019: Closed on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month
If you are a Foodie, you may already know that Winter in Korea is the best time to eat all of your favorite seafood dishes since most are seasonal!! At the Jagalchi Market you will find the freshest fish and seafood (in general) to take home or take it to a stall were they can cook it for you right away!!
Seonjaryeong Mountain
Dates for 2019: Anytime! Check weather forecast before hand!!
If you just LOVE SNOW and enjoy the views, head to Pyeongchang and hike the Seonjaryeong Mountain as it is really popular among locals to do so during the winter!! It's not as steep and dangerous as one might think, as to they have a trial to which you should follow to get to the top and enjoy the view!!
Taebaeksan Snow Festival
Dates for 2019: 1.19 - 2.3
Taebaek City is popular during Winter as to since 1994 they have been hosting various events during this time due to the beautiful snow city they become. At this festival you will be able to do snow rafting, snow sledding, and take pictures with world class ice sculptures!! and much more!!
Hwacheon Trout Festival
Dates for 2019: 1.5 - 1.27
Fishing is of great part of Korean culture, a lot of families take this activity as bonding and hobby for everyone to enjoy. At this festival there will be unique styles of catching the local fish!! Also there will be local contests in ice football, skiing, and sledding you won't want to miss out these experiences!!
Penguin Swimming Festival
Date for 2019: 1.1
Up for a challenge? this festival unfortunately does not mean it's title instead is a competition were people take off their clothes (not nude) and run towards the icy water and see who can go the deepest!! In exchange participants are given fish cakes and warm soup to "bring them back to life"
Vivaldi Park Ski World
We hope that you find this information useful and be able to visit any of these events in Korea!! Remember to check out our other blog posts about living in Korea!!