10 Best South Korea Winter Attractions for a Dreamy Holiday
Traveling to South Korea this winter? Add these Korea winter attractions to your itinerary.
As travelers who live in the tropics, experiencing snow in another country is truly a dream come true, and we first did it during winter in Korea. Though there are a few snow attractions in the Philippines to mimic a winter-like environment, nothing compares to the real snow experience.
If you’re visiting Korea during this cold, white season, here’s our list of the best Korea winter attractions — some we’ve been to ourselves so we recommend you visit, too!
Best Korea winter attractions near Seoul
1. Nami Island
First on our list is none other than Nami Island, an easy day trip from Seoul and a famous spot for nature lovers with its scenic paths lined with metasequoia and ginkgo trees that change color every season.
Come winter, it turns into a romantic wonderland where you can recreate scenes from the iconic K-drama Winter Sonata (2002), which put this place into the tourist map.
Tip: Aside from sightseeing and picture-taking, you can actually do many things in Nami Island like cycling and ziplining. Read our Nami Island guide to know more.
Address: 1 Namiseom-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
How to get there: Take the ITX-Cheongchun train to Gapyeong Station. Ride a taxi or bus to Gapyeong Wharf where you’ll take a ferry to Nami Island. You can also opt for this Nami Island shuttle from Seoul for a hassle-free trip.
Entrance fee: ₩19,000 (adult); ₩16,000 (high school students; seniors); ₩13,000 (kids)
Where to buy tickets: Klook; KKday
2. Elysian Ski Resort
Skiing is a top winter activity in Korea and we made sure to add it to our Korea winter itinerary. So, off we went to Elysian Ski Resort after Nami Island as they are just near each other.
Though we didn’t get to ski ourselves due to time constraints, watching both children and adults do this exhilarating activity was still so much fun. We’ll certainly do it next time.
Address: 688 Bukhangangbyeon-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
How to get there: Ride the Metro Rail to Baekyang-ri Station. Then, ride the shuttle to Elysian Ski Resort. You may also join this Elysian Ski Resort day trip from Seoul for more convenience.
Entrance fee: ₩80,000 (8-hr pass with lift, clothing & gear rental)
Where to buy tickets: Klook; KKday
3. The Garden of Morning Calm
The Garden of Morning Calm is an easy day trip from Seoul along with Nami Island and Petite France. In fact, you can join a day tour here while visiting other nearby attractions.
During the cold winter months of Dec to March, it hosts the annual Lighting Festival, where snow-covered pathways are illuminated, creating an enchanting spectacle of colors.
Address: 432 Sumogwon-ro, Sang-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
How to get there: Ride the ITX train to Cheongpyeong Station. Ride city bus no. 30-6/30-7 to the Garden of Morning Calm. Alternatively, can you join this day trip to The Garden of Morning Calm for more convenience.
Entrance fee: ₩11,000 (adults); ₩8,500 (teens); ₩7,500 (kids)
Where to buy tickets: Klook; KKday; GetYourGuide
4. Gangchon Rail Bike
Imagine pedaling through a scenic landscape blanketed in snow — it’ll take your breath away, quite literally! That’s exactly what awaits you at Gangchon Rail Bike during winter in Korea.
Tip: As it could get freezing cold, layer up and bring some heat packs while on the rail bike.
Address: 1383 Gimyujeong-ro, Sindong-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
How to get there: Take the Seoul Metro to Gimyujeong Station. The rail bike is just a short walk from the station. For more convenience, why not sign up for this Gangchon Rail Bike day trip?
Entrance fee: ₩40,000 (2-seater); ₩56,000 (4-seater)
Where to buy tickets: Klook
5. Yongpyong Ski Resort
Yongpyong Ski Resort is one of the best Korea winter attractions not too far from Seoul. In fact, many visitors come here for its relative accessibility and various slopes for different skill levels.
For advanced skiers, the slopes may not be as challenging but the ski and resort facilities are still worth it for a short winter getaway in Korea.
Address: 715 Olympic-ro, Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea
How to get there: Ride the KTX train to Jinbu Station, where you can hop on the Yongpyong resort shuttle that takes you to the ski resort.
Admission: ₩98,800 (1-day pass with lift & gear rental)
Where to buy tickets: Klook; KKday
6. Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival
Happening every Jan to Feb, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is one of the most anticipated winter festivals in Korea, drawing over a million visitors annually.
Aside from seeing cool ice sculptures here, you can also enjoy fun winter activities like ice-fishing and sledding.
Address: 137 Sancheoneo-gil, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea
How to get there: Ride the intercity bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Hwacheon Bus Terminal (3 hours). Then, you can walk to the festival grounds.
Admission: FREE (unless joining specific activities like ice-fishing)
Where to buy tickets: Klook; KKday; GetYourGuide
Best Seoul attractions in winter
7. N Seoul Tower
N Seoul Tower is a famous K-drama filming location that’s a must-visit any season. During winter, the surrounding landscape is covered in snow, making it a sight to behold, especially if you go up the observatory tower.
Tip: Read our N Seoul Tower guide for information on what to expect, things to do, and more.
Address: 231 Samil-daero, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
How to get there: From Dongguk University Station or Chungmuro Station, ride the Namsan Sunhwan Shuttle Bus 01A / 01B. You can also walk to Namsan Cable Car from Myeongdong Station.
Admission: ₩16,700 (observatory); ₩15,000 (cable car)
Where to buy tickets: Klook; KKday
8. Gyeongbokgung Palace
In winter, Gyeongbokgung Palace turns into a surreal destination, especially at the Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, where you’ll see the majestic snow-covered palace set in a pond.
Tip: To make your palace exploration even more memorable, why not rent a hanbok and go on photo ops with a snowy scenery in the background?
Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno, Seoul, South Korea
How to get there: Take MRT Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 5 to reach the palace main gate.
Admission: ₩3,000 (adults); ₩1,500 (kids); FREE with Discover Seoul Pass
Where to buy tickets: Onsite; Discover Seoul Pass (Klook; KKday)
Best Busan attractions in winter
9. Haeundae Beach
Haeundae Beach is one of Busan’s top tourist spots known for its soft, sandy beach and various festivals and events held here annually.
In the months of Dec to Feb, it hosts the Haeundae Winter Light Festival, where you can walk along the beach adorned with festive lights and decorations.
Address: Haeundae Beach, Busan, South Korea
How to get there: Take the Busan Metro (Line 2) to Haeundae Station. From Exit 3 or 5, you can already walk towards the beach.
Admission: FREE
10. Gwangbok-ro
Gwangbok-ro is one of Busan’s busiest streets lined with shops, cafes, and business establishments.
During the Busan Christmas Tree Cultural Festival, which usually happens every Dec to Jan, the entire street is transformed into a huge display of dazzling LED lights and colorful installations, from Christmas trees to celestial designs. You can also watch performances at night, keeping the festive spirit alive.
Address: 58-2 Gwangbok-ro, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
How to get there: Take the Busan Metro (Line 1) to Nampo Station. Exit 3 and walk for 4 minutes to reach the venue.
Admission: FREE
Prepare your winter #OOTDs and cameras at these magical winter attractions in Korea! Which of these will you add to your Korea winter itinerary?
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