December is the very first of the winter months in South Korea, and brings with it a festive cheer and spirit that should go some way in keeping you warm as the month gets progressively colder the closer to January it gets. The temperature ranges from an average high of 10°C (50°F) to an average low of -5°C (23°F).
While the first part of December is marked by limited crowds and reasonable prices, the second part of the month is likely to be far more crowded. This is partly because Korean schools give off for the holidays come mid-December thereby resulting in a rise in domestic tourism, and partly because of the festive period itself. Not only should you expect crowded streets in freezing temperatures come the end of the month, but also higher prices for accommodation and airfare during that time.
Winds coming in from Siberia result in plummeting winter temperatures. Snow can be expected towards the end of the month. Because of this we recommend you pack plenty of warm sweaters and cardigans, heavy coats, thermal inners and socks, waterproof boots, scarves, winter hats, and gloves if you're planning a trip to South Korea in December.
To get an in-depth understanding of what to expect insofar as weather conditions are concerned during December, keep reading below.
South Korea Weather in December: Overview
- Average temperature range: -5°C (23°F) – 10°C (50°F)
- Precipitation: 25 mm (1 inch) in Seoul; 30 mm (1 inch) in Busan; 70 mm (3 inches) in Jeju.
- Rainy/Snowy days: 3 in Seoul; 4 in Busan; 8 in Jeju.
December is the second coldest month of the year in South Korea, after January. You can expect freezing temperatures and plenty of snowfall throughout most part of the peninsula during the month.
The average maximum temperature – usually recorded during daytime – ranges from 3°C (37°F) in Seoul, 10°C (50°F) in Busan, and 10°C (50°F) in Jeju Island, whereas the average minimum temperature – usually recorded at nighttime – ranges from -5°C (23°F) in Seoul, 0°C (32°F) in Busan, and 4°C (39°F) in Jeju.
There are few places on the planet that capture the festive spirit in quite the same way as does South Korea, so if you don't mind the colder temperatures and some crowds, the wintery wonderland that is the Korean mainland, awaits your arrival!
Weather of South Korea's Major Cities in December
| City | Min. Temp | Max. Temp | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul | -5°C (23°F) | 3°C (37°F) | 25 mm (1 inch) |
| Busan | 0°C (32°F) | 10°C (50°F) | 30 mm (1 inch) |
| Jeju Island | 4°C (39°F) | 10°C (50°F) | 70 mm (3 inches) |
| Taean | -4°C (25°F) | 5°C (41°F) | 30 mm (1 inch) |
| Gyeongju | 0°C (32°F) | 8°C (46°F) | 22 mm (1 inch) |
| Daejeon | -5°C (23°F) | 6°C (43°F) | 26 mm (1 inch) |
| Incheon | -4°C (25°F) | 4°C (39°F) | 25 mm (1 inch) |
Best Places to Visit in South Korea in December
1. Seoul
The capital of South Korea turns into a winter wonderland during the festive period. Seoul is decorated in beautiful Christmas lights, the City Hall offers visitors the chance to ice skate, and you can find yourself plenty of good deals if you're looking for some retail therapy.
2. Pyeongchang
Although there's plenty of sunshine in Pyeongchang during December, it remains extremely cold in this part of the country, so be sure to bundle up and wear layers if you want to be comfortable. The Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch is a must visit and if you're into skiing, Pyeongchang is home to some of the best ski resorts in the country, and the area receives the most snowfall during the end of the month.
3. Busan
Busan is much warmer compared to most places in South Korea during December. While your chances of catching snow are much lower in the coastal city, Busan hosts the Busan Christmas Tree Festival and the city's pristine beaches offer visitors an alternative Christmas experience that is unlike any other in the country.
December Crowds and Costs
The first part of December in South Korea brings with it limited crowds and reasonable prices no matter where you go – meaning you can visit top tourist attractions without having to wait in long lines or pay way over the average price of goods. This is a good time to get deals on airfare and accommodation before prices rise towards mid-December.
Prices will invariably rise by mid-December, though because of the approaching holidays. Schools give off for the holidays, meaning domestic tourism experiences a sharp rise during this time, up until the end of the month, and through the holiday season. The festive period, as such, can be really crowded, over-priced, and cold.
If you plan to visit South Korea during the festive period, we suggest you plan ahead insofar as airfare and accommodation are concerned as it can be a real challenge to find good value accommodation in the most sought-after locations during this time.
December Events in South Korea
Busan Christmas Tree Festival: The Busan Christmas Tree Festival is one of the city's biggest annual festivals featuring giant Christmas trees, street performances, decorative lights, concerts, and smiles all around. The days of celebrations differ year after year but usually start around mid-December and go on until the end of the month.
Seoul Lantern Festival: If you've always wanted to visit a Christmas market decorated to the brim with lanterns and outdoor lights, be sure to visit the Seoul Lantern Festival. The festival usually takes place from mid-December and continues through the first half of January. It is held in the capital's Cheonggye Plaza.
Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival: The Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival takes place in the city of Gapyeong and was the first of its kind to combine the natural surroundings of the area with outdoor LED lighting. Over 30,000 lights are put on a dazzling display in a celebration that is sure to take your breath away. The festival usually takes place over the entirety of the month of December. The Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival is, hands down, one of the best December festivals in the country.
It's also important to mention that while Christmas is a national holiday in South Korea, it's not observed in quite the same manner as it is in the western world. All businesses, including restaurants, shops, and most tourist attractions, usually remain open.
What to Wear in South Korea in December
In December, you can expect a mix of rain or snow, depending on where in South Korea you find yourself. Either way, it's important to be prepared for cold winter conditions if you want to be prepared for the harsh Siberian winds that make their way into the Korean peninsula at this time.
You'll need plenty of warm sweaters and jackets, a trusted umbrella or raincoat, a thick winter coat, thermal inners and socks, waterproof boots, warm hats, scarves, and gloves to be comfortable in Korea in December.
Even though it'll be slightly warmer in cities like Busan and Jeju as compared to Seoul and Incheon, you can say no to bringing your short-sleeved and thin clothes with you.
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