January is the coldest month of the year in South Korea. It ranges from extremely cold to manageably cold during the month and a mean temperature of -3°C (27°F) can be expected.
While there is no denying that it can get bitterly cold in South Korea during January, the upside to visiting the country during this time of year is that it's free of large crowds and groups of tourists. This also means that prices for most things including food, accommodation, and entertainment are not as high as they would be during the other months of the year.
Just make sure you have plenty of warm weather clothing in the form of sweaters, coats, scarves, gloves, and thick socks to layer up in so as to not let the cold weather get you down and away from exploring this beautiful country during the first month of the year.
To get an in-depth understanding of what to expect insofar as weather conditions are concerned during January, keep reading below.
South Korea Weather in January: Overview
- Average temperature range: -8°C – 8°C (18°F – 46°F)
- Precipitation: 21 mm (1 inch) of snow/rainfall in Seoul; 77 mm (3 inches) of rainfall in Jeju.
- Rainy/Snowy days: 7 in Seoul; 13 in Jeju.
January is the coldest month of the year in South Korea. With temperatures dropping to nail-biting figures of -8°C (18°F) in Seoul, one can expect the streets of the capital to be covered in thin blankets of snow, resembling something straight out of a fairytale. The maximum daytime temperature in Seoul does not exceed the 1°C (34°F) mark.
Jeju, on the southern end of the country, sees temperatures average around the 5°C (41°F) mark, with January also being the wettest month of the year on the island. About 77 mm (3 inches) of rainfall is generally expected in Jeju in January.
January is a great time of year to be in South Korea if you're into winter sports, and skiing in particular, or wish to experience Seollal, the Korean New Year.
Weather of South Korea's Major Cities in January
| City | Min. Temp | Max. Temp | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul | -8°C (18°F) | 1°C (34°F) | 21 mm (1 inch) |
| Busan | -2°C (28°F) | 8°C (46°F) | 35 mm (1.5 inches) |
| Jeju Island | 2°C (36°F) | 8°C (46°F) | 77 mm (3 inches) |
| Taean | -7°C (19°F) | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1 inch) |
| Gyeongju | -3°C (27°F) | 5°C (41°F) | 31 mm (1 inch) |
| Daejeon | -8°C (18°F) | 4°C (39°F) | 28 mm (1 inch) |
| Incheon | -6°C (21°F) | 2°C (36°F) | 21 mm (1 inch) |
Best Places to Visit in South Korea in January
1. Seoul
Yes, Seoul is cold come January but that shouldn't deter you from paying the capital a visit. The capital is imbibed in centuries of history covering everything from art, culture, and food. Make sure you visit the DMZ, or the Demilitarized Zone, which is the heavily armed "no man's land" between North and South Korea, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Gwangjang Food Market during your time in the capital. The best part? You can visit all of these places without hordes of tourists around due to January not being as busy as some of the other months in the year.
If you're into skiing and winter sports, then Yongpyong Ski Resort, Oak Valley Ski Resort, and Vivaldi Ski Park are all excellent choices close to Seoul for you to visit during your trip to the capital in January.
2. Busan
While low January temperatures may not make it possible for you to relax by the calming waters of Haeundae Beach in Busan, the coastal city's Haedong Yonggung Temple is an architectural masterpiece steeped in Korean Buddhist traditions dating back to the 14th century.
Eden Ski Resort is the only ski resort near Busan is you're looking to partake in skiing but can't make it to Seoul.
3. Jeju Island
If you're into making healthy new year's resolutions, then a trip to Jeju to take a plunge in the icy waters of this island may sound appealing to you. The Seogwipo Penguin Festival, as it's known, is designed to do just that and you won't be alone; hundreds more are sure to join you in your healthy efforts.
January Crowds and Costs
South Korea's frigid winter temperatures result in very few visitors making their way to the country during the month of January. If, however, you find yourself wanting to brave the South Korean winter, you'll be blessed with terrifically low prices when it comes to accommodation, transportation, and entertainment. Best of all, you'll be spared the boredom of having to stand in long lines at your favorite tourist hotspots.
Despite the lack of large crowds throughout most of the country, the ski resorts of South Korea, especially those close to Seoul, do attract winter sport afficionados from all over the globe and the country, especially during the period of January when many South Korean children have time off from school during their winter break. This influx of winter sport lovers results in a hike in prices at most ski resorts.
January Events in South Korea
Korean New Year: Seollal, or Korean lunisolar New Year, is a nationwide holiday celebrated all over the Korean peninsula, and by the Korean diaspora across the globe. The actual day of observance changes from year to year depending on the lunar calendar, but usually falls in either January or February. Most Koreans will visit their ancestral homes and spend the holiday with loved ones, dress up in Hanbok or traditional Korean clothing, exchange gifts, and celebrate by sharing a big meal welcoming the new year.
Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival: Taebaek city, located at the southern end of Gangwon-do Province, has been playing host to the famed snow festival since 1995. The festival itself takes place from the last week of January till the second week of February and showcases awe-inspiring ice sculptures sculpted by some of the most famous sculptors on the planet and lively parades lining the city's snow-clad streets.
Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival: This 3-week long festival hosted from January 6th to 28th is celebrated with much excitement, with people from all over South Korea making their way up to the northern county of Hwacheon. Although there's plenty to do at the festival even if you're not a fishing fanatic, if you are, this is an unmissable event for you. Ice fishing for local mountain trout is certainly the biggest draw of the festival, but other activities like sledding and ice sculpture viewing do enough to warrant a visit from fishing lovers and naysayers alike.
What to Wear in South Korea in January
January is the coldest month of the year in South Korea and if you're planning a winter trip to the country, your packing list should include plenty of warm clothing. It's crucial to pack plenty of sweaters, heavy coats, thick socks, scarves, and high-quality gloves. Thick, waterproof boots are also essential in helping you navigate those wet or snowy South Korean streets.
Thin, breathable, fabric in the form of short-sleeved linen wear ought to be ditched and left at home. Focus instead on dressing in layers to keep yourself warm and comfortable.
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