Miranda ZhangWinters in Korea can be harsh, averaging temperatures from -10 to 5 degrees Celsius throughout the day. Even my native Korean friend would say, “Our winter is the kind of cold that will make you angry!” So, it’s no surprise that many people tend to avoid visiting Korea during the months from Dec to Feb.
However, in 2025, Seoul has reinvented its winter experience with innovative events and attractions that cater to modern travellers. From eco-friendly winter festivals to warm, delicious food, there are numerous exciting ways to outsmart the freezing temperatures and still have a wonderful time in this gorgeous country. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to explore more, here are 10 fun things you can do to make your first winter in Seoul awesome!
Also read: Seoul Itinerary: All the Best Places to Go for a 5-Day Trip!
1. Go Ice-Skating at Seoul Plaza
Image credit: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism | Flickr
Outdoor ice-skating is one of the things you can only do in the winter, and coming from sunny Singapore, this was definitely one of the activities I wanted to try. Especially if you go around Christmas time, the surrounding decorations and lights does add that warm fuzzy feeling as you glide along the ice.
There are quite a few outdoor ice-skating rinks that are open around Seoul, e.g. Grand Hyatt in Itaewon and Olympic Park in Songpa-gu, but so far the one at Seoul Plaza seems to be the cheapest and easiest to get to.
TripZilla Tip: We tried going on the first day and found out that because it was the first day of opening, they were allowing people to skate for free! You may want to try going on the first day or the day before just to see.
2. Hop on a Pedicab to See the Bukchon Area
Image credit: Seoul Tourism Organization | Official Website
The Bukchon area is famous for the Bukchon Hanok Village. But there are other parts of the Bukchon area that are equally quaint and may even be less touristy. You can choose to explore the area on foot but we chose to try the Pedicab tour provided by Artee Pedicab. It gets more crowded in the Spring and Summer seasons, so the winter gave the ride a bit more of a quiet tranquility to it. Also, the hot packets and blankets provided were more than sufficient to keep us nice and snuggly for the whole duration of the tour.
Our Pedicab driver spoke fluent English and brought us through the nooks and crannies of the tiny, hidden Bukchon streets lined with traditional houses, shops and cafes. Naturally, we were thoroughly impressed by his ability to paddle both of us up and down the steep slopes and still having the stamina to deliver interesting insights and stories behind each landmark. Overall, the 1.5 hour journey was filled with pleasant surprises and lively conversation.
They have a few routes you can choose from. They have both English and Mandarin speaking guides available but it will cost more to have them. There are also many other pedicab tours around Seoul that you can check out.
3. Buy Cheap Winter Mittens and Hats at Insadong
Image credit: CraigRJD via Getty Images Signature
Insadong is famous for being the street where you can find traditional Korean goods. However, did you know that it’s also a great place to get cheap and good winter mittens and hats! They are thickly lined and kept my hands nice and warm throughout the sub-zero temperatures. The hats are really good quality as well. So, if you are looking for cheap and good knitted hats and mittens, try Insadong.
4. Visit N Seoul Tower at Night
Image credit: Tawatchaiprakobkit via Getty Images
The views from the N Seoul Tower in the day is nice, but it is absolutely breathtaking at night. I’d recommend going to the tower around dusk, take a walk around the vicinity and even put up a love lock with a special message, and then make your way up to the viewing platform to watch the sun set upon the city. This way you get to see the Seoul skyline transform in the changing light. An experience you must definitely try on your trip there.
5. Have Fried Chicken and Beer at Hongdae
Image credit: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism | Flickr
Fried chicken and beer or Chimaek – The supper food made popular by Korean dramas. Is it really that good? My friend and I decided to give it the ultimate supper test. So, after a full dinner of Traditional Korean Ginseng chicken, we decided to have a nice evening stroll along the popular haunt for the younger crowd, Hongdae.
Coupled with the night lights and chill music from the street buskers, chimaek seemed like the perfect thing to wrap up the lovely night stroll. So we popped into one of the eateries along the street. The conclusion? The fried chicken went wonderfully with the beer! We had Cass beer which was very light and refreshing to the taste – a great contrast to the oily fried chicken.
TripZilla Tip: Servings are rather large, so best to order one or two plates to share, unless you have a big appetite.
6. Warm up with Hot Korean Street Snacks
Image credit: Glowonconcept via Canva Pro
The wonderful thing about walking around Seoul in the winter is being able to stop anywhere and chew on all the wide array of delicious hot street snacks! Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), Odeng (Fish cake sticks dipped in soup), Gamja Hotdogs (French fry covered hot dogs) and Mat Tang (candied sweet potato) to name a few.
TripZilla Tip: Most snack stalls close at around 10pm unless otherwise stated. Helps to do your research before heading down to any market streets.
7. Take the Ice-Cream in Winter Challenge
Image credit: StockSnap via Pixabay
No, it’s not crazy to eat ice-cream in the winter! In fact, it’s a whole new experience! You strangely feel warmer on the inside as your body starts getting accustomed to the creamy, icy goodness. Not to mention that you don’t have to worry about your ice-cream melting as you eat it. It’s my new favourite thing! Try it!
8. Have a Choco-Pie
Image credit: Quercus Acuta via Wikimedia Commons
Choco-Pies are an all-time South Korean favourite. It consists of two small round layers of cake with marshmallow filling dipped in a chocolate covering. It’s cheap, easily available and absolutely a life-saver when you need a light snack to get through your hunger pangs while braving the winter. Not to mention super yummy too! Goes great with a cup of tea of coffee.
9. Experience the Seoul Lantern Festival
Image credit: Korean Tourism Organization | Official Website
Held annually along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, this festival transforms the area into a mesmerising light show featuring traditional Korean motifs and modern artistic designs. In 2025, the festival introduced eco-friendly lanterns made from sustainable materials, aligning with the city’s push for green tourism. Plus, due to popular demand, they’ve extended the festival duration until the end of Jan!
10. Relax in a High-Tech Jjimjilbang
Image credit: Paradise City | Official Website
Jjimjilbangs are traditional Korean bathhouses, but in 2025, they’ve evolved with high-tech enhancements to offer an even more relaxing experience. Seoul’s top jjimjilbangs now feature virtual reality (VR) relaxation zones, customisable climate-controlled saunas, and wellness centers that integrate AI-driven personal health assessments. These modern amenities make unwinding after a day in the cold both luxurious and innovative!
Most jjimjilbangs are located throughout Seoul, with several major ones like Siloam Sauna being easily accessible via subway or bus. It’s best to check their websites for specific locations and any reservation requirements.
Also read: 20 Fun Things to Do on Your Second Trip to Seoul
Seoul in winter is no longer just a destination to brave the cold; It’s a vibrant, dynamic city offering a blend of traditional charm and cutting-edge innovation. Whether you’re warming up with delicious street food, exploring hidden historical gems, or indulging in modern leisure activities, Seoul has transformed its winter offerings to cater to the contemporary traveller’s desires. So bundle up, embrace the chill, and make your first winter in Seoul an unforgettable adventure!
