Korea is known for its bustling cities and rich culture, but it also offers breathtaking snow-covered landscapes during the winter!
From Seoul to Gangwon-do, this guide will share the best spots to see snow in Korea, perfect for those looking to experience it.
When does it snow in Korea?
Korea typically sees snow between December and March, varying depending on weather conditions.
The heaviest snowfall is projected to be in January and February where it’s the coldest (0 or below 0).
Where does it snow in Korea?
You are more likely to see heavier snow outside of Seoul. It may snow in cities but sporadically and in lesser amounts.
If you’re looking for large amounts of snow we recommend travelling out, especially in mountainous regions like Gangwon-do (more on that later!).
Best Spots To See Snow In Korea
Seoul
Snow is usually sparser in the city but there are still opportunities to catch a glimpse of snowfall in Seoul!
Royal Palaces
A scenic place to start is the royal palaces. There are five in Seoul: Gyeongbukgong, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung and Gyeonghuigung.
These majestic spots are rich with Korea’s history and colourful royal architecture which are extra pretty in the snow.
You can consider renting a hanbok for photos! All the palaces are located around the city center in Anguk and City Hall making it easy to navigate.
Namsan N Seoul Tower
Namsan Tower is an iconic part of Seoul’s city skyline. If you can time it right, the parks and paths around Namsam Tower can be covered in snow!
Aside from going up N Seoul Tower, you can explore the surrounding areas of Yongsan, Itaewon and Hannam-dong which are populated with cafes and things to do.
N Seoul Tower (N서울타워)
서울 용산구 남산공원길 105
105, Namsan Park-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Open daily, 10am to 10.30pm
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Gyeonggi-Do
Gyeonggi-do is the larger region of cities surrounding Seoul, most of which are within 2 or 3 hours from the city.
It doesn’t see heavy snowfall but is still home to a few popular snow-viewing spots. This region is good if you’re looking to explore but not too far!
Nami Island
Nami Island is popular across all seasons and winter is no exception. The famous tree-lined paths look dreamy when covered in snow, making for good pictures!
There are also winter-time activities like sledding, cycling or ziplining if you’re daring enough. The easiest and most convenient way to get to Nami Island is by day tour.
Nami Island (남이섬)
강원 춘천시 남산면 남이섬길 1
1 Namiseom-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
Open hours vary, 7.30am to 9.30pm
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Cafe Dally.on
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This isn’t technically snow, but Cafe Dally.on boasts an ice structure at its backyard!
The ice is formed over the shape of rocks, creating a dynamic and picturesque background. You can even ice sled on their frozen lake!
The cafe offers coffee and cakes, perfect for accompanying your sightseeing.
Dally.on (달리온)
경기 의정부시 송산로915번길 123
123, Songsan-ro 915beon-gil, Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do
Open daily, 10am to 10pm
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Gangwon-Do
Gangwon-do is the mecca for Korean winter activities!
The region sees heavy snowfall due to its mountainous terrain, making it perfect for skiing and anything snow-related.
Here are a few spots to experience snow in Korea!
Wondaeri Inje Birch Forest
The Wondaeri Inje Birch Forest is famous for the sea of white birch trees that are dreamy in the snow.
It’s a popular snow hiking trail, making it good for nature lovers! Soak in the winter views as you explore the forest and snap pictures with the photo spots along the way.
All you need to do is purchase a pair of snow spikes for your shoes before you embark on your hike.
Wondaeri Inje Birch Forest (원대리 자작나무 숲)
강원 인제군 인제읍 원대리 763-4
763-4 Wondae-ri, Inje-eup, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do
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Daegwallyeong Samyang Farm
The Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm boasts the largest sheep farm in Korea, with massive fields that are blanketed in snow!
There are plenty of activities to do including feeding sheep and watching a live herding dog show, making it a good activity for children and families.
Daegwallyeong Samyang Farm (대관령 삼양목장)
강원특별자치도 평창군 대관령면 꽃밭양지길 708-9
708-9, Kkotbatyangji-gil, Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm
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Stay at A Ski Resort
Gangwon-do is home to many ski resorts in Korea, which is the coolest way to enjoy snow – especially if you’re into winter sports!
The most known ones include Yongpyong, Alpisia and High 1; equipped with ski slopes catering to all levels.
Here are other ski resorts you can shortlist:
Many of these resorts also offer ski lessons if you are keen on learning.
Attend A Winter Festival
Many winter festivals in Gangwon-do celebrate the snow and best of winter offerings!
Each festival has a different focus, ranging from ice fishing to snow sculptures.
Here are 3 winter festivals you can shortlist:
Taebaeksan Snow Festival
The Taebaeksan Snow Festival highlights the snowy landscape of Taebaek city in Gangwon. It sees a lot of snow during winter thanks to its high elevation; making it a perfect place to enjoy the snow!
The festival features giant snow sculptures, ice sculptures and light-ups, taking advantage of the snowy terrain of Taebaek Mountain.
Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival (태백산 눈축제)
Dates TBA (Usually Mid Jan to Early Feb)
태백산국립공원 / 강원 태백시 소도동
South Korea, Gangwon-do, Taebaek-si, Mungok-dong
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Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival
Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival is the most known winter festival in Korea, hosted along the Hwacheon stream.
The festival offers activities like barehanded trout fishing, alongside activities like ice sledding, snow sledding and more.
You can even cook your freshly caught trout on the spot!
Hwacheon Sancheono Ice Festival (얼음나라 화천 산천어축제)
11 January 2025 to 2 February 2025
Event hours: 9am to 9pm
강원특별자치도 화천군 화천읍 하리 2-1
2-1 Hari, Hwacheon-eup, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do
Admission: Tickets from 15,000 won
Official website
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Daegwallyeong Snow Festival
Located in the same region as Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm, the Daegwallyeong Snow Festival maximises the region’s heavy snowfall to create a memorable winter experience!
The festival showcases mega-sized snow sculptures, snow sledding and most famously, the Winter Run In Pyeongchang. Participants run through the snow topless – a unusual and daring feat – but unique nonetheless!
Daegwallyeong Snow Festival (대관령 눈꽃축제)
Dates TBA (Usually end Jan to early Feb)
강원 평창군 대관령면 사부랑길 224-2
135-6, Daegwallyeong-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
Event hours: 10am to 6pm
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Winter Activities In Korea
Korea is a winter wonderland waiting to be explored! From snowy mountains to winter cityscapes, there’s something for everyone.
Check out more winter activities to do in Korea:
- 3 Things To Do In Korea In Winter: Snow-Covered Forests, Ice Formations & Winter Festivals
- Gasirim (가시림): New Aesthetic Garden Cafe in Jeju Filled With Blooming Camellia Flowers in Winter
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