Exploring South Korea in January (Solo and Tour)

Although the first snow appears as early as November, it's not until January that South Korea experiences its coldest weather. Temperatures can drop as low as -16°C. However, January remains an ideal time to visit South Korea. The chilly weather blends with the serene atmosphere of white snow, enchanting every traveler. So, what makes traveling to South Korea in January so exciting? Should you go solo or join a tour? Let's find out in the following article!

What Makes Traveling to South Korea in January Exciting? 

It's no coincidence that traveling to South Korea in January is highly appealing to international tourists. The cold weather combined with snowfall transforms the land of kimchi into a dreamy and romantic destination veiled in mist.

Moreover, January in South Korea often hosts major annual festivals. This is an opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere and experience the unique culture of the Korean people.

Weather in South Korea in January

Since South Korea has a temperate climate, it experiences distinct four seasons every year: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. According to research, winter in Korea usually lasts from late November to December of the following year. The first snowfalls may occur as early as the end of November.

All tourist destinations in South Korea are covered in thick layers of pristine white snow (Source: Collection)

In January, being the middle of winter, naturally becomes the coldest month in South Korea. With dense snowfall amidst temperatures ranging from -6°C to 3°C, the land of kimchi is enveloped in a chilly atmosphere.

Scenery in South Korea in January

January in South Korea is the most beautiful time to admire falling snow. It's also an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the beautiful snowy landscape. As January begins, the snowfall increases, allowing you to stroll and check-in along the white snowy paths. This promises to be a romantic backdrop for travelers to indulge in photography.

Experience Snow Sledding

Snow sledding is one of the top reasons why many travelers want to pack their bags and head to South Korea in January. Thanks to its cold temperate climate and rugged mountainous terrain, South Korea has become the most attractive snow sledding destination in Asia. Notable snow sledding spots in South Korea include Gangwon Snow Park, Daemyung Vivaldi Ski Resort, and more.

Snow sledding is a winter sport beloved by the people of the land of kimchi (Source: Collection)

Unique Festivals Exclusive to January

Winter festivals add vibrant colors to the otherwise chilly January in South Korea. There's nothing more ideal than enjoying the romantic scenery amidst the white snow and engaging in various exciting activities.

Taebaeksan Snow Festival

It's no exaggeration to say that the Taebaeksan Snow Festival makes winter in South Korea more fascinating than ever. When experiencing this festival, travelers will marvel at intricately crafted snow sculptures depicting various winter-themed motifs. Among them, the most prominent are the giant snow artworks adorned with splendor. These could be pumpkin carriages, castles, palace halls, dinosaurs, celestial beings from astrology, and more.

Apart from admiring the sculptures and checking in, travelers can indulge in various exciting activities such as snowboarding, snowman sculpting, and more.

The snow festival attracts a large number of visitors to explore and check-in beside the gigantic snow sculptures (Source: Collection)

• Location of Taebaeksan Snow Festival: Dangol Square, Taebaeksan Park, Gangwon Province.

• Event duration: From January 17th to January 26th.

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is a well-known traditional winter festival in South Korea. Each year, this festival on the Hwacheon Ice Stream attracts numerous people from all over, gathering in Gangwon. All entertainment activities, including ice fishing, take place on the stream covered with a thick layer of ice, about 40 cm thick.

• Location of the Ice Stream Festival: From December to February.

• Event duration: O’daecheon Stream, Pyeongchang-gun, Gwangwon.

Pyeongchang Salmon Festival

The Pyeongchang Salmon Festival is the most unique festival in Gangwon Province during winter. As winter approaches, everyone eagerly awaits the festival day. Similar to the ice fishing festival, the salmon festival takes place on a thick and sturdy layer of ice, ensuring safety for all participants.

The salmon fishing activity is part of the attractions at the Pyeongchang Salmon Festival, attracting many Korean families to experience (Image Source: Collection)

According to the competition rules, participants are allowed to bring their caught fish to restaurants to have them prepared. However, catching a fish on the ice is not as easy as one might think, as it poses significant challenges.

The Most Beautiful Tourist Attractions in South Korea in January

Where to go for a trip to South Korea in January? This is perhaps the question that many tourists are interested in. Mytour suggests the 7 hottest tourist destinations in South Korea in January.

Gangwon Snow Sliding Park

There's nothing more ideal than experiencing winter sports in the top 'snow sliding paradise' in the land of kimchi - Gangwon Snow Sliding Park. This is a snow sliding park that meets international standards with the most modern and advanced facilities in Asia. With ticket prices starting from 660,000 VND per person, visitors will be guided carefully on how to slide on snow as well as participate in other activities.

Visiting South Korea in January without experiencing snow sliding is truly regrettable (Image Source: Collection)

Nami Island

If you've ever watched the timeless TV series 'Winter Sonata,' you'll know about this famous tourist destination. Nami Island gained attention across Asia when it became the main setting in this 'legendary' series. January is the coldest time on Nami Island with temperatures ranging from -5°C to -10°C. The snow covers almost the entire island, creating a picturesque landscape that you can see in romantic movies.

Relive the romantic scenes from the 'Winter Sonata' series (Image Source: Collection)

Jeju Island

It's no surprise that Jeju Island is always ranked among the hottest tourist destinations in January because every season on Jeju Island is beautiful in its own way. Every visit to this island brings different special emotions. It could be nostalgia, excitement, enchantment, or awe-inspiring. However, a common point after each trip is that no traveler can bear to leave this place.

The tranquil beauty of winter on Jeju Island (Image Source: Collection)

Gyeongbok Palace

Gyeongbok Palace is an essential destination for January travel in South Korea. However, does the landscape of Gyeongbok Palace in winter differ from other seasons?

When visiting Gyeongbok Palace in January, you will admire the entire palace immersed under a layer of soft, pure snow. It creates a space with a hint of tranquility, quiet but full of nostalgia. However, that pristine white snow cannot erase the splendid and majestic beauty inherent in the palace.

Admire the romantic snowfall at Gyeongbok Palace (Image Source: Collection)

Namsan Tower

The last destination for January travel in South Korea on Mytour's suggested list is Namsan Tower. As winter sets in, Namsan Tower is covered in a blanket of pristine white snow, evoking a melancholic atmosphere. From high above, you'll see the entire capital city of Seoul immersed in a thick layer of serene, romantic snow.

Namsan Tower - Icon of Seoul (Image Source: Collection)

What to Pack for January Travel in South Korea?

With temperatures dropping to sub-zero levels for January travel in South Korea, keeping your body warm is crucial. Additionally, staying warm to avoid catching a cold is a prerequisite for a perfect trip. To achieve that, you need to pack complete winter clothing, accessories, medications, and personal items. Here are the essentials for your suitcase:

• Super thick wool coat.

• Furry boots or boots.

• Knitted hat, headscarf.

• Warm accessories: Fur gloves, scarf, fur mittens, earmuffs,...

• Various medications for cold, fever, cough, headache, stomach ache, tissues, masks,...

• Technology gadgets: Travel SIM card, camera, phone, power bank,...

How much is enough for January travel in South Korea?

The cost of January travel in South Korea is always a question that many travelers wonder about. To help you answer this question, Mytour will suggest the price of independent and tour-based travel in South Korea. From there, travelers can consider and make decisions that suit their needs and economic conditions.

Should you choose independent or tour-based travel in South Korea in January? (Image Source: Collection)

Cost of Independent Travel to South Korea

• Visa: The only way to enter South Korea is for tourists to present a visa. This is a document that helps facilitate your movement within South Korean territory. The visa fee for South Korea ranges from 20 USD - 80 USD depending on the length of stay of the traveler.

• Passport issuance fee: From 200,000 VND/passport and up.

• Flight ticket cost: Flight tickets from Vietnam to South Korea range from 5,000,000 VND - 16,000,000 VND per person. The ticket price may vary depending on the airline, ticket class, and the time you book. Sincere advice to get the best fare is to book 1 - 2 months in advance.

• Hotel rental cost: 1,000,000 VND - 2,000,000 VND/night (for 4-star hotels), 700,000 VND - 1,500,000 VND/night (for mid-range hotels), from 400,000 VND/night and up (for budget homestays).

• Food expenses: On average, a tourist can spend about 300,000 VND - 500,000 VND per day on food in South Korea.

=> Total Cost of Independent Travel to South Korea in January: Ranges from 15,000,000 VND - 25,000,000 VND per person for a 4-day 3-night itinerary.

Note: The travel expenses to South Korea above are for reference only. The amount spent depends on needs, economic conditions, length of stay, entrance fees, and shopping. Typically, January travel costs in South Korea in Seoul are higher than other tourist destinations.

Cost of South Korea Tour Packages

In addition to independent travel, you can consider traveling to South Korea in January with affordable tour packages without the need to plan your itinerary. When booking a South Korea tour with travel agencies, tourists will be fully covered from A to Z, including airfare, entrance fees, meals, hotel accommodations, and predefined itineraries.

You can check out the 5 Days 4 Nights Korea Tour at Mytour for only 15,890,000 VND per person.

Tips for Choosing January South Korea Tour Packages

A reputable travel company will bring you amazing experiences. Therefore, if you decide to travel to South Korea in January on a tour, you should know some criteria to evaluate a quality, reputable travel company, such as:

• The tour price must ensure the basic services of a South Korea tour such as: air tickets, accommodation services, entrance fees, meals, tour guides, drinks,...

• The travel company has many years of experience in the tourism industry.

• The travel company has successfully organized many domestic and international tours.

• The staff of consultants and tour guides are enthusiastic, dedicated, and professional.

• The travel company is highly appreciated by customers for its service quality, attractive tour itineraries, standard hotels,...

• The tour price is suitable for the current market price.

• The tour itinerary is diverse with unique and special tourist destinations.

In addition to the above criteria for choosing a tour, tourists can rely on the achievements that the company has achieved during its operation. These could be awards recognized by reputable organizations in the industry. Indeed, there is no more accurate measure than the achievements and contributions of the travel company in the tourism industry.

Mytour's South Korea January Tour Packages

Mytour is one of the travel companies that fully meets all the criteria mentioned above. When you choose Mytour, you can completely trust in the quality of our services. Moreover, Mytour also offers many discount programs and attractive gifts for January South Korea tours. Therefore, you can refer to the attractive priced South Korea tours offered by Mytour below!

Mytour has been operating in the tourism industry for nearly 15 years (Image source: Collection)

• South Korea Ski Tour 5 days 4 nights | Mytour: 16,990,000 VND/person.

• Winter South Korea Tour 5 days 4 nights | Mytour: 15,990,000 VND/person.

• South Korea 6 days 5 nights tour from Ho Chi Minh City | Mytour: 24,990,000 VND/person.

Important Notes for January South Korea Travel 

For the best experiences during your trip to South Korea, travelers need to pay attention to the following important things:

• Take off your shoes before entering a house: Koreans always maintain the habit of taking off their shoes before entering someone's house or a formal place like a museum, palace, or tourist attraction. 

• Exchange cash: Although Koreans have the habit of paying by bank card, carrying cash will make the process of buying and selling easier. Therefore, you should exchange your money into Korean won!

• Choose transportation in Korea: South Korea has many public transportation options, so you don't need to worry too much about this issue. You can choose from buses, taxis, subways, high-speed trains, etc., to travel to tourist destinations at prices ranging from 2,000 won to 80,000 won (depending on the mode of transportation).

• Book your hotel room: Before confirming your room, you should check the reviews of the hotel where you want to stay. This will help you have the best experience.

January is the 'golden time' to admire the falling snow. So, don't miss this beautiful moment! Hopefully, through the sharing about January South Korea travel, you will have many new and exciting experiences and 'pocket' more hot destinations. Contact Mytour now via hotline Mytour to book your South Korea tour as soon as possible. Our consulting team will answer all your questions about tour prices, itineraries, and visa registration in detail.