Exploring South Korea in January (Solo or Guided Tours)

Additionally, 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

As South Korea is a country with a temperate climate, it experiences distinct four seasons every year: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. According to research, winter in Korea typically lasts from late November to December of the following year. Early snowfalls can occur by late November.

All tourist destinations in South Korea are blanketed by thick layers of pristine white snow (Image Source: Collected)

Snowboarding is one of the top reasons why many travelers pack their bags and head to South Korea in January. Thanks to its cold temperate climate and vast mountainous terrain, South Korea has become the most attractive snowboarding destination in Asia. Among them, top snowboarding spots in South Korea include Gangwon Snow Park, Daemyung Vivaldi Ski Resort,...

Snowboarding is a winter sport beloved by the people of the land of kimchi (Image Source: Collected)

Exciting festivals that only happen in January

Winter festivals add a vibrant touch to the chilly January in South Korea. There's nothing more ideal than enjoying the romantic snowy scenery while immersing yourself in various fascinating activities.

Taebaeksan Snow Mountain Festival

It's no exaggeration to say that the Taebaeksan Snow Mountain 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 themes. Among them, the most outstanding are the gigantic snow artworks beautifully adorned. These could be pumpkin carriages, castles, Swan Lake palaces, dinosaurs, celestial beings from astrology,...

In addition to admiring the sculptures and checking in, travelers can indulge in exciting activities such as snowboarding, building snowmen,...

The snow mountain festival attracts a large number of visitors to explore and check-in by the gigantic snow sculptures (Image Source: Collected)

• Location of Taebaeksan Snow Mountain 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 long-standing famous winter festival in South Korea. Every year, the festival on the Hwacheon ice river attracts a large number of people from all over, gathering in Gangwon. All recreational activities, ice fishing, take place on the frozen stream, covered with a thick layer of ice about 40 cm thick.

• Location of the Ice Fishing 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. When winter arrives, everyone eagerly anticipates the festival day. Similar to the ice fishing festival, the salmon festival is held on a thick, solid layer of ice, ensuring safety for all participants.

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

According to the competition rules, participants are allowed to bring their 'catch' to restaurants to prepare dishes. However, catching a salmon on the ice is not as easy as we might think due to the high level of difficulty.

The Most Beautiful Tourist Destinations in South Korea in January?

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

Gangwon Snow Park

There's nothing more ideal than experiencing winter sports in the leading 'snow paradise' in the land of kimchi - Gangwon Snow Park. This is a snowboarding area that meets international standards with the most modern and advanced facilities in Asia. With ticket prices starting from 660,000 VND/person, travelers will be carefully instructed on snowboarding techniques as well as participating in other activities.

Traveling to South Korea in January without experiencing snowboarding would be a missed opportunity (Image Source: Collected)

Nami Island

If you've ever watched the timeless TV drama 'Winter Sonata,' you'll be familiar with this famous tourist spot. Nami Island gained attention across Asia as the main setting of this 'classic' drama. January is the coldest time on Nami Island, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to -10°C. Snow covers almost the entire island, creating a picturesque scene that resembles a painting from romantic movies.

Relive the romantic scenes from the drama 'Winter Sonata' (Image Source: Collected)

Jeju Island

It's no surprise that Jeju Island is always ranked as one of the hottest tourist destinations in January because every season on Jeju Island has its own beauty. Every visit to this island brings different special emotions. It could be nostalgia, excitement, enchantment, or astonishment. However, a common point after each trip is that no traveler is willing to leave this place.

Peaceful winter scenery on Jeju Island (Image Source: Collected)

Gyeongbok Palace

Gyeongbok is an essential tourist destination in South Korea in January that cannot be missed on the tour itinerary. However, does the landscape of Gyeongbok Palace in winter differ from other seasons?

If you visit Gyeongbok Palace in January, you will be able to admire the entire palace immersed in soft, pure snow. It creates a space with a bit of tranquility, quiet but full of nostalgia. However, that pristine white layer of snow cannot erase the majestic, venerable beauty inherent in the palace.

Enjoying the romantic snowfall at Gyeongbok Palace (Image Source: Collected)

Namsan Tower

The last destination on Mytour's suggested list of places to visit in South Korea in late January is Namsan Tower. As winter sets in, Namsan Tower is covered in a pristine white snow layer, bringing a touch of melancholy. From above, you'll see the entire Seoul capital immersed in the thick, pure white snow, both romantic and serene.

Namsan Tower - Icon of Seoul capital (Image Source: Collected)

What to Bring for Traveling to South Korea in January?

With temperatures dropping to below freezing for traveling to South Korea in January, keeping your body warm is crucial. Besides, staying warm to avoid catching a cold is a prerequisite for a perfect trip. To do that, you need to bring along a full set of winter clothes, accessories, medications, and personal items. Here are the essential items in your suitcase:

• Ultra thick fur coat.

• Furry boots or fur-lined boots.

• Woolen hat, headscarf.

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

• Various types of medications for flu, fever, cough, headache, stomach ache, tissues, face masks,...

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

How Much for Traveling to South Korea in January?

The cost of traveling to South Korea in January is always a question for many travelers. To help answer this question, Mytour will suggest the prices for independent travel and package tours to South Korea. From there, travelers can consider and make decisions that are suitable for their needs and economic conditions.

Should you choose to travel to South Korea in January independently or with a tour? (Image Source: Collected)

Cost of Independent Travel to South Korea

• Visa: The only way to enter South Korea is with a tourist visa. This document facilitates your movement within South Korean territory. The visa fee for South Korea ranges from 20 USD to 80 USD, depending on the duration of stay.

• Passport application fee: From 200,000 VND per passport.

• Flight ticket cost: Flight tickets from Vietnam to South Korea range from 5,000,000 VND to 16,000,000 VND per person. This ticket price may vary depending on the airline, ticket class, and booking time. A sincere recommendation for the best ticket price is to book 1 - 2 months in advance.

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

• Food expenses: On average, a tourist may spend around 300,000 VND - 500,000 VND per day for food expenses 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 cost of traveling to South Korea above is for reference only. Spending more or less depends on needs, economic conditions, length of stay, entrance fees, and shopping. Typically, the cost of traveling to South Korea in January in Seoul is higher than in other tourist destinations.

Cost of South Korea Tour Packages

In addition to independent travel, you may consider touring South Korea in January with affordable prices without the hassle of planning. When booking a South Korea tour with travel agencies, tourists will be fully taken care of from A to Z, including airfare, entrance fees, meals, hotel accommodations, prearranged itineraries, and more.

You can check out the 5D4N South Korea tour package on Mytour for only 15,890,000 VND per person.

Tips for Choosing South Korea Tours in January

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

• The tour price must ensure the basic services of a South Korea tour such as: airfare, accommodation, 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 tours domestically and internationally.

• Enthusiastic, dedicated, and professional consulting staff and tour guides.

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

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

• Diverse tour itineraries with unique and exciting attractions.

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 Tours in January

Mytour stands out as one of the travel agencies that fully meets all the criteria mentioned above. With Mytour, you can rest assured about the quality of our services. Moreover, Mytour also offers many discount programs and attractive gifts for January South Korea tours. So, check out Mytour's South Korea tours with attractive prices below!

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

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

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

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

Important Notes for Traveling to South Korea in January 

For the best experience on your trip to South Korea, pay attention to the following important tips:

• Take off your shoes before entering a house: Koreans always observe the custom of removing shoes before entering someone's house or any solemn place like museums, palaces, tourist spots,...

• Exchange currency: Although Koreans tend to use bank cards for payments, having cash on hand will make transactions easier. Therefore, it's advisable to exchange your money to Korean won!

• Choose transportation in Korea: With numerous public transportation options available in South Korea, you don't need to worry too much. You can choose from buses, taxis, subways, high-speed trains,... to travel to tourist destinations with fares ranging from 2,000 won to 80,000 won (depending on the mode of transportation).

• Book your hotel room: Before finalizing your room reservation, check the reviews of the hotel where you plan to stay. This will ensure you have the best experience.

January is the 'golden time' to witness snowfall. Therefore, don't miss out on this beautiful moment! Hopefully, through the insights about traveling to South Korea in January, you'll gain new and exciting experiences and discover more hot destinations. Contact Mytour now via the hotline Mytour to book your South Korea tour as soon as possible. Our team of consultants will provide detailed information on tour prices, itineraries, and visa applications.