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๐Ÿ Seasonal Highlights

Discover the Magic of Korea from Autumn to Spring

From vibrant autumn foliage in November and sparkling Christmas lights to thrilling ice fishing festivals, snowy mountain adventures, traditional Lunar New Year celebrations and beautiful spring blossoms, discover unforgettable experiences across South Korea from November to March.

Illustration made with AI: Korea from November to March, with autumn leaves, Christmas lights, snow, a Seollal family scene and spring blossoms.AI generated

Month by month

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An event runs only on set dates. A place can be visited whenever the season is right.

November

Autumn Colors & Korean Food

  • Naejangsan autumn foliage

    Place

    A national park in Jeongeup known for autumn colors. Peak color depends on the weather each year.

  • Jangtaesan autumn leaves

    Place

    A forest recreation area in Daejeon with tall metasequoia trees that turn rust-red in autumn.

  • Seoul Autumn Festa

    Event

    Performing arts across the city. Sep 18 โ€“ Nov 29, 2026 (Visit Seoul).

  • Gumi Ramen Festival

    Event

    Planned for November 2026 near Gumi Station. Exact dates to be confirmed (2025: Nov 7โ€“9).

  • Pohang International Fireworks Festival

    Event

    Tourism listings show Nov 20โ€“22, 2026. Confirm on the festival site.

  • Kimjang (kimchi-making) experiences

    Event

    Hands-on kimchi-making programs run in late autumn. Dates and booking differ by organizer.

Why go:Autumn foliageCool weatherK-foodAutumn photos

December

Christmas Lights & Winter Romance

  • Christmas markets

    Event

    For example the Gwanghwamun Christmas Market in Seoul. Dates are announced each year.

  • Light festivals in the city

    Event

    Seoul Winter Festa, Seoul Lantern Festival and the Haeundae Light Festival in Busan. Dates for 2026โ€“27 are to be announced.

  • Winter night views

    Place

    City lights from N Seoul Tower, the Han River and the coast. Cold evenings: dress warmly.

  • Ski season opens

    Place

    Resorts open as the snow arrives. Opening dates differ by resort and by year.

  • Year-end countdown

    Event

    The Bosingak Bell Ringing Ceremony in Seoul takes place on the night of December 31.

Why go:ChristmasRomantic night viewsYear-end trip

January

Snow, Ice & Winter Adventures

  • Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

    Event

    Ice fishing for mountain trout. Listed for Jan 9โ€“31, 2027; confirm on the official site.

  • Snow festivals

    Event

    For example the Taebaeksan Snow Festival (2026: Jan 31 โ€“ Feb 8). 2027 dates are to be announced.

  • Skiing and snowboarding

    Place

    Resorts in Gangwon and elsewhere offer lessons and equipment rental.

  • Snow-covered mountains

    Place

    Seoraksan and other mountains are beautiful in snow. Check the weather and trail closures first.

  • New Year sunrise

    Event

    Sunrise events on the east coast on Dec 31 and Jan 1, such as Jeongdongjin and Pohang Homigot.

Why go:SnowIce fishingSkiingWinter activities

February

Korean Traditions & Late-Winter Escapes

  • Korean New Year (Seollal)

    Event

    In 2027 Seollal falls on Sunday, February 7. The holiday runs Feb 6โ€“9. Plan transport and closures early.

  • Hanbok and traditional games

    Place

    Folk villages and hanok villages offer yutnori and other games, often during the holiday.

  • Winter hot springs

    Place

    Hot springs and jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouses) are a good way to warm up. See our bathhouse guide.

  • Jeju camellias

    Place

    Camellias bloom on Jeju in winter. The timing differs by place and weather.

  • Late-winter getaways

    Place

    Quieter trips before spring, such as hot springs, temple stays and the south coast.

Why go:Korean traditional cultureWinter relaxationFamily trips

March

First Flowers of Spring

  • Gwangyang Maehwa (plum blossom) Festival

    Event

    2027 dates not announced yet. In 2026 it ran Mar 13โ€“22.

  • Gurye Sansuyu (cornelian cherry) Flower Festival

    Event

    2027 dates not announced yet. In 2026 it ran Mar 14โ€“22.

  • Jeju canola flowers

    Place

    Yellow canola fields on Jeju start to bloom in early spring. Timing varies each year.

  • Cherry blossoms in the south

    Place

    The 2027 bloom forecast has not been published. In 2026 Jeju and Busan were expected to bloom around March 25.

  • Spring walks

    Place

    Mild days for walking trails, parks and old towns.

Why go:Spring flowersMilder weatherFlower photography

15 winter festivals across Korea

Dates are shown only where a source gives them. Where nothing has been announced we say so and, for reference, give last year's dates. A festival does not always return on the same dates.

Festival or eventRegionBest timeOur pick2026โ€“27 dates
Seoul Winter FestaSeoulDecโ€“JanTo be announcedSeoul has published plans for 2026โ€“27. Dates differ between Seoul pages: wait for the final notice.
Seoul Lantern FestivalSeoulDecโ€“JanTo be announcedDates to be announced.
Gwanghwamun Christmas MarketSeoulDecemberTo be announcedDates to be announced.
Bosingak Bell Ringing CeremonySeoulDec 31Fixed dateHeld on the night of December 31 every year.
Garden of Morning Calm Five-Color Light GardenGyeonggi, GapyeongDecโ€“FebTo be announced2026โ€“27 dates to be announced (2025โ€“26: Dec 5 โ€“ Mar 15).
Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice FestivalGangwon, HwacheonJanuaryListedListed for Jan 9โ€“31, 2027. Confirm on the official site.
Pyeongchang Trout FestivalGangwon, PyeongchangJanโ€“FebTo be announced2027 dates to be announced.
Taebaeksan Snow FestivalGangwon, TaebaekJanโ€“FebTo be announced2027 dates to be announced (2026: Jan 31 โ€“ Feb 8).
Cheorwon Hantan River Ice TrekkingGangwon, CheorwonJanuaryTo be announcedDates to be announced. Depends on the ice.
Jeongdongjin Sunrise FestivalGangwon, GangneungDec 31 โ€“ Jan 1Fixed dateHeld around New Year. Check the program before you go.
Cheongyang Chilgapsan Ice Fountain FestivalChungnam, CheongyangDecโ€“FebTo be announcedDates to be announced. It depends on the temperature.
Daegu Suseong Light Art FestivalDaeguWinter seasonTo be announcedDates to be announced.
Haeundae Light FestivalBusanNovโ€“JanTo be announced2026โ€“27 dates to be announced (2025โ€“26: Nov 29 โ€“ Jan 18).
Pohang Homigot Unity Sunrise FestivalGyeongbuk, PohangDec 31 โ€“ Jan 1Fixed dateHeld around New Year. Check the program before you go.
Yeosu Hyangiram Sunrise FestivalJeonnam, YeosuDec 31 โ€“ Jan 1Fixed dateHeld around New Year. Check the program before you go.

Festival picks

  • Christmas in Seoul 2026: Lights, Markets & Winter Magic

    Seoul is the easiest place for a first winter visit. In one trip you can see Christmas markets, media art, royal palaces, outdoor skating and shopping. Good stops are the Gwanghwamun Christmas Market, the Seoul Lantern Festival along Cheonggyecheon, Seoul Light at DDP, the Seoul Plaza skating rink and the Bosingak Bell Ringing Ceremony. Seoul's own pages show different dates for the Winter Festa, so check each event before you plan.

    Official siteSeoul (official English site)Seoul Winter Festa

  • Catch a Fish Through Ice! Korea's Amazing Winter Festival

    Drilling a hole in thick ice and catching a mountain trout yourself is one of the most distinctive winter experiences in Korea. You can also try bare-hand fishing and sledding, and eat your catch on site. The 2027 festival is listed for Jan 9โ€“31. Check the conditions of each activity before you go.

    Official siteHwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

  • Pyeongchang Trout Festival: Ice Fishing and Snow Play

    Fish for trout on the ice, try tent fishing, ride ice sleds and join family activities. It is an easy pick for beginners and for visitors with children. The 2027 dates are not confirmed yet.

    Official sitePyeongchang Trout Festival

  • A World of Snow: Taebaeksan Winter Festival

    Huge snow sculptures and a snowy mountain make a great backdrop for winter photos. In 2026 the festival ran Jan 31 โ€“ Feb 8. The 2027 dates are still to be confirmed.

  • A Magical Winter Night Near Seoul

    A good choice for couples and families who want a special winter evening close to Seoul, with the whole garden decorated in colorful LED lights. The 2025โ€“26 season ran Dec 5 โ€“ Mar 15. The 2026โ€“27 dates are to be announced.

    Official siteThe Garden of Morning Calm

  • Winter by the Sea: Busan's Magical Light Festival

    The 12th Haeundae Light Festival ran Nov 29, 2025 โ€“ Jan 18, 2026, with light sculptures and media art around Haeundae Beach and Gunam-ro. It suits visitors who prefer the sea, food, shopping and night views to snow. The 2026โ€“27 dates are to be announced.

    Official siteHaeundae District Office

  • Frozen Wonderland: Giant Ice Fountains in Korea

    A winter event at Alps Village, where you can see giant ice fountains and ice sculptures and try activities such as sledding. Because it depends on the temperature, check the 2026โ€“27 schedule separately.

  • Watch the First Sunrise of 2027 in Korea

    Watch the first sunrise of the new year next to the giant hand sculpture rising out of the sea. The 2025โ€“26 edition (Dec 31 โ€“ Jan 1) included year-end performances and sunrise events. It is also a good way to see the Korean custom of making New Year wishes.

    Official sitePohang Cultural Foundation

Winter experiences beyond festivals

  • Skiing & Snowboarding in Korea

    Best Decโ€“Feb

    Compare resorts such as Yongpyong and Phoenix Park in Pyeongchang and High1 in Jeongseon. Check beginner lessons, equipment rental, transport and how to book as a foreigner. Opening dates and prices differ by resort and year, so check each resort's own site.

  • Winter Flowers: Jeju Camellias

    Best Decโ€“Feb

    A good idea for a winter trip without snow. When camellias bloom differs by area and by the weather that year.

  • Jeju Tangerine Picking Experience

    Best Decโ€“Feb

    Pick tangerines and try tangerine desserts at farms in Seogwipo. The picking season differs by farm, so ask the farm before you go.

  • Korean Jjimjilbang & Hot Springs

    Best Decโ€“Feb

    How to use a jjimjilbang, changing clothes, shared-facility manners, and snacks such as eggs and sikhye. A good plan for cold days.

    Read the bathhouse guide

  • Must-Try Korean Winter Street Food

    Best Decโ€“Feb

    Bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastry), hotteok, fish cake, roasted sweet potatoes and egg bread are winter favorites. Prices and what is on sale differ by stall, so look at the board before you order.

    Explore Korean food

  • Snowy Palaces & Hanbok Photography

    Best Decโ€“Feb

    Combine a visit to Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung with a hanbok rental. It does not snow in Seoul every day, so a snowy photo depends on the weather.

  • More Winter Ideas

    Decโ€“Feb

    Winter strawberry picking, snowy views at Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm, the Deogyusan gondola, a winter temple stay and snowy K-drama filming locations. Opening hours and prices change, so check each place before you go.

    Read the temple stay guide
  • A bowl of tteokguk, rice cake soup with beef and egg strips.
    Taste Traditional New Year Food๋–ก๊ตญ ๋จน๊ธฐ
  • A yutnori board with red and blue game pieces and wooden yut sticks.
    Try Korean Folk Games์œท๋†€์ด ์ฒดํ—˜
  • Folk-village performers in colorful hanbok playing drums.
    Celebrate at a Folk Village๋ฏผ์†์ดŒ ์„ค๋‚  ํ–‰์‚ฌ
  • Gyeongbokgung palace in the snow with visitors in hanbok.
    Discover Korean Heritage๊ถ๊ถ๊ณผ ์ „ํ†ต๋ฌธํ™”

Seollal 2027

Experience Korean New Year: Seollal Traditions, Food & Festivals

In 2027 Seollal falls in February, so winter visitors can see it. Seollal is on Sunday, February 7, 2027, and the holiday runs Feb 6โ€“9 including a substitute holiday. Holiday calendars agree on this, but confirm it on the government notice.

The Korea Tourism Organization's Seollal guide names these places for activities: national museums (events nationwide), Namsangol Hanok Village, Gyeongbokgung, the Korean Folk Village and Jeonju Hanok Village. Schedules and free-admission details for 2027 are not confirmed yet.

What visitors need to know

  • Shops, restaurants and sights that close during Seollal
  • Booking high-speed trains and buses, and holiday traffic jams
  • Palaces and museums you can still visit (check each site's holiday hours)
  • Traditional game events that foreigners can join
  • Seollal food and customs, such as tteokguk and the New Year bow (sebae)

Public HolidaysTrains & KTX

Dates and status

Status of events with 2026โ€“27 information

EventDatesStatus
Seoul Autumn FestaSep 18 โ€“ Nov 29, 2026AnnouncedVisit Seoul
Gumi Ramen FestivalNovember 2026 (exact dates to be confirmed)To be announced2025 edition: Nov 7โ€“9
Pohang International Fireworks FestivalNov 20โ€“22, 2026 (listed)ListedConfirm on the festival site
Seoul Winter FestaDec 2026 โ€“ Jan 2027 (dates to be announced)To be announcedSeoul pages show different dates
Korea Grand SaleDates to be announcedTo be announced2025โ€“26 edition: Dec 17 โ€“ Feb 22
Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice FestivalJan 9โ€“31, 2027 (listed)ListedConfirm on the official site
Seollal (Korean New Year)Sunday, Feb 7, 2027 (holiday Feb 6โ€“9)ListedHoliday calendars; confirm on the government notice
Gwangyang Maehwa Festival2027 dates to be announcedTo be announced2026: Mar 13โ€“22
Gurye Sansuyu Flower Festival2027 dates to be announcedTo be announced2026: Mar 14โ€“22
2027 cherry blossom seasonBloom forecast not yet publishedTo be announced2026: Jeju and Busan expected around Mar 25

Plan around the season

Official sites to check

  • OFFICIALVISITKOREA

    Festivals, sights and winter trips across Korea

    Official site

  • OFFICIALSeoul (official English site)

    Winter events, transport and guidance in Seoul

    Official site

  • OFFICIALHwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

    Ice fishing, programs and booking

    Official site

  • OFFICIALPyeongchang Trout Festival

    Dates, activities and tickets

    Official site

  • OFFICIALThe Garden of Morning Calm

    Winter light festival and opening hours

    Official site

  • OFFICIALHaeundae District Office

    Winter events in Haeundae, Busan

    Official site

  • OFFICIALVisit Jeju

    Jeju winter nature and activities

    Official site

  • OFFICIALKorea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI)

    Dates of Seollal, Daeboreum and other holidays

    Official site

Pictures: the banner is an AI-generated illustration. Other pictures on this page are marked where they are AI-generated.

Information last verified: 2026-10-25 ยท Updated: 2026-10-25