Top 10 Must-Visit Winter Places & Festivals in Korea

The Korea winter season is once again upon us! Here are some festivals and scenic places that should not be missed.

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1. Wondaeri Birch Forest 인제 원대리 자작나무 숲

This forest in Inje, Gangwon province, is known among locals as a sanctuary with a unique healing ambience. It has over 700,000 birch trees stretched across 138 hectares. In the winter, the trees’ tall white barks look magnificent against the backdrop of white snowy hills and clear blue skies. Soak in the serenity as you hike up one of the three trails you can choose from—Birch Forest Course (0.9 km), Healing Course (1.5 km), Exploration Course (1.1 km). Do factor in the walk from the car park to the entrance of the forest (3.2 km) and the forest closing times before you go. You also need to rent crampons (shoe spikes) for free at the shop near the parking lot as the snow can be slippery.

Address: 763-4 | 763-4, Wondae-ri, Inje-eup, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do
Getting There: From Inje Intercity Bus Terminal, take a 15-minute taxi ride from the taxi stand around the bus terminal to Wondaeri Birch Forest (20,000 won).
Period to Visit: Dec 2019 – Mar 2020

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2. Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm 대관령 양떼목장

You won’t get to see much sheep roaming around on this famous sheep farm in the winter. However, come December, the grassy 195-square-kilometre ranch transforms into a magical looking winter forest covered with a blanket of thick white snow. Take the 1.2-kilometre trail around the ranch and feel free to stop at the rustic wooden shack located in the field for a photo. For the sheep-lovers out there, don’t feel “baa-d” that the adorable fluffs aren’t roaming about. You can still visit them in their shelters.

Address: 483-32, Daegwallyeongmaru-gil, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
Getting There: From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (Gangbyeon Station, Line 2, Exit 4), take an intercity bus to Hoenggye Intercity Bus Terminal (14,500 won, 2 hr 30 min). From the bus terminal, take the red shuttle bus OR take a taxi to Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm (about 10,000 won, 8 min).
Period to Visit: Dec 2019 – Feb 2020

3. Lighting Festival at The Garden of Morning Calm 아침고요수목원

The Garden of Morning Calm is a popular destination for tourists all year round and takes on a different look each season. In the winter, the garden becomes covered in white fluffy snow and after the sun sets, gets lit up into a colourful winter wonderland complete with horse carriages, tiny cottages and floating umbrellas. The best time to visit in the winter is just before dark, where you can catch a glimpse of the garden in the daylight and witness its transformation when it lights up.

Address: 432, Sumogwon-ro, Sang-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
Getting There: From Cheongpyeong Terminal, take Bus 31-7 to the Garden of Morning Calm. Alternatively, take the Gaypeong City Tour bus.
Period to Visit: Dec 2019 – Mar 2020

4. Little Prince Lighting Festival of Petite France 쁘띠프랑스 어린왕자 별빛축제

Get an extra dose of whimsy at Petite France’s Little Prince Lighting Festival. Held yearly from January to February, the already fairytale-like village becomes even dreamier in the winter with Christmas trees and light sculptures lining its quaint streets. Take a romantic stroll among the dazzling lights or indulge in the cultural displays, such as the Little Prince Plaster Art Experience, orgel demonstration, marionette performance and Pinocchio puppet theatre show.

Address: 1063, Hoban-ro, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
Getting There: Take a bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal or Sangbong Bus Terminal to Cheongpyeong. From Cheongpyeong Terminal, take a local bus bound for Goseong-ri.
Period to Visit: Jan 2020 – Feb 2020

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5. Nami Island 남이섬

Nami Island is just over an hour from Seoul in Gangwon Province and is an incredibly popular spot to visit since the dawn of the 90s Korean Drama, ‘Winter Sonata’. Some may shy away from visiting in the winter as activities like zip-lining into the island or cycling may be closed due to the snow. But you can still easily spend an entire day here as there are plenty of things you can do unique to the winter season, such as admiring the red foliage along the wooden pathway at Riverside Lover’s Gingko Lane, walking on Hut Bridge over the frozen river, snow-sledding down a small hill and more. After braving the cold, sit down to a well-deserved meal at one of the island’s many eateries.

Address: 1, Namiseom-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
Getting There:

• Direct Shuttle Bus: From Insa-dong, Namdaemun, Myeong-dong or Jam-sil to Nami Island, Advance booking is highly recommended
• Subway: From Gapyeong Station to Nami Island: 20 min on foot, 5 min by car (about 1.9km)

Period to Visit: Dec 2019 – Feb 2020

6. Seoul Plaza - Ice Skating Rink 서울광장 스케이트장

Every winter season, the centre of Seoul Plaza comes alive with a gigantic outdoor ice-skating rink shaped like a full moon. Feel the city breeze as you glide across the ice while the Christmas lights and the iconic City Hall building sparkle in the background. For just 1,000 won per hour (skates included), you can feel at ease with either the beginners’ or advanced rink, depending on your skill-level.

Address: 110, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
Getting There: City Hall Station (Line 1, 2, Exit 6), Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5, Exit 5), Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station (Line 2, Exit 1 or 8)
Period to Visit: Dec 2019 – Feb 2020

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7. Seoul Land - Sledding Hills 서울랜드 눈썰매장

Adults and children can both have a sledding good time at the Seoul Land Sledding Hills with a 120-metre slope for adults and a 50-metre slope for the young ones. Choose between a tube and a plastic sled, depending on which you’re more comfortable with, and slide to your heart’s content. Also, when you get hungry from all that sliding, head to the food stands for fish cake soup and other delectables!

Address: 181, Gwangmyeong-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
Getting There: Seoul Grand Park Station (Line 4, Exit 4)
Period to Visit: Dec 2019 – Mar 2020

8. Ski Resorts 스키장

Korean winters are known to have ample snowfall, making it one of the more favoured destinations among ski-enthusiasts. The ski resorts in Korea offer a variety of slopes suitable for the novice as well as expert skiers. They’re also well-equipped with facilities like spas, restaurants, and scenic walking trails that will make your stay enjoyable for the whole family. So why not hit the slopes this winter?

Most people visit ski resorts in Gangwon-do, as it is the region with the most annual snowfall.

Getting There & Period to Visit: Varies according to resort, check resort websites for details.
Peak Season: Mid December – End February

9. Busan Christmas Tree Festival 부산크리스마스트리문화축제

Ring in the winter festivities at Busan’s annual Christmas Tree Festival held right in the heart of the famous Gwangbok-ro shopping district. Situated between Nampo and Jagalchi subway stations, indulge in a wide array of street food while being surrounded by hanging lights, carols and street performances. Be sure to get there early as it can get crowded. The fun starts at sundown!

Address: 58-2, Gwangbok-ro, Jung-gu, Busan
Getting There: Nampo Station (Busan Subway Line 1, Exit 1). Walk ahead for about 165 m and take a right at Gudeok-ro. Take a left at the second alley, continue for about 71 m and turn right at the first alley. Go straight for 67 m until you see the Gwangbok-ro area.
Period to Visit: Nov 2019 – Jan 2020

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10. Pyeongchang Trout Festival 평창송어축제

Besides lure fishing on a frozen stream, the Pyeongchang Trout Festival has plenty of fun activities for the whole family, including four-wheel ATVs, snow rafting, sleigh trains, traditional Korean folk games, snow programs and more. Also, be sure to get your sashimi fix with the fresh trout that you caught!

Address: 3562, Gyeonggang-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
Getting There: From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus to Jinbu. From Jinbu Bus Terminal, walk to Odaecheon Stream (7 min).
Period to Visit: Dec 2019 – Jan 2020

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