Temperature, Events, Clothing & Cold-Weather Tips
January in Korea is the coldest time of the year, and the air is also very dry.
If you are planning a winter trip to Seoul, preparing proper clothing and skincare against dryness is the key to a comfortable journey.
Here is a complete guide to weather conditions, clothing tips, dry-weather care, and winter events you should know for traveling to Korea in January!
❅ Traveling to Korea in January: Weather & Temperature Characteristics
☃ January Weather Comparison: Korea vs Global Cities
Compared to Global Cities, Seoul is significantly colder, and temperatures can drop below freezing in the early morning and at night.
City | Average Temperature(Jan) | Average High | Average Low |
Seoul | –3.5 °C | 2.5 ℃ | –7.0 ℃ |
London | 5.0 °C | 8.0 °C | 2.0 °C |
Los Angeles | 14.0 °C | 19.0 °C | 9.0 °C |
Sydney
| 26.0 °C
| 28.0 °C
| 22.0 °C
|
Singapore
| 27.0 °C
| 31.0 °C
| 31.0 °C
|
Hong Kong
| 17.0 °C
| 20.0 °C
| 14.0 °C
|
Manila
| 27.0 °C
| 30.0 °C
| 24.0 °C
|
Kuala Lumpur
| 27.0 °C
| 32.0 °C
| 24.0 °C
|
Because of the severe cold, proper winter protection is essential when sightseeing! 🧣
January Average Temperature & Precipitation by City in Korea
To help you choose the right clothing and plan your schedule, check the weather information for each destination in advance.
City | Avg Temp(°C) | Avg Precipitation (mm) |
Seoul | 0.2 | 23.7 |
Busan | 5.8 | 32.9 |
Deagu | 4 | 22 |
Incheon | -2.6 | 30.4 |
Gwangju | 2.7 | 19 |
Daejeon | 1 | 28.9 |
Ulsan | 8 | 40 |
Jeju Island | 8 | around 50 |
Although precipitation is not high in winter,
snow and frost are common due to the cold, and roads can become slippery.
We recommend warm clothing + non-slip shoes.
🧤 What to Wear in Korea in January & Cold-Weather Tips
▷ Recommended Clothing
For January travel, it is important to dress to protect yourself from both cold and dryness.
The key is minimizing exposed skin.
Thick coats or down jackets
Scarves, gloves, and hats to cover exposed skin
Heat-retaining innerwear such as Heattech
Layered socks or insulated winter boots
✅️ People often forget ear protection, so don’t forget knit hats or earmuffs!
January Events in Korea
Let’s take a look at New Year’s countdown celebrations and winter events!
◯ Seoul Illuminations & Countdown Events
■ (Jamsil) Lotte World Tower
Completed in 2017, Lotte World Tower is a super-tall skyscraper with a height of 555 meters and 123 floors.
The observation deck “Seoul Sky” offers a special countdown event featuring fireworks launched from the tower façade.
On December 31 (Saturday), the observatory is scheduled to remain open until 12:30 a.m. after midnight for New Year’s celebrations.
■ (Gwanghwamun) Gwanghwamun Square
A historic public square located along Sejong-daero in central Seoul, facing Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Landmarks include statues of King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-sin.
On New Year’s Eve (December 31), a countdown light show is held.
The countdown starts around 11:55 p.m., and as the clock strikes midnight, the square is illuminated.
The “Seoul Winter Festa” is also scheduled to be held at the Gwanghwamun Square Market.
■ (Gwanghwamun) Bosingak Pavilion
A historic bell pavilion near Gwanghwamun Square, dating back to the Joseon Dynasty.
It is famous for the traditional New Year’s Eve bell-ringing ceremony.
Late on December 31, the traditional event “Bell Ringing on New Year’s Eve” is held to welcome the New Year.
⚠️ Important Notes on Year-End & Holiday Business Hours
Korea’s year-end and New Year holidays are slightly different from Japan.
January 1 is a public holiday, but December 31 is not.
However, many facilities close early for New Year preparations.
If you are planning to travel to Korea during this period, be sure to check business hours in advance!
January in Korea can be extremely cold,
but there are also beautiful winter scenes that can only be enjoyed during this season.
Prepare thoroughly for the cold and dryness, and enjoy your winter trip to Korea to the fullest! ☃️
Temperature, Events, Clothing & Cold-Weather Tips
January in Korea is the coldest time of the year, and the air is also very dry.
If you are planning a winter trip to Seoul, preparing proper clothing and skincare against dryness is the key to a comfortable journey.
Here is a complete guide to weather conditions, clothing tips, dry-weather care, and winter events you should know for traveling to Korea in January!
❅ Traveling to Korea in January: Weather & Temperature Characteristics
☃ January Weather Comparison: Korea vs Global Cities
Compared to Global Cities, Seoul is significantly colder, and temperatures can drop below freezing in the early morning and at night.
City
Average Temperature(Jan)
Average High
Average Low
Seoul
–3.5 °C
2.5 ℃
–7.0 ℃
London
5.0 °C
8.0 °C
2.0 °C
Los Angeles
14.0 °C
19.0 °C
9.0 °C
Because of the severe cold, proper winter protection is essential when sightseeing! 🧣
January Average Temperature & Precipitation by City in Korea
To help you choose the right clothing and plan your schedule, check the weather information for each destination in advance.
City
Avg Temp(°C)
Avg Precipitation (mm)
Seoul
0.2
23.7
Busan
5.8
32.9
Deagu
4
22
Incheon
-2.6
30.4
Gwangju
2.7
19
Daejeon
1
28.9
Ulsan
8
40
Jeju Island
8
around 50
Although precipitation is not high in winter,
snow and frost are common due to the cold, and roads can become slippery.
We recommend warm clothing + non-slip shoes.
🧤 What to Wear in Korea in January & Cold-Weather Tips
▷ Recommended Clothing
For January travel, it is important to dress to protect yourself from both cold and dryness.
The key is minimizing exposed skin.
Thick coats or down jackets
Scarves, gloves, and hats to cover exposed skin
Heat-retaining innerwear such as Heattech
Layered socks or insulated winter boots
✅️ People often forget ear protection, so don’t forget knit hats or earmuffs!
January Events in Korea
Let’s take a look at New Year’s countdown celebrations and winter events!
◯ Seoul Illuminations & Countdown Events
■ (Jamsil) Lotte World Tower
Completed in 2017, Lotte World Tower is a super-tall skyscraper with a height of 555 meters and 123 floors.
The observation deck “Seoul Sky” offers a special countdown event featuring fireworks launched from the tower façade.
On December 31 (Saturday), the observatory is scheduled to remain open until 12:30 a.m. after midnight for New Year’s celebrations.
A historic public square located along Sejong-daero in central Seoul, facing Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Landmarks include statues of King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-sin.
On New Year’s Eve (December 31), a countdown light show is held.
The countdown starts around 11:55 p.m., and as the clock strikes midnight, the square is illuminated.
The “Seoul Winter Festa” is also scheduled to be held at the Gwanghwamun Square Market.
■ (Gwanghwamun) Bosingak Pavilion
A historic bell pavilion near Gwanghwamun Square, dating back to the Joseon Dynasty.
It is famous for the traditional New Year’s Eve bell-ringing ceremony.
Late on December 31, the traditional event “Bell Ringing on New Year’s Eve” is held to welcome the New Year.
⚠️ Important Notes on Year-End & Holiday Business Hours
Korea’s year-end and New Year holidays are slightly different from Japan.
January 1 is a public holiday, but December 31 is not.
However, many facilities close early for New Year preparations.
If you are planning to travel to Korea during this period, be sure to check business hours in advance!
January in Korea can be extremely cold,
but there are also beautiful winter scenes that can only be enjoyed during this season.
Prepare thoroughly for the cold and dryness, and enjoy your winter trip to Korea to the fullest! ☃️