Things to Do in South Korea in the Winter
Winter usually lasts from December to February in South Korea with temperature ranging in the 20-24 degrees Fahrenheit (-3 C). There is skiing and snowboarding resorts in Korea, but if you’re looking for other activities to do while visiting South Korea here is a quick list of some fun and unique actives that will keep you warm.
Karaoke Room
Even if you do not consider yourself a singer, you need to try a karaoke room. They are decked out with lights, disco balls, couches, and sometimes costumes. Normally you can rent the room by the hour (we did go to one where you can put coins into the machine and pay per song). They have a wide variety of songs to choose from, including a lot of Korean and English songs. I was skeptical the first time I went, but they are seriously so fun. Just belt it out and pretend you have the voice of an angel.
Museums
Seoul is home to some amazing museums, where you can learn so much about the life and history of South Korea. War Memorial of Korea, National museum of Korea, and National Museum of Korean Contemporary History are just a few options. A bonus is the main admission is free! It’s a great way to learn and stay warm. The Korean Blue House (equivalent to the American White House) has just been opened to the public. Giving you an insight to the life of the Korean presidents, past and present.
Escape Room
Challenging you and your friends with riddles and puzzles while racing against a timer is so entertaining. The rise in escape room popularity is rumored to have started in Korea, so it only seems fitting to give one a run for your money. A lot of studios in Seoul offer challenges in English.
Jjimjiban (Korean Public Bath)
We have had our fair share of public baths, but our experience at a jjimjiban was very pleasant. The bathing area was separated for men and women. In this area there was showers, sinks, a sauna, and several pools with temperatures ranging from cool to very hot. Then there was a common area for men and women where you can sit relax, watch T.V. and visit the dry sauna. There are so many jjimjibans in Seoul, some are even open 24 hours with a little sleeping area. We ended up going to Insadong SPA & Sauna, because it was close to where we were staying and it’s not the nicest option out there, but it was very clean. It is a great way to warm up and relax.
Cafe
South Korea has some absolutely adorable cafes to absolutely quirky cafes. Ones that replicate the magical land of Narnia, ones that house cats, doges, and even sheep. Ones that serve delicious pastries and there is even one that looks like it is straight out a cartoon world. Going to a Korean cafe is bound to be unique experience.
Korean Movie
You’ve heard about Hollywood and Bollywood, but I bet you never heard of Hallyuwood? Hallyuwood is known as the “Korean wave” is the informal name for the growing popularity of Korean films across the globe. Korean films include an array of rom-coms, dramas, action, comedy, and much more. There are some theaters in Seoul that will play Korean films with English subtitles, giving you the perfect excuse to be indoors and watch an original film.
Trick Eye Museum
Even though the trick eye museum is labeled as a museum it is not your normal museum of reading a plaque and moving on to the next exhibit. Instead it is an array of painted murals where you can interact with them as if you are in the painting itself. Allowing you to take some very wacky photos
If you are wanting to beat the crowds and see a different side to Korea then I would recommend going in the colder months. It makes these indoor activities more cozy and special.
