South Korea, a country known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning natural beauty, is a popular destination for travelers from around the world. With its unique blend of traditional and modern attractions, South Korea has something to offer for every type of traveler. But, is December a good time to visit South Korea? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the pros and cons of visiting South Korea in December, and help you decide whether this is the right time for your trip.
The winter season in South Korea, which typically starts in December and lasts until February, can be a great time to visit the country. The weather is generally cold and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F) in the southern regions and -5°C to 0°C (23°F to 32°F) in the northern regions. This makes it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.
However, December is also one of the coldest months in South Korea, and the temperatures can drop significantly at night. Additionally, the winter months are also the peak tourist season, which means that popular attractions and destinations can be crowded and expensive. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of visiting South Korea in December, and help you decide whether this is the right time for your trip.
Weather in December
The weather in South Korea in December is generally cold and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F) in the southern regions and -5°C to 0°C (23°F to 32°F) in the northern regions. The temperatures can drop significantly at night, especially in the northern regions, and it’s not uncommon for the temperature to drop below -10°C (14°F) in some areas.
The weather in December can also be quite windy, especially in the coastal regions, which can make it feel even colder. However, the cold weather also means that the air is crisp and clean, making it a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing.
Here is a breakdown of the average temperatures in some of the major cities in South Korea in December:
| City | Average High Temperature (°C) | Average Low Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul | 2°C (36°F) | -4°C (25°F) |
| Busan | 5°C (41°F) | -1°C (30°F) |
| Daegu | 3°C (37°F) | -3°C (27°F) |
| Jeju Island | 8°C (46°F) | 2°C (36°F) |
Pros of Visiting South Korea in December
While the cold weather may be a deterrent for some, there are several pros to visiting South Korea in December:
1. **Winter Festivals**: South Korea has a number of winter festivals that take place in December, including the Seoul Lantern Festival, the Busan International Film Festival, and the Jeju Island Winter Festival. These festivals offer a unique and festive atmosphere, with plenty of food, drink, and entertainment.
2. **Skiing and Snowboarding**: South Korea has a number of world-class ski resorts, including the Pyeongchang Ski Resort, the Yongpyong Ski Resort, and the Alpensia Ski Resort. These resorts offer a range of slopes for all skill levels, from beginner to expert.
3. **Ice Skating**: South Korea has a number of outdoor ice skating rinks, including the Seoul Plaza Ice Rink and the Busan Ice Rink. These rinks offer a fun and festive atmosphere, with plenty of hot chocolate and snacks to keep you warm.
4. **Christmas Markets**: Many of South Korea’s cities and towns have Christmas markets in December, offering a range of festive goods and souvenirs. These markets are a great place to pick up unique gifts and try some traditional Christmas treats.
5. **Lower Prices**: The winter months are considered the off-season for tourism in South Korea, which means that prices for accommodations and tourist attractions are generally lower. This can be a great time to save money and stretch your budget. (See Also: Places to Visit at this Time – Top Travel Destinations)
Cons of Visiting South Korea in December
While there are several pros to visiting South Korea in December, there are also several cons:
1. **Cold Weather**: The winter months are the coldest time of the year in South Korea, with average temperatures ranging from 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F) in the southern regions and -5°C to 0°C (23°F to 32°F) in the northern regions. This can be a challenge for some travelers, especially those who are not used to cold weather.
2. **Crowds**: The winter months are the peak tourist season in South Korea, which means that popular attractions and destinations can be crowded and expensive. This can be a challenge for travelers who are looking for a more relaxed and peaceful experience.
3. **Limited Hours**: Some tourist attractions and destinations may have limited hours in December, especially during the week. This can be a challenge for travelers who are looking to make the most of their time in South Korea.
4. **Snow and Ice**: South Korea can experience heavy snow and ice in December, which can make travel difficult and hazardous. This can be a challenge for travelers who are not used to driving in snowy and icy conditions.
5. **Flights**: The winter months are the peak travel season in South Korea, which means that flights can be expensive and difficult to book. This can be a challenge for travelers who are looking to save money and book flights at a good price.
Things to Do in December
There are plenty of things to do in South Korea in December, including:
1. **Visit the Winter Festivals**: South Korea has a number of winter festivals that take place in December, including the Seoul Lantern Festival, the Busan International Film Festival, and the Jeju Island Winter Festival. These festivals offer a unique and festive atmosphere, with plenty of food, drink, and entertainment.
2. **Go Skiing or Snowboarding**: South Korea has a number of world-class ski resorts, including the Pyeongchang Ski Resort, the Yongpyong Ski Resort, and the Alpensia Ski Resort. These resorts offer a range of slopes for all skill levels, from beginner to expert.
3. **Go Ice Skating**: South Korea has a number of outdoor ice skating rinks, including the Seoul Plaza Ice Rink and the Busan Ice Rink. These rinks offer a fun and festive atmosphere, with plenty of hot chocolate and snacks to keep you warm.
4. **Visit the Christmas Markets**: Many of South Korea’s cities and towns have Christmas markets in December, offering a range of festive goods and souvenirs. These markets are a great place to pick up unique gifts and try some traditional Christmas treats.
5. **Take a Hot Springs Bath**: South Korea has a number of hot springs resorts, including the Jeju Island Hot Springs and the Busan Hot Springs. These resorts offer a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, with plenty of hot springs and saunas to choose from. (See Also: Best Time to Visit Japan from Australia – Cherry Blossom Delight)
Accommodations in December
There are plenty of accommodations to choose from in South Korea in December, including:
1. **Hotels**: South Korea has a number of luxury hotels, including the Grand Hyatt Seoul, the Shilla Hotel, and the Park Hyatt Busan. These hotels offer a range of amenities and services, including a fitness center, a spa, and a restaurant.
2. **Guesthouses**: South Korea has a number of guesthouses, including the Namsan Guesthouse and the Hongdae Guesthouse. These guesthouses offer a more budget-friendly option, with a range of amenities and services, including a kitchen and a laundry room.
3. **Hostels**: South Korea has a number of hostels, including the Seoul Hostel and the Busan Hostel. These hostels offer a more social and affordable option, with a range of amenities and services, including a kitchen and a lounge area.
4. **Vacation Rentals**: South Korea has a number of vacation rentals, including apartments and houses. These rentals offer a more homey and flexible option, with a range of amenities and services, including a kitchen and a laundry room.
Food in December
There are plenty of delicious foods to try in South Korea in December, including:
1. **Kimchi Stew**: Kimchi stew is a popular Korean dish made with kimchi, a traditional Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables. This stew is a great way to warm up on a cold winter’s day.
2. **Bibimbap**: Bibimbap is a popular Korean rice bowl dish made with a variety of vegetables and meat. This dish is a great way to try a variety of Korean flavors and ingredients.
3. **Bulgogi**: Bulgogi is a popular Korean BBQ dish made with marinated beef. This dish is a great way to try some delicious and tender beef.
4. **Hot Chocolate**: Hot chocolate is a popular winter drink in South Korea, made with rich and creamy chocolate. This drink is a great way to warm up on a cold winter’s day.
5. **Korean Pancakes**: Korean pancakes are a popular breakfast food in South Korea, made with a variety of ingredients, including vegetables and meat. This dish is a great way to try some delicious and crispy pancakes. (See Also: Is December A Good Time To Visit Da Nang? – Discover The Magic)
Recap
In conclusion, December can be a great time to visit South Korea, with plenty of winter festivals, ski resorts, and hot springs to enjoy. However, the cold weather and crowds may be a challenge for some travelers. It’s essential to research and plan ahead to make the most of your trip.
Here are some key points to consider:
- The weather in December is generally cold and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F) in the southern regions and -5°C to 0°C (23°F to 32°F) in the northern regions.
- The winter months are the peak tourist season in South Korea, which means that popular attractions and destinations can be crowded and expensive.
- There are plenty of winter festivals, ski resorts, and hot springs to enjoy in South Korea in December.
- The cold weather and crowds may be a challenge for some travelers.
- It’s essential to research and plan ahead to make the most of your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is December a good time to visit South Korea?
Q: Is December a good time to visit South Korea?
A: Yes, December can be a great time to visit South Korea, with plenty of winter festivals, ski resorts, and hot springs to enjoy. However, the cold weather and crowds may be a challenge for some travelers.
Q: What is the weather like in December in South Korea?
A: The weather in December is generally cold and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F) in the southern regions and -5°C to 0°C (23°F to 32°F) in the northern regions.
Q: Are the ski resorts in South Korea open in December?
A: Yes, the ski resorts in South Korea are open in December, offering a range of slopes for all skill levels, from beginner to expert.
Q: Are the hot springs in South Korea open in December?
A: Yes, the hot springs in South Korea are open in December, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, with plenty of hot springs and saunas to choose from.
Q: Are the Christmas markets in South Korea open in December?
A: Yes, the Christmas markets in South Korea are open in December, offering a range of festive goods and souvenirs.
Q: Are the flights to South Korea in December expensive?
A: Yes, the flights to South Korea in December can be expensive, especially during the peak travel season. It’s essential to research and book flights in advance to get the best prices.
