The year 2025 has come. We’ve compiled a list of cozy places to go in the middle of winter, places to visit in the new year, and places you should visit now.
1. Mirabo Chocolat
It’s that time of year when you’re craving a warm, cozy cup of hot chocolate. It’s hard to find a rich hot chocolate that really fulfills your expectations, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t an answer. If you’re planning a stroll around Seochon, stop by Mirabo Chocolat for a hot chocolate.
📍6, Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Naver map)
2. Menya Jun
Another winter classic: hot broth. The Hongdae and Hapjeong neighborhoods are home to many ramen powerhouses. Menjiramen, Damtak, Mashitaya, and Shio Ramen are all located in the area. Soothe away the chill and hunger with shio ramen, a ramen connoisseur’s favorite for its saltiness.
📍128, Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Naver map)
3. Vienna 1900, Dreaming Artists
We’re going off topic for a moment. Works by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and other iconic Viennese painters are now on display at the Nationalmuseum. Vienna 1900, Dreaming Artists – From Gustav Klimt to Egon Schiele, an exhibition showcasing the collection of the Austrian Leopold Museum opened late last month. Early bird tickets are on sale until January 10, so be on the lookout for them.
📍Special Exhibition Room, National Museum of Korea
🗓️ November 30, 2024 (Sat) – March 3, 2025 (Mon)
4. Damguk Seoul
Quitting smoking, sobriety… Why not break your New Year’s resolutions early when it’s hard to stick to them? I don’t know about your long-term physical health, but you can take care of your mental health for a while. In the Triangle, where there are so many places that claim to be hot, it can get confusing, Damgukpo Seoul is a safe haven that you can always count on. Check out the list of LP bars and cocktail bars that are perfect for when you want to feel good.
📍174, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (Naver map)
5. Inwangsan
The next day’s hike will help clear your conscience a bit with a drink. However, it should be a light hike that can handle the bitter stomach from the night before. In that case, we recommend the Inwangsan Mountain hiking course, which is easy enough for even the most experienced hikers. The Inwangsan foothill trail starting from Sajikdan, the Inwangsan forest trail leading to the Yoon Dongju Literature Center, and the Hanyangdoseong Trail with the sunrise spot Bumbaegwi will bring you a hopeful new year.
6. Hyundai Taiyaki Bread
Dua Lipa finishes her Seoul concert during the chaos of the recent state of emergency. Dua Lipa and her lover, Callum Turner, visited Seongsu-dong during their visit to Seoul. In Seongsu-dong, Dua stopped at a taiyaki restaurant. If you haven’t had your first tteokbap yet this winter, keep an eye out for Hyundai Tteokbap, a robotic tteokbap made by a retired developer.
📍6-1, Yeonmujang-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Naver map)
7. Ice Rinks
A winter date idea that’s sure to get you in the mood: an ice rink. Find out more about Seoul’s ice rinks, including Seoul City Hall Plaza, Lotte World, Hyatt Hotel, Banyan Tree, and more here.
8. Open-air baths
‘Tis the season to feel the contrast between cold air and warm water. For some, an open-air bath is already a winter staple. Check out this list of open-air baths in and around Seoul, including Seoul Paraspara, Incheon Paradise City, Icheon Thermaden, and Chungnam Splash Lisom.
9. Ski resorts
The last winter cliché is the snowfield. If you’re already nostalgic for the last heavy snowfall, head to a ski resort. Just a few hours’ drive from Seoul, you’ll be melted by the romantic sight of all-white snow, even if it’s artificial. Check out Gonjiam Resort, Gangchon Elysian, Hongcheon Vivaldi Park, Wonju Oak Valley, and more here.