Winter is the season of Christmas and New Year’s holidays, and it’s easy to get a little extra itchy. To celebrate the season, we’ve compiled a list of places recommended by Secret Seoul in several articles. Visit them before winter is over. We’ve also included neighborhood destinations.
Where to go for Christmas and New Year’s
1. Christmas Spot
Christmas decorations have the power to make your heart melt just by looking at them. If you haven’t already, check out our list of Seoul’s favorite Christmas spots in December.
🎄 Shinsegae Department Store Myeongdong
🌟 COEX Byeolmadang Library
🎅🏼 Hyundai Department Store Trade Center
☃️ The Hyundai Seoul Christmas Village
2. Christmas Village
Christmas markets have become more common this year, from Gwanghwamun Market to shopping malls all over Seoul, but one unexpected destination that has consistently satisfied those looking for a Christmas market atmosphere is the outlets around Seoul. Find out more here.
Shinsegae Premium Outlets Siheung
Lotte Premium Outlets Uiwang Time Villas
Lotte Premium Outlets Paju
3. Christmas Date
From an overnight trip to the neighborhood to a candlelit Christmas show, check out our other Christmas date ideas here.
4. Countdown Events
Even if you have to endure a few hours in the hustle and bustle, the experience of sharing the moment with others who are excited by the hopeful energy of the year’s passing will keep you warm for a while. Check out Seoul’s countdown events here.
🎆 Boseonggak New Year’s Eve Bell Ringing Event
🎊 Seoul Light DDP Countdown
🥂 Lotte World Tower Countdown
If you want to beat the cold weather with an activity
5. ice rinks
If you’re looking for a more active idea to combat the cold weather, you don’t have to travel to the suburbs to enjoy an ice rink in Seoul. You can find more information about ice rinks in Seoul here.
Seoul City Hall Plaza Ice Rink
Lotte World Ice Rink
Grand Hyatt Hotel Ice Rink
Banyan Tree Club . Anspa Ice Rink
Mokdong Ice Rink
6. Ski Areas
Another winter cliché: snowy fields. 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 the list of ski resorts here.
⛷️ Gonjiam Resort
🚡 Gangchon Elysian
🎿 Hongcheon Vivaldi Park
🏂 Wonju Oak Valley
🏔️ Hwaseong Welihilly Park
7. open-air bath
‘Tis the season to feel the contrast of cold air and warm water. For some, an open-air bath is already a winter staple. Check out our list of open-air baths in and around Seoul here.
✨SeoulParasparra
IncheonParadise City Sumer
IcheonThermeden
ChungnamSplas Lisom
✨SokchoChaksan Hot Spring Recreation Village
Winter restaurants to visit when you’re craving something hot
8. hot chocolate
This is the time of year when you crave a warm, cozy cup of hot chocolate. It’s hard to find a rich hot chocolate that will fulfill 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. Check out more hot chocolate spots here.
9. Red Bean Restaurants
There’s nothing like a bowl of warm red bean porridge when it gets chilly. From heart-warming red bean porridge to shaved ice that can be enjoyed even in winter, here’s a list of red bean restaurants recommended by editors who are serious about red beans. If you’re disappointed that there’s no taiyaki on the list, try Hyundai Tteokbap in Seongsu-dong, where Dua Lipa recently visited, or Namjae Carp Bap, a red bean-filled restaurant with infamous wait times.
10. Dumpling Restaurants
Dumplings are the kind of dumplings that you start with one or two bites and end up eating N bites. You can order a variety of dumplings and eat several plates in front of you, or simply enjoy them with a bottle of beer. Check out a list of dumpling restaurants around Seoul here. Many of them have been featured in the Michelin guide, blue ribbon awards, and other media.
Bars to celebrate the holiday season
11. cocktails
It’s that time of year when you open your wallet a little more generously to reward yourself for a hard year. A cocktail is a nice self-gift. Preferably a well-burned one. Here’s a list of cocktail bars with thoughtful signature cocktails that you can call your own.
🍸 Apgujeong Zest
🥃 Seochon Bar Charm
🍹 Seochon Proud
🍷 My Auto Cobbler
🥂 Anguk-dong Space
12. LP Bar
When it comes to holiday destinations, the more options you have, the better. Check out our list of 5 vinyl bars in Seoul that are more than just cocktail bars, they’ve got the music, the drinks, and the vibe. If you’re still searching for the perfect holiday appointment, save the date.
🎶 Itaewon Reserve
🎹 Namyeong Obi
🎷 Haeundae Village Hills & Europa
💿 Samseongji Damgukpo Seoul
🎼 Chungmuro The Old
13. jazz bar
Christmas, winter and jazz go hand in hand. While you can listen to jazz while snuggled up in your futon with thick socks and hot chocolate with marshmallows, why not treat yourself to a live jazz performance for a change of pace? Check out our list of live jazz bars in Seoul here.