Not much time left! The season of fish-shaped bread and hotteok.
The season when your breath turns to white puffs, and the steam rising from the lid of a street vendor’s steamed bun pot scatters and flutters in the cold winter air. It’s cold, but when you walk hand-in-hand with someone you love, that small warmth gives you great courage, making you feel like you can endure any chill. It’s the romantic winter of Seoul that I especially love.
So how can we spend this season to enjoy it most ‘winter-like’? To fully savor the winter spirit, we’ve gathered winter festivals you can enjoy in Seoul and its suburbs.
1.❄️ Han River Park Snow Sledding Area
Open since February 31st, the Han River Park Snow Sledding Area is a prime winter playground where you can effortlessly soak up the season’s atmosphere right in downtown Seoul. Who could resist breaking into a childlike grin as they slide down the slope on a sled? This fun sledding spot for all ages is conveniently located in the nearby Han River Park.
This year, a special theme for children has been added: ‘Pororo’! Each Han River Park sledding hill is decorated with a popular character theme. At Yeouido Hangang Park, ‘Zanmang Luffy’ awaits; at Jamwon Hangang Park, ‘Pororo and Friends’; and at Ttukseom Hangang Park, ‘Pororo and Friends Traveling with Tayo’ are waiting. A ‘Pororo Village’ has also been created, promising children unforgettable moments and photos to cherish forever.
📆Wednesday, December 31, 2025 – Wednesday, February 18, 2026
⏰10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Slope maintenance: Unavailable from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM)
Jaman Snow Sledding Park operates until 8:00 PM for nighttime sessions (Slope maintenance hours: Unavailable from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM)
🎟️All ages: 6,000 won
📍Yeouido Hangang Park Snow Sledding Site, 82-3 Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Naver Map)
Jamsil Han River Park Snow Sledding Area, Han River Park Jamsil Information Center, 145-57 Jamsil-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Naver Map)
Ttukseom Hangang Park Snow Sledding Area, 112 Jayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul (Naver Map)
2. ❄️Seoul Plaza Ice Skating
Nothing completes the winter vibe quite like outdoor ice skating. For just ₩1,000—enough to buy three fish-shaped waffles—you can rent skates and a helmet and glide freely across the rink. On-site reservations are possible, but considering the crowds, booking in advance is recommended.
If you haven’t mastered skating yet, you can also use the group lesson pass for 30,000 won. This year, why not properly take your first steps on the ice?
📆Dec. 25, 2019 ~ Feb. 8, 2026
⏰Sun-Fri 10:00 AM ~ 9:30 PM
Sat/Holidays 10:00 AM ~ 11:00 PM
🎟️1,000 won (where to book)
📍Seoul Plaza, 12 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (Naver Map)
3. ❄️Pocheon Baegun Valley Dongjanggun Festival
About an hour from Seoul, Pocheon Baegun Valley hosts a winter festival packed with fun for about 65 days. Most programs—including snow sledding, ice sledding, children’s play facilities (6 types), ice fishing (on the ice), indoor fishing, and a giant ice tree photo zone—operate on land, ensuring safe enjoyment for family visitors. Pets are also welcome.
Beyond the igloos that spark children’s imaginations, a mini zoo makes this an incredibly popular experience for kids. For food, enjoy grilled smelt and trout, plus Korean-style barbecue and street food. Play energetically and fill your belly!
📆2025.12.20 -2026.02.22
🎟️Admission: 3,000 KRW (Check the official website for more details!)
📍259 Pohwa-ro, Idong-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Baegun Valley Tourist Complex (Naver Map)
4. ❄️Yangpyeong Ice Trout Festival
📸Sumi Village Official Website
Yangpyeong’s Sumi Village is a rural experience resort famous for its clear waters. In winter, it hosts a festival where visitors can catch smelt and trout themselves. Experiences include using nets, bare hands, or fishing rods, making it a special adventure for children.
Beyond smelt fishing, diverse programs are available, including ATV rides, fruit jam making, and pizza and steamed bun baking.