Even if the weather is below freezing or the coldest wave of the winter is in the forecast, it’s not a good time to be stuck at home. We ‘ve rounded up some of the best winter activities to do in January, where the colder it gets, the more fun it is, and the snowier it gets.
1. Ski and board
Skiing and boarding are leisure activities that can only be enjoyed when there is snow, and in some hot countries and cities, skiing is like a sport that doesn’t exist, but in Seoul, where snow falls in winter, you can find a ski resort near you. Whether it’s a night ski after work on a weekday or a weekend getaway at a resort, skiing can be just the thing to get you through January.
If you’re interested in ski resorts within an hour and a half one way from Seoul, you can find out more here.
2. Snow Sledding
Who says snow sledding is just for kids? It’s a fascinating experience for young and old alike, and it’s only available from late December to early February, the coldest time of the year.
Snow sledding hills have opened all over Seoul. Ttukseom Hangang Park and Jamwon Hangang Park have opened sledding areas for adults and children alike, and you can also enjoy sledding at Yeouido Hangang Park, Songpa Haha Lake Olympic Sledding Center, and Korean Folk Village. For more information, click here.
3. Skating at the ice rink
If you’ve ever imagined yourself as Kim Yeon-ah, you’ll be able to fulfill that dream at one of the many ice rinks that opened this winter. From the Seoul Plaza Skating Rink, where you can skate for just a thousand won, to the Grand Hyatt Hotel Ice Rink, which boasts a beautiful night view, there are plenty of rinks to choose from.
Find out more about ice rinks in Seoul here.
4. Sleigh rides on the ice at the Sansan Lake Sleigh Festival
Several yellow ducks pass by in a row. This is a common sight at Pocheon Mountain Lake in winter. The sledding festival at Pocheon Mountain Lake features a variety of sleds, including the famous Rubber Duck Train, Pooh Sled, Santa’s Sled, and Penguin Sled. There is also a romance sled, so if you want to try it with your significant other, visit Seongsan Lake.
5. A day of sleeping in the snow, camping
An overnight stay at a campground in the snow is a dream come true for any camper. You can enjoy the warmth of a fire in your tent or a fire pit outside your tent to warm up and relax on a cold day. Fingers and toes frozen from the bitter cold, slowly melting in the warmth of the fire. It’s the kind of camping you can only enjoy in winter.
If you want to enjoy camping close to Seoul on a snowy day, you can find information on campgrounds here.
6. Enjoy various ice festivals and smelt festivals
Winter festivals such as ice festivals and smelt festivals are in full swing across the country. You can easily find various winter festivals such as the Cheongyang Alps Village Winter Ice Fountain Festival, where you can experience a realistic version of Frozen, including frozen fountains, sledding hills, and ice sculptures, and the Pyeongchang Trout Festival in Pyeongchang, which is famous for its trout in winter. Learn more about other winter festivals here.