A winter holiday in Korea is a favourite choice for Indonesian families over the year-end break. Snow we rarely see at home, Christmas and New Year in Seoul and warming Korean food make the trip feel special. To make your winter holiday in Korea comfortable, there are a few things worth knowing before you go.

The weather on a winter holiday in Korea

December is winter in South Korea. Temperatures in and around Seoul can fall below zero, especially in the morning and at night, and the cold wind makes it feel even sharper. For those of us used to a tropical climate, the difference is noticeable, so the right clothing is key.

Clothing and gear

Dress in layers so you can adapt easily between the cold outdoors and heated indoor spaces:

  • A heat-retaining base layer, such as thermal wear or Heattech.
  • A sweater or fleece as the middle layer.
  • A windproof winter jacket, ideally with a hood.
  • Gloves, a scarf, a beanie and thick socks.
  • Comfortable, non-slip shoes for snowy streets.
  • Moisturiser and lip balm, because winter air tends to be dry.

Ski equipment and clothing are usually not included in tour packages, so you can rent them on site if you want to try skiing.

Places worth visiting in winter

Places that often feature on a winter holiday in Korea include:

  • A ski resort, to play in the snow first-hand.
  • Nami Island, famous as the filming location of the drama Winter Sonata.
  • Everland, the largest theme park in South Korea.
  • Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the Joseon Dynasty, and Starfield Library Suwon.
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower and the Myeongdong shopping district.

All of these are covered in our Year End Korea Winter Experience package, with Malaysia Airlines flights and several departure dates in December. Want a different route? See also our Korea Winter Moments Busan and Seoul package.

A sample 6-day holiday

To give you an idea, here is a summary of our year-end package. Day one, fly from Jakarta to Incheon via Kuala Lumpur. Day two, play in the snow at a ski resort, then visit Nami Island. Day three, enjoy Everland, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and Starfield Library. Day four, a Seoul city tour to Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Folk Museum, ending with the Painters show. Day five, try making kimbap, go up N Seoul Tower, then explore Itaewon and Myeongdong. Day six, shop for souvenirs before flying home.

A plan like this is full but still leaves time to soak up the atmosphere, so a winter holiday in Korea feels complete without being rushed. For families with children, Everland and the ski resort are usually the most anticipated parts.

Warming food you must try

Cold weather is the perfect excuse to try warm Korean food. Street snacks such as tteokbokki, odeng and hotteok are easy to find in Myeongdong. For dinner, Korean soups and barbecue are ideal for warming up. If you have dietary restrictions, let our team know from the start so they can be taken into account during the trip.

Visas and documents

Indonesian citizens need a visa to visit South Korea. On our group tour packages, the Korean group visa is included. If a participant is assessed as not meeting the group visa requirements, they will be asked to apply for an individual visa at extra cost. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your return date.

Staying healthy in Korea

The extreme change from tropical heat to winter cold can tire the body quickly. Drink enough water even when you don't feel thirsty, get enough sleep every night and don't push yourself to stay outdoors too long. For children, bring spare gloves, as they often get wet while playing in the snow. Travel insurance is already included in our group tour packages.

Tips for booking a year-end holiday

Christmas and New Year are peak season. Flights and hotels fill up quickly, so the earlier you book, the better your chance of getting the dates you want. On our programme, seats are confirmed once the down payment is received, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ready to plan your winter holiday in Korea? See all our South Korea packages or contact us on WhatsApp to choose the dates that suit your family best.