When you think of Korea, you might recall the bustling streets of Seoul or the beautiful beaches of Busan. However, don’t forget that the coldest cities in South Korea offer an incredible combination of frigid winters and breathtaking winter landscapes. In this article, we will analyze and explore the coldest cities in South Korea, along with the attractions each city has to offer. So, stay with HiTopTourism until the end of this article!
Reading Suggestion: Safest Cities in South Korea
1. Chuncheon
Chuncheon, often regarded as the coldest city in South Korea, is the capital of Gangwon Province. In January, the city experiences an average temperature of -8.4°C, and even more strikingly, it receives 150 cm of heavy snowfall annually. Below, we explore some of its top attractions:
- Nami Island: A breathtaking destination, especially in winter, when the entire island is blanketed in snow.
- Soyang Lake: Offers opportunities for winter sports and the unique experience of ice fishing.
- Chuncheon Myeong-dong Street: A famous area renowned for its local cuisine.
2. Gangneung
Gangneung, located in Gangwon Province, is one of the coldest cities in South Korea, known for its harsh winters. In January, temperatures drop to -8.2°C, and the city receives 140 cm of snowfall annually.
Top Attractions in Gangneung:
- Gyeongpo Beach: One of the city’s most beautiful beaches, offering stunning winter scenery.
- Odaesan National Park: Features picturesque trails lined with snow-covered trees in winter.
- Gangneung Art Center: Hosts diverse cultural events showcasing traditions from around the world.
3. Sokcho
Sokcho also ranks among South Korea’s coldest cities, with an average January temperature of -7.8°C and annual snowfall of around 120 cm. This coastal city boasts unforgettable attractions, including:
- Seoraksan National Park: A breathtaking park featuring scenic hiking trails alongside stunning mountain temples.
- Abai Village: A historic neighborhood famed for its community of North Korean refugees and nostalgic charm.
- Sokcho Lighthouse: Combines picturesque coastal views with rich historical significance.
4. Seoul
Seoul, the capital of South Korea, also makes the list of the country’s coldest cities, though its winters are less extreme compared to other frigid Korean cities. In January, temperatures average -6.5°C, with only about 30 cm of annual snowfall. Let’s explore some of Seoul’s must-see attractions:
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: One of the most beautiful historical sites, especially enchanting in winter.
- Namsan Tower: Offers breathtaking panoramic views of Seoul – particularly magical when the city is blanketed in snow.
- Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP): A unique night market and shopping paradise for luxury seekers.
5. Pyeongchang
Pyeongchang stands out as one of South Korea’s most famous – and coldest – destinations. Renowned for hosting the 2018 Winter Olympics, this winter wonderland experiences temperatures dropping to -5.6°C and receives a massive 250 cm of annual snowfall, making it a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts.
Top Attractions in Pyeongchang:
- Alpensia Resort: A world-class winter sports destination offering exceptional skiing, snowboarding, and various winter activities
- Pyeongchang Olympic Museum: Showcases fascinating exhibits and memorabilia from the 2018 Winter Games
- Woljeongsa Temple: A breathtaking Buddhist temple surrounded by stunning natural beauty, particularly enchanting in winter
6. Incheon
Incheon is another one of the most beautiful cities in South Korea, famous for its international airport, which is considered one of the best in the world. Incheon is also listed as one of the coldest cities in South Korea, with temperatures dropping to -4.5 degrees Celsius in January and receiving about 28 centimeters of snow annually. Below are some of the famous attractions in Incheon, aside from its airport:
Chinatown of Incheon: A blend of culture and history with Asian cuisine.
Songdo Central Park: A park that offers stunning views for a walk, especially in winter.
Incheon Bridge: A symbol and an incredible masterpiece that you shouldn’t miss.
7. Daejeon
Daejeon is another city that ranks among the coldest in South Korea, with an average temperature of -4 degrees Celsius in January and receiving over 40 centimeters of snow annually. Below are some of the most important attractions in this city:
Daejeon O-World: An amusement park that transforms into a winter wonderland during the winter months.
Hanbat Arboretum: A botanical garden that is covered in white during the winter months.
National Science Museum: A venue with seasonal exhibitions that are perfect for family visits.
8. Jeonju
Jeonju is one of the cities that experiences milder winters compared to other cold cities, with temperatures in January reaching only -2.3 degrees Celsius and receiving about 25 centimeters of snowfall annually. Here are some of the major attractions in this city:
Hanok Village Jeonju: A historical and preserved area with traditional Korean houses.
National Museum of Jeonju: Home to ancient artifacts and various exhibitions related to Korean history and culture.
Bibimbap Street Jeonju: Famous for its delicious bibimbap.
9. Gwangju
Gwangju is also among the coldest cities in South Korea, known for its rich history. The temperature in this city can drop to -0.5 degrees Celsius, and it receives about 15 centimeters of snowfall annually. Here are some of the important attractions to explore:
Mudeungsan National Park: A stunning destination for winter activities.
Gwangju Biennale: A contemporary art exhibition for art enthusiasts.
May 18 National Cemetery: A memorable site dedicated to honoring the victims of the Gwangju Uprising.
10. Busan
Busan, as the second-largest city in South Korea, experiences relatively mild winters compared to other cold cities, with an average temperature of around 0 degrees Celsius in January and receiving approximately 5 centimeters of snow annually. Here are some major attractions in this city:
Haeundae Beach: Stunning views during the winter months.
Gamcheon Cultural Village: A vibrant area with colorful and artistic houses.
Jagalchi Fish Market: A bustling market known for its seafood offerings.
Conclusion
South Korea is one of the countries with a rich history and culture, known for its diverse tourist attractions and beautiful winter landscapes. In this article, we will examine the coldest cities in South Korea and explore the most famous and impressive attractions in these cities. After getting to know the coldest cities in South Korea, you can also get familiar with the renowned attractions of those cities. Finally, if you travel there, don’t miss out on the breathtaking winter scenery of each city.
