Five Cozy Winter Activities to Enjoy in Seoul This December 2025
Embrace the Magic of Winter in Seoul
As December blankets Seoul in crisp winter air and twinkling lights, the city transforms into a wonderland perfect for cozy experiences. Whether you're seeking warmth indoors or braving the cold for seasonal delights, Seoul offers countless ways to make your December memorable.
1. Sip Hot Beverages at Cozy Cafés
Seoul's café culture shines brightest in winter. Hunt for unique themed cafés in neighborhoods like Yeonnam-dong or Ikseon-dong, where historic hanok houses have been converted into charming coffee shops. Order a steaming cup of sweet potato latte, traditional patbingsu transformed into a warm dessert, or classic hot chocolate while watching the city bustle by.
2. Explore Christmas Markets and Festival Lights
December brings magical illuminations throughout Seoul. Visit the Seoul Lantern Festival if it extends into early December, or explore Christmas markets at COEX Mall and Seoul Plaza. The Starfield Library at COEX provides a particularly photogenic backdrop with its towering bookshelves and festive decorations.
3. Indulge in Korean Winter Comfort Food
December is prime time for Korean comfort dishes. Seek out bubbling pots of budae-jjigae (army stew), warming bowls of samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), or gather around a table for Korean BBQ. Don't miss seasonal treats like bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastries filled with sweet red bean) from street vendors.
4. Browse Cozy Bookstores
Escape into Seoul's independent bookstores where you can spend hours browsing. Spots like Thanks Books in Seongsu-dong or Arc.N.Book in Yeonnam-dong offer curated selections, comfortable reading nooks, and often serve coffee, creating the perfect sanctuary from winter weather.
5. Experience Ice Skating at Seasonal Rinks
Outdoor ice skating rinks pop up across Seoul in December. The rink at Seoul Plaza offers skating with City Hall as your backdrop, while Lotte World's indoor rink provides a year-round option. Bundle up and glide across the ice for a quintessentially winter experience.
Making the Most of Seoul's December
Seoul in December offers the perfect blend of outdoor festivities and indoor comforts. Layer up, plan your itinerary around warming stops, and embrace both the seasonal chill and the city's abundant cozy retreats.
