South Korea in January
Bitterly cold and dry, with a nationwide shutdown for a few days around the lunar new year.
Is January a good time to visit South Korea?
January is one of the better months across South Korea, with crowds averaging 48/100 and typical highs near 2°C.
What closes and what fills up in January
- Seollal, lunar new year (movable) — much of the country closes
How January compares across the year
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Frequently asked questions
Is January a good month to visit South Korea?
January is one of the better months across South Korea, with crowds averaging 48/100 and typical highs near 2°C.
How busy is South Korea in January?
Averaged across the destinations we track, South Korea sits near 48/100 in January. The calmest of them is Seoul.
What is the weather like in South Korea in January?
Expect average highs near 2°C and lows near -6°C, with roughly 6 wet days — though South Korea varies by region.