Seoul in December

Cold; short days.

All twelve months in one grid — weather, crowds and prices, with gaps left as unknown.

December is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

• AprilGreatBlossoms and mild; palaces are busy.
• MayGreatWarm and dry; a good month.
• OctoberGreatBest month for walking; autumn colour.
• NovemberGoodCool and dry.

• SeoulHighs around 4 °C (39 °F), lows around -3 °C (27 °F), rain on about 8 daysHighs around 39 °F (4 °C), lows around 27 °F (-3 °C), rain on about 8 days
• Seoul and north-west, South Korea · Seoul, Incheon, Suwon, the DMZcool

  Continental: dry winters down to −15 °C (5 °F) on cold snaps, hot humid summers. Fine dust (yellow dust and pollution) peaks Mar–Apr; the monsoon runs late Jun – Jul.Continental: dry winters down to 5 °F (−15 °C) on cold snaps, hot humid summers. Fine dust (yellow dust and pollution) peaks Mar–Apr; the monsoon runs late Jun – Jul.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Christmas and year-end lights

  December · Myeongdong (department-store façades), Cheonggyecheon, Gwanghwamun market

  Evening crowds on the shopping streets.

• New Year bell ringing

  31 December, midnight · Bosingak pavilion, Jongno

  Streets around Jongno close; the subway runs late that night (check).

Crowds · South Korea overall

Medium

Prices · South Korea overall

Medium

South Korea overall: Cold and dry; Christmas markets and lights in Seoul; ski season opens.

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Seoul, side by side.

• A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
• Layers: a fleece or light jacket

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