Experience South Korea in December: A Guide for the First-Time Travelers

South Korea is a perfect destination to visit during December, as it transforms into a winter wonderland with snow-capped mountains and frosty landscapes. It marks the beginning of the festive season in South Korea, and cities are adorned with Christmas lights and decorations, creating a positive atmosphere.

In this article, The Daebak Company will help you prepare for your holiday celebration in Korea, especially if it's going to be your first time. Why don't we go on this adventure together?

In South Korea, December marks the onset of winter, bringing a freezing climate and shorter days. The weather can vary across the country, but generally, you can expect cold temperatures and the possibility of both rain and snowfall.

Regardless of where you are in South Korea, December is one of the coldest months, so warm clothing is essential. Remember to pack items like heavy coats, scarves, gloves, and hats to protect against the cold and potential snowfall. If you plan on exploring the outdoors, waterproof boots would also be a good addition to your luggage.

Given the variable weather conditions, it's highly recommended that travelers review the local weather forecast before their trip. This will help you prepare adequately, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.

Korean cuisine is a diverse and intricate combination of flavors, textures, and colors representing the country's past, location, and traditions. It is known for its harmonious blend of tastes, with sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy flavors often found in a single dish.

What dishes should you try on your first visit, and where do you find them? We've got you covered! 

Bungeoppang | Red Bean Filled Pastry

Bungeoppang, or carp bread, is a beloved winter delicacy in South Korea. This delectable snack is shaped like a fish and made from a doughy mixture packed with red bean paste.

Once filled, it is toasted until it turns a pleasingly brown color. The bread's exterior is crunchy, while the filling provides a subtly sweet taste, making it the perfect snack for chilly days. 

Hoppang | Steamed Bun

A brand name for a ready-to-eat steamed bun called jjinppang, hoppang is a popular Korean street food that is nutritious and commonly consumed during winter. It combined the onomatopoeia ho, ho (the sound of blowing on hot food), and ppang, which means bread in Korean. Although they may look the same from the outside, Hoppang can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, buldak, pumpkin, pizza flavors, and the popular red bean paste.

Hotteok | Cinnamon Sugar Pancake

Hotteok is a popular Korean food item, especially during the cold winter. It is typically a hot and fried sweet pancake filled with brown sugar, making it a popular dessert to warm up with during winter.

The dough is typically filled with sweet treats, making it a comforting, warming snack. It is often described as being chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside, providing a delightful texture contrast. 

Dak-Galbi | Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken

Dak-Galbi is a delicious dish that combines marinated chicken, assorted vegetables, rice cake, and a robust chili paste sauce seasoned with a variety of mouth-watering spices. It not only has a rich flavor but also provides warmth and comfort, making it an ideal choice for the cold season.

The dish is highly customizable with various add-ons like noodles and cheese, enhancing its versatility. It has gained a reputation as one of the most popular Korean winter foods.

Odeng | Fish Cake

Odeng is a dish best enjoyed on a cold December evening when it is skewered on a stick, soaked in broth, and consumed outside. The taste of odeng is both wholesome and hearty, and its unique texture comes from the blend of fish and grain used to make it.

Yuktongryeong

Yuktongryeong is a highly recommended destination for BBQ enthusiasts, especially those seeking an authentic Korean BBQ experience in Myeongdong. This restaurant has made a name for itself, specializing in Jeju black pork and ribeye steak offerings.

It provides the perfect gastronomic experience for those wanting to satisfy their Korean BBQ cravings. Its reputation as potentially the best Korean BBQ restaurant in the area further adds to its appeal.

Location: 37-2, Myeongdong 8na-Gil, Seoul

Operating Hours: 11:30AM-1:30AM

Hwangsaengga Kalguksu

Hwangsaengga Kalguksu is a popular dining destination well-known for its expertise in crafting Pyongyang-style kalguksu, which are hand-sliced noodles. Their dishes are also famous for their deep and rich taste, made with fresh ingredients. This place is always bustling with long lines of people waiting to be served and specializes in beef bone kalguksu and dumplings.

Location: 84 Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Operating Hours: 11:00AM-9:30PM 

Gwangjang Market

When in Korea, make sure to visit Gwangjang: The largest market for traditional clothing and textiles. Interestingly, it's also the oldest street food market in the country. As you stroll around, you'll find several stalls selling similar dishes. It can be overwhelming to choose from the available assortment of Korean street food, but look for bindaetteok or fried mung bean pancakes.

Location: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Operating Hours: 8:30AM-6:00PM

Coffee Nap Roasters

Coffee Nap Roasters is an excellent spot for coffee lovers as this place offers sustainable specialty coffee and an attractive interior design. This cafe is committed to supporting environmental causes and local culture, both directly and indirectly. 

It is made up of 7,000 bricks to serve as a seating area. The undulating design of the floor resembles a small hill, transforming the space into an indoor landscape that encourages visitors to stay and relax while enjoying their coffee.

Location: 453-32 Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Operating Hours: 10AM-6:30PM

Caffe Themselves

Caffe Themselves is a hit among the young Korean crowd. Its popularity soars even during the coldest winter months, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere that reflects the local coffee culture. 

The café has a reputation for an extensive range of delightful beverages. It is recognized for serving some of the best coffee in the city, catering to a wide audience - from those who enjoy frothy concoctions to seasoned coffee enthusiasts.
 

Locations:

• 388 Samil-daero Jongro-Ku, Seoul 
• 403-3, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu

Operating Hours: 8:00AM-5:00PM

Dorrell Coffee

Dorrell is an incredible coffee hangout that blends coffee culture with skateboarding. The shop's architecture, featuring concrete ramps and deck-shaped chairs, is inspired by skateboarding, and there is a range of creative and interesting coffee drinks on the menu that attract crowds. All of this has made Dorrell one of the top cafés in Seoul.
 

Location: 355-10 Heungwang-ri, Hwado-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon

Operating Hours: 8:00AM-9:00PM (Mon-Fri); 11:00AM-9:00PM (Sat & Sun)

The drop in temperature adds to the charm of Seoul. It offers a wide range of winter activities and attractions suitable for all travelers. You can find ice skating rinks all over the city, and the Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink is one of the most popular.

You shouldn't miss the chance to witness the stunning light displays, particularly the ones at the Seoul Christmas Festival. If you are a food lover, you can savor winter-special street foods like hotteok and bungeoppang. 

If you plan to stay until the end of the year, you will have the opportunity to witness the 2023 SEOULCon. This massive gathering of global influencers showcases the dynamic lifestyle and trends of Seoul. The event offers free access to everyone, allowing them to enjoy a myriad of activities with their idols.

Head to Busan, the country's second-largest city, for those seeking milder winter weather. You can take leisurely strolls here along beautiful beaches such as Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach, even in December. 

The seafood markets in Busan, like the Jagalchi Market, are a must-visit. You can enjoy a variety of fresh seafood and local delicacies. Don't forget to visit the Busan Christmas Tree Festival for a festive atmosphere.

Rounding out our list is Jeju Island, a place of immense natural beauty. December is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities on the island. Hike up Hallasan Mountain or explore the lava tubes at Manjanggul Cave. The island's tangerine farms also offer picking experiences during this season. Plus, the Jeju Hueree Camellia Flower Festival runs throughout December (until January 2024), where you can witness thousands of camellia flowers in full bloom.

While many Koreans in urban areas speak some English, learning a few basic Korean phrases is always helpful. Greetings like "Annyeonghaseyo" (Hello) and "Kamsahamnida" (Thank you) can go a long way. Also, learning to read Hangul, the Korean alphabet, can be very helpful, especially for reading signs and menus.

South Korea has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, so make sure to familiarize yourself with it. In cities like Seoul and Busan, the subway is often the fastest and most convenient travel method. Taxis are also readily available and relatively affordable. For intercity travel, consider taking a KTX train or express bus.

For first-time travelers to South Korea, safety is generally high. Still, as with any travel, it's important to stay aware and follow certain guidelines:

• Keep Valuables Out of Sight: While crime rates are generally low in South Korea, keeping your money and valuables out of sight and reach, especially in tourist-heavy areas, is best.

  
  

• Stay Safe at Night: Most parts of Seoul are safe to roam around day and night, even for solo female travelers, but vigilance is always a good practice.

  
  

• Mind the Holidays: Timing your visit with consideration of significant holidays. Some places might be closed or overly crowded during these times.

  
  

• Dress Appropriately: Depending on the season, pack proper clothing. Since you're planning to go during the winter, packing heavy coats, good walking shoes, thick sweaters, socks, and scarves is necessary.

  
  
• Be Respectful: Be aware of cultural norms to avoid unintentional rudeness.

The official currency of South Korea is the Korean Won. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash for smaller businesses and street vendors is also helpful. ATMs are readily available for withdrawals.

South Korea offers a wide range of shopping experiences, from traditional markets like Namdaemun Market to modern shopping districts like Myeongdong. Popular souvenirs and gifts include Korean cosmetics, traditional Hanbok, and local snacks like honey butter almonds.

When traveling to South Korea, understanding basic Korean etiquette, particularly those related to public behavior, can significantly enhance your experience. Koreans place great importance on politeness and respect in public spaces. They also have norms regarding shoes, hands, and dining. Remember, these etiquette rules may vary depending on the regions you plan to visit in South Korea.

December is an ideal time to visit South Korea and experience its stunning scenery, vibrant cuisine, and rich culture during the winter season. For first-time visitors, it is crucial to have knowledge of the local language, customs, transportation, safety, and currency.
 

Whether you're a foodie, nature lover, or adventurer, South Korea offers something unique. The Daebak Company can be your guide to an unforgettable Korean experience.