SeasonMapSouth Korea in January
January is South Korea's weakest month (rank 12 of 12): its 10 destinations average 56/100, led by Pyeongchang at 74 — -2°C and 4 rainy days — while Busan is warmer at 5°C and scores 66.
#12 of 12 months for South Korea · 10 destinations · updated September 2026 · climate normals from ERA5 reanalysis
Where in South Korea in January
| # | Place | Type | Feels-like high | Rain | Comfort | At its best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pyeongchang | Ski resort | -2°C | 23 mm · 4 days | 74 tier B | Yes |
| 2 | Busan | City | 5°C | 34 mm · 4 days | 66 tier C | — |
| 3 | Gyeongju | City | 2°C | 30 mm · 3 days | 60 tier C | — |
| 4 | Daegu | City | 2°C | 25 mm · 3 days | 58 tier D | — |
| 5 | Jeonju | City | 0°C | 30 mm · 6 days | 54 tier D | — |
| 6 | Gangneung | Beach | 1°C | 37 mm · 5 days | 52 tier D | — |
| 7 | Jeju | Island | 4°C | 71 mm · 10 days | 50 tier D | — |
| 8 | Sokcho | Beach | -1°C | 35 mm · 5 days | 48 tier F | — |
| 9 | Seoul | City | -1°C | 19 mm · 3 days | 47 tier F | — |
| 10 | Incheon | City | -3°C | 17 mm · 3 days | 46 tier F | — |
Comfort is SeasonMap's 0–100 score; each place is judged through the lens that suits it — beaches on beach weather, ski resorts on snow. "At its best" means January is one of that place's own top three months. Feels-like highs fold in humidity, wind and sun.
What's on in South Korea in January
- Pyeongchang Trout Festival · Pyeongchang · 9 Jan – 9 Feb
- Seollal · Gyeongju · 20 Jan – 20 Feb (usually)
- Gangneung Christmas Winter Festival · Gangneung · 24 Nov – 31 Jan (usually)
- Jeongdongjin New Year sunrise · Gangneung · 30 Dec – 2 Jan (usually)