Christmas & New Year Tours in South Korea
What if you explored Seoul's vibrant culture and history, visited UNESCO sites in Gongju and Jeonju, then discovered Gwangju's democratic heritage? South Korea's Golden Route takes eight days. Stroll through Busan's bustling markets, tour Olympic venues and Seoraksan Park. From capital Seoul to coastal Busan through UNESCO towns, you're getting Korea's historical sites, modern cities, and natural parks that show the country's incredible development and preserved traditions.
Excellent
- Choose from 50+ South Korea tours
- 100+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
- S
Stephen • traveled in April, 2026
Loved it! An amazing country with stunning scenery, the friendliest and most helpful local people and affordable too. Enjoyed all food, especially the bibambap, gukbap and Korean BBQ. Our tour guide,Justin Choi, was outstanding. So knowledgeable and helpful and great fun. His history lessons on the way to each destination were so insightful and greatly enhanced the experience. Highly recommend this tour, everything ran so smoothly and effortlessly. Seoul was amazing, so easy to get with their metro system. The trip of a lifetime!
South Korea Golden Route 8D/7N - A
AMY • traveled in April, 2026
Jay Lee is an excellent tour guide. He speaks English well, a good historian of South Korean history like historical places we went to and very caring when it comes to Korean food . He suggested the best food we could eat and taught us the way to eat like bibimbap and others. I wish to travel again with him.
Perfection of Korea - T
Tamara • traveled in December, 2024
Andy was an amazing tourguide. He was very helpful and kind to all of us and told us so much about Korea and it's history. I would highly recommend this tour and Andy as a tourguide!
【South Korea】10 Days Scenic South Korea with Hanbok Royal Cuisine Experience Tour Packages
10 best Christmas & New Year South Korea tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaSouth Korea travel expert at TourRadar
- South Korea Golden Route 8D/7N
- Perfection of Korea
- Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island
- 【South Korea】10 Days Scenic South Korea with Hanbok Royal Cuisine Experience Tour Packages
- 9-Day Customized South Korea Private Fully Guided Tour, Daily Start & 4-star Hotel
- 11-Days South Korea Explorer: Temples, Mountains & Coastal Highlights
- Korean World Heritage Adventure 11D/10N
- The Essence of Korea and Jeju Island
- Essential Korea
- Complete Korea
South Korea Golden Route 8D/7N
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fabulous well organised and thoughtfully designed tour to give a thorough experience of the different aspects of Korea's history, culture and nature.”
Lynne, traveled in April
Korean winter traditions come alive at Gyeongbokgung Palace and snowy Seoraksan National Park. Pyeongchang's Winter Olympic venues and Jeonju's Hanok Village showcase seasonal beauty. December travelers enjoy comfortable accommodations with daily breakfast.
Duration 8 days Destinations Incheon, Seoul, Gongju, Jeonju, Gwangju, Suncheon, Yeosu, Jinju, Busan, GyeongjuSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
- US$2,095
Perfection of Korea
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“He speaks English well, a good historian of South Korean history like historical places we went to.”
AMY, traveled in April
Korea's winter unveils illuminated Bulguksa Temple and snow-covered Mt. Seoraksan. Seasonal festivals light up Gamcheon Culture Village, while Grand Hyatt Jeju provides luxury comfort. Traditional New Year customs come alive with expert guides.
Duration 9 days Destinations Seoul, Gongju, Buyeo, Jeonju, Gwangju, Suncheon, Yeosu, Jinju, Busan, Jeju-doSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator US Travel Korea From
- US$3,299
Duration 6 days Destinations Seoul, Busan, Jeju-do Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
- US$1,959
【South Korea】10 Days Scenic South Korea with Hanbok Royal Cuisine Experience Tour Packages
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I would highly recommend this tour and Andy as a tourguide!”
Tamara, traveled in December
Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace hosts Royal Guard ceremonies and festive Hanjeongsik feasts in traditional Hanbok. Winter views stretch from Seorak National Park's cable car to Busan's illuminated Jagalchi district markets.
Duration 10 days Destinations Seoul, Gongju, Jeonju, Gwangju, Yeosu, Busan, Gyeongju, Andong, Wonju Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Delightful Travel From
- US$2,912
Duration 9 days Destinations Seoul, Gongju, Daejeon, Jeonju, Jeju-do, Busan Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
- US$4,059
The route connects Seoul to Busan through Gyeongju and Andong, stopping at UNESCO sites like Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and Haeinsa Temple where 80,000 wooden printing blocks of the Tripitaka Koreana are housed. Accommodations include 3-4 star hotels like IBIS AMBASSADOR INSADONG and AVANI CENTRAL BUSAN, plus a temple stay in Mt. Seorak National Park.
Duration 11 days Destinations Seoul, Daegu, Gyeongju, Busan, Andong Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $4,549
25% Off- US$3,412You save $1,137
Korean World Heritage Adventure 11D/10N
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodations were great, and the tours were informative and fun.”
Rafe, traveled in March
Korea's winter magic unfolds at Seoul's Myeong Dong markets and snow-covered Seoraksan National Park. Illuminated temples and traditional tea houses offer seasonal charm. This 10-day adventure includes stays in 3-4 star hotels across 5 major cities.
Duration 11 days Destinations Seoul, Jeju-do, Busan, Daegu, Gangneung Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
25% Off- US$4,515
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours in South Korea
What are the highlight attractions to visit in South Korea during Christmas and New Year?
South Korea transforms during the winter holidays with several notable attractions. The Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul takes on a new character with traditional holiday lighting while Everland theme park runs its Christmas Fantasy events. The Four Points by Sheraton Josun puts visitors right next to Seoul's biggest Christmas market in Myeongdong. Food enthusiasts can explore Busan's Jagalchi Market which serves special New Year seafood dishes. As shared by a TourRadar traveler: "The holiday decorations at Bulguksa Temple were absolutely breathtaking combining traditional Korean architecture with festive lights."
What's the weather like in South Korea during Christmas and New Year?
Winter brings cold dry conditions to South Korea. Seoul temperatures typically range from -7°C to 3°C while Busan stays a bit milder at 0°C to 8°C. Snow is common in higher elevations like Mount Seorak National Park and around the DMZ creating winter photo opportunities. Many visitors appreciate hotels like the Grand Hyatt Jeju that provide warm indoor spaces. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The snowy scenery at Bulguksa Temple during New Year's was magical though you definitely need to pack proper winter gear."
What traditional Korean holiday foods should I try during Christmas and New Year?
Holiday dining in South Korea centers around meaningful dishes. Tteokguk (rice cake soup) serves as a traditional New Year's Day meal believed to bring good fortune. Korean BBQ (bulgogi) features prominently in year-end gatherings. Visitors can find holiday seafood specialties at Busan's Jagalchi Market or sample festive street food at Seoul's Gwangjang Market. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The New Year's Eve special dinner at Four Points by Sheraton Josun was amazing featuring both traditional Korean and festive international dishes."
What type of accommodation can I expect on a Christmas and New Year tour in South Korea?
Accommodations range from high-end properties like the Grand Hyatt Jeju to well-located options such as the Four Points by Sheraton Josun in Seoul. Some tours include stays at historic venues like the Commodore Hotel Gyeongju which offers special holiday packages. Most hotels feature ondol heated floors for winter comfort. According to one TourRadar traveler: "The Royal Hotel Myeongdong's Christmas decorations and holiday atmosphere were spectacular making our stay extra special."
Are there any special New Year traditions I should be aware of in South Korea?
New Year celebrations in South Korea blend ancient customs with modern festivities. Many people practice Seongwha watching the year's first sunrise at spots like Gyeongbokgung Palace. The traditional bell-ringing ceremony at Jogyesa Temple draws crowds while families gather to make tteokguk and play traditional games. A TourRadar traveler reported: "Participating in the midnight bell-ringing ceremony at Bosingak Pavilion was the highlight of our New Year's experience in Seoul."
What are the best shopping opportunities during Christmas and New Year in South Korea?
Holiday shopping centers around festive markets and retail districts. Myeongdong's Christmas market near the Metro Hotel sells seasonal items and Korean cosmetics. The Dongdaemun Design Plaza hosts evening markets while Namdaemun offers New Year specialties. Busan shoppers can explore holiday deals at Jagalchi Market and BIFF Square. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The Christmas shopping at Myeongdong was incredible with amazing holiday deals and festive atmosphere."