South Korea Tours in January 2026
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10 best South Korea trips in January 2026
Compiled by
MelissaSouth Korea travel expert at TourRadar
- Golden route by K-shuttle
- South Korea Golden Route 8D/7N
- South Korea Highlights
- Perfection of Korea
- 【South Korea】10 Days Scenic South Korea with Hanbok Royal Cuisine Experience Tour Packages
- Best of South Korea
- South Korea's Best: 9-Day Tour from Seoul to Jeju(Private Custom)
- Ultimate Korea: Seoul, Gyeongju & Busan (Private Customize)
- Seoul Searching & Jeju 4 star - 9 days
- South Korea: Seoul, Gongju, Jeonju, Gwangju, Suncheon, Yeosu, Busan, Gyeongju - 5 days
Golden route by K-shuttle
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was a wonderful experience, with a knowledgeable and accommodating guide.”
Joji, traveled in October
Duration 8 days Destinations Seoul, Jeonju, Yeosu, Jinju, Busan, Gyeongju, Pyeongchang, Sokcho Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator US Travel Korea January departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 9 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From
- US$1,499
South Korea Golden Route 8D/7N
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Information was given out for planning estimating times for each activity with our guide having a good idea of how long it should take.”
Lynda, traveled in October
Duration 8 days Destinations Seoul, Gongju, Buyeo, Jeonju, Gwangju, Suncheon, Yeosu, Jinju, Busan, GyeongjuSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel January departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 9 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From
- US$2,095
South Korea Highlights
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I learned a lot about Korea and its history. I tried new foods that were absolutely delicious.”
Carolyn, traveled in May
Duration 9 days Destinations Seoul, Sokcho, Andong, Busan Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel January departure dates
3 Jan, 2026 3 spaces left From $3,390
10% Off- US$3,051You save $339
Duration 9 days Destinations Seoul, Gongju, Jeonju, Gwangju, Suncheon, Yeosu, Jinju, Jeju-do, Busan, GyeongjuSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator US Travel Korea January departure dates
See All Departure Dates4 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 11 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From
10% Off- US$3,299
【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
Duration 10 days Destinations Seoul, Gongju, Jeonju, Gwangju, Yeosu, Busan, Gyeongju, Andong, Wonju Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Delightful Travel January departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 9 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From
10% Off- US$2,648
Best of South Korea
43 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We got to experience a lot of varied experiences in 8 days.”
WILLIAM, traveled in October
Duration 8 days Destinations Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures January departure dates
See All Departure Dates9 Jan, 2026 5 spaces left 16 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From
10% Off- US$2,949
South Korea's Best: 9-Day Tour from Seoul to Jeju(Private Custom)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent trip, all arrangements were excellent.”
James, traveled in May
Duration 9 days Destinations Seoul, Andong, Gyeongju, Busan, Jeju-do Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Odynovo January departure dates
See All Departure Dates6 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 7 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From $4,866
10% Off- US$4,379You save $487
Ultimate Korea: Seoul, Gyeongju & Busan (Private Customize)
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We experienced both the history of the beautiful palaces and temples, the incredible natural beauty of the mountains and Jeju island.”
Mary, traveled in October
Duration 7 days Destinations Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Odynovo January departure dates
See All Departure Dates6 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 7 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From $3,668
10% Off- US$3,301You save $367
Seoul Searching & Jeju 4 star - 9 days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Great way to see and experience South Korea for the first time. The tour appears to resemble a well organized event.”
Marc, traveled in October
Duration 9 days Destinations Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan, Jeju-do Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 4 spaces left 2 Jan, 2026 4 spaces left From
10% Off- US$5,355
Duration 5 days Destinations Seoul, Gongju, Jeonju, Gwangju, Suncheon, Yeosu, Jinju, Busan, Gyeongju, AndongSee all destinations Age Range Operator Receptivo Aborigen Tours January departure dates
See All Departure Dates4 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 11 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $1,349
10% Off- US$1,214You save $135
What people love about South Korea Tours in January
Michael, our tour guide, was patient, friendly, and flexible with different age travelers and physical abilities by adjusting the activities for them. The Best of Korea tour's itinerary was very full. I think many of us enjoyed the itinerary and the experiences we had. I, particularly, enjoyed the various transportation methods which added to the experience. The War Memorial Hall of Korea museum is a big museum and had very important history. Most of us needed more time. I think this activity could of come at the beginning of the tour for us to have better knowledge of Korean history. On the tour's last day, after the museum, most of us thought there was going to be a group dinner. The tours I have been in the past had end of the tour dinner to say good bye and show our appreciation to the tour guide. It's nice to have a closure after spending a week together. We were disappointed that the day just ended after returning to the hotel. After the DMZ visit, we had a very nice lunch at a well known restaurant. This time could of have been a good opportunity to say good bye but I think due to limited time, food came out late, we didn't linger.
Best of South Korea
- South Korea Circle Adventure 5D/4N
The itinerary included a good variety of historic, tourism, and sightseeing stops. Justin was very knowledgeable, accommodating and fun! The hotels were nice and the food was included food was fine. Justin had excellent suggestions for activities and restaurants during free time. The bus was the only disappointment as it was unbearably hot in the rear of the bus while other passengers were comfortable. The bus was also in dire need of new shock absorbers as each bump would cause bodies to lift iff the seat and land very hard.
- Korea Express
I am so lucky in this trip. The people I am with are very nice and friendly. Helena. our tour guide, is very kind and polite. She made my first group tour trip memorable. Oh, also the bus driver is very kind and helpful. ❤❤❤
What our customers ask about South Korea Tours in January 2026
What is the weather like in South Korea during January?
South Korea experiences its coldest temperatures in January. Seoul sees temperatures between -7°C to 1°C while coastal Busan stays slightly warmer at 3-8°C. Mountain regions like Mount Seoraksan often drop below -10°C. Recent TourRadar travelers note "the cold weather made visiting attractions like Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto even more magical with snow covering the ancient architecture." Hotels like the Four Points by Sheraton Josun in Seoul provide heated floors to combat the winter chill.
Which cities are best to visit in South Korea during January?
Seoul stands out with its winter activities and warm indoor spaces like Gwangjang Market and the National Museum. Busan offers a gentler winter climate perfect for exploring Gamcheon Culture Village and APEC House. The snow-covered historical sites of Gyeongju including Bulguksa Temple take on a different character in winter. Sokcho draws visitors to its hot springs and Seoraksan Mountain views. A recent visitor noted "The combination of Seoul's modern winter activities and Gyeongju's snowy historical sites made for an unforgettable January trip."
What are the best winter activities to do in South Korea during January?
Winter in South Korea opens up distinct experiences. Visitors can hike the snowy trails of Seoraksan Mountain explore the warm indoor spaces of Seoul's Gwangjang Market or relax in Cheoksan hot springs in Sokcho. Skiing near Seoul provides winter sports options while traditional hanok stays in Andong Hahoe Folk Village let guests experience heated ondol floors. The coastal Haedong Yonggungsa Temple shows a different side when covered in snow. A guest recently shared "The contrast of snow against traditional architecture created stunning photo opportunities."
Are there any special festivals or events in South Korea during January?
Winter festivals bring unique experiences to January visitors. The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival features ice fishing while the Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival showcases snow sculptures. Coffee enthusiasts gather at the Gangneung Coffee Festival. When Seollal (Lunar New Year) falls in January visitors can join traditional ceremonies and customs. As one traveler put it "Participating in the local winter festivals gave us an authentic insight into Korean culture that we wouldn't have experienced in other seasons."
Is January a good time for getting the best hotel deals in South Korea?
January offers lower rates during South Korea's off-peak tourism season. Premium properties like Fraser Place Namdaemun in Seoul and Ramada Encore in Busan reduce their prices with discounts reaching up to 30% below peak season rates. A recent guest observed "We got excellent value at high-end hotels during our January stay with rates much lower than spring or fall."
What are the best day trips from Seoul in January?
Winter day trips from Seoul reveal new perspectives. Options include viewing the DMZ in winter skiing at Yongpyong Resort or walking through snow-covered Nami Island. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress presents dramatic winter scenes while Icheon's hot springs provide warm refuge from the cold. A visitor recently shared "The DMZ tour was particularly impressive in winter with the stark landscape adding to the atmospheric experience."