10 Things to Do in Seoul in December

Seoul is considered a global capital and also one of the most important cities in Asia. Because of its influence and wide cultural offerings, it is the most visited destination in South Korea and one of the most interesting to visit in December, especially for its range of events and celebrations, and its tradition of decorating buildings and parks with New Year's Eve luminaries.

Some of the best things to do in Seoul in December include taking part in the New Year's Eve celebrations at the N Seoul Tower, visiting the city's museums with seasonal discounts, browsing the Christmas markets, visiting the International Crafts Fair, discovering the palaces and their snowy landscapes and taking shelter from the winter cold on the city's gastronomic tours.

For an experience that combines popular New Year's celebrations and panoramic views of the city, you can't miss the celebrations at N Seoul Tower. This tower atop Namsan Hill, one of the highest points in Seoul, is an iconic site that is illuminated with bright lights and festive colours during the holiday season.

On New Year's Eve, the 239-metre-high tower becomes the epicentre of the celebrations, drawing locals and tourists alike. From here you can watch the fireworks that light up the Seoul sky when the clock strikes midnight. You can also enjoy the observation deck restaurant, which offers live entertainment, music and special activities to welcome the new year.

Views from N Seoul Tower include the city skyline, the illuminated Han River route through the city, and some of Seoul's finest palaces, which are part of the landscape of the South Korean capital.

With days that include sub-zero temperatures, December is one of the coldest months of winter in Seoul, which brings with it some incredible offers at indoor venues. During this month, one of the city's most popular offers are discounts and free admission to several of the capital's museums.

This initiative will allow you to explore the city's artistic heritage without worrying about the cost of admission and, in addition, you can learn about the ancient Korean culture in the best museums of Seoul. Among them is the National Museum of Korea, which houses a large collection of art and historical artefacts that trace the history of the peninsula.

The Deoksugung Palace Museum is another cultural treasure, located in central Seoul. Admission is usually free during the month of December, allowing you to explore Korea's royal history and admire the royal palaces. The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art also often participates in the December festivities with discounts and free admission.

Finally, don't miss the Seoul Museum Figure W, known for its collection of superhero and character figures from Disney, Marvel and DC Comics, as well as the innovative architectural design of the building that houses it. In December this museum offers discounted tickets.

One of the best things to do in Seoul on Christmas Eve is to discover the illuminated decorations on Cheonggyecheon Avenue. This iconic street runs through the city from end to end and in December is transformed into a themed light show, guiding your steps as you walk along the avenue.

Along Cheonggyecheon, trees, bridges and creek banks are adorned with thousands of twinkling lights that create a festive atmosphere. Walking along this illuminated urban corridor will take you into a fairytale, as well as giving you a glimpse of one of Seoul's best skylines at night.

Each year, Cheonggyecheon Avenue's illuminated decorations follow a specific theme, adding a tinge of spontaneity to the experience. In addition, special events and activities, such as open-air concerts and Christmas markets, are often held, allowing visitors to discover the festive spirit, even in the cold local temperatures. Definitely a must-see stop on a tour of the city during the month of December.

While Seoul does not have a strong Christmas tradition, it has maintained a strong cultural interaction with Western countries throughout its history, and this has resulted in Christmas markets, which flood the city during the festive eve. Each of these places has its own charm and unique offerings, allowing you to find gifts and Christmas decorations.

One of Seoul's iconic markets is Myeongdong Market, known for its bustle and numerous stalls selling gifts, Christmas decorations and culinary delights. Here you can enjoy seasonal specialities such as tteokbokki and find a variety of beauty and fashion products.

Another place not to be missed is the Seoul City Square Market. This market is open all year round, but in December it transforms into a winter wonderland with festive decorations and twinkling lights. As well as some of Seoul's best food tours, you'll also find a stage for live music concerts and even an ice skating rink.

If you want to get away from the epicentre of Seoul, check out the Odaesan Village Market, located in Odaesan Park. This is an ideal option for those looking for a quieter, more relaxing experience, and also the perfect place to find local handicrafts at an affordable price.

For a typical Korean experience during your December tour of the capital, visit the Seoul International Arts and Crafts Fair! This event allows you to explore the artistic diversity of Korea and the world, and find a showcase of talent, where local and international artisans display their handmade products, from exquisite jewellery to ceramics, textiles and unique sculptures.

This fair is usually held at the iconic COEX Mall, a shopping and convention centre in the Gangnam district, during the first few days of December. In addition to craft exhibits, the fair also features live performances, interactive workshops and demonstrations of traditional craft techniques, giving you an up-close look at the creative process.

The Seoul International Craft Fair is also a great place to find unique and authentic gifts for the December holidays. The products on display range from traditional Korean items to contemporary creations by local and international designers, so you'll find something for everyone.

You can't say you've discovered Seoul's winter charm until you've seen the snow-covered roofs of the city's palaces. The South Korean capital has several of these historic buildings that, during the winter, are covered in a blanket of snow, creating a perfect scene for some of the best photographs of your trip.

One of the most beautiful places to visit during this experience is Gyeongbokgung Palace, located in the centre of the city. Its traditional buildings, gardens and lakes look even more intriguing in the snow, and inside you can take a stroll along the paths to admire the winter scene.

Another palace not to be missed is Changdeokgung, famous for its historic architecture and secret orchard, the Huwon Garden. With snow covering the rooftops and pathways, exploring this palace is like travelling back in time and encountering the history of Korea during the Joseon Dynasty, which shaped much of the local culture.

Deoksugung Palace is another important heritage building that comes alive under the snow. Its fusion of Western and traditional Korean architecture provides a unique perspective, especially during the winter months when the snow transforms the place into a winter oasis in the middle of the South Korean capital.

If you want to see one of the most beautiful places in Seoul, especially during the winter, you can't miss Nami Island and its Morning Calm Garden. A festival of lights is held here in December, transforming the garden into a dazzling backdrop central to the Christmas season.

The Morning Calm Garden Light Festival is known for its illumination display that highlights traditional Korean architecture and the natural beauty of the site. As the sun sets and the lights begin to shine, the garden comes alive in an enchanting way, creating a festive atmosphere in Chuncheon.

The best way to experience the illuminated paths and hidden corners of this destination is to opt for a guided tour from Seoul to Nami Island, but you can also get here on your own without too much difficulty.

If you're a fan of shopping tours, you'll find some of the best discounts of the season in Seoul in December. During this month, the city is packed with special offers on shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions, allowing you to discover the South Korean capital while saving money.

One of the best ways to take advantage of the December discounts is to explore the city's Christmas markets. Places like Myeongdong Market and Seoul City Square Market offer unique festive products, as well as delicious food and treats at cheaper prices. In addition, fashion items, gifts and souvenirs can be found at special discounts.

Similarly, discounts on clothing and accessories can be found in the city's shopping malls. Seoul is one of Asia's fashion capitals, so you can get some of the best products there. Among the must-visit shopping spots is The Hyundai Seoul, which is considered the largest shopping mall in South Korea and also one of the largest in the world.

In addition to shopping and cultural attractions, dining is another area where you can take advantage of December discounts. Many restaurants and cafes are offering special menus and discounts on typical winter dishes such as soups and hot dishes, giving you the opportunity to try delicious Korean food at more affordable prices. In addition to these discounts, you can also take advantage of the Discover Seoul Pass Tourist Card to save even more money during your tour.

If you're planning to tour Seoul with children and want to opt for an alternative experience in the city's surroundings, you can't miss Everland Amusement Park. In December, this theme park turns into a winter wonderland with some of the best Christmas decorations you'll find in the South Korean capital. You'll be immersed in a world of twinkling lights, garlands and giant Christmas trees that the little ones will love.

What makes a visit to Everland in December even more special are the Christmas-themed rides the park offers. From decorated roller coasters to Santa and reindeer themed rides, every corner of the park lights up for the eve.

In addition to the decorations and themed rides, Everland also offers a variety of dining options that will allow you to sample the flavours of the season. From Christmas cakes to hot chocolate and freshly baked biscuits, there's no shortage of alternatives to satisfy your winter cravings while enjoying Seoul's winter attractions.

One of the best ways to take shelter from the winter chill is to join a food tour in Seoul. This experience, which is very popular in the city, will allow you to discover the local culinary richness and explore the flavours of Korean cuisine in the restaurants and markets

One of the most iconic local dishes to try is tteokbokki, a preparation of rice dumplings that can be eaten with either spicy or sweet sauce. This dish will allow you to experience the contrast of flavours and textures that characterise Korean food. Also, don't miss samgyeopsal, a popular pork barbecue served with a variety of side dishes, such as kimchi and vegetables.

If you love hot soups, sundubu jjigae is an excellent choice. This spicy tofu soup is served boiling hot and is full of flavour. Also not to be missed is bibimbap, a preparation of rice mixed with vegetables, meat and a spicy sauce that is an explosion of colours and flavours. On some tours you can also take a cooking class to learn this recipe, which is considered a local culinary delicacy.

If you are planning to visit Seoul in December, you should be aware that temperatures can be quite cold. Daily averages tend to range from -6° to 3°C, which means that mornings and evenings can be particularly frigid, with sub-zero temperatures that can lead to snowfall.

The low temperatures in December provide a lovely wintry atmosphere, ideal for enjoying the festive atmosphere of the season and taking part in activities such as ice skating. However, it is important to be prepared for the cold winter weather in Seoul, so always pack warm clothes.

Seoul experiences an increase in the number of tourists in December. This month becomes one of the most popular times to visit the city due to the celebration of the Christmas season and New Year's Eve festivities, so you will find a higher number of visitors at this time.

However, although the tourist crowds can be high in December, the city strives to provide a memorable experience for all visitors wishing to celebrate the festive season in bustling Seoul. In addition, the plethora of attractions will allow you to escape the crowds if you book in advance and secure your place at the experiences before you arrive in the city.

Prices in Seoul in December may vary according to peak season demand. Be aware that due to the Christmas festivities and the proximity to the New Year, some products and services may experience a price increase, especially in high-end hotels and restaurants.

On the shopping front, December is an ideal month for bargain hunters, with many shops offering discounts and special promotions as part of their Christmas sales. In addition, street markets and local shops often offer reasonable rates for those looking for unique gifts and souvenirs. In January, prices remain at December levels, but tend to drop even further from February onwards in Seoul.

Seoul's winter weather in December will require you to pack a variety of coats, including comfortable shoes and waterproof jackets to cope with the snowfall. Therefore, I recommend that you include the following:

• Woollen hat
• Woollen scarves
• Waterproof and tactile gloves
• Thermal socks
• Thermal fleece
• Fleece trousers
• Woollen jumpers
• Waterproof and comfortable boots
• Winter coats
• Waterproof jacket
• Sunglasses