Is Busan worth it in winter? Yes. It is usually several degrees milder than Seoul and often sunny, but the wind off the sea makes it feel colder than the thermometer says, so bring a windproof coat. In return you get quiet beaches, calm temples, bridge lights at night and the best season for Busan's hot soups and fish cakes.
This guide covers December, January and February: the weather, what to do, what to pack and how to get there. For the city in any season, see our things to do in Busan guide.
Busan weather in winter
These are approximate long-term averages (Korea Meteorological Administration, 1991-2020) for the daytime high and night-time low, rounded to the nearest degree, with Seoul for comparison.
| Month | Busan | Seoul |
|---|---|---|
| December | 10°C / 2°C | 4°C / −3°C |
| January | 8°C / 0°C | 2°C / −6°C |
| February | 10°C / 1°C | 5°C / −3°C |
Each cell shows the average high / average low. Winter in Busan is dry and bright, with many clear days, but a cold snap can still bring frosty nights, and on the seafront a strong north-westerly wind can make 5°C feel close to freezing. Check the forecast on the KMA website or a weather app a few days before you pack.
Things to do in Busan in winter
Haeundae and Gwangalli beach walks, and Gwangan Bridge at night
The beaches are almost empty in winter, and a walk along the sand at Haeundae or Gwangalli on a clear, still day is one of the nicest things to do in the city. Gwangalli is at its best after dark, when Gwangan Bridge lights up across the bay. Find a café or restaurant with a window seat facing the water and watch the lights from somewhere warm.
The Haeundae light festival
Each winter Haeundae lights up the streets and squares near the beach with light tunnels and installations. It usually runs from late November into the new year, but the exact dates for 2026-27 had not been announced at the time of writing, so check the Haeundae-gu or Visit Busan websites before you go. It is free and easy to combine with dinner near Haeundae station.
Haedong Yonggungsa at sunrise
This temple sits on the rocks right above the sea on Busan's east coast, and it is striking against a clear winter sky. Go early in the morning, before the tour groups arrive, and take care on the steps on a windy day. On 1 January it is one of Busan's best known places to watch the first sunrise of the year, so expect very big crowds then; see our New Year sunrise guide.
A bathhouse or jjimjilbang
A long soak is the best cure for a cold, windy day. Busan has hot spring bathhouses and big jjimjilbang (Korean spa with saunas and rest areas), including Spa Land in Centum City, which is popular with visitors. See our bathhouse guide for how it all works.
Hot food: dwaeji gukbap, fish cakes and ssiat hotteok
Winter is the season for Busan's comfort food. Dwaeji gukbap (pork and rice soup) is the classic warming lunch. At Bupyeong Kkangtong Market and Gukje Market you can eat eomuk (fish cakes) on skewers with a cup of hot broth, and in Nampo-dong stalls sell ssiat hotteok, a sweet pancake stuffed with seeds and nuts. See our street food guide.
Gamcheon Culture Village on a clear day
The colourful hillside village is best on a sunny day, when the houses glow and you can see out to the harbour. It is steep, and it can be cold and windy at the top, so wear proper shoes and warm layers.
Blueline Park Sky Capsule
The small, colourful capsules run along an old railway line above the coast between Mipo and Cheongsapo. They are enclosed, so you stay warm while you look at the sea. They can stop running in strong wind, so check before you go and book ahead at weekends.
Jagalchi Fish Market
Korea's best known fish market is busy all year. Walk the rows of tanks and stalls, then choose fish upstairs to be cooked or served as raw fish for a warm lunch indoors.
Huinnyeoul Culture Village and the Yeongdo coastal walk
On Yeongdo island, white houses line a cliff above the sea, with a flat coastal path below. It is a calm walk with sea views and small cafés to warm up in, and much quieter in winter than in summer.
The Christmas Tree Festival in Gwangbok-ro
In December, the shopping streets of Gwangbok-ro in Nampo-dong are lit up for Christmas around a big tree, with lights over the streets and stalls nearby. It usually runs through December into the new year; the 2026 dates had not been announced at the time of writing, so check Visit Busan before you go.
Opening times and prices for all of these change, so check Naver Map or KakaoMap on the day.
What to pack for Busan in winter
- A windproof jacket. The wind by the sea matters more than the temperature. A padded or windproof coat is the most useful thing you can bring.
- Layers. A thin top, a warm jumper and the jacket, so you can take a layer off in heated cafés, trains and the subway.
- Gloves, a hat and a scarf for evening walks by the beach and the bridge.
- Comfortable shoes with grip for hills, steps and temple paths.
For a full list, see our Korea packing list and Korea winter travel guide.
Getting to Busan in winter
The KTX from Seoul to Busan takes about two and a half to three hours, and trains are quick to sell out around Christmas, New Year and the Lunar New Year holidays, so book early. See our KTX train guide. Once there, the subway covers most sights; the Visit Busan Pass can save money if you plan several paid attractions. For a day plan, see our one day in Busan itinerary. Check times and routes on Naver Map or KakaoMap.
FAQ
Is Busan worth visiting in winter?
Yes, if you dress for the wind. Busan is usually milder than Seoul and often sunny, the beaches and temples are quieter, the winter lights look their best and hot soups and bathhouses are at their most welcome. Plan on walks, markets, temples and food rather than the beach.
Does it snow in Busan?
Rarely. Busan gets snow only on a few days in some winters, and it usually melts quickly. If you want snow, go to Gangwon Province in the north-east; see our winter festivals guide.
Can you swim in Busan in winter?
Not really. The sea is cold, and the beaches are only officially open for swimming, with lifeguards, in summer. You may see a polar bear swim event at Haeundae in some winters, but for most visitors winter is a season for beach walks, not swimming.
What should I wear in Busan in December?
Layers and a windproof coat. Days are often around 10°C but feel colder by the sea and after dark, so bring a warm jumper, gloves and a hat for the evenings, and shoes you can walk on hills in.
