February is the end of Korean winter. The first half is still properly cold, with the last good weeks of skiing and snow festivals, and the second half starts to feel like the end of winter, especially in the south. The big event is Lunar New Year, Seollal, one of the two biggest holidays of the year. In 2027 it falls on 6 to 9 February, and it is worth planning around.
What the weather is like
In Seoul, early February is still cold, with days around freezing and nights well below. By late February, sunny afternoons can feel mild, though mornings stay cold and a late cold spell or snowfall is common. Busan, the south coast and Jeju warm up first. It is still a dry month, with clear skies on most days.
What to pack
- A warm winter coat, hat and gloves for the first half of the month and for any time in the mountains.
- Layers you can add and remove, as afternoons can be much warmer than mornings by late February.
- Comfortable, warm shoes with grip in case of a late snowfall.
Seollal: Lunar New Year
At Seollal, most Koreans travel to their home towns to spend time with family. In 2027 the holiday runs from Saturday 6 to Tuesday 9 February, with Seollal itself on Sunday 7 February. For visitors, this means:
- Trains and buses between cities sell out weeks ahead, and roads are jammed at the start and end of the holiday. Avoid long trips on those days or book early. See our KTX guide.
- Seoul is unusually quiet on the main days, which can be pleasant for walking.
- Some small restaurants and shops close, especially on Seollal itself and the day before. Big shopping areas, department stores, convenience stores and chain restaurants mostly stay open.
- Palaces and museums often stay open and put on traditional games and performances for the holiday. Opening and closing days can change, so check before you go.
Our Seollal travel guide covers the holiday in more detail.
Things to do in February
The last weeks of skiing
Ski resorts usually stay open until early or mid-March, and February snow is often still good. After the school holidays, the slopes are quieter. See our ski resorts guide.
Snow festivals
Some winter festivals in Gangwon Province continue into February, including the Taebaek snow festival with its big snow sculptures. Dates change each year and depend on the weather; see our winter festivals guide.
Early signs of spring in the south
By late February, the first plum blossoms start to appear in the far south and on Jeju, and Jeju's fields of yellow canola flowers begin to bloom. If you are planning ahead for cherry blossoms, see our cherry blossom 2027 guide.
Indoor Seoul
On cold days, museums, cafés, covered markets and bathhouses are the best places to be. See our bathhouse guide and street food guide.
Is February a good time to visit?
Yes, especially if you avoid travelling between cities on the Seollal days. It is still low season, so flights and hotels can be good value, and late February gives you a hint of spring without the crowds. For the coldest weather and ice festivals, January is better; see our January guide.
FAQ
When is Seollal in 2027?
Seollal is on Sunday 7 February 2027, and the public holiday runs from Saturday 6 to Tuesday 9 February.
Is everything closed in Korea at Seollal?
No. Some small family-run restaurants and shops close, but department stores, convenience stores, chain restaurants and most sights stay open. Trains and buses between cities are the main problem, as they sell out.
Is it still cold in Korea in February?
Yes, especially in the first half of the month and in the mountains. Late February can have mild afternoons, but mornings stay cold.
