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Winter weather gear for navigating Seoul?
That being said, I will be visiting as a tourist for the last 2 weeks of January. Does the snow melt quickly, or turn into ice? Are the roads or sidewalks managed well, or should I plan to navigate slippery areas?
Would winter boots suffice, or should I bring attachable walking spikes to clip over them?
Any other cold weather gear or clothing that you would recommend?
Thanks in advance!
yeah january in seoul is legit cold, like -10 to -15 most mornings, but the snow situation is hit or miss. it usually melts within a day or two because they salt the main roads and sidewalks pretty aggressively, especially around hongdae, myeongdong, and gangnam where tourists walk. the problem is side streets and those random sloped alleys in areas like ikseondong or bukchon, those can get icy and stay icy since they don't get as much sun or maintenance
winter boots with good grip are fine for 90% of your walking, i wouldn't bother with spikes unless you're planning to hike bukhansan or something. the subway stations and underground shopping malls are heated so you'll be taking layers on and off constantly, which is annoying. a good strategy is a thermal base layer, a fleece or sweater, and a windproof puffy jacket that cuts the wind. gloves and a scarf are non-negotiable because your face and hands will hurt after 10 minutes outside, and a mask is pretty common too for the dry cold air
if you're from a place where 2.5cm shuts things down, you'll be fine. seoul doesn't really panic over snow, they just keep moving. just watch your step on those marble floors at subway exits when it's wet, those are way more slippery than actual snow
layering is the whole game here, but not the way people usually say it. the indoor/outdoor temp swing is insane, like walking from a sauna into a freezer repeatedly. i learned to wear a thin but warm puffer under a longer windbreaker shell, so i can unzip the shell and take the puffer off without freezing while fumbling with buttons. those convertible gloves where the finger part flips back are actually clutch for using your phone without exposing skin
for the ground, watch out for those painted crosswalk lines and manhole covers when it's wet. they get like skating rink slick even without snow. regular winter boots with decent tread are fine, just stomp a bit before committing to a step
one thing i don't see mentioned is a neck gaiter or balaclava. way better than a scarf for keeping the wind off your neck and lower face, and easier to pull down when you duck into a kimbap shop for a warm drink. also, ear muffs over earbuds if you want to listen to music without ear pain from the cold
honestly the dry cold is what gets you more than the snow. the wind whipping through those gaps between buildings in jongno or along the han river feels way worse than a light snowfall. i'd prioritize a good windproof jacket over heavy snow boots
for shoes, just make sure they have some tread and are waterproof. the puddles of slush at crosswalks are nasty and wet feet will ruin your day. those heated floors in the subway stations are a lifesaver though, you can warm up fast between stops
one thing nobody mentioned is the indoor heating situation. it's intense. you'll walk into a convenience store or cafe and it's like 25 degrees inside. i always end up carrying my scarf and hat in my hands half the day, so a bag you can stuff things into is key
Cultural Etiquette in Seoul: What Not to Do (2026)
When meeting someone for the first time, a slight bow with your eyes lowered is the standard greeting. Handshakes are common in business settings, but use both hands or support… 🙇 Greeting Customs
When meeting someone for the first time, a slight bow with your eyes lowered is the standard greeting. Handshakes are common in business settings, but use both hands or support your right wrist with your left hand to show respect. Avoid overly firm handshakes, as a gentle grip is preferred.
🏯 Temple and Palace Rules
At temples like Jogyesa or Bongeunsa, dress modestly: cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before entering any prayer hall. Photography is often prohibited inside the main halls, so look for signs or ask a monk. When sitting for meditation or a ceremony, never point your feet at a Buddha image; tuck them under you.
🥢 Dining Etiquette
Never stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as this resembles a funeral ritual. Do not pick up food with your fingers unless it's a finger food like a wrap; use chopsticks or a spoon. When eating with elders, wait for them to start first, and do not start eating until the oldest person at the table has taken their first bite.
💵 Tipping and Paying
Tipping is not customary in South Korea, and leaving a tip at a restaurant or for a taxi driver may be refused or seen as odd. In group dining, the person who invites usually pays, and splitting the bill evenly is common among friends. If you want to treat someone, offer to pay before the bill arrives, as arguing over the check is a polite ritual.
👗 Dress Codes
In Seoul, casual wear is fine for most places, but avoid wearing revealing clothes in traditional neighborhoods like Bukchon or at religious sites. For upscale restaurants or clubs in Gangnam, smart casual is expected, and some venues may enforce a dress code. During summer, light fabrics are essential, but always carry a light jacket for air-conditioned spaces.
🤫 Public Behavior
Keep your voice low on public transportation and in cafes; Koreans value quiet in shared spaces. On the subway, give up your seat for the elderly, pregnant women, or those with disabilities, as designated seats are reserved for them. Avoid eating or drinking on the subway, and do not play music or videos without headphones.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Always ask permission before taking photos of people, especially in traditional markets like Gwangjang or Namdaemun. In palaces and museums, flash photography is often banned to protect artifacts, so turn off your flash. When taking selfies in crowded areas, be mindful of others and do not block walkways.
🚶 Queueing and Transit
When boarding buses or subways, let passengers exit first, then form a line on the side of the doors. On escalators, stand on the right and walk on the left, though in some stations it's the opposite, so follow the signs. In busy areas like Hongdae or Myeongdong, keep to the right side of the sidewalk to avoid collisions.
the guide got the chopstick thing right but one thing people really mess up is the green onion thing. if u order samgyeopsal or any grilled meat with ssam, don't cut the pajori (green onion salad) into tiny pieces with scissors unless someone offers. it's a whole vibe thing, older folks take it as rushing the meal. just tear it with ur hands or leave it whole, the grill does the work.
also on the bowing, don't do the 90 degree thing for strangers. a quick nod from the neck is fine, full bows are for funerals or formal apologies. i've seen tourists do a deep bow at a convenience store and the cashier looked like they wanted to die. keep it light, especially in hongdae or itaewon where everyone's chill.
and one thing the guide missed: if u're invited to a norebang (karaoke room), u don't have to sing but u do have to at least clap and nod along. sitting silent with ur phone out kills the mood. just fake it for one song and u're golden.
Good list, and the bit about not starting to eat before elders is the one I've seen tourists struggle with most. If you're with a Korean group and you're the youngest, you'll also be expected to pour drinks for everyone else before you pour your own. It's not a huge deal, but doing it right makes a great impression. Use two hands when pouring for someone older, and if you're receiving, hold your glass with two hands too.
One thing the guide didn't touch on is the subway card situation. Get a T-money card at any convenience store, it works on buses, subways, and even some taxis. You tap it on the reader, and it's way cheaper than single ride tickets. Also, when you transfer between bus and subway within 30 minutes, you get a discount automatically, so don't buy separate tickets for each leg. The machines at the station are in English, but the convenience store is faster.
honestly the guide nails the basics, but one thing nobody mentions is the whole "Korean age" thing when you're out drinking. if someone asks how old you are, they're not being nosy, they're trying to figure out if they should use formal speech or if you can be casual. it's a quick way to break the ice, just answer straight and don't overthink it.
another tip for the dining section: if you're at a pojangmacha (the street tents in Jongno or near Hongik Univ station), the ajumma running it might just hand you side dishes without asking. that's not a mistake, it's her way of saying welcome. eat them, they're usually the best part. and don't ask for a menu, there isn't one, you point at what looks good or just say "anything" and she'll sort you out.
oh and for the tipping thing, if you're at a fancy hotel and a valet helps with your bag, a small tip is fine even if it's not customary. they won't refuse it, they'll just give you a weird look like "oh this foreigner tried to tip me" and then pocket it anyway. so don't stress about that one.