10 Things to Do in Seoul in February

If you prefer to visit cities with fewer tourists and don't mind the cold temperatures, then visiting Seoul in February can be a good alternative. During this month, the South Korean capital offers a variety of winter attractions and some of the best scenery.

Some of the best things to do in Seoul in February include visiting the ski resorts, tasting king crab in their fishing season, having fun on the ice skating rinks, experiencing Valentine's Day, touring the International Sculpture Festival and visiting Lotte World amusement park.

Valentine's Day in Seoul in February is a romantic experience that offers a variety of options to commemorate the universal date of love. On this special day, the city is dressed in red and flooded with hearts, and there are several places you can visit to enjoy a romantic day out, especially if you plan to visit the South Korean capital as a couple.

One option is to take a walk across the iconic Banpo Bridge and discover its Rainbow Fountain, where you can discover a spectacle of lights and dancing waters that creates a romantic atmosphere on the banks of the Han River. Plus, the illuminated landscape at night provides the perfect backdrop for some of the best photos of your trip.

Another place to visit is N Seoul Tower. Climbing up to the observation deck with your loved one and enjoying the panoramic views of the city is an unforgettable romantic experience. You can also leave a love lock on the observation deck or enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the tower's revolving restaurants, which is located 239 metres above sea level.

If you prefer a quieter experience, palace gardens such as those at Gyeongbokgung Palace or Changdeokgung offer a serene and romantic atmosphere for a stroll together. The traditional architecture and stunning gardens create a perfect setting for a special date in the middle of the Korean winter.

Tasting king crab during the fishing season is an exceptional culinary experience that, if you are a food lover, should not be missed when visiting South Korea. The fishing season for kkotge, as the species is known in Seoul, takes place mainly in February each year and forms an integral part of the regular Korean diet during its season.

The Korean king crab is known for its tender and sweet meat, which lends itself perfectly to a variety of dishes. One of the most popular preparations is kkotge tang, a spicy soup that combines the fresh flavours of the sea with the spicy tinge characteristic of the local cuisine. You can also eat it in grilled preparations, dishes such as kkotge gui, in which the crab is grilled and served with a sweet and sour sauce.

During the fishing season, local restaurants in coastal areas such as Gangneung and Sokcho offer special menus focusing on king crab. In addition, in February you can also take part in food tours in Seoul and cooking classes to learn the secrets of crab preparation.

Participating in the Korean New Year celebrations, known as Seollal, is an opportunity to get to know in depth one of South Korea's most important and traditional festivities. During this time, the city is filled with a festive and spiritual atmosphere, and there are several places you can visit to be part of the festivities in Seoul.

One of the most iconic destinations is Gyeongbokgung, one of Seoul's most famous palaces where traditional ceremonies are held to welcome the lunar new year. Here you can witness the Charye ceremony, where rituals are performed to honour ancestors and receive blessings for the coming year. If you want to soak up the traditional experience, you can also wear a hanbok, the traditional Korean costume characteristic of the time.

The hanok village of Bukchon is another place where you can experience the richness of Korean New Year traditions. There you can visit historic houses and participate in cultural activities such as jeon making, which are Korean pancakes, and the Yutnori game, which is a tradition during Seollal.

In addition, Jogyesa Temple in downtown Seoul is a place where locals and visitors gather to perform Buddhist rituals and enjoy the paper lantern decorations that adorn the temple during this time that will allow you to integrate into Korean culture in an authentic and traditional way.

If you're a winter sports enthusiast, you probably love skiing. In that case, visiting the resorts around Seoul in February will allow you to discover some of the best slopes in the region. This month marks the height of the ski season in South Korea, and is considered by many to be the best time to enjoy an extreme experience.

Among the most popular ski resorts near Seoul is Vivaldi Park Ski World, an affordable option for those who want to enjoy a day in the snow without straying too far from the city. Yongpyong Resort, known as the Korean Alps, is another outstanding resort offering a variety of slopes and skiing activities.

In addition, Alpensia Resort is an excellent choice for those who wish to combine skiing with a luxurious and relaxing experience at its spa and restaurant facilities.

These ski resorts near Seoul provide a unique opportunity to enjoy the Korean winter, whether skiing or snowboarding on well-equipped slopes or participating in other recreational activities in the snow. In addition, the winter scenery and panoramic views of the mountains surrounding these resorts create a unique atmosphere.

February is the ideal month to discover one of the traditional events in Seoul's annual calendar. The International Sculpture Festival is a cultural experience that combines art and creativity in an outdoor setting. In addition, this festival brings together national and international sculptors who exhibit their contemporary works on the streets of the capital.

During the International Sculpture Festival, the streets and squares of Seoul are filled with works in a wide variety of styles and forms, from abstract to realistic representations. There you will have the opportunity to tour the outdoor exhibits, interact with the artists and watch the creative process live as sculptors work on new pieces on site.

In addition to the sculptures, this event, which usually takes place during the second half of February, often includes parallel activities such as art workshops, artist talks and cultural performances.

Discovering the Seoul Snow and Ice Festival allows you to be part of a unique winter experience that takes place informally throughout the city. Although not an official festival with scheduled events, the festive spirit of the capital's residents comes out in spectacular fashion as they dress up their homes, neighbourhoods and gardens with winter decorations.

During the month of February, when the snowfall is at its heaviest, the city comes alive with a variety of ice and snow sculptures, creating a unique atmosphere. Residents show their creativity by designing and carving sculptures depicting everything from animals and iconic figures to winter landscapes. These ephemeral works of art become one of Seoul's winter attractions.

One of the most endearing traditions of this festival is the decoration of gardens and trees with twinkling lights and glowing figures that reflect the festive season. In addition, neighbourhoods compete in friendly competition to create the most eye-catching decorations, turning Seoul into a spectacle of lights and colours during the cold February nights.

If you're looking for a purely wintry plan in Seoul or are planning to visit the city with children, the ice skating rinks will allow you to discover one of Seoul's best attractions in February. Despite the season's cold weather, locals and tourists alike flock to different spots in the South Korean capital for ice skating.

One of the iconic places to ice skate in Seoul is the ice rink at Seoul City Plaza, located in the centre of the city. With the Seoul City Hall building in the background, this rink offers an ideal setting for skating and enjoying the panoramic views at the same time. In addition, discovering the nighttime illumination of the area is one of the best things to do at night in Seoul.

The skating rink at Seoul's Olympic Park is another popular skating spot. This site, which was built for the 1988 Olympic Games, offers a professional skating experience on a professional rink, surrounded by greenery and on the banks of the Han River, which runs through the city from end to end.

In addition to skating rinks, many of these venues also offer equipment rentals, making it easy for visitors to participate in this activity even if they don't have their own equipment.

South Korea has a strong tradition in comics and illustration, and if you're planning to visit the city in February you can visit the Illustration Fair, which offers a creative and engaging experience that celebrates visual art in all its forms. This annual fair attracts artists, illustrators and art lovers from all over the world, who gather in the South Korean capital to share their love of illustration.

The Seoul Illustration Fair stands out as an inclusive event that embraces a wide range of styles and techniques. Here you can explore works by emerging and established artists, from digital illustrations and comics to watercolours and prints. In addition, during the fair you will have free access to Seoul Museum Figure W, one of the best museums in the South Korean capital.

At this event, in addition to touring the exhibitions, you can interact with the artists, buy works and participate in workshops and talks related to the world of illustration.

Visiting Lotte World amusement park in the winter months is a unique and exciting experience. This iconic amusement park, one of the largest in South Korea, becomes a unique place during the cold season. That's why, in the month of February, you can explore Lotte World transformed into a snowy world of fun.

You'll find the park adorned with winter lights and decorations, creating a festive atmosphere. Winter attractions such as the outdoor ice skating rink and ice sculpture displays are highlights you won't want to miss during your visit. As you glide around the ice rink, you can also take in the view of the fairytale castle that adorns the park.

Due to Seoul's winter weather, in February at Lotte World you can find discounted tickets and special packages designed to attract visitors, making your visit even more financially attractive. This will allow you to enjoy all the attractions and entertainment the park has to offer without having to worry about your budget.

This attraction is also included in the Discover Seoul Pass, so if you decide to purchase it you can save time and money on your visit to the park.

One of the best things to do when visiting cold cities during the winter is to discover the seasonal cuisine, and Seoul is no exception to the rule in this case. In addition, South Korea's culinary offerings are delicious, allowing you to discover unique flavours and textures that will enhance your travel experience.

One of the most iconic winter dishes in South Korea is budae jjigae, a savoury, spicy-based soup that combines ingredients such as sausage, spam, noodles, kimchi and vegetables. Often referred to as army soup due to its historical origin, this soup is ideal for warming you up on cold February days.

Another popular dish during the winter is tteokbokki, which are spicy rice dumplings cooked in a gochujang-based sauce and served with other ingredients such as fish and ramen.

Don't miss the hotteok, a kind of sweet pancake filled with brown sugar, cinnamon and nuts that is grilled. This comforting snack is especially popular during the winter, when its tantalising aroma wafts through the city streets. Any of these options can be sampled on Seoul's food tours, many of which include cooking classes and workshops with local chefs.

The weather in Seoul in February is very cold, as the city is in the middle of winter. On average, temperatures range between 3° and 5°, although at night it often breaks below freezing. These low temperatures make Seoul one of the coldest destinations in Asia during this month.

In addition to the low temperatures, February is also a month when the city experiences fewer hours of sunshine, which contributes to a colder and darker atmosphere. Days can be cloudy and foggy, and occasional snowfall is common, adding a wintry tinge to the city and creating an ideal atmosphere for those who enjoy snow.

Seoul's tourist numbers in February tend to be lower compared to other months of the year. This is largely due to the cold temperatures and the height of winter, which tends to discourage travellers. However, this lesser influx can be an advantage for those looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy a quieter experience compared to the summer months in Seoul.

Keep in mind that despite the lower tourist influx, Seoul still offers a wide variety of activities and events during February, such as winter festivals, Lunar New Year celebrations and unique culinary experiences.

Prices in Seoul tend to be lower in February, especially compared to the peak tourist season. This phenomenon is due to the lower influx of visitors during the winter, which leads to a decrease in demand in the hotel industry and restaurants. As a result, travellers can find attractive deals on accommodation, with cheaper hotel rates and special discounts.

In addition to accommodation, prices in restaurants and shops also tend to be more affordable in February. Local restaurants often offer winter menus with hot dishes at reasonable prices, giving you the opportunity to discover delicious local cuisine without overpaying. You can also get some of Seoul's best tours at a great price and without too much effort, so you can explore the city at your own pace.

Seoul is one of the coldest months of the year in February, so I advise you to pack the following in your suitcase:

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