Jeju in Winter

Jeju in winter… it may just be one of the island’s most underrated seasons, but only if you bring the right gear! While the rest of Korea experiences much colder temperatures, Jeju’s southern island climate keeps coastal temperatures more mild (think 3–10°C instead of in the minuses).

It’s also a time of year when the island’s natural beauty takes on a quality that no other season quite replicates. You can expect to see snow on Hallasan, camellia trees in crimson bloom, dramatic empty coastlines, and the island running at a quarter of its summer pace.

If summer crowds aren’t your thing, autumn Jeju accommodation prices are too steep, or you just want to see a side of Jeju that many tourists don’t experience then winter in Jeju might just be for you.

What Winter on Jeju Is Like

Winter on Jeju runs from December – February. Unlike mainland South Korea, where the winters are incredibly harsh (Seoul regularly drops to -10°C or more), Jeju’s winter temps are much milder, usually ranging from 3–10°C. Hallasan Mountain sees significant snowfall from late November onwards – making winter hiking a dramatically beautiful experience.

Jeju is known as the “Island of Wind” (wind, women, and rocks are the island’s three famous symbols), and winter winds can be biting! Especially if you’re on the coast or at elevation. A quality windproof jacket is almost more important than a heavy winter coat. Layering is your best bet.

The southern side of Hallasan is usually several degrees warmer than the north due to the mountain’s position and shadow. So if you’re sensitive to the cold, staying in Seogwipo will be a more comfortable base than staying in Jeju City in the north.

The island is far quieter in winter, so it can be a great time to visit. There’ll be shorter queues at popular attractions, easier restaurant reservations, lower accommodation prices, and expect to have many of the walking trails to yourself.

The Best Jeju in Winter Experiences

Here are our top picks for things to do if you’re visiting Jeju Island in winter.

Snow on Hallasan Mountain

This is winter Jeju’s big attraction, but you’ll need to prepare well. Hiking Hallasan Mountain while snow lies deep on the upper trails, with mist rising off the forest below and the crater rim glittering white above you, is one of those experiences that justifies your entire trip. It snows from late November on Hallasan, and through January, the upper trails can have significant depth.

The most popular winter trails are the Yeongsil Trail (5.8km one way, around 2.5 hours) and the Eorimok Trail (5.1km, around 2 hours to the observatory). Both are stunning in winter, with snow-coated trees, volcanic rock formations draped in white, and on clear days you’ll get extraordinary views of the island.

But hiking in winter doesn’t come without risks.

Important winter hiking notes:

• Trail closures are possible in heavy snow or extreme wind – make sure you check the Hallasan National Park official website before you set out.
• Crampons or micro-spikes are strongly recommended for the upper sections in icy conditions – you can hire them at trailhead information centres.
• Start early – in winter the trails close to new hikers after 12pm (Eorimok) or 1pm (Yeongsil), and you need to allow enough time to get back down before it gets dark.
• Dress properly: layers are the key here with a good moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid-layer, and windproof outer shell. Avoid cotton.
• The Hallasan Snow Flower Bus service operates in winter, running from accommodation areas directly to the trailhead – check current schedules with your hotel or with the Hallasan National Park.

If you’re inexperienced or travelling solo, we recommend joining a small-group tour or even a private guided hiking tour for the winter Hallasan experience for your safety.

Camellia Season

Camellia trees are one of Jeju’s signature plants, and in winter the island’s camellias really put on a show! Red camellia flowers bloom all around the island during winter and Camellia Hill (Seogwipo area) is the East’s largest camellia arboretum. It’s home to approximately 6,000 camellia trees of more than 500 varieties from 80 countries, which bloom at different periods from autumn to spring. Walking through the winding paths in December or January, you’ll find yourself surrounded by vivid red blooms against dark evergreen leaves. There is also a great café on site that serves camellia tea and local treats.

Ecoland Theme Park is another good option – especially with kids. It runs a Winter Camellia Story festival from around November through early January, with camellia forests, Christmas activities, and a vintage-style train makes its way through the winter landscape.

Numerous smaller camellia forests are scattered around the island – ask your accommodation for the nearest option.

New Year at Seongsan Ilchulbong

January 1st is one of the biggest events on Jeju’s entire calendar, and it’s all about the sunrise. The annual Seongsan Sunrise Festival is held at Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, where visitors and locals gather to say goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new by watching the first sunrise of the year from the crater rim of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

The festival is a local tradition – blending the significance of the new year with the mountain’s spiritual associations. If you’re on Jeju for New Year, this is a must visit.

Good to know: The road into Seongsan Ilchulbong and the carpark are closed to private vehicles from the evening of December 31. You’ll be able to jump on shuttle buses run from designated points nearby. Be sure to arrive early (the festival draws thousands), dress warmly, and check the official Visit Jeju website for confirmed transport arrangements (which can change year to year).

The Olle Trail in Winter

The Jeju Olle Trail is fully accessible in winter – and it’s actually well worth doing at this time of year because the the trails are quiet. And the dramatic coastal scenery that makes up a lot of the routes is beautiful in winter – especially on clear, crisp days when snow-capped Hallasan is visible above the coastline behind you.

The coastal paths are largely sheltered from the worst winds, the waterfall routes are beautiful year-round, and forest sections give off a bit of a spooky vibe that you don’t get at other times of the year (in a good way!). You’ll often have sections almost entirely to yourself – and you’ll be a lot less sweaty than tackling them during hotter months!

Best winter Olle routes:

• Route 6 (Seogwipo): the short length, café options, and Lee Joong-seop Cultural Street make it a great year-round choice.
• Route 7 (Seogwipo coast): Oedolgae Rock against a winter sea, with snow visible on Hallasan behind it, is one of the most dramatic single views on the entire trail.
• Route 10 (west coast, Hwasun–Daejeong): the clifftop sections and views of Sanbangsan are amazing, and the Saebyeol Oreum silver grass has a different but equally beautiful quality in winter.

What Else to Do on Jeju in Winter

Along with the big ticket winter attractions above, there are plenty of other smaller sights (some indoors to keep you warm!) that are worth checking out when visiting Jeju in winter.

• Hallabong and citrus picking: The Hallabong tangerine harvest is in full swing from November through January, and farm picking experiences are available across the island. Budget around ₩10,000–₩15,000 per person.
• Jjimjilbang (Korean spa): Winter is the ideal time to experience a traditional Korean sauna and communal bathhouse. A few hours in a jjimjilbang on a cold evening, moving between hot pools, steam rooms, and the heated rest areas is sure to warm you up!
• Museums and indoor attractions: Aqua Planet Jeju, the Jeju Museum of Contemporary Art, Jeju Stone Park, and the island’s various quirky museums are all excellent indoor activities during winter and far less crowded. The Haenyeo Museum in Gujwa-eup is another great option.
• Waterfalls: Cheonjiyeon and Jeongbang waterfalls in Seogwipo are beautiful year-round. If Hallasan has had significant snowfall, the meltwater swells the falls – visit in the days after heavy mountain snow for the best flow.
• Seogwipo City: Winter is a wonderful time to explore Seogwipo which has excellent restaurants, interesting street art, good cafés, and a compact, walkable centre that is far less busy in winter.
• Dongmun Traditional Market (Jeju City): Winter is local market season, when produce stalls are laden with hallabong, winter vegetables, and the preserved seafood and dried goods for which Jeju is known.

Practical Winter Tips for Visiting Jeju

Snow on Hallasan is not guaranteed. It snows from late November in most years, and January typically has the most reliable snow cover. But weather is unpredictable – check forecasts before planning a winter Hallasan hike. If you specifically want snow, late December through late January is your best window.

Coastal areas rarely see snow. If you’re not hiking Hallasan, don’t expect a winter wonderland on the beaches. Jeju City and Seogwipo are mild and largely snow-free.

Check trail and road conditions. The 1100 Highland Road can be closed in heavy snow – check Jeju’s road conditions before heading up. Hallasan trail closures are posted on the national park website.

Ferry services to Udo, Gapa, and Chuja: Winter seas are rougher than other seasons, and ferry cancellations happen a lot. Build flexibility into any plans to visit offshore islands.

Layers, not bulk. A windproof outer shell is more important than a thick winter coat for most activities. Mid-layers add and remove easily. Wind is Jeju’s real challenge in winter, not cold.

Sample 3-Day Winter Itinerary

Day 1 – Snow and Mountains

• Early morning: visit Hallasan National Park, Eorimok or Yeongsil Trail (start by 8am for the best conditions and to beat the closing time for new hikers).
• Afternoon (if snow is good): 1100 Altitude Wetland boardwalk for high-altitude snow views without the hike.
• Late afternoon: Return to accommodation to warm up and rest.
• Evening: Jjimjilbang for a restorative end to the day.

Day 2 – Camellia and Coast

• Morning: Camellia Hill (peak bloom December–January).
• Late morning: Yongmeori Coast near Sanbangsan – dramatic winter coastal scenery with volcanic rock formations.
• Afternoon: Hallabong tangerine picking at a local farm.
• Evening: Seogwipo – explore the Lee Joong-seop Cultural Street and dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3 – East Jeju and New Year (if visiting 1 January)

• If visiting 1 January: Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Festival – set your alarm and wrap up warm.
• Otherwise: Seongsan Ilchulbong morning climb for the views (far quieter on any other winter day).
• Afternoon: Manjanggul Cave (particularly atmospheric in winter contrast to the cold outside).
• Late afternoon: Bijarim Forest for a quiet winter walk.
• Evening: Jeju City, Dongmun Market for street food and a browse.

Trail conditions, snowfall, and road closures vary significantly in winter. Always check official sources before planning mountain activities.

Next in our Jeju Seasons series: Jeju in Autumn | Jeju in Spring | Jeju in Summer