DATE IN THE WINTER IN KOREA
Winter is the most wonderful time of the year, especially when you’re sharing it with another person. But sometimes it’s hard thinking of ideas for dates. We’re here to help, with suggestions for things to do, places to visit, and events to take in, all in the winter in Korea!
Fun for Two
It might be cold and snowy, but there’s plenty of winter activities, both indoors and outdoors.
Ice skating: A winter classic, not just for kids or hockey players! It’s a relaxing way to exercise and the perfect excuse to hold hands. Especially if you haven’t skated in a while!
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Shopping: Korea has a lot of winter markets for food, crafts, and holiday gifts. Go and visit one with your partner. When they’re not paying attention, you can sneak away to find them a present. Don’t forget to share some winter street food.
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Cooking/baking: Food tastes better if it’s made with love. If your loved one is a home chef, why not cook something delicious together? Breakfast, dinner, dessert, second dessert…Just keep an eye on your significant other, so they don’t sneak anything!
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Go out for coffee: Or hot chocolate. Or tea. Korea has a variety of cafes that are suitable for couples in love. Remember to take pictures of where you ate – coffee dates are great for impromptu photoshoots! (Here’s a list of some cute aesthetic cafes in Seoul.)
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Skiing/snowboarding/sledding: You don’t need to go to Switzerland. Korea has several skiing destinations perfect for a weekend getaway. It’s a chance to take lessons if you’ve never skied before. You can also go snowboarding or sledding instead. Hot chocolate and marshmallows are only a few red cheeks and noses away.
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Strawberry Picking: Believe it or not, the Korean strawberry season is from January to May. There are many farms in Korea where you can pick your own berries. Some places will also let you eat them! Book a tour and enjoy the fresh strawberries together.
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Someplace Special
Looking for somewhere to spend the day or weekend? Here are some of our favorite winter destinations for families, singles, and of course couples!
Everland: This magical theme park transforms into a winter wonderland for Christmas, with beautiful lights, amazing parades and concerts, and a possible visit from Santa and Rudolph. Remember to take a picture at the Romantic Tower before you go.
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Petite France: This village is a must-visit if you like The Little Prince or French culture. There are spots for cute photos, live performances, and the chance to make your own sculptures. Make sure to check out the Pinocchio & Little Prince Lighting Festival (December to March).
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
One Mount Snow Park: Where do we even start? One Mount is home to a snow park, water park, shopping mall, Santa Village, and Fairy Tale Village made of ice. There’s lots to do here, making it an ideal location for a date.
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Yongpyong Ski Resort: It’s time to take your winter to the next level. Spend the weekend at Yongpyong, where you can ski or snowboard, enjoy the water park, and get some last-minute holiday shopping done. For a quiet night in, go bowling or sing karaoke together.
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Time to Get Festive!
Christmas isn’t the only holiday to celebrate in the winter. Take advantage of the rich culture Korea has to offer with these special winter festivals!
Garden of Morning Calm Light Festival (December 9, 2022–March 19, 2023): Prepare to be blown away by the Garden of Morning Calm’s annual event. 30,000 light bulbs form the shapes of tunnels, flowers, animals, and more. A romantic dating spot, for sure!
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Busan Christmas Tree Festival (December 12, 2022–January 29, 2023): Taking place on Busan’s fashionable shopping street, Gwangbok-ro. Walk past LED lights of red, silver, and blue in the shape of Christmas trees. Listen to live performances and take pictures in the photo zone. Note: due to budget restraints, this year’s festival will be a little simpler than in previous years.
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Homigot Sunrise Festival (December 31, 2022–January 1, 2023): Sunrises are romantic and hopeful, and this festival proves it! Watch the first sunrise of the year together in Homigot Village. Send off your wishes with hope balloons and fly kites along the beach. There’s free tteokguk (떡국) available for good luck.
Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival (January 7–29, 2023): Indulge your love of snow and ice at Hwacheon! Try bare-handed fishing and walk through the world’s biggest ice illumination plaza. If you’re brave enough, take on the Haneulgareugi zip line.
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Winter Couple Holidays
Ah, yes. The special days where couples show their love for each other. We’ll share the dates from November, when the cold weather begins, to March, before the first day of spring.
Pepero Day (November 11): Who doesn’t love Pepero Day? Celebrate by trading Pepero boxes and trying the Pepero game. Check out our Pepero Day blog for more fun ideas.
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Movie Day (November 14): There’s nothing like going to the movies with your significant other. Rent a DVD Room (DVD 방) if you want a private viewing experience, or watch from the comfort of your home. Snuggle in with some popcorn and enjoy!
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Hug Day and Sock Day (December 14): Two holidays for the price of one! While PDA is still taboo in Korea, you can expect to see a lot of hugging on Hug Day.
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
But hugging won’t keep you warm for long. On Sock Day, find a cute fuzzy pair of socks to exchange with your loved one. Even better, find similar pairs to complete your couple fashion.
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Diary Day (January 14): While not as popular as some of the other holidays, Diary Day is one of the sweetest. Go and buy blank notebooks with your loved one to keep track of special dates like birthdays and anniversaries. They’ll know you’re thinking about them, and vice versa!
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Valentine’s Day (February 14): Unlike in Western countries, Korean Valentine’s Day is when the woman treats the man, usually with a box of chocolates. You can also make your own chocolates, or order artisan chocolates with your loved one’s initials on them.
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
White Day (March 14): Today is the man’s turn to treat the lady. Usually, he gives her marshmallows, white chocolate, or lingerie. But it doesn’t have to be fancy. All it needs to be is a gift from the heart that you know she will appreciate.
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
We hope that this blog gave you ideas for a date or two. Always keep in mind that it’s the thought that counts. It can be as simple as a walk in the park, hand in hand through the snow.
Good luck with wherever love takes you this winter!
