Visiting South Korea in January: Weather, Costs & Is It Worth It (2026)
Quick answer: In January, South Korea averages daytime highs of 2–7.7°C across its 6 main cities, overnight lows near -6.6°C, and about 6 rainy days. Seoul sees ~2°C days. 1 INR ≈ 15.842171 KRW (as of Mon, 01 Jun 2026). Verdict: Cold — pack heavy — daytime highs average just 2°C.
South Korea weather in January, city by city
Real January averages from 10 years of climate data (2015–2024). Note how much the cities differ — this is why "South Korea weather" alone is misleading.
| City | Avg high | Avg low | Rainy days | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul | 2°C | -6.6°C | 3 | Cold — pack heavy |
| Busan | 6.5°C | -2.5°C | 4 | Cool — bring layers |
| Jeju | 7.7°C | 3.1°C | 14 | Wet season — plan around rain |
| Incheon | 2°C | -5.6°C | 3 | Cold — pack heavy |
| Gyeongju | 5.5°C | -2.9°C | 4 | Cold — pack heavy |
| Sokcho | 3.4°C | -4.1°C | 5 | Cold — pack heavy |
What to pack for South Korea in January
With highs around 2°C and lows near -6.6°C, pack warm layers, a proper jacket, and closed shoes, a warm fleece or down layer for cold nights.
Money & costs for Indian travelers
As of Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:02:31 +0000, 1 Indian Rupee ≈ 15.842171 KRW. Carry a forex card plus some cash; airport exchange rates are usually poorer than city rates. For an all-inclusive South Korea group tour from India, see current South Korea packages & ₹ prices.
Public holidays in South Korea, January
- 2026-01-01 — New Year's Day
- 2027-01-01 — New Year's Day
Major sites can be crowded or closed around these dates — plan your itinerary accordingly.
South Korea in January — FAQs
What is the weather like in South Korea in January?
In January, South Korea averages daytime highs of 2–7.7°C across its cities, with overnight lows around -6.6°C and roughly 6 rainy days. Seoul typically sees 2°C days and -6.6°C nights.
Is January a good time to visit South Korea from India?
Cold — pack heavy. In Seoul, daytime highs average just 2°C. January is a more challenging month for Indian travelers — see the city-by-city breakdown above to plan around the heat or rain.
What should I pack for South Korea in January?
For January (-6.6–7.7°C), pack warm layers, a proper jacket, and closed shoes, a warm fleece or down layer for cold nights.
What is the exchange rate for South Korea from India?
As of Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:02:31 +0000, 1 Indian Rupee ≈ 15.842171 KRW. Carry a mix of cash and an international debit/forex card; rates at the airport are usually worse than in the city.
Are there public holidays in South Korea in January?
Yes — New Year's Day (2026-01-01), New Year's Day (2027-01-01). Major sites and offices can be crowded or closed around these dates, so plan accordingly.
Plan your South Korea trip
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