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.
January offers a unique, albeit chilly, South Korean experience, particularly suited for Indian travellers who appreciate cooler climates and smaller crowds on a guided tour. With daytime temperatures between 2-7.7°C, expect crisp, often sunny weather, perfect for exploring cities without overheating. Overnight lows around -6.6°C mean proper winter attire is essential, especially if your tour includes evening activities. While there are only about six rainy days, pack waterproof outer layers just in case.
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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