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Winter in Korea means crisp blue days, snow on the mountains and far fewer crowds outside Seoul. This route takes you from the city to the tree-lined lanes of Nami Island, then over to the east coast for Seoraksan National Park and the fishing town of Sokcho.Treat it as a starting point and adjust the nights to suit you.
Photos are my own, taken on an earlier winter visit, and are for illustration. Check current opening hours, transport and prices before you go.
The route
| Days | Base | Nights | Getting there |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | Seoul (day trip to Nami Island) | 2 | Fly from Singapore |
| 3 to 4 | Sokcho (Seoraksan) | 2 | Express bus, about 2.5 to 3 hours |
| 5 to 6 | Seoul | 2 | Express bus back |
| 7 | Home | Fly from Incheon |
Seoul and Nami Island (2 nights)
Day 1. Land at Incheon and take the airport railroad into Seoul. Stay around Myeongdong or Jongno for easy subway links.
Day 2, Nami Island. Take the ITX-Cheongchun train to Gapyeong (about an hour), then the short ferry to Nami Island. In winter the tree-lined lanes are dusted with snow, and the river's edge has frozen fountains. Chuncheon, a little further on, is the home of dakgalbi, spicy stir-fried chicken.
Photo: Jaimes Tan
Sokcho and Seoraksan (2 nights)
Day 3. Express bus to Sokcho. In the afternoon, cross the channel to Abai Village on the gaetbae, a small ferry pulled across by hand on a cable. The village was settled by refugees from the north and is known for its sundae (Korean sausage). Finish at the Sokcho fish market.
Day 4, Seoraksan. Local bus or taxi to the park entrance at Seorak-dong. Ride the Seorak cable car up to Gwongeumseong for views across snowy ridges, then walk to the great bronze Buddha and Sinheungsa temple near the entrance.
Photo: Jaimes Tan
Photo: Jaimes Tan
Wear boots with grip: the rocky top of Gwongeumseong is icy in winter. The cable car is popular, so arrive early or buy tickets as soon as you reach the park.
Back in Seoul (2 nights)
Days 5 to 6. Bus back to Seoul. Spend the last days on Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and the markets and cafés of Myeongdong and Ikseon-dong.
Day 7. Fly home from Incheon.
More winter scenery
Gangwon's lakes and granite cliffs are just as striking in winter. If you have a spare day, a lake cruise or a scenic drive makes a calm add-on to the mountains.
Photo: Jaimes Tan
Before you go
- Entry: Singapore passport holders can stay up to 90 days without a visa. K-ETA is not needed until 31 December 2026, but fill in the e-Arrival card online before you arrive.
- Clothes: temperatures are often below freezing. Bring thermals, gloves, a hat and boots with grip.
- Getting around: a T-money card pays for subways, buses and many taxis. Use Naver Map or KakaoMap for directions.
Questions people ask
Is winter a good time to visit Seoraksan?
Yes, if you dress for it. Snow on the granite peaks and clear, dry days make for some of the best views of the year. The cable car runs in winter, but higher trails can close after heavy snow.
How do I get from Seoul to Sokcho?
Express buses run from Dong Seoul and the Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Sokcho in about 2.5 to 3 hours. From Sokcho, local buses and taxis reach the Seoraksan entrance in about 15 to 30 minutes.
How do I get to Nami Island?
Take the ITX-Cheongchun train or the subway to Gapyeong, a short taxi or bus to the wharf, then the ferry across, which takes a few minutes.
Related
South Korea travel guide for independent travellers
K-ETA exemption and e-Arrival card for Singapore passports, the best months for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, and getting around Korea.
Where to travel in December
Christmas markets in Europe, snow in Hokkaido and summer in Australia: where to go in December from Singapore.
Entry rules for Singapore passports in Asia (2026)
Visa-free stays and online arrival cards for Singapore passport holders visiting Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand and Malaysia, checked October 2026.