To celebrate New Year's in Seoul, you can enjoy a variety of events including the Bosingak Bell-Ringing Ceremony, sunrise spots, and year-end parties, with average temperatures ranging from -5°C to 2°C from late December to early January. Here's everything you need to know about spending the New Year holiday season in Korea's capital — weather, public holidays, major events, and business hours all in one guide.
Public Holidays Around New Year's in Korea
- December 25 (Christmas): Public holiday - most tourist attractions are open, some small shops may be closed
- December 31 (New Year's Eve): Not an official public holiday, but widely celebrated
- January 1 (New Year's Day): Public holiday
- Seollal (Late January–Mid February): Korea's biggest holiday. Many shops and restaurants close for 2–3 days
In Korea, Seollal is a far bigger holiday than January 1st. If your travel dates overlap with Seollal, be aware that many businesses will be closed and public transportation can be extremely crowded.
Seoul Weather in Late December–Early January
Temperature and Wind Chill
- Late December: Average -3°C to 2°C / Wind chill as low as -10°C
- Early January: Average -5°C to 0°C / Wind chill as low as -15°C
It's truly cold. Make sure you're fully prepared for winter: a long padded coat, heat-tech innerwear, insulated boots, a hat, scarf, gloves, and hand warmers are all essential. Check our Complete Guide to Winter Travel in Korea for more detailed tips on staying warm.
New Year's Eve Events in Seoul
Bosingak Bell-Ringing Ceremony (Jongno)
This is the highlight of Seoul's New Year celebration. At midnight on December 31, the bell at the historic Bosingak Pavilion rings 33 times to herald the new year. Crowds gather at the Jonggak intersection to count down together.
- Arrive by 10 PM to get a good spot
- Transportation: Subway Line 1, Jonggak Station
Sunrise Festival — First Sunrise of the New Year
Watching the first sunrise of the new year is a beloved tradition among Koreans.
- Haneul Park: A beautiful hilltop sunrise spot with panoramic views of Seoul
- Namsan Tower: Enjoy the iconic skyline at dawn
- Gangneung: Many Seoul residents travel to the east coast beaches to watch the sunrise over the sea. See our Gangneung Travel Guide
Lotte World Tower Fireworks
The Seoul Sky Observatory at Lotte World Tower hosts a special New Year's event where you can watch the city's spectacular fireworks display.
New Year's Eve Parties and Events
Major hotels like The Shilla, JW Marriott, and Grand Hyatt host gala dinners and countdown parties. In the Itaewon and Hongdae nightlife districts, various bars and clubs hold special New Year's Eve events.
Business Hours During the Holiday Season
- Major attractions: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Tower, Lotte World — mostly open (check individual schedules)
- Department stores: Open as usual with special sales
- Convenience stores: Open year-round (24 hours, 365 days)
- Small restaurants and cafés: Some may be closed on December 31–January 1
- Public transportation: Operates on a holiday schedule (longer intervals between services; on New Year's Eve, extended service until 2 AM)
Practical Tips for the Holiday Season
- Book accommodations and restaurants in advance — New Year's Eve is peak season
- On New Year's Eve, the subway runs extended hours until 2 AM
- Convenience stores have everything from hand warmers to late-night snacks
- Download the NAVER MAP app — you can check real-time public transit schedules even on holidays. See our Essential Korea Apps Guide
- Convenience store ATMs accept international cards 24/7
Convenient Holiday Travel with NAMANE Card
For easy travel around Seoul during the holiday season, use the NAMANE Card. In the cold weather, simply tap to ride the subway, bus, or taxi without fumbling for cash. Check our NAMANE Card Getting Started Guide to learn how to purchase one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Do I need a reservation for the Bosingak Bell-Ringing Ceremony?
The Bosingak Bell-Ringing Ceremony is a free public event open to everyone with no reservation required. However, the area around the Jonggak intersection gets extremely crowded, so it's best to arrive by 10 PM to get a good spot. After the ceremony, you can use the extended public transit service to return to your accommodation.
Q. Are Korean restaurants open during the holiday season?
On December 31–January 1, small restaurants may be closed, but major chain restaurants and convenience stores operate as usual. Hotel restaurants often offer special menus, and most restaurants in tourist hubs like Myeongdong and Hongdae remain open.
Q. What time is the first sunrise of the New Year?
The first sunrise in Seoul on New Year's Day is around 7:47 AM, while in Gangneung on the east coast, sunrise can be seen around 7:39 AM. If you plan to watch the sunrise from Haneul Park or Namsan Tower, it's best to arrive at the location by around 6 AM. After watching the sunrise, warming up with breakfast at a nearby café makes for a great itinerary.
