If you are planning a trip to Korea in winter, chances are that Seoul will be your main destination. Naturally, the first thing you will check is the temperature.
You might see numbers like –5°C and wonder:
How cold is that really?
Winter in Korea is cold, dry, and often windier than many visitors expect. But how does it compare to cities like New York or Tokyo?
Is Seoul Colder Than New York or Tokyo?
In many cases, yes.
During the peak winter months from December to February, Seoul is often colder than both New York and Tokyo.
Average January Temperatures
- Seoul: around –7°C to 1°C
- New York: around –3°C to 4°C
- Tokyo: around 2°C to 10°C
Based on averages alone, Seoul is generally colder than New York and significantly colder than Tokyo.
However, temperature does not tell the whole story.
On certain days, especially when cold air moves south from Siberia, strong seasonal winds can make the air feel much colder than the thermometer suggests. Even –3°C can feel biting when exposed to wind.
So, What Should You Wear in Seoul in Winter?
After checking the numbers, the real question becomes simple:
What should you actually wear?
What Do Locals Wear?
In winter, long padded coats are everywhere in Seoul.
For many Koreans, a long padded coat functions almost like a seasonal uniform. Men and women of all ages wear them throughout December, January, and February. Black is especially common, making entire streets look visually unified on colder days.
Short padded jackets may trend briefly in early winter, but once January arrives and the wind intensifies, many people return to long padding. A coat that covers your legs simply provides more protection than one that stops at the waist.
It is also practical. You do not need to overthink your outfit in the morning, and even casual indoor clothes can be fully covered.
Do Travelers Need Long Padding?
Not necessarily.
If you do not own one, you will not look out of place wearing a shorter jacket, a wool coat, or layered outfits. In fashionable neighborhoods, you will see colorful short padding, tailored coats, mini skirts, and leather boots.
Accessories make a noticeable difference. A scarf and gloves pair well with almost any winter outfit and significantly improve warmth, especially on windy days.
How Cold Will You Actually Feel?
If you mainly use the subway in Seoul, you can minimize your exposure to wind. Underground stations are heated, and many transfers are indoors.
If you take buses, some bus stops provide heated seats during winter — a small but welcome comfort.
However, if you plan to spend extended time outdoors, especially at open historical sites such as palaces, you should prepare for wind exposure. Open courtyards can feel significantly colder than city streets.
Occasionally, you may see visitors wearing only traditional hanbok for photos in freezing weather. If you plan something similar, bringing heat packs and a warm drink is highly recommended.
Final Takeaway
Seoul is often colder than New York and much colder than Tokyo during winter, especially in January.
But more important than the number on the thermometer is the wind.
Whether you choose long padding or a shorter coat, what matters most is being prepared for exposure to cold air and seasonal winds.
