Tips · South Korea
Jeju in Winter: Wind, Snow on Hallasan, Tangerines
Preparing for Jeju from December to February: climate normals, strong wind and snow on Hallasan, tangerine season, a winter plan and getting around.
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What winter on Jeju is like
The Jeju guide sums up winter like this: it is windy and Hallasan is snowy, so bring proper gear, but it is tangerine season, with orchards to enjoy. This article builds a December-February trip around those three points.
Jungmun and Seogwipo, on the south side of Hallasan, are a little warmer in winter, which is worth knowing when you choose where to stay. Real weather can differ from the normals, so check the forecast before you go.
December to February side by side
The figures below are Korea Meteorological Administration 1991–2020 normals for Jeju station, listed as average high / average low / monthly precipitation.
Average lows stay above freezing in all three months, and January is the coldest month of the year. Precipitation in all three months is far lower than in summer. Normals are long-term averages, and on windy days it can feel colder than the numbers suggest.
- December: about 11°C / about 6°C / about 56 mm
- January: about 9°C / about 4°C / about 68 mm
- February: about 10°C / about 4°C / about 57 mm
What to wear and pack: wind and snow on Hallasan
Wind is the key to winter on Jeju. The guide says strong winds are common and warns about high waves on the coast. If you plan coastal walks, bring an outer layer that blocks the wind, and keep back from the water when waves are high.
Hallasan needs its own preparation. In winter the mountain is snowy and you need proper hiking gear. Summit (Baengnokdam) hikes via Seongpanak or Gwaneumsa need advance reservations, and closures and entry cut-off times change, so check official information and be down before dark.
- An outer layer that blocks the wind
- Snow hiking gear if you go up Hallasan
- An advance reservation for a Hallasan summit hike
- A last look at the forecast before you leave
The winter bonus: tangerine season
Winter is tangerine season, a good time to see the orchards. Dongmun Traditional Market in Jeju City is a big market for tangerines, seafood and snacks, with an evening food market.
Winter tangerines and millet omegi rice cakes make good gifts. For something warming, try gogi guksu, noodles in pork-bone broth (about 9,000-12,000 won), or haemul ttukbaegi, a seafood stew (about 13,000-18,000 won). Check prices before ordering hairtail or raw fish sold at market price.
A 4-day winter plan from the guide
Here is the guide's 4-day itinerary with winter in mind. Strong winds are common, so have a backup for each day.
Country restaurants may close early or have days off, so have dinner a little early.
- Day 1: The Aewol coast and Hyeopjae Beach, then tangerines at Dongmun Market in the evening
- Day 2: Sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong (closed the first Monday of each month; hours vary by season), ferry to Udo (check on the day), Manjanggul in the afternoon (check it's open)
- Day 3: The slightly warmer south: Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliffs, Cheonjiyeon Waterfall and one Olle trail section near Seogwipo
- Day 4: A short Hallasan trail in the morning (check reservations and entry times; bring snow gear), tangerine and omegi rice cake souvenirs, then the airport
Getting around in winter: car, bus and ferry
A rental car is the most convenient way, since sights are spread around the island. Coastal roads are narrow and often windy, so drive slowly, and never drink and drive. Foreign visitors need a valid license accepted in Korea (such as an International Driving Permit), so check official rules. Our rental car article covers driving tips and airport pickup.
Without a car, airport limousine bus 600 and express buses run to Jungmun and Seogwipo in about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes for about 2,000-6,000 won depending on route and distance. Village buses can be infrequent, so check timetables on the official Jeju bus information site first. Ferries to Udo and Marado are often cancelled in strong wind, so check on the day.
Jeju visa-free entry and K-ETA rules change often, so check official Korean government information before you travel. For month-by-month weather, see our climate normals article.
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FAQ
How cold is Jeju in winter?
By Korea Meteorological Administration 1991–2020 normals (Jeju station), January is the coldest month, with an average high of about 9°C and an average low of about 4°C. Strong winds are common, so bring a windproof outer layer.
Can I hike Hallasan in winter?
In winter Hallasan is snowy and you need proper hiking gear. Summit (Baengnokdam) hikes need advance reservations and entry times change, so check official information.
Does the Udo ferry run in winter?
Ferries stop in strong wind. Check on the day and have a backup such as Manjanggul (check it's open).
Where can I buy tangerines?
Dongmun Market in Jeju City sells tangerines, seafood and snacks. Winter tangerines and omegi rice cakes also make good gifts.
Related reading
ⓘ Photo credits
- Hyeopjae Beach · Lcarrion88 / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Seongsan Ilchulbong · Basile Morin / CC BY-SA 4.0