South Korea Welcomes Its First Snow of the Season 2025: What to Expect

If you’ve been dreaming of seeing South Korea transform into a winter wonderland, the wait is officially over. On October 20, 2025, parts of the country woke up to icy winds, frosty mornings, and even the first snowfall of the season, signalling that winter is fast approaching.

Also read: The Ultimate Guide to Buying Winter Clothes in Singapore

First snowfall blankets Seoraksan

The highlight of the week? Mount Seorak in Gangwon Province saw its first snow of the season early Monday morning. Visitors hiking near the Socheong and Jungcheong shelter areas were greeted by a thin layer of snow, around 1 centimetre (0.4 inches), creating a stunning contrast against the still-changing autumn leaves.

According to the Seoraksan National Park Office, the temperature on the mountain dropped to -1.3°C, marking the first below-zero reading of the season there. This year’s first snowfall arrived a day later than last year’s (October 19) but a day earlier than in 2023.

Even though autumn foliage in Seoraksan hasn’t reached its full peak, the sight of fiery red and orange leaves dusted with snow offered an unforgettable glimpse of Korea’s seasonal transition. It’s a magical moment for anyone lucky enough to be there.

A frosty morning across the country

Beyond Seoraksan, the entire country felt the chill as cold air from the north swept over the Korean Peninsula. Monday morning marked the coldest start to autumn so far, with temperatures dropping 5 to 10 degrees Celsius lower than the day before.

If you’re heading outdoors this week, expect the chill to intensify. The lowest in Seoul will be around 4°C, but the wind chill could make it feel closer to 2°C.

From autumn colours to winter whispers

This sudden cold snap comes right as Korea’s autumn foliage reaches its most vibrant phase. Normally, mid to late October is peak leaf-viewing season, but now visitors might experience something even rarer: snow-dusted autumn landscapes, especially in northern and mountainous regions like Gangwon Province.

Until last week, Korea was still under the influence of the lingering North Pacific High, which brought warmer days and extended autumn rains. Over the weekend, however, a continental high-pressure system from the north took over, ushering in dry and icy air that feels more like early winter than late fall.

It’s a dramatic shift, and a beautiful reminder of how quickly Korea’s seasons can change.

What travellers should expect and prepare

If you’re travelling to South Korea this week, it’s time to pull out your winter wardrobe, even though it’s only October, it already feels like late November. Pack a thermal base, a windproof jacket, gloves, and a beanie, as temperatures can shift drastically between day and night.

While temperatures may rise slightly after Wednesday, another cold wave is expected to sweep in over the weekend, bringing clear skies but lingering chill. Travellers should also keep in mind that the dry air can cause skin and lips to crack, so packing moisturiser and lip balm is a small but helpful addition to your bag.

For those heading north, the upside of this cold front is clear: you’ll likely witness one of Korea’s most breathtaking sights: autumn leaves and fresh snow existing side by side. It’s a fleeting moment that captures the best of both seasons, and one that photographers and nature lovers won’t want to miss.

Also read: Winter in Korea: 9 Magical Experiences For a Snowy Getaway to Remember

Wrapping up

From Seoul’s brisk mornings to Seoraksan’s first snowfall, South Korea has officially stepped into winter mode. Whether you’re here to chase autumn colours, hike the mountains, or simply enjoy steaming street food under twinkling lights, now’s the time to bundle up and savour the change in season.

So grab your coat, sip a hot latte, and enjoy the transformation. South Korea’s winter magic has just begun.