Best Things to Do in Busan in January: 11 Winter Activities
Busan in January is cold and dry, with daytime temperatures between 3°C and 8°C and occasional coastal wind. The city is less crowded than in summer and autumn, hotel prices drop, and the combination of seafood markets, hot springs, temples and mountain hikes makes it one of the best times to visit if you can handle the chill. After reading this guide, you will know which activities suit January weather, how to dress, what festivals and events run during this month, and how to structure a realistic itinerary that balances outdoor sights with indoor warmth.
- Average temperature
- 3°C to 8°C daytime; nights drop near or below freezing. Coastal wind makes it feel colder.
- What to pack
- Insulated jacket, scarf, windproof outer layer. Layering is essential; indoor heating is strong.
- Crowd level
- Low. Major sites are quiet except around Lunar New Year, which falls in late January or early February.
- January events
- Polar Bear Swim Festival at Haeundae (New Year's Day), occasional temple bell-ringing ceremonies, Lunar New Year celebrations.
- Sunrise and sunset
- Sunrise around 7:30 AM, sunset around 5:40 PM. Short daylight hours; plan morning starts for temples and beaches.
- What stays open
- All major temples, markets, museums and hot springs operate year-round. Beach attractions and some hillside cafés may close.
- Visit Haedong Yonggungsa temple on the coast
- Warm up at a jjimjilbang or hot spring
- Explore Jagalchi Fish Market and eat raw fish
- Walk through Gamcheon Culture Village in daylight
- Hike or take the cable car up to Geumjeongsan Fortress
- Take the Busan coastal walking trails in short sections
- Plan around Lunar New Year if it falls in January
- January weather and what to expect at major Busan attractions
- Practical tips
- Frequently asked questions
Visit Haedong Yonggungsa temple on the coast
Haedong Yonggungsa (해동용궁사) sits on cliffs above the East Sea, about 30 minutes northeast of Haeundae by bus. January is one of the best months to visit because the temple faces east and the sunrise over the ocean is clear and dramatic on cold mornings. Arrive before 7:00 AM if you want to watch sunrise from the main courtyard; the temple grounds open early and entry is free. The walk down the stone staircase to the temple can be icy in January, so wear shoes with grip and take your time on the steps.
The temple itself dates to 1376 and is unusual in Korea for being directly on the seafront rather than in the mountains. You will see statues of the Buddha, a small pagoda, stone lanterns and a golden pig sculpture that many visitors touch for luck. The sound of waves against the rocks below adds to the atmosphere. Expect to spend 45 minutes to an hour walking around the grounds and taking photos. There is no heating inside the temple halls, so keep your jacket on.
To get there, take Busan Metro Line 2 to Haeundae Station (해운대역), exit 7, then board bus 181 and ride for about 20 minutes to the Yonggungsa stop. The bus runs every 15-20 minutes during the day. KakaoMap or Naver Map will show you real-time bus arrivals. Alternatively, a taxi from Haeundae costs roughly 8,000-10,000 KRW and takes 15 minutes. The temple is well signposted in English once you arrive.
Warm up at a jjimjilbang or hot spring
January weather makes Busan's public bathhouses and hot springs especially appealing. A jjimjilbang (찜질방) is a Korean spa complex with gender-separated bathing areas, communal saunas, sleeping rooms and sometimes restaurants. You pay an entry fee, receive a uniform and towel, and can stay as long as you like—some people spend the entire day or overnight. Entry fees generally range from 10,000 to 15,000 KRW for daytime access, with a surcharge for overnight stays. Spa Land Centum City, located inside Shinsegae Centum City department store (the world's largest department store by floor area), is one of the most popular in Busan. It has 22 different spa rooms themed around countries and materials, from Finnish saunas to Roman baths. Entry costs around 16,000-20,000 KRW on weekdays, more on weekends and holidays.
For a more traditional hot spring experience, head to Dongnae (동래), a district in northern Busan known for natural thermal water. Hurshimchung Spa is a well-known public facility with indoor and outdoor hot-spring pools; confirm current hours and prices on arrival, as these change seasonally. The water is naturally heated and rich in minerals. Most jjimjilbangs require you to shower thoroughly before entering any communal bath, and swimwear is not allowed in the gender-separated bathing areas—nudity is standard and expected. Bring a small towel or rent one at the desk.
Bathing etiquette: remove all clothes and shower seated on a low stool before entering pools. Tattoos are increasingly tolerated at commercial jjimjilbangs in Busan, though some smaller facilities may still restrict entry. If you have visible tattoos, check reviews or call ahead to avoid being turned away.
Explore Jagalchi Fish Market and eat raw fish
Jagalchi Market (자갈치시장) is Korea's largest seafood market and fully operational in January. The market has two parts: an outdoor section along the waterfront with ajummas (middle-aged women vendors) selling live fish, shellfish, octopus and sea cucumbers from blue plastic tubs, and a modern indoor building with stalls on the ground floor and restaurants on the upper floors. January is prime season for certain fish, including cod and flatfish, and prices can be slightly lower than in summer when demand peaks.
The typical experience is to buy live seafood from a stall on the first floor, then take it upstairs to one of the restaurants, which will prepare it for you. You pay the stall for the seafood and the restaurant for preparation, usually around 5,000-10,000 KRW per person depending on the dish. Common preparations include hoe (회, raw fish served sashimi-style with vegetables and dipping sauce), grilled fish, or spicy fish stew called maeuntang (매운탕). If you are unsure what to order, point to what looks good and ask the price; most vendors will write it down or show you on a calculator.
The market is about a five-minute walk from Jagalchi Station (자갈치역) on Metro Line 1, exit 10. It opens early, around 5:00 AM, and most stalls stay open until 8:00 or 9:00 PM, though the busiest and freshest hours are mid-morning. Dress warmly; the market is partially outdoors and the sea breeze is strong in January. Bargaining is possible but not expected for prepared food. Cash is widely used, though larger restaurants inside the building accept cards. Tipping is not done anywhere in South Korea, including here.
Walk through Gamcheon Culture Village in daylight
Gamcheon Culture Village (감천문화마을) is a hillside neighborhood of pastel-painted houses, narrow alleys, murals and small art installations. It was originally a refugee settlement after the Korean War and has been transformed into a community art project. The village is open year-round and there is no entry fee, though some indoor galleries and shops charge small fees (usually 2,000-3,000 KRW). January is quiet, and you will have the alleyways mostly to yourself compared to the summer and autumn crowds.
The main challenge in January is the cold and the steep inclines. The village is built on a hillside, and much of the walking involves stairs and sloped paths. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, as some paths can be slippery if there has been frost overnight. The colorful houses photograph well in the low winter sun, but light fades quickly in the late afternoon; aim to arrive before 2:00 PM to make the most of daylight. Many of the small cafés and craft shops close earlier in winter or take irregular breaks, so do not rely on them for warmth.
To get there, take Metro Line 1 to Toseong Station (토성역), exit 6, then board village shuttle bus 1-1, 2 or 2-2 and get off at Gamcheon Culture Village. The bus costs 1,300 KRW in cash or can be paid with a T-money card. Alternatively, a taxi from Nampo-dong or Jagalchi costs around 6,000-8,000 KRW. Pick up a free map at the information center near the bus stop; it marks the most popular murals and photo spots, including the Little Prince and Fox statue. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours to walk the main loop at a relaxed pace.
Hike or take the cable car up to Geumjeongsan Fortress
Geumjeongsan (금정산) is the mountain that forms Busan's northern boundary, and Geumjeongsanseong Fortress (금정산성) is a historic stone fortress wall that runs for more than 17 kilometers around the ridges and valleys. January hiking on Geumjeongsan is cold but clear, and the lack of foliage means better views over the city and coast. Snow is possible but not guaranteed; check the weather forecast before going. The most popular route starts from Beomeosa temple (범어사), a major Buddhist temple at the mountain's base, and climbs to the south gate of the fortress in about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Beomeosa itself is worth visiting before or after the hike. It was founded in 678 CE and remains an active temple with multiple halls, a stone pagoda and a stream running through the grounds. Entry to the temple is free, though there is a small fee (around 2,000 KRW) to enter the mountain trail from the temple grounds during peak seasons; confirm current policy at the gate. The temple is quieter in January, and you may see monks going about their routines. Remove your shoes before entering any hall, and keep voices low.
If you prefer not to hike, the Geumgang Park cable car offers a shortcut partway up the mountain. The cable car runs year-round, weather permitting, and costs roughly 10,000-12,000 KRW for a round-trip ticket. From the upper station, it is a further 20-30 minute walk to the fortress gates. To reach Beomeosa, take Metro Line 1 to Beomeosa Station (범어사역), exit 5 or 7, then board bus 90 and ride to the temple entrance. The bus runs frequently and takes about 10 minutes.
Take the Busan coastal walking trails in short sections
Busan has several coastal walking paths that are accessible year-round, though January wind and cold mean you should choose shorter, sheltered sections rather than attempting long distances. The Haeundae Blueline Park coastal trail runs along the cliffs between Mipo and Songjeong, and parts of it are paved and easy to walk. The Haeundae Blueline Park also operates a beach train and sky capsule (small cable-car cabins) that run along the coast, offering views without the wind exposure. A one-way ride costs around 8,000-10,000 KRW; confirm current fares and operating hours at the station, as winter schedules can be reduced.
Another option is the Igidae Coastal Trail, which runs for about 4 kilometers along cliffs south of Gwangalli Beach. The trail is mostly unpaved and involves some rocky sections and wooden boardwalks. In January, the sea views are dramatic and the trail is nearly empty, but the wind can be fierce, especially on exposed sections. Dress in windproof layers and avoid the trail if rain or ice is forecast. The trail starts near Dongbaek Island and ends near Oryukdo Skywalk, a glass-bottomed platform extending over the cliffs. Entry to the skywalk is free, and it is open daily except during high winds or bad weather.
For a gentler option, walk the promenade along Gwangalli Beach (광안리해변). It is flat, paved, lined with cafés and restaurants, and offers views of Gwangan Bridge (광안대교), which is illuminated at night. The beach itself is not swimmable in January, but the promenade is pleasant for an evening stroll if you are dressed warmly. Metro Line 2 to Gwangan Station (광안역), exit 3 or 5, brings you directly to the beachfront.
Plan around Lunar New Year if it falls in January
Lunar New Year (Seollal, 설날) is Korea's most important traditional holiday and falls on a different date each year, usually between late January and mid-February. In 2026, Lunar New Year falls on February 17, so it will not affect most of January. However, if you are visiting Busan in late January of any year, confirm the Lunar New Year date and expect the following: many restaurants, small shops and markets close for two to three days around the holiday; public transport runs on a reduced schedule; and roads and trains are extremely crowded as Koreans travel to their hometowns. Museums and major tourist sites often close on Lunar New Year Day itself but reopen the following day.
On the other hand, some temples and cultural sites hold special bell-ringing ceremonies and traditional performances around Lunar New Year, which can be interesting if you are in the city. Beomeosa and Haedong Yonggungsa both host New Year bell-ringing events, usually open to the public. If you plan to travel between cities during this period, book KTX or SRT train tickets as early as possible—they sell out days in advance. Intercity buses also fill up quickly.
Outside of Lunar New Year, January is one of the quieter months for domestic tourism in Busan. You will have better luck securing same-day bookings for restaurants, and lines at major attractions are short. Hotel and guesthouse rates are generally lower than in spring, summer or autumn, though prices rise slightly around New Year's Day (January 1) and any long weekends.
January weather and what to expect at major Busan attractions
| Attraction | January conditions | What to bring | Estimated time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haedong Yonggungsa | Cold, windy, clear sunrise. Steps may be icy. | Windproof jacket, grip-soled shoes, gloves | 1 hour |
| Jagalchi Market | Partially outdoors, cold sea breeze, fully operational | Warm layers, cash for seafood stalls | 1.5-2 hours |
| Gamcheon Culture Village | Steep hills, cold, quiet. Some cafés closed. | Comfortable shoes, warm layers, charged phone for photos | 1.5-2 hours |
| Geumjeongsan / Beomeosa | Cold mountain air, possible snow, clear views | Hiking boots, layered clothing, water | 2-3 hours |
| Haeundae Beach / Blueline Park | Windy, beach not swimmable, promenade open | Windproof outer layer, scarf | 1-2 hours |
Practical tips
Frequently asked questions
Before you go
Busan in January rewards travelers who dress warmly and plan a balanced itinerary. Prioritize indoor-outdoor combinations—temples in the morning, markets and seafood lunches at midday, hot springs or jjimjilbangs in the late afternoon—and you will stay comfortable despite the cold. The city is quieter, less expensive and more manageable than in peak seasons, and the clear winter light makes coastal temples and mountain views especially photogenic. Confirm Lunar New Year dates, bring layered clothing, and download Naver Map or KakaoMap before you arrive.
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