His grandfather explained: according to the lunar calendar, winter begins around the start of Lidong (입동)—usually November 7 or 8. That’s when farmers traditionally prepared kimchi and stored root vegetables. But by the solar calendar used in schools, winter began at the solstice. And by feeling? Winter in Korea truly starts when the first Siberian wind sweeps down from Manchuria, usually in late November, turning the golden ginkgo leaves to dust overnight.
He underlined the last sentence: That was November 18 this year. And I think that’s the real answer.
If you ask a meteorologist when winter starts in South Korea, they will give you a date on the calendar. But if you ask a Korean local, they will point to a specific sensation: the moment the biting wind cuts through your coat, or the first time you see your breath fog up in the morning air. when does winter start in korea
Sub-zero temperatures, freezing Siberian winds, and early flurries frequently arrive in , making it the unofficial start of the cold season. Best time to visit South Korea | weather by month - climate
For many Koreans, winter doesn't truly start until , specifically when the "First Snow" ( Chiseol ) accumulates enough to turn the streets white. His grandfather explained: according to the lunar calendar,
His grandfather, who grew up in a mountain village near Sokcho, chuckled softly. “In my heart,” he said, “winter starts the first morning you see your breath freeze in front of you. But officially? Korea has two winters.”
, winter in Korea generally starts in December and lasts for three months. While the exact start date may vary, understanding the country's winter season can help you prepare for the cold weather and enjoy the unique cultural experiences that come with it. And by feeling
This usually falls around . Historically, this was the signal for farmers to harvest the last of the crops and begin storing kimchi for the long, cold months ahead. If you visit Korea in early November, you will see the cultural residue of this date: markets overflowing with cabbages and radishes, and the distinct smell of chili paste wafting through residential neighborhoods as families engage in Kimjang (kimchi making).
