Ultimate Korea Layering Guide 2024 - cover image

Ultimate Korea Layering Guide 2024 | Decathlon Sports Advice

The only guide you need to staying warm on your year-end holiday to Korea. Find out our top picks and recommendations in our layering guide to Korea!

As we approach the closing months of 2024, the year-end travel season is here! A popular choice for a vacation this time of the year would be South Korea.

Whether you're walking the streets of Seoul or Busan, or exploring the island of Jeju, you might be wondering if you have the right items of clothing to stay comfy and warm. Fret not, we're here to give you everything you need to know (and more) about what to wear in Korea this Travel season!

Ultimate Korea Layering Guide 2024 - seasons

Seasons & Temperatures in South Korea

Unlike our "one season" climate here in sunny Singapore, Korea goes through all 4 seasons throughout the year. Spring (April - June), Summer (July - August), Autumn (September - November) and Winter (December - March). If you have travel plans to Korea for your Holidays this year-end travel season, you'll be experiencing the change in seasons from Autumn to Winter.

Here's what you can expect in terms of Temperature!

October: With Highs of 20s to Lows at around 10ºC. Temperatures here are already starting to be a little chilly in Autumn Korea.

November: As they approach the end of Autumn it starts to get colder. Expect Highs of 15ºC and Lows below 5ºC.

December: Winters in South Korea are known to be extremely cold. December sees the shift into said Winter where the temperatures really starts to dip so expect highs of only 10ºC to Lows in the negatives (around -3ºC).

Ultimate Korea Layering Guide 2024 - 3 layer system

Layering guide 101

No matter the weather you will face, just keep in mind the 3-layer system as a layering guide and you'll be well prepared.

Layers! it might get warmer indoors and inside trains so you can take your second and outer layers off. Getting cold when you step outdoors? It's very simple to put on your extra layers. We always recommend having multiple layers allows you the flexibility to adapt to whatever temperatures you will face.

Here's what we recommend to wear/bring on your travels to Korea this Winter holiday!

If you're travelling there in October, you should do just fine with your normal clothes as your first layer. Pack a sweater or fleece as your second layer during the day time. When it starts getting colder during the nights, a lightweight down jacket will keep you warm and protected from the elements!

If you're travelling there in November, it's going to get cold enough that you might want to consider a thermal wear as a first layer. This can be worn underneath your regular clothes. A lightweight down or fleece jacket as your second layer will help insulate your body temperature, and a waterproof outermost layer will protect you from elements like rain or snow.

If you're travelling there in December, With low temperatures dropping below zero, we recommend you have your 3 essential layers! A warm thermal base layer, Down or fleece jacket middle layer, and a wind/water-proof outer layer. It would be best to get yourself a pair of warm winter boots as well. Gotta do all you can to stay warm!

Our Picks & Recommendations

Still unsure of what items of clothing to get? Let us make it easier for you. These are our top picks for staying warm and cozy during your holiday in Korea.

Base layers

Especially useful in Korean winters, Having a base layer on would help to keep you nice and warm underneath your regular clothes. A real essential.

Shop Base Layers
Fleece Jackets

A Fleece Jacket will be a reliable option for your second layer. Amazing at insulation and have great quick-drying properties. These will keep you warm!

Shop Fleece Jackets
Warm Winter Boots

Especially in December/January, we recommend these warm winter boots! Pair these with some thick winter socks and you wont have to worry about your feet getting cold in the Korean winters.

Shop Winter Books

Korea Travel Essentials

Apart from articles of clothing, here are some travel essentials we feel would add to your travelling experience in Korea!

Hand & Body Warmers

For when it gets really really cold! These small heat generating pads are designed with adhesive backings so they can provide heat on where you feel cold! Pro-tip: Stick a couple of these in the pockets of your jacket so you can keep your hands warm by simply popping them into your pockets!

Shop Hand & Body Warmers
Packing Cubes

Speaking from personal experience here. Packing your luggage with packing cubes like these not only makes it a more organised experience, you'll realise how much more space you save! p.s. this leaves more space in your luggage for shopping too :)

Shop Packing Cubes

That sums it up! Keep these tips in mind and you're sure to have a great (and warm) getaway in South Korea. Here's to wishing safe travels and a pleasant year-end holiday!