In previous winters, there were usually at least a few days when snow would properly cover the streets, rooftops, and parks. This year, though, snowfall has been minimal. There were a couple of light snow days, but it either melted quickly or never really settled in the first place. Most days have been cold, dry, and windy rather than snowy.

Because of that, winter in Seoul feels a bit different. The city looks less “winter postcard” and more like its usual self — just colder. Roads are mostly clear, public transportation runs without major delays, and people don’t have to worry as much about icy sidewalks or heavy snow disrupting plans.

For visitors, this might be surprising if they were expecting a classic snowy Seoul experience. At the same time, it does make getting around easier. You can walk more comfortably, travel schedules are more reliable, and daily life continues without many interruptions.

It’s still very much winter here — just without the snow that usually defines it.
A quieter, more practical winter in Seoul this year, and not necessarily a bad one.