A forest of sun trees and cedars on Chungnyeongsan Mountain in Jangseong, Jeollanam-do Province

Korea has four distinct seasons, and winter, which just started, is quite colder and longer than many people outside of the country think.

The average temperature in winter – from December to February the following year – has ranged between minus 1.4 degrees Celsius and 2.8 degrees above zero since 2012. But freezing cold days when the mercury can plummet to around minus 15 degrees or lower are not uncommon in December and January.

The Siberian anticyclone affects the Korean Peninsula and brings freezing temperatures. In recent years, there have even been days when Seoul’s temperature was lower than that of Moscow, where the anticyclone is formed.

It also snows in Korea during winter. For the last 10 years, Seoul had 25.4 snowy days per year on average, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration. While the nation’s capital does not see a huge amount of snow, usually less than 5 centimeters, some mountainous regions in the country sometimes get more than 1 meter of snow in one or two days.

Such weather has created places that are famous for beautiful snowy landscapes.

Gangwon-do Province, home to Korea’s main mountain range, Baekdu Daegan, has many destinations offering snowy landscapes. Seoraksan Mountain is one of the most famous winter tourist spots, with some 30 snowcapped peaks. Daegwallyeong Yangtte Ranch in Pyeongchang-gun County and Wondaeri Birch Forest in Inje-gun County also provide exotic views – white sheep frolicking against the backdrop of snow-covered hills and tall white trees.

Jejudo Island, south of the peninsula, features milder weather than the mainland. But its mountainous areas, including Hallasan Mountain and the many oreum (volcanic cones) around it, often receive more than 1 meter of snow in winter. As a result, it is often possible to take a picture of green palm trees on the island’s plains juxtaposed with the snowcapped Hallasan in the background.

Citizens skate on a seasonal ice rink built in front of Seoul City Hall.

With the cold weather and snow come many winter sports that Koreans enjoy. There are about 10 ski resorts, most of which are located in Gangwon-do. Skiers used to dominate the resorts, but since the 2000s, the number of snowboarders has increased considerably. Some ski resorts, as well as other types of theme parks, operate slopes exclusively for snow sleds for children.

Skating is also popular. Although there are indoor ice rinks that operate throughout the year, more popular are outdoor ones temporarily set up during the winter season, like the one in front of Seoul City Hall.

Some local governments take advantage of the icy cold temperatures in their regions to host such “winter festivals” as the Hwacheon Sancheoneo (Trout) Ice Festival, where visitors can enjoy ice fishing and ice sleds.