When Does Winter Start In Korea Exclusive May 2026

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.

That night, Minjun wrote in his journal: Winter in Korea starts three times—by tradition on November 7 or 8, by astronomy on December 21 or 22, and by weather on December 1. But for Harabeoji, it starts the moment you put on your first pair of long underwear and hear the ajummas on the street say, ‘It’s really cold now.’ when does winter start in korea

Twelve-year-old Minjun lived in Seoul, where his science teacher had just taught him the astronomical seasons: winter begins on the winter solstice, around December 21 or 22. That evening, he proudly told his grandfather, Harabeoji, “Winter starts on December 22 this year.” His grandfather explained: according to the lunar calendar,

His grandfather smiled. “No. Winter starts when you decide to notice it. In Korea, it arrives like a quiet guest—first as a whisper in November, then as a promise in December. But if you really want one answer for your friends?” He tapped Minjun’s notebook. “Tell them: meteorological winter in Korea begins December 1. That’s what weather forecasters use. Average temperatures drop below freezing, and the first snow usually falls in Seoul around mid-December.” And by feeling

In Korea, the answer to “when does winter start” depends on who you ask—and that small question once sparked a quiet, unforgettable moment between a grandfather and his grandson.

“But which one is right?” Minjun asked.

Minjun tilted his head. “Two winters?”