South Korea Joins China, Japan, Taiwan and More as Asia’s Winter Hotspots Surge to the Top — Triggering a Cold-Weather Travel Boom Nobody Saw Coming

Published on December 2, 2025

Indian travellers are reshaping seasonal tourism trends across Asia, with South Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan and Kazakhstan emerging as the most sought-after cold-weather destinations for the December 2025 to February 2026 travel season. As families increasingly prioritise winter landscapes, snow activities, cultural festivals and seasonal attractions, Asia is witnessing one of the strongest surges in winter-tourism interest from India on record.

These destinations combine scenic winter vistas, structured tourism frameworks, upgraded connectivity and traveller-friendly entry systems, positioning them at the forefront of the continent’s festive-season travel landscape. Winter now plays a defining role in shaping how Indian families plan holidays, and Asia’s diversified winter offerings have become central to this transformation.

South Korea Becomes Asia’s Winter Trendsetter for Indian Families

South Korea has rapidly climbed the ranks as one of the most desirable winter destinations for Indian travellers. Its blend of snow resorts, modern cities and cultural attractions makes it particularly appealing for family-oriented winter holidays.

Snow Valleys, Ski Resorts and Winter Lights Transform the Country

South Korea’s mountain regions turn into vibrant snow playgrounds each winter, offering ski slopes, snowboarding arenas, sledding zones and frozen lakes ideal for recreational exploration. Towns in snowy regions feature winter villages, scenic trails and signature Korean winter culture set against icy landscapes.
Urban centres, especially Seoul and Busan, showcase illuminated streets, themed winter installations, cultural exhibitions and festive markets. The seamless combination of modern entertainment districts and traditional Korean heritage strengthens the country’s winter identity.

Visa Guidelines for Indian Visitors

Indian tourists must obtain a visitor visa by submitting documentation including personal identification, confirmed travel plans, itinerary details and financial proof. South Korea’s clear entry framework supports straightforward travel preparation.

South Korea’s winter diversity, cultural richness and well-organised travel systems make it one of Asia’s strongest cold-weather contenders for Indian families.

China Captures Tourism Momentum with Ice Cities and Grand Winter Festivals

China remains one of Asia’s most dramatic winter destinations due to its famous snow cities, large-scale winter festivals and deep cultural experiences.

Ice Sculptures, Frozen Parks and Winter Celebrations Define the Season

Northern China turns into a spectacular winter canvas with illuminated ice structures, towering snow sculptures, frozen rivers and expansive winter parks. Seasonal festivals transform city squares and cultural districts into immersive experiences featuring winter art installations, festive markets and themed displays.
Heritage towns and historic streets provide atmospheric winter charm, combining ancient architecture with snow-covered landscapes, offering an appealing balance of culture and seasonal beauty.

Visa Guidelines for Indian Visitors

Tourists from India must apply for a China visitor visa by submitting required documentation, including travel itinerary, identification, accommodation details and financial records. The structured process ensures predictable travel planning.

China’s winter spectacle, cultural depth and distinctive snow experiences position it as a compelling destination for Indian holidaymakers.

Japan Strengthens Its Reputation as Asia’s Most Scenic Winter Wonderland

Japan has long been celebrated for its winter allure, offering snow-covered landscapes, cultural retreats, hot-spring towns and winter wildlife. The country’s seasonal beauty continues to attract Indian families seeking diverse winter experiences.

Powder Snow, Onsen Villages and Heritage Streets Enrich the Season

Japan’s northern and mountain regions are particularly vibrant during winter, with ski towns, snow-clad forests, alpine lakes and pristine slopes welcoming travellers. Hokkaido, Nagano and Niigata remain highlights for families looking for winter activities, panoramic views and traditional winter villages.
Hot-spring towns add to the seasonal charm, providing warm retreats surrounded by snow-filled scenery. Illuminated heritage districts, winter markets and cultural parks create an inviting environment for visitors of all ages.

Visa Guidelines for Indian Visitors

Indian nationals visiting Japan are required to apply for a visa by providing identification, itinerary documentation, financial proof and supporting travel details. The process is built to ensure organised international travel.

Japan’s structured tourism ecosystem and its extraordinary winter landscapes position it among the most sought-after destinations for the 2025 festive season.

Taiwan Gains Winter Appeal with Lantern Streets and Cool Seasonal Culture

Taiwan has emerged as a preferred option for families seeking a milder winter experience alongside vibrant cultural surroundings. Its combination of urban attractions, natural landscapes and scenic winter charm makes it a strong seasonal choice.

Lantern Alleys, Hill Trails and Festive Night Markets Enhance Winter Travel

Taiwan’s winter months offer cool breezes, misty mountain viewpoints, lantern-lit streets and festive night markets that transform cities into atmospheric destinations. The island’s cultural districts, forest parks, waterfront promenades and hot-spring villages remain attractive throughout the season.
Seasonal flower festivals, themed installations and art events add further appeal, providing winter experiences that strike a balance between cultural immersion and outdoor relaxation.

Visa Guidelines for Indian Visitors

Indian travellers must obtain a Taiwan tourist visa by submitting passport details, travel itineraries and financial documents. Eligible visitors may access simplified entry procedures.

Taiwan’s cultural warmth, scenic variety and gentle winter climate make it an appealing destination for families seeking festive-season getaways.

Kazakhstan Rises as an Offbeat Winter Favourite for Indian Travellers

Kazakhstan has become a rising star in Asia’s winter tourism circuit, offering breathtaking mountain landscapes, snow-covered parks and modern cityscapes framed by alpine horizons.

Alpine Mountains, Frozen Lakes and Snow Meadows Create Striking Winter Scenery

The regions surrounding major Kazakh cities become striking winter panoramas, featuring snow valleys, alpine peaks and frozen lakes ideal for sightseeing and winter recreation.
Travellers can explore ski facilities, mountain parks, elevated viewpoints and scenic winter trails. The contrast between Kazakhstan’s modern architecture and natural winter backdrops creates a unique seasonal atmosphere that distinguishes it from traditional winter destinations.

Visa Guidelines for Indian Visitors

Indian nationals must apply for a Kazakhstan tourist visa by providing travel arrangements, identification documents and itinerary confirmations. The country’s growing tourism infrastructure supports easier access for winter travellers.

Kazakhstan’s dramatic winter visuals and emerging tourism offerings have prompted rising interest from Indian families seeking offbeat cold-weather travel options.

Asia’s Seasonal Tourism Surge Highlights India’s Winter Travel Transformation

The increasing popularity of South Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan and Kazakhstan marks a decisive shift in how Indian families approach winter travel. These destinations offer diverse seasonal strengths—snow sports, alpine scenery, lantern festivals, cultural markets, onsen retreats, icy landscapes and mountain trails—creating winter itineraries shaped by both adventure and heritage.

India’s growing preference for winter-specific holidays is guided by enhanced accessibility, structured visa systems, extensive tourism development and rising demand for seasonal travel experiences that contrast with domestic weather patterns. Families now prioritise holidays enriched with snow activities, festive lights, scenic mountain backdrops and cultural traditions unique to the winter months.

As the 2025 festive season approaches, Asia’s winter destinations are preparing for increased demand driven by this expanding shift in Indian travel preferences. The winter tourism boom reinforces Asia’s role as the leading region for seasonal travel, offering a wide spectrum of cold-weather experiences that redefine how Indian families spend the year’s most festive months.