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Totally Unique – 12 Ski Resorts in Korea

TRAVEL - ski

 

Korea is gifted with mountainous terrain and the perks that come with a cold winter. In particular, Gangwon and the outskirt regions of Seoul are great places to enjoy winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding as they receive the most annual snowfall. Ski resorts in Korea offer slopes for a variety of skill levels, from absolute beginners to experts. Many resorts also offer nighttime skiing for a full day of fun.

 

As all ski resorts differ in prices and operating periods, it is strongly recommended to check for details before visiting. During the peak ski season, from mid-December to the end of February, visitors are recommended to reserve accommodations ahead of time.

Ski Resorts in Gangwon

Phoenix Snow Park is known for its many valley-style slopes and high-quality snow. The resort features ski courses for beginner, intermediate, and expert skiers as well as nighttime skiing. In particular, beginners can enjoy skiing on the Panorama slope that reaches 2,040 meters. The resort operates Extreme Park for snowboarders, complete with a half pipe, table top, round quarter, and rails that follow Olympic standards. Phoenix Snow Park also operates Snow Village, with tube sledding, bobsleigh, and snow slides for children, and Blue Canyon, a year-round indoor water park, making Phoenix Snow Park a great choice for family visitors.

Phoenix Snow Park

Address: 174 Taegi-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 평창군 봉평면 태기로 174)
Directions: Take the free shuttle bus from Pyeongchang Station (KTX) Parking Lot
* Shuttle bus schedule: 08:55, 10:00, 11:50, 14:45, 15:55, 17:45
* Paid shuttle operating from Seoul to Phoenix Snow Park available during ski season. More details and reservations available through the shuttle bus website (purplebus.co.kr).
Ski season: November 24, 2023 – Early March 2024 (Slope opening period may vary)
* Subject to change based on weather conditions
Operating hours: Day 09:00-16:00 / Evening 16:00-22:00
Website: www.phoenixhnr.co.kr (Korean, English)
* Slope map available on the website
Inquiries: +82-1588-2828→0 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
* Availability of foreign language assistance may vary by work schedule of staff
Nearby attractions: Herbnara Farm, Lee Hyo-seok Culture Village, Pyeongchang Recreational Forest, Birth Home of Lee Hyoseok, etc.

Pyeongchang – Mona Yongpyong Ski Resort

Mona Yongpyong Ski Resort was the first ski resort to open in Korea. The resort’s accommodations are located nearest to the ski slopes making it convenient for skiers. The resort has 28 slopes to suit skiers of all levels and 14 lifts. With the resort’s high amount of snowfall, visitors can enjoy both an exciting ski trip and a beautiful winter getaway. Even non-skiiers can enjoy the view by boarding the Balwangsan Cable Car. Departing from near the resort’s Green Parking Lot, the cable car takes just 18 minutes to reach the 1,458 m summit of Balwangsan Mountain.

Mona Yongpyong Ski Resort

Address: 715 Olympic-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 평창군 대관령면 올림픽로 715)
Directions: Take the free shuttle bus from Jinbu Station (KTX)
* Shuttle bus schedule: 11:00, 15:00
* Paid shuttle operating from Seoul to Mona Yongpyeong Ski Resort available during ski season. More details and reservations available through the shuttle bus website (purplebus.co.kr).
Ski season: November 24, 2023 – Early March 2024 (Slope opening period may vary)
* Subject to change based on weather conditions
Operating hours: Day 09:00-17:00 / Evening 19:00-22:00 / Night 21:00-23:30
Website: www.yongpyong.co.kr (Korean, English, Chinese)
* Slope map available on the website
Inquiries: +82-33-335-5757 (Korean, English)
* Availability of foreign language assistance may vary by work schedule of staff
Nearby attractions: Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch, Dutasan National Recreational Forest, Odaesan National Recreational Park, etc.

Hongcheon – Vivaldi Park Ski World

Vivaldi Park Ski World, located in Hongcheon, has become a favorite among young skiers in their teens and twenties; even the slope names like Hip-Hop, Techno, and Funky are geared towards young adults. Some of the more advanced slopes are uniquely designed with unexpected twists and turns for maximum thrills.

For those who are new to winter sports, Vivaldi Park Ski World provides the perfect setting to safely enjoy skiing and snowboarding. There are a variety of slopes with different inclines and distances to give new snow sport enthusiasts the perfect chance to gradually work their way up from the bunny slopes to the more advanced courses. The resort is also family-friendly, with amenities like Snowy Land, a nighttime skiing and sledding theme park that operates until 03:00, and Vivaldi Park Ocean World where you can relax at the spa after a long day of hitting the slopes.

Vivaldi Park Ski World

Address: 262 Hanchigol-gil, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 홍천군 서면 한치골길 262)
Directions: Take the intercity bus headed to Vivaldi Ski World from Chuncheon Intercity Bus Terminal and get off at Daemyung Tour Parking Lot
* Bus schedule: 09:00, 10:30, 11:30, 14:30, 16:10, 18:50, 20:40
* Paid shuttle operating from Seoul to Vivaldi Park Ski World available during ski season. Reservations accepted until 16:00 the previous day at the latest through the website (Korean only).
Ski season: November 29, 2023 – March 2024 (Slope opening period may vary)
* Subject to change based on weather conditions
Operating hours: Day 08:30-16:30 / Evening 18:30-22:30 / Night 20:00-03:00 (Next day)
* Night hours unavailable Monday-Tuesday
Website: https://www.sonohotelsresorts.com/vp (Korean only)
* Slope map available on the website
Inquiries: +82-1588-4888 (Korean only)
Nearby attractions: Sutasa Temple, Hongcheongang River, Sambong National Recreational Forest, etc.

Hoengseong – Welli Hilli Park Snow Park


Recognized for its size and safety by the International Ski Federation (FIS), Welli Hilli Park Snow Park is equipped with an international-sized board walk super pipe. Its FIS certification and variety of facilities have made it a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders alike. The snow park offers 20 slopes ranging from bunny slopes to black diamond courses and a mogul course to maximize fun and thrills. The park’s Fun Park is designed specifically for snowboarders, offering kickers and other facilities for snowboarders to practice their tricks.

Welli Hilli Park Snow Park

Address: 451 Gowon-ro, Hoengseong-gun, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 횡성군 둔내면 고원로 451)
Directions: Take the free shuttle bus from Dunnae Terminal to Welli Hilli Park
* Shuttle bus schedule: 07:45, 09:45, 11:45, 13:15, 15:30, 16:55, 20:05, 21:50, 22:30
* Paid shuttle operating from Seoul to Welli Hilli Park available during ski season. More details and reservations available through the shuttle bus website (purplebus.co.kr).
Ski season: December 1, 2023 – March 10, 2024 (Slope opening period may vary)
* Subject to change based on weather conditions
Operating hours: Day 09:00-16:30 / Evening 18:30-22:30 / Night 22:30-24:00
Website: www.wellihillipark.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
* Slope map available on the website
Inquiries: +82-1544-8833 (Korean only)
Nearby attractions: Cheongtaesan National Recreational Forest, Jucheongang Recreational Forest, Dunnae Recreational Forest, etc.

Pyeongchang – Alpensia Ski Resort

Alpensia Ski Resort is tucked away in the mountains at about 700 meters above sea level and is known for its excellent snow. The resort offers six slopes with various courses for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers and can accommodate up to 3,000 people at the same time. Snowboarding slopes and a long-distance sledding slope are specially designed for snowboarders and visitors with family respectively. In particular, Foxtrot, a slope for advanced skiers, is famous for seeing exotic vista. In addition to the exciting winter sports, visitors can enjoy many top-notch accommodation facilities within the Alpensia Resort complex, as well as Alpensia Ocean 700, equipped with outstanding spa facilities.

Alpensia Ski Resort

Address: 325 Solbong-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 평창군 대관령면 솔봉로 325)
Directions: Take the free shuttle bus from Jinbu Station (KTX) to Alpensia Resort
* Shuttle bus schedule: 09:30, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, 20:00 (09:30 and 20:00 buses only operate during Friday-Sunday and public holidays)
* Paid shuttle operating from Seoul to Alpensia Resort available during ski season. More details and reservations available through the shuttle bus website (www.alpensia.com).
Ski season: December 2, 2023 – March 3, 2024 (Slope opening period may vary)
* Subject to change based on weather conditions
Operating hours: Day 09:00-17:00 / Evening 18:30-21:30
Website: www.alpensiaresort.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
* Slope map available on the website
Inquiries: +82-33-339-0000 (Korean, English)
* Availability of foreign language assistance may vary by work schedule of staff
Nearby attractions: Odaesan National Park, Daegwallyeong Samyang Ranch, Yongpyong Resort Water Park, Balwangsan Ki Sky Walk, Color Land, Yongpyong Forest Park, etc.

Chuncheon – Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort


Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort is a deluxe leisure complex that is only one hour away from Seoul by subway and is situated near Baegyangni Station on the Gyeongchun Line. Beginner and intermediate skiers can enjoy a variety of slopes since eight of the ten slopes are designed for beginners and intermediate skiers. The slopes are designed to have a canyon-type formation, allowing skiers to glide down smoothly while enjoying the panoramic view of the beautiful scenery. For beginners who need a little extra help before heading out on their own, ski and snowboard lessons are also available through the ski school program. Moreover, it is the only ski resort that has a 24-hour slope among all the resorts accessible by subway from Seoul, making it a perfect day-trip destination for ski enthusiasts.

Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort

Address: 688 Bukhangangbyeon-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 춘천시 남산면 북한강변길 688)
Directions: Take the free shuttle bus from Baegyangni Station (Gyeongchun Line, ITX) to Challenge House
* Shuttle bus schedule: Runs 52 times daily (Bus time table)
* Free shuttle operating in first-come, first-serve basis from Seoul to Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort available during ski season. More details available through the website (www.elysian.co.kr).
Ski season: December 1, 2023 – March 3, 2024 (Slope opening period may vary)
* Subject to change based on weather conditions
Operating hours: Day 09:00-17:00 / Evening 18:30-24:00 / Night 18:30-03:00 (Next day)
Website: www.elysian.co.kr (Korean, English, Chinese)
* Slope map available on the website
Inquiries: +82-33-260-2000 (Korean only) / +82-33-260-2015 (Korean, English)
* Simple ski resort-related English assistance available
Nearby attractions: Gangchon Resort, Gugokpokpo Falls, Namiseom Island, Gangchon Suspension Bridge Park, Gangchon Theme Land, Gangchon Rail Park, Gyeonggang Rail Bike etc.

Jeongseon – High1 Ski Resort

Located on Baegunsan Mountain at 1,340 meters above sea level in Gangwon, High1 Ski Resort offers 18 fantastic slopes, each beginning at one of the park’s three peaks. One of the peaks provides a 4.2-kilometer-long gently sloping course for beginners. High1 Resort also has two slopes that have been used for Ski World Cup competitions. The resort is known for its convenient facilities for people with disabilities and special needs to enjoy skiing.

High1 Resort offers state-of-the-art lifts including an automatic reading system for lift passes and a hands-free detection system. Nearby attractions include Kangwon Land Casino, trekking routes, winter-themed park Snow World, a sledding site and a golf course, making it a family-friendly ski resort.

High1 Ski Resort

Address: 500 High1-gil, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 정선군 고한읍 하이원길 500)
Directions: Take the free shuttle bus from Gohan Station or Sabuk Station (KTX) to Mountain Ski House
Shuttle bus route: www.high1.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Shuttle bus schedule: www.high1.com (Korean only)
* Paid shuttle operating from Seoul to High1 Resort available during ski season. More details and reservations available through the shuttle bus website (purplebus.co.kr).
Ski season: December 8, 2023 – March 2024 (Slope opening period may vary)
* Subject to change based on weather conditions
Operating hours: 09:00-22:00
Website: www.high1.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
* Slope map available on the website
Inquiries: +82-1588-7789 (Korean, English, Chinese)
* Availability of foreign language assistance may vary by work schedule of staff
Nearby attractions: Kangwon Land Casino, Hwaamdonggul Cave, Auraji Lake, Gangwon Land High1 Water World, High1 Resort Snow World, Mindungsan Mountain, High1 Resort Alpine Coaster, Sabuk Coal Mine Cultural Tour Village, etc.

Wonju – Oak Valley Snow Park

Named for a nearby oak tree forest, Oak Valley Snow Park is smaller than most ski resorts in Korea. As a result, it offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with just three slopes: one for beginners, and two for intermediate skiers. Oak Valley Snow Park is one of the best parks for snowboarders because there are no crowds and plenty of space to try new maneuvers! In addition to ski and snowboard school for beginners and a sledding hill, the resort offers an indoor swimming pool, sauna, massage shop and more at Ski Village, and eight different walking trails to take in the picturesque scenery.

Oak Valley Snow Park

Address: 58 Oak Valley 2-gil, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 원주시 지정면 오크밸리2 58)
Directions: Take a taxi (approx. 25 min) or Wonju City Tour Bus (5 stops) from Wonju Bus Terminal to Oak Valley Snow Park
Ski season: December 15, 2023 – February 25, 2024 (Slope opening period may vary)
* Subject to change based on weather conditions
Operating hours: Day 09:00-16:30 / Evening 18:00-22:00 / Night (weekends only) 18:00-23:30
Website: www.oakvalley.co.kr (Korean only)
* Slope map available on the website
Inquiries: +82-1588-7676→0 (Korean only)
Nearby attractions: Chiaksan National Park, Baegunsan National Recreational Forest, Gangwon Jurassic Land, Wonju Herb Farm, Wonju Rail Park, etc.

 Ski Resorts near Seoul

Icheon – Jisan Ski Resort


Located in Icheon, Gyeonggi-do, Jisan Ski Resort is close to Gangnam in Seoul, meaning that even if accommodations are fully booked, visitors can make a daytrip out to this beautiful ski resort. The resort has a number of slopes ready to accommodate skiers of varying skill levels, including two practice slopes for beginners. In addition, the resort has five high-speed lifts, allowing quick access and less time waiting in line, as well as an escalator for children and beginners. Even though this particular resort is on a smaller scale, it is packed with convenient facilities at inexpensive prices. The resort is a great value for its price, thus providing visitors an affordable winter sports experience with great quality.

Jisan Ski Resort

Address: 267 Jisan-ro, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 이천시 마장면 지산로 267)
Directions: Take Bus No. 12 from Icheon Intercity Bus Terminal Bus Stop to Jisan Resort Entrance, Jisan Mart Bus Stop and walk for approx. 15 min
Ski season: December 6, 2023 – March 2024 (Slope opening period may vary)
* Subject to change based on weather conditions
Operating hours: Day 09:00-17:00 / Evening 18:30-23:00 / Night A 23:00-02:00 (Next day) / Night B 24:00-04:00 (Next day)
Website:www.jisanresort.co.kr (Korean, English, Chinese)
* Slope map available on the website
Inquiries: +82-31-644-1200 (Korean only)
Nearby attractions: Icheon Cerapia, Termeden, Deokpyeong Dinosaur Arboretum, Farm & Tree, Ooozooo Starlight Garden, Wow Dairy, Seolbong Park, etc.

Gwangju – Konjiam Resort

Located in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do, Konjiam Resort is the largest ski resort in Seoul’s vicinity, offering nine slopes with varying degrees of difficulty, as well as five ski lifts. One of this resort’s largest pro is that it offers wait-free services through the use of their mobile app, including reservations for lift and sled use, equipment rental, and even ski lessons. Over 70% of the slopes are reserved for beginner/intermediate skiers and senior citizens, creating a safe environment for all visitors. The visitor center is convenient for visitors to relax, rent and repair gear, as well as sign up for ski lessons. Furthermore, the resort includes an arboretum, ecological river, spa and other auxiliary facilities.

Konjiam Resort

Address: 278 Docheogwit-ro, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 광주시 도척면 도척윗로 278)
Directions: Take a taxi for approx. 10 min from Gonjiam Station (Gyeonggang Line) to Konjiam Resort
Ski season: December 8, 2023 – March 2024 (Slope opening period may vary)
* Subject to change based on weather conditions
Operating hours: 09:00-02:00 (Next day)
Website: www.konjiamresort.co.kr (Korean, English)
* Slope map available on the website
Nearby attractions: Namhansanseong Provincial Park, Gyeonggi Ceramic Museum, Hwadam Botanic Garden, Konjiam Bandy Woods, Ceramic Expo Sculpture Park, Yongin Recreational Forest, etc.

 Ski Resorts in Central & Southern Regions


Muju – Deogyusan Ski Resort

Located within Deogyusan National Park in Muju, Jeollabuk-do, Deogyusan Ski Resort has long been a popular ski destination for both Korean and international skiers. This gorgeous mountain ski resort not only has a large number of ski courses, but also breathtaking views that allow skiers to take in the beauty of the snow-covered slopes while they ski.

The resort’s Silk Road Slope, which starts from the peak of Deogyusan Mountain at 1,520 meters above sea level, is the longest run in Korea, at 6.1 kilometers in length for maximum thrills. The course was designed for both beginner and intermediate skiers to enjoy. The resort is also known to have the steepest slope, called the Raiders Slope, in Korea along with other diverse runs that accommodate skiers of varying skill levels. For those who want a refreshing experience, try the outdoor hot springs after a day of skiing.

Deogyusan Ski Resort

Address: 185 Manseon-ro, Muju-gun, Jeollabuk-do (전라북도 무주군 설천면 만선로 185)
Directions: Take the free shuttle bus from Muju Tourist Center P1 Parking Lot to the resort.
* Shuttle bus schedule: 05:00, 07:20, 10:20, 16:30 (Ski season only)
Ski season: December 2, 2023 – February 2024 (Slope opening period may vary)
* Subject to change based on weather conditions
Operating hours: Day 09:00-16:30 / Evening 18:30-22:00 / Night 21:00-24:00
Website: www.mdysresort.com (Korean only)
* Slope map available on the website
Inquiries: +82-63-322-9000 (Korean, English)
* Availability of foreign language assistance may vary by work schedule of staff.
Nearby attractions: Muju Meoru Wine Cave, Bandi Land, etc.

Yangsan – Eden Valley Resort

Eden Valley Resort (Credit: Eden Valley Resort)

As the only ski resort in the Gyeongsang region, Eden Valley Resort provides an environment fit for skiers of all levels. Of the six slopes ranging in length from 454 meters to 1.495 meters, two are for beginners, two are for intermediate skiers and two are for advanced skiers. Each slope has a different starting point, but they all wind gently down along the mountainside to come together at the base. The three lifts are fast in their service so that there is hardly any wait time. The resort also operates a luge track for non-skiers.

Address: 1206 Eosil-ro, Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (경상남도 양산시 원동면 어실로 1206)
Directions: Take the subway to Yangsan Station (Busan Subway Line 2) and transfer to Bus No. 1000 from Yangsan Station Intercity Bus Transit Center to Eden Valley Resort.
Ski season: December 23, 2023 – February 2024 (Slope opening period may vary)
* Subject to change based on weather conditions
Operating hours: Day 13:30-17:30 / Evening 19:00-23:00
Website: www.edenvalley.co.kr (Korean only)
Inquiries: +82-55-379-8159 (Korean only)
Nearby attractions: Gajisan Provincial Park, Tongdosa Temple, Sinbulsanpokpo National Recreational Forest, Baenaegol Valley, Miryang Dam Ecological Park, etc.

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