Explore this fantastic guide to Korea’s top ski resorts and start plotting your next ski adventure! We present the definitive resource on the finest ski destinations in Korea, so if you’re in search of a ski resort tailored to your specific needs, keep reading. With winter upon us, it’s the perfect time for skiing and snowboarding, and you may already be gearing up to plan your holiday, researching resorts and determining your ideal destination.
The Wonderland of Authentic Snow – Gangwon-do
For an unparalleled skiing or snowboarding adventure in Korea, we strongly advise you to embark on a journey to Gangwon-do, an eastern province renowned for its superb snow conditions, often witnessing the country’s first snowfall as early as November.
Gangwon-do, with its distinction of hosting the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at several of its ski resorts, is home to the largest concentration of ski destinations in the nation. These resorts provide state-of-the-art amenities and breathtaking landscapes that will undoubtedly justify the extra miles you travel.
1. Yongpyong Ski Resort: Thrills for All Ages
Yongpyong Ski Resort, South Korea’s largest, offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Famous for its appearances in popular Korean dramas like “Winter Sonata (KBS, 2002)” and “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (TVN, 2016),” Yongpyong Ski Resort also took center stage as the primary venue for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.
Here’s a quick overview of Yongpyong Ski Resort:
- Location: Pyeongchang
- Travel time from Seoul: Approximately 3.5 hours
- Number of slopes: 28
- Number of ski lifts: 13 ski lifts and 1 gondola
Yongpyong Ski Resort Highlights:
- Selected as the venue for Alpine Skiing events during the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics
- Offers accommodations ranging from budget-friendly to premium, making it an all-season resort
- Benefits from an annual snowfall of 250 centimeters, allowing for an extended ski season typically lasting until late March.
Must-Experience Attractions at Yongpyong Ski Resort:
- Dragon Peak: Explore the Swiss-style edifice perched atop Balwangsan Mountain at 1,458 meters.
- Asia’s Longest Gondola Course: Take on the 7.4-kilometer gondola course.
- Sledding Slope: Perfect for non-skiers and family skiing excursions.
- Peak Island: A family-friendly water park for all to enjoy.
- Mountain Coaster: Experience the thrills of a high-speed coaster ride, reaching up to 40 km/hr.
Indoor & Outdoor Amenities:
Unwind and entertain yourself with a variety of amenities, including a sauna, spa, screen golf, bowling alley, karaoke, fitness center, arcade, billiard hall, golf club, children’s theme park, hiking trails, a survival game park, and a zip line.
Ideal for:
Yongpyong Ski Resort caters exceptionally well to skiers, particularly those at all skill levels, and family skiing groups.
About the Slopes:
- The slopes are relatively narrow, making them more suitable for skiers than snowboarders.
- There are four distinct zones: Silver, Gold, Red, and Dragon.
- In the Dragon Zone, the Rainbow Paradise boasts the second-longest slope in the country, measuring 5.6 kilometers in length.
- For beginners, the Mega Green Slope in the Silver Zone comes highly recommended.
- The Red Zone is designed for advanced skiers, while the Gold Zone, the second-highest among the four zones, caters to intermediates.
2. Vivaldi Park Ski Resort: The Hottest Ski Resort for Young People
Vivaldi Park within Daemyung Resort is renowned as a pioneering force among ski resorts, consistently introducing new facilities every year.
With its thrilling night skiing experiences and slopes filled with exciting twists and turns, Vivaldi Park is the ultimate destination for adventurous young adults in their teens and twenties.
Moreover, Vivaldi Park served as the backdrop for scenes in the Korean TV drama “The Legend of the Blue Sea (SBS, 2016),” featuring Jun Ji-hyun (Chung) and Lee Min-ho (Joon-jae). In the series, the characters Joon-jae and Chung enjoy skiing and create cherished memories at Vivaldi Park.
Vivaldi Park Quick Overview:
- Location: Hongcheon
- Travel time from Seoul: Approximately 1.5 hours
- Number of slopes: 12
- Number of ski lifts: 10, including a gondola
Key Highlights of Vivaldi Park:
- Vivaldi Park has held the title of the most visited ski resort in Korea for seven consecutive years.
- The resort welcomes approximately 20,000 visitors daily.
- It continually introduces new facilities to cater to diverse needs.
- Lifts and slopes are open from 8:30 AM until 5:00 AM, offering extensive skiing hours.
- The resort offers a well-organized ski school with lessons conducted by professional instructors.
- Vivaldi Park boasts the largest lodging facility with a wide range of accommodation options.
Must-Experience Attractions at Vivaldi Park:
- Ocean World: A water park that transforms into a spa during the winter months.
- Snow Sledding Hill: Perfect for non-skiers and families seeking snowy thrills.
Indoor & Outdoor Amenities:
Discover a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities, including an arcade, shooting/screen shooting range, Kids World, ping-pong hall, bowling alley, sauna, internet cafe, beauty salon, karaoke, recreational forest trail, and a golf course.
Considerations to Keep in Mind:
- Long Waiting Times: Expect extended waiting periods for lifts, especially on weekends (at least 30 minutes).
- Beginner Course Queues: Be prepared for substantial queues at the beginner courses.
Ideal for:
Vivaldi Park is the perfect destination for couples, students, and young skiers in their twenties, offering an array of attractions and amenities to keep you entertained.
About the Slopes:
- These slopes are suitable for all levels of skiers, accommodating beginners and experts alike.
- Notably, the resort is recognized for its expansive and lengthy slopes.
- There are a total of 2 beginner, 1 intermediate, 4 upper-intermediate, 4 advanced, and 1 expert slopes.
- The slopes are named with a fun flair, including Funky, Reggae, Classic, Techno, Blues, and Jazz.
- Beginners can enjoy the Blues Course, while advanced skiers can tackle the Rock Course, a 590-meter long slope featuring a 28-degree incline.
- The Classic Course, while not as steep as some other intermediate and advanced slopes, provides an excellent practice ground for those looking to enhance their skiing skills.
Snowboarding Facility:
- For snowboarders, the resort offers the Extreme Park, a specially designed snow park tailored to snowboarding enthusiasts.
3. Phoenix Park Ski Resort: Heaven for Snowboarding Fanatics
Phoenix Park, also known as Phoenix Ski Resort or Bokwang Phoenix Park, beckons those seeking a day of snowy bliss with its enchanting natural landscapes and impeccable powder. This resort also gained fame for its appearance in the beloved Korean drama “Autumn in My Heart (KBS, 2000).”
Quick Overview of Phoenix Park:
- Location: Pyeongchang
- Travel time from Seoul: Approximately 2 hours
- Number of slopes: 21
- Number of ski lifts: 8 lifts, 6 sun-kid lifts, and 1 gondola
Key Highlights of Phoenix Park:
- Phoenix Park was chosen as the venue for the freestyle skiing and snowboarding events during the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.
- It is celebrated for its high-quality snow and well-maintained slopes.
- The resort offers a luxurious 5-star hotel and condominiums, providing direct access from accommodations to the slopes.
- Ski and snowboard lessons are available, conducted by certified instructors for all skill levels.
Must-Experience Attractions at Phoenix Park:
- Gondola Course to Mont Blanc: Ascend to Mont Blanc’s peak at 1,050 meters via a scenic gondola ride.
- Blue Canyon: Immerse yourself in the Mediterranean-themed water park, Blue Canyon.
- Snow Village: Enjoy a snowy wonderland with a 90-meter-long sledding slope.
Indoor & Outdoor Amenities:
Explore a variety of indoor and outdoor amenities, including internet cafes, arcade, karaoke, bowling alley, sauna, swimming pool, walking trails, a charming sheep pasture, and a serene sky garden.
Considerations to Keep in Mind:
- Lower areas can become quite crowded, and you may experience extended waiting times for the lifts.
Ideal for:
Phoenix Park is an ideal destination for snowboarders and families looking to enjoy a range of attractions and activities.
About the Slopes:
- Among the 21 slopes, 12 are officially sanctioned for international competitions, featuring renowned options like the “Mogul” and “Aerial” Courses for expert skiers.
- The variety includes 7 beginner slopes, 4 intermediate slopes, 6 expert slopes, and 4 terrain parks to cater to all skill levels.
Snowboarding Facility:
- The resort offers the Extreme Park, a dedicated snow park designed exclusively for snowboarders. This facility is equipped with features such as a half-pipe, tabletops, and a round quarter to enhance the snowboarding experience.
4. Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort: Perfect for a Spontaneous Getaway
Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort is the most accessible ski destination from Seoul in the Gangwon-do region, making it the ideal choice for spontaneous half or full-day adventures. What’s more, its proximity to renowned tourist attractions ensures that even non-skiers can enjoy their time!
Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort Snapshot:
- Location: Chuncheon
- Travel Time from Seoul: Just 1.5 hours
- Number of Slopes: 10
- Number of Ski Lifts: 6
Key Features of Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort:
- Elysian Gangchon is the closest ski resort to Seoul among those in Gangwon-do.
- It boasts a strategic location near several popular tourist destinations.
- The resort is relatively serene during weekdays, offering minimal wait times for ski lifts.
Indoor & Outdoor Amenities:
The resort offers a range of indoor and outdoor amenities, including a sports shop, screen golf, billiards, arcade, karaoke, sauna, fitness center, shooting range, and a swimming pool.
Considerations to Keep in Mind:
- The facilities may not be considered upscale, meeting the basic needs.
- For advanced skiers and snowboarders, there might be limited options to cater to their expertise.
Ideal for:
Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort is particularly well-suited for beginners and those seeking a short ski break, where the focus is on enjoyment and relaxation.
5. Alpensia Ski Resort: The Fantastic Alps of Asia
Alpensia Ski Resort stands out with its exceptional leisure offerings, premium lodging facilities, and an array of slopes, making it an ideal destination for families seeking all-encompassing fun!
Alpensia Ski Resort Overview:
- Location: Pyeongchang
- Travel Time from Seoul: Approximately 3 hours
- Number of Slopes: 6
- Number of Ski Lifts: 3
Key Highlights of Alpensia Ski Resort:
- The resort was selected as the venue for the ski jump event during the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in 2018.
- It boasts a 5-star hotel and holiday inns with direct access to the ski slopes, ensuring a convenient and luxurious stay.
- Alpensia offers top-notch leisure facilities, catering to a variety of interests.
- The resort is equipped with facilities to accommodate guests with disabilities, including wheelchair rentals.
- It tends to be less crowded in comparison to resorts like Yongpyong Ski Resort and Phoenix Park, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
- Alpensia Ski Resort is conveniently located near the venue of the Pyeongchang Trout Festival
- Alpensia Snow Sledding Park: Enjoy thrilling snow sledding adventures in this designated park.
- Alpine Coaster: Embark on a fun and exhilarating coaster ride, reaching a maximum speed of 40 km/hr.
- Ocean 700: Dive into family-friendly aquatic fun at Ocean 700, a water park designed to entertain visitors of all ages.
Indoor & Outdoor Amenities:
Explore a range of indoor and outdoor amenities, including the Ski Museum, Sports Park, spa, tennis courts, and a children’s playground.
Ideal for:
Alpensia Ski Resort caters to beginners, snowboarders, and families, making it a versatile choice for various ski enthusiasts seeking an enjoyable and well-rounded experience.
About the Slopes:
- The resort features a total of 6 slopes, each distinguished by a letter, starting with Alpha and increasing in difficulty through Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, and Foxtrot.
- These slopes comprise 1 beginner, 4 intermediate, and 1 advanced, accommodating a range of skill levels.
- The Echo slope is specifically tailored for intermediate snowboarders, offering an ideal terrain for their enjoyment.
- Beginners have access to a designated lesson area to help them develop their skills.
Tip: Alpensia Ski Resort and Yongpyong Ski Resort are conveniently adjacent to each other. Alpensia excels in lodging facilities, while Yongpyong boasts superior skiing facilities. Consider staying a night at Alpensia for accommodation comfort and then heading to Yongpyong for an exceptional skiing experience.
