Ski In Korea: A Guide For Where To Go & How To Get There

When I first came to Korea a decade ago, I packed my bags and that included a snowboard. I remember reading about how mountainous the peninsular country was and after searching “where to ski in Korea” “can I ski in Korea” and “how close to Seoul can I ski?”, I saw numerous options. Korea is very mountainous if you didn’t know and there are plenty of places to go skiing in Korea.

Here are the Korean slopes, the Korean ski resorts, and the Korean mountains to check out this winter, where they are, and how to get to them. Plan to stay at some of the awesome ski resorts in Korea and have a fabulous winter on the mountains this year.

Snow In Seoul, Nanji Stream Park, World Cup Parks, Seoul, Korea: Hallie Bradley

Skip ahead if you’re looking for specifics on a particular resort:

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What To Prepare

Whether or not you’re looking to hit the slopes just once, or numerous times this season, here is what you should prepare. Remember that some tour packages do provide some of the sports equipment/attire. This list includes everything so you remember to check on what is or isn’t included.

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Snowboard/Skiis + Gear: Obviously you need to decide what you’ll be up to on the mountain. Personally, I snowboard and if you are, you can get a snowboard and all of the gear on Snowboards.com. For skis, check ot all of the great options on Sunandski.com. Gear includes everything from the boots and bindings to the goggles and a helmet because safety first people.
Outerwear: Northface is good if you’re looking for something a little all purpose this winter. But a lot of mountain goers will find a brand they like and suit up. I’ve always been prone to Burton myself but have had friends that are Volcom all the way or maybe Roxy is your jam. Don’t be surprised to see Koreans suited up from head to toe in one brand. They go all out on the slopes.
Long Socks
Mittens/Gloves
Neckwarmer
Long-johns/Heat tech: Keep yourself warm by wearing layers. You can always unzip a jacket, but it get pretty cool here in Korea so be prepared. I swear by Uniqlo’s Heattech in the winter myself.
Sunscreen and Lipbalm: I remember spring skiing in Colorado one year and I came home with the WORST sunburn. It never occurred to me that I could burn on a snow covered mountain. But you sure can. Wear protection.
Hand/Feet Warmers: Koreans love to use these easy on the go warmers. I never knew they existed until I came to Korea and they sure do make staying on the mountain longer a lot easier.

What To Know

Anyone headed to Korea should know that Koreans LOVE to hit the mountains whether it be for hiking, mountain biking, skiing or boarding, they will find a way to enjoy the mountain slopes that abound. That means for a traveler or resident it is fairly easy to get out to the mountains. Don’t let the cozy house with ondol heating keep you in all winter, get out to the mountains and hit the slopes when you have time.

While it doesn’t snow in Seoul all that often, it definitely snows outside of Seoul a LOT! Pro Tip: If you’re in Seoul and it snows and you want to get up to a mountain fast for a good view, head up on the Seoul Fortress Wall behind the President’s house. It is monitored and the paths are kept clear so it’s safe, but offers up gorgeously snow covered views from above.

Do be aware that sometimes the best price is actually a tour package price and many include not only transportation, but all of the gear, ski clothes and even lessons if you so choose as well. Most of the packages can be adapted depending on what you want. If you’ll be headed to Korea this winter, check out this guide for what to pack because, yes it gets cold! Numerous companies offer foreigner discount packages that include transportation, rental and lift tickets so check out the options so you can enjoy the easiest weekend or day trip out in the powder. If you’ll be trying to get around on your own though, check out the Korea Rail Pass.

Taebaek Mountain, Taebaek, Korea, snow in Korea, winter in Korea

How To Get Around

Below you’ll find addresses and public transport options as well as tours but another great option for getting around this winter is to rent your own car. If you’ve got an International Driver’s License, it’s easy to get a car and though driving in Seoul is a bit madness with all of the traffic, it clears once you reach the city limits. It’s great to drive on your own and stop at other spots including the most amazing rest stop here in Korea. We’ve rented with Avis and had a very easy time of it. If you want to have a go, rent a car here.

Gyeonggi-do/Seoul Ski Resorts

Bears Town Ski Resort (베어스타운리조트 스키장)

Bears Town has eleven slopes and eight cable lifts and is the closest to Seoul. This was the first spot I went to board way back. Though it is the closest, that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily the easiest to get to. Depending on where you live in the Seoul area, the easiest option for getting to the slopes here might just be hopping a tour bus headed there otherwise expect some bus transfers and a walk. This resort is perfect for the beginning to intermediate skier/snowboarder or the snow bunnies among us.

This is a great spot to go for a day trip at the beginning of the season to get your ski or board legs under you. For the advanced skiers and boarders, you’ll probably have traversed the slopes in a half-day, but if you’re a glass half full sort of person like me, you’ll have a great time out in that powder like I did many years ago.

Where To Stay Nearby: Bears Town
Opening Hours: 9:00am ~ 5:00pm & 6:30pm ~ 4:00am
Address: 27 Geumgang-ro 2536beon-gil, Naechon-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 포천시 내촌면 금강로2536번길 27 (내촌면))
Transportation On Your Own: Bus #11 which departs outside of Gangbyeon Station exit 4, turn right and find stand A. This bus makes various stops on the way north so if you live north of Gangbyeon Station, check the stops to find a closer one. You’ll need to walk about 15 minutes. Bears Town also has shuttle buses available from various locations in Seoul with prior reservation which must be done in Korean unfortunately.
Website: Bears Town Website

Jisan Forest Ski Resort (지산 포레스트 리조트 스키장)

Situated just 40 minutes from Seoul (if you’re around the Gangnam area) in the Icheon area, this resort makes for an easy daytrip from the city to hit the powder. This is a great option if you live in the southeastern area of Seoul. There are five lifts and eight runs in this small ski area. This resort is great for the beginner or the skiier or boarder looking to get an easy day under their belt at the beginning of the season. While the slopes are pretty easy and straight forward, the park does also feature a terrain park.

Where To Stay Nearby: Hotel Bene on Booking.com or on Agoda.com
Opening Hours: 7:00am ~ 2:00am
Tour: Daytrip Package with Klook includes transportation/gear
Address: 267 Jisan-ro, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 이천시 마장면 지산로 267 (마장면))
Transportation On Your Own: Without using a tour company, the easiest option to get to and from this resort is via their free shuttle system that stops in various locations around Seoul. Unfortunately, the shuttle system is only available in Korean currently which makes booking a reservation a bit difficult.
Website: Jisan Forest Resort Website

Gangwon-do Ski Resorts

Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort (엘리시안 강촌 스키장)

Set in the mountains near Chuncheon, the Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort is just an hour outside of Seoul and is even accessible via the Seoul subway system so it could easily be considered more of a near Seoul resort. The park has ten slopes and six lifts. This resort is conveniently located for a an easy daytrip outside of Seoul spent in the powder and since it’s in Chuncheon there are plenty of other things to do too like visiting Nami Island, famous for being in the TV drama Winter Sonata.

Where To Stay Nearby: Elysian Gangchon Resort on Booking.com or on Agoda.com
Opening Hours: 9:00am ~ 5:30pm & 7:00pm ~ 3:00am
Tour: Daytrip Package with Klook includes transportation/gear/apparel + lift ticket
Address: 688 Bukhangangbyeon-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 춘천시 남산면 북한강변길 688 (남산면))
Transportation On Your Own: Take either the Seoul subway or the ITX-Cheongchun out to Baegang-ri Station on the Gyeongchun Line and then catch a free shuttle bus to the resort outside of exit 1. There are shuttles that also run from various points in the city with reservations in advance. These shuttles return to the city in the evening and are easier to hop on without reservation from the resort.
Website: Elysian Resort Website

Daemyung Resort Vivaldi Park (비발디 파크 스키월드)

Officially named Daemyung Resort Vivaldi Park, this resort of generall referred to simply as Vivaldi Park and is one of the most popular ski resorts in Korea. The park features twelve slopes and ten lifts including Asia’s first 8-seater express chairlift and 8-seater gondola. Stay in a ski in ski out condo on the slopes and you’ll love the trip out to these gorgeous mountains in Gangwon-do. The slopes have been given names like Funky and Hip-Hop and is geared toward the fun loving adults among us. The park includes a half-pipe and a snow park so after you’ve gotten your feet under you at Bear’s Town, this is the place to go to really stretch your ski legs. Actually, Vivaldi Park might be even easier for most people to get to than Bears Town even though it’s a bit further away.

Where To Stay Nearby: Vivaldi Park – The Park Hotel on Booking.com or Sono Felice Vivaldi Park on Agoda.com
Opening Hours: 8:30am ~ 5:00pm & 6:30pm ~ 5:00am
Tours:
- Daytrip Package with Trazy includes transportation/gear/apparel + lift ticket
- Weekend Package with Trazy or Weekend Package with Klook includes transportation/gear/apparel/lift ticket + accommodation
Address: 262 Hanchigol-gil, Seo-myeon, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 홍천군 서면 한치골길 262 (서면))
Transportation On Your Own: There are free shuttle buses to the resort from Myeongdong, Hongdae, Dongdaemun, and Samseong Station. These buses are available with prior reservation via the website and are the easiest way to get to the resort on your own.
Website: Daemyung Resort Vivaldi Park Website

Oak Valley (오크밸리 스키장)

Oak Valley is a small resort area with three chairlifts. The area is great for families and has a great runs for learning to ski or board.

Where To Stay Nearby: Hansol Oak Valley Resort
Opening Hours: 8:30am ~ 5:00pm & 6:30pm ~ 4:00am
Tour: Daytrip Package with Klook includes transportation/gear/apparel + lift ticket
Address: 58 Oak Valley 2-gil, Jijeong-myeon, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 원주시 지정면 오크밸리2길 58 (지정면))
Transportation On Your Own: Take a bus from Express Bus Terminal to Wonju Intercity Bus Terminal and then take the free shuttle bus at the stop in front of the terminal.
Website: Oak Valley Website

Alpensia (알펜시아리조트 스키장)

Alpensia is a resort that offers something for everyone all throughout the year. In the summer, this resort is popular because it has the Alpensia Ocean 700 water park and flower gardens. That’s not why you came to this page though so I’ll get right to it, the ski resort has six slopes and they are perfect for everyone from the beginner to the advanced skier. This small resort area is just next to the larger Yongpyong Resort but many may recognize the name as it was where much of the action during the Pyeongchan Olympics took place. The park has three lifts and six runs and though it is smaller, is newer than other resorts nearby so has great facilities and modern accommodation to enjoy.

Where To Stay Nearby: Intercontinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort on Booking.comor on Agoda.com
Opening Hours: 8:30am ~ 12:30pm, 12:30pm ~ 4:30pm & 6:30 ~ 10:30pm
Tour:
- 2D1N Package with Trazy or 2D1N Package with Klook includes transportation/gear/apparel + lift ticket
- 1 Day Package with Trazy includes accommodation/gear/apparel + lift pass
Address: 325 Solbong-ro, Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 평창군 대관령면 솔봉로 325 (대관령면))
Transportation On Your Own: There is a shuttle bus that leaves from Myeongdong and goes straight to the resort available with reservation via the site (only in Korean).
Website: Alpensia Website

Yongpyong Ski Resort (용평리조트 스키장)

Yongpyong is known as the Alps of Korea and is the largest ski resort in Korea but the best thing about it is that it gets the HIGHEST amount of snowfall each year. Ski and boarding loving Koreans flock to these slopes at the center of the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range every year and there are very good reasons as to why. The slopes here average 250 centimeters of snowfall per year!

This huge resort area boasts fourteen lifts and twenty-eight runs to choose from with the longest being 5.6 kilometers long. Even if you’re more of a snow bunny, head out to this resort to get the snow loving vibes as you entertain yourself in the numerous other entertainment zones in the area.

Where To Stay Nearby: Yongpyong Resort on Booking.comor on Agoda.com
Opening Hours: 8:30am ~ 4:30pm & 6:30pm ~ 12:30am
Tour: 2D1N Package with Trazy or 2D1N Package with Klook includes transportation/gear/apparel + lift ticket
Address: 715 Olympic-ro, Daegwanryeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 평창군 대관령면 올림픽로 715 (대관령면))
Transportation On Your Own: There is a shuttle bus available from the city which must be reserved in advance but is the easiest way to get out to the mountains.
Website: Yongpyong Ski Resort Website

Snow in Seoul, World Cup Park, Seoul, Korea

High1 Resort (하이원 리조트)

The High1 Resort, named so as to reflect the concept of being “first and foremost”, has eighteen slopes across three mountain peaks. It’s not the easiest resort to access but that means the people that do get there are avid skiers and boarders. That shouldn’t dissuade beginners though as this resort has a 4.2 kilometer long beginning slope and it’s family friendly. There are three gondolas and seven lifts to get up and around the peaks of the Taebaek Mountains in the multicultural leisure resort that also features multiple hotels, a casino and mountain condos.

This resort also has Korea’s first ski school for the disabled and those with special needs. This resort is doable for a daytrip but with a tour, otherwise, it’d be wise to book accommodation in the area.

Where To Stay Nearby: High1 Castle Resort
Opening Hours: 8:30am ~ 4:00pm & 6:00pm ~ 10:00pm
Tour: Resort Stay with Trazy includes discount on gear/lift ticket
Address: 424 High1-gil, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 정선군 고한읍 하이원길 424 (고한읍))
Transportation On Your Own: Take a mugunghwa train from Seoul to Sabuk or Gohan where you can catch a free shuttle bus to the resort.
Website: High1 Resort Website

Pheonix Pyeongchang Ski Resort (휘닉스 평창)

Phoenix is often reputed for having some of the most high-quality snow around and was the location for the free style ski and snowboarding competition during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics. The resort offers nine lifts and ten runs to visitors as well as a terrain park and halfpipe. This park is a bit better for those among us that have experience and want to show it off a bit. Stunt it up my friends.

Where To Stay Nearby: Pheonix Pyeongchang Ski Resort on Booking.com or on Agoda.com
Opening Hours: 8:30am ~ 4:30pm & 6:30pm ~ 4:00am
Tour: Package with Trazy includes lift ticket/gear
Address: 174 Taegi-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 평창군 봉평면 태기로 174)
Transportation On Your Own: This is a much easier resort to reach due to the Olympics last year. Visitors can hop on a train from Seoul Station and get off at Pyeongchang Station where they can take a shuttle bus to the nearby resort. There are various shuttle buses available from around the city too so check their site.
Website: Phoenix Pyeongchang Website

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