Ski In Korea: A Guide For Where To Go & How To Get There
Last Updated on December 5, 2025
When winter arrives in Korea, mountains turn into snowy playgrounds. If you’re wondering “Can I ski in Korea?” or “What are the best ski resorts near Seoul?”, the answer is yes, and you’ll have plenty of options. Korea may not be as famous as Japan or Switzerland for skiing, but it has well-developed ski resorts, Olympic-level slopes, and family-friendly runs just an hour or two from Seoul.
Whether you’re planning a ski holiday in Korea, looking for an easy day trip from Seoul, or hoping to experience the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics slopes, this guide covers everything you need: where to ski, how to get there, what to pack, and insider tips for foreigners.
Skip ahead if you’re looking for specifics on a particular resort:
- Ski Season in Korea
- What To Prepare
- What To Know Before Skiing in Korea
- How To Get Around
- Best Ski Resorts Near Seoul (Gyeonggi-do)
- Best Ski Resorts in Gangwon-do
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)
Ski Season in Korea
Korea’s ski season usually runs from late November to early March, depending on the snow conditions. Resorts use advanced snow-making systems, so even if natural snow is lighter, slopes are open.
2025 – 2026 Ski Season
- Phoenix Park: Opens November 21
- Yongpyong Resort: Opens November 21
- High 1 Resort: Opens November 28
- Taebaek 02: Opens November 28
- Alpensia Resort: Opens December 3
- Vivaldi Park: Opens December 5
- Elysian Resort: Opens December 5
- Welli Hilli Park: Opens December 5
- Muju Deogyusan: Opens December 9
- Jisan Forest: Opens December 12
- Konjiam Resort: Opens December 12
- Oak Valley: Opens December 12
- Eden Valley: Opens December 19
What To 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.
- 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. 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: 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 Before Skiing in Korea
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.
Night skiing: Many resorts stay open until 2:00am – 4:00am and night skiing can come with discounts so check out the options if you’re on a budget, or want a less crowded timeframe.
Foreign-friendly packages: Companies like Creatrip and Klook offer specialized packages for foreigners with English support, rentals, transportation, and even beginner lessons. These are often cheaper than buying everything separately.
Lessons: Most resorts offer ski and snowboard lessons, but English-speaking instructors should be booked in advance.
Driving: 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.
Best Ski Resorts Near Seoul (Gyeonggi-do)
Bears Town Ski Resort (베어스타운리조트 스키장)
Closest large resort to Seoul, about 1.5 hours, Bears Town has 11 slopes and 8 cable lifts. This was the first spot I went to board way back. This resort is perfect for the beginning to intermediate skier/snowboarder.
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.
- Good for: Families, beginners, short trips
- 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))
Jisan Forest Ski Resort (지산 포레스트 리조트 스키장)
Situated just 40 minutes from Seoul 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. While the slopes are pretty easy and straight forward, the park does also feature a terrain park.
- Good for: Quick ski fix, beginners
- Where To Stay Nearby: Hotel Bene on Booking.com or on Agoda.com
- Opening Hours: 7:00am ~ 2:00am
- Tour packages:
- Jisan Ski Resort from Seoul Shuttle with Winter Skiing Package option on Viator
- Jisan Forest Resort Ski x Snowboard Day Tour on Viator or on Klook
- [KKday Special Discount] Jisan Forest Resort Ski Tour with kkday
- Address: 267 Jisan-ro, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 이천시 마장면 지산로 267 (마장면))
- Website: Jisan Forest Resort Website
Best Ski Resorts in Gangwon-do
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 10 slopes and 6 lifts.
- Good for: First-timers, easy transport
- 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 packages:
- Gangchon Elysian Ski Day Trip from Seoul on Viator
- Elysian Gangchon Winter Ski Day Tour From Seoul on Klook: Option for beginner lessons, sightseeing only, and sledding.
- Elysian / Ski x Snowboard x Snow Hill Day Tour on Klook: Option for just a shuttle, with ski gear, or lift ticket and basic ski lessons.
- 2D1N Ski or Snowboard Elysian Tour with kkday
- Address: 688 Bukhangangbyeon-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 춘천시 남산면 북한강변길 688 (남산면))
Daemyung Resort Vivaldi Park (비발디 파크 스키월드)
The most popular ski resort in Korea with fun vibes, a halfpipe, snow park, and night skiing until 5:00am. 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.
- Good for: Young travelers, nightlife, groups
- 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:
- Address: 262 Hanchigol-gil, Seo-myeon, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 홍천군 서면 한치골길 262 (서면))
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.
- Good for: Kids, learners, families
- Where To Stay Nearby: Hansol Oak Valley Resort
- Opening Hours: 8:30am ~ 5:00pm & 6:30pm ~ 4:00am
- Tour packages:
- Address: 58 Oak Valley 2-gil, Jijeong-myeon, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 원주시 지정면 오크밸리2길 58 (지정면))
Alpensia (알펜시아리조트 스키장)
Alpensia is a resort that offers something for everyone all throughout the year. The ski resort has 6 slopes and they are perfect for everyone from the beginner to the advanced skier. The park has 3 lifts and though it is smaller than nearby Yongpyong, is newer than other resorts nearby so has great facilities and modern accommodation to enjoy.
- Good for: Families, casual skiers, luxury stays
- 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 packages:
- Alpensia Ski Resort 4 hrs Ski Private Lesson Program with Klook
- Address: 325 Solbong-ro, Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 평창군 대관령면 솔봉로 325 (대관령면))
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 where the slopes average 250 centimeters of snowfall per year!
This huge resort area boasts 14 lifts and 28 runs to choose from with the longest being 5.6 kilometers long.
- Good for: Serious skiers, Olympic history buffs
- Where To Stay Nearby: Yongpyong Resort on Booking.comor on Agoda.com
- Opening Hours: 8:30am ~ 4:30pm & 6:30pm ~ 12:30am
- Tour packages:
- Yongpyong One Day Ski Tour from Seoul on Klook
- Yongpyong Ski & Stay Package: Book through kkday for a 1 to 5 night stay.
- Address: 715 Olympic-ro, Daegwanryeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 평창군 대관령면 올림픽로 715 (대관령면))
- Website: Yongpyong Ski Resort Website
High1 Resort (하이원 리조트)
Named so as to reflect the concept of being “first and foremost”, High1 has 18 slopes across three mountain peaks. There are 3 gondolas and 7 lifts to get up and around the peaks of the Taebaek Mountains in the 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.
- Good for: longer ski trips, families, advanced skiers
- Where To Stay Nearby: High1 Castle Resort
- Opening Hours: 8:30am ~ 4:00pm & 6:00pm ~ 10:00pm
- Tour packages:
- High1 Ski & Snowboard Day Tour with kkday
- Address: 424 High1-gil, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 정선군 고한읍 하이원길 424 (고한읍))
- 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 9 lifts and 10 runs to visitors as well as a terrain park and halfpipe.
- Good for: Snowboarders, freestyle skiers, Olympians at heart
- 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 packages:
- Pyeongchang Phoenix Park 2D1N Tour with Klook
- 2D1N Skiing in Korea at Phoenix Park on kkday
- Address: 174 Taegi-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 평창군 봉평면 태기로 174)
- Website: Phoenix Pyeongchang Website
Did you like this post? Pin It!
