10 BEST SKI RESORTS IN KOREA [2024]
WHAT ARE THE BEST SKI RESORTS IN KOREA? WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO SKIING IN KOREA? HOW IS THE QUALITY OF SNOW IN KOREA?
Korea might not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of a ski vacation, but this vibrant and diverse country offers some fantastic skiing experiences.
Korea has emerged as a trendy destination for winter sports!
With its breathtaking landscapes and modern amenities, South Korea has emerged as an increasingly popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
While living in Korea, we could not wait for the winter to start and for the first snowfall. It marks the start of a new season, and it was time for us to get our gears ready.
Why Choose Korea as your next Ski destination?
– Korea’s ski resorts are nestled in the beautiful setting of the Korean mountains
– Korea’s ski resorts offer a wide variety of slopes from beginners to advanced skiers.
– The ski facilities are modern (since the Olympic Games of 2018)
– The main places to ski in Korea are in the Gangwon-do region and around Seoul.
– Fun fact: in Korea most of the ski resorts are open all night long! Yes, you can snowboard at 3 a.m. after a few drinks if you like…
Check out our vlog, about our snowboard trip in Phoenix Park Korea:
WHAT ARE THE BEST SKI RESORTS IN KOREA?
1. Phoenix Park, heaven for snowboarders (our favorite)
Phoenix Park is our favorite ski resort in Korea. We wrote a full post here about Phoenix Park here. The resort is not only famous for its many slopes but also for the quality of its snow. While the resort offers slopes for all levels, it is also renowned for its Extreme Park: halfpipe, tabletop, round quarter, ramps, etc.
The station also hosted various events during the PyeongChang Olympics in 2018 such as the giant slalom or slopestyle events.
Phoenix is most popular for snowboarding, with great snow for beautiful carving, and a great park for some freestyle moments.
Useful information about Phoenix Park:
- DISTANCE FROM SEOUL: 2.5h
- WEBSITE: here
- NUMBER OF SLOPES: 21
- PERIOD: From Nov 16 to early March (may vary depending on weather conditions)
- ADDRESS: 59-1, Goseong-ri, Cheongpyeong-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- TEL: + 82-1588-2828 → 0 (Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese)
- DISCOUNTED SKI PASS: here
- BEST HOTEL: Phoenix Resort Pyeongchang
2. Yongpyong, the biggest resort
Yongpyong is the biggest and best ski resorts in Korea. In addition to the world’s largest slope, the resort also has 7.4 km of ski lifts and very modern facilities. The area also has a very good level of snowfall.
The resort also hosted downhill skiing events during the Olympic Games in PyeongChang. The resort accommodations are located very close to the slopes, making it a popular place for families.
Klook.comMore Info
- DISTANCE FROM SEOUL: 3h
- WEBSITE: here
- NUMBER OF SLOPES: 28
- PERIOD: From Nov 16 until early March (may vary depending on weather conditions)
- ADDRESS: Gangwon-do, Pyeongchang-gun, Daegwanryeong-myeon, Olympic-ro 715, Yongpyeong Resort (강원도 평창군 대관령 면 올림픽 로 715 용평 리조트)
- TEL: + 82-33-335-5757 (Korean, English)
- SKI PASS: here
- BEST HOTEL: Yongpyong Resort
3. High1, the new kid on the block
Located in one of the best-preserved areas in Gangwon-do province and one of the snowiest places in Korea, High 1 station has 18 fantastic slopes that all start from one of three peaks. Beginners can use a 4.2-kilometer-long gentle slope, which starts at an altitude of 1,345 meters.
Two of the slopes at High 1 also hosted the ski World Cup events. The High 1 ski resort also has first-class lift facilities with hands-free pointing equipment and an automatic reader for lift passes.
Nearby attractions include Gangwon Land, an amusement park, trekking routes, a toboggan run, and a golf course. High 1 is easily accessible by train from Seoul, which makes it a popular ski resort.
More info
- DISTANCE FROM SEOUL: 3h
- WEBSITE: here
- NUMBER OF SLOPES: 26
- PERIOD: From Nov 15 to March 2020
- ADDRESS: Gangwon-do, Jeongseon-gun, Gohan-eup, Hione-gil 500 High 1 Resort (강원도 정선군 고한읍 하이원 길 500 하이원 리조트)
- TEL: + 82-1588-7789 (Korean, English, Chinese)
- SKI PASS: here
- BEST HOTEL: High1 Grand Hotel
4. Alpensia, the prettiest resort
The Alpensia ski resort is nestled in the mountains around 700 meters above sea level and offers excellent snow conditions. The resort has a total of six ski slopes distributed according to levels, one exclusively reserved for snowboarding, which makes it a suitable place for all types of public.
The Alpensia station also hosted most of the events for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. Visitors can also take advantage of accommodation facilities at the resort including the Holiday Inn and Suites Alpensia Pyeongchang, the Intercontinental Hotel in Alpensia Pyeongchang, and the Holiday Inn Resort Alpensia Pyeongchang, renowned for its spa.
Alpensia is one of the prettiest and best ski resorts in Korea. Although a bit small, it is perfect for beginners and kids who are taking lessons.
More info
- DISTANCE FROM SEOUL: 3h
- WEBSITE: here
- NUMBER OF SLOPES: 6
- PERIOD: From Nov 22 to early March 2020 (may vary depending on weather conditions)
- ADDRESS: Gangwon-do, Pyeongchang-gun, Daegwallyeong-myeon, Solbong-ro 325, PyeongChang Alpensia (강원도 평창군 대관령 면 솔봉 로 325 평창 알펜시아)
- TEL: + 82-33-339-0000 (Korean, English)
- SKI PASS: here
- BEST HOTEL: InterContinental Hotel
5. Konjiam, the closest ski resort to Seoul
Located in Gwangju-si in the province of Gyeonggi-do, Konjiam station is the largest station outside of Seoul, at merely 45min drive. It offers 11 tracks of different levels, as well as 5 high-speed chairlifts. The resort also has a limited number of skiers (7,000 people maximum with less than 15 minutes waiting to access the slopes).
About 70% of the slopes are designed for beginners and intermediate skiers, as well as for older ones, making it the ideal resort for the whole family. It is the ideal place to enjoy a day of family skiing. In addition, there is always an opportunity to rest in the arboretum, the ecological river or the spa.
More info
- DISTANCE FROM SEOUL: 1h
- WEBSITE: here
- NUMBER OF SLOPES: 11
- ADDRESS: Gyeonggi-do, Gwangju-si, Docheok-myeon, Docheokuit-ro 278, Konjiam Resort
- TEL: + 82-2-1661-8787 (Korean and English)
- SKI PASS: here
6. Daemyung Vivaldi, the hippest ski resort in Korea
Daemyung Vivaldi was the first ski resort in Korea to open its slopes at night, becoming the favorite destination for young skiers and overall remains one of the best ski resorts in Korea.
Even the names of the tracks (Hip-Hop, Techno, Funky …) have been designed to appeal to young adults. Some of the toughest tracks have a unique design, full of unexpected turns for maximum thrills.
All slopes are accessible to skiers as well as snowboarders. The resort is equipped with a wide variety of slopes of different lengths and inclines, allowing recent winter sports enthusiasts to gradually switch from the green to the black piste. Daemyung offers a total of 14 different pistes and 10 ski lifts. Don’t forget to take advantage of the Daemyung Resort Vivaldi Park and the Vivaldi Park Ocean World water park!
More info
- DISTANCE FROM SEOUL: 1.5h
- WEBSITE: here
- NUMBER OF SLOPES: 12
- ADDRESS: Gangwon-do, Hongcheon-gun, Seo-myeon, Hanchigol-gil 262, Daemyeong Resort, Vivaldi Park (강원도 홍천군 서면 한치 골길 262 대명 리조트 비발디 파크)
- TEL: + 82-1588-4888 (Korean)
- SKI PASS: here
- BEST HOTEL: SONO FELICE VIVALDI
7. Welli Hilli, for the Pros!
More info
- DISTANCE FROM SEOUL: 1.5h
- WEBSITE: here
- NUMBER OF SLOPES: 8
- ADDRESS: Gangwon-do, Hoengseong-gun, Dunnae-myeon, Gowon-ro 451, Welli Hilli Park
- TEL: + 82-1544-8833 (Korean)
- SKI PASS: here
8. Deogyusan Muju-Gun, the most impressive resort
More info
- DISTANCE FROM SEOUL: 3.5h
- WEBSITE: here
- NUMBER OF SLOPES: 19
- ADDRESS: Jeollabuk-do, Muju-gun, Seolcheon-myeon, Manseon-ro 185, Deokyusan Resort (전라북도 무주군 설천면 만선 로 185 덕유산 리조트)
- TEL: + 82-63-320-7777 (Korean, English)
- SKI PASS: here
9. Bears Town, ideal for families
Located in Pocheon on the outskirts of Gyeonggi-do, Bears Town Resort is 50 minutes from Seoul, making it ideal for a day’s ski or snowboard trip. It is also possible to rent all your equipment on-site as the station offers a very wide choice of products for hire.
The resort has a total of 10 different runs, including runs for expert skiers, two runs for advanced skiers, three runs for intermediate/advanced skiers, and three runs for beginners. Bears Town is also popular with families for its 400-meter-long toboggan run.
More info
- DISTANCE FROM SEOUL: 1.5h
- WEBSITE: here
- NUMBER OF SLOPES: 11
- ADDRESS: Gyeonggi-do, Pocheon-si, Naechon-myeon, Geumgang-ro 2536 Beon-gil 27 Bears Town Resort (경기도 포천시 내촌면 금강 로 2536 번길 27 베어스 타운 리조트)
- TEL: + 82-31-540-5136.7 (Korean, English)
- SKI PASS: here
10. Oak Valley, ideal for practicing new tricks
The Oak Valley Snow Park resort has 9 trails (2 for beginners, 5 for intermediate and 2 for advanced) and a warm accommodation area.
Oak Valley Snow Park is ideal for snowboarders because, without the usual crowd, there is plenty of space to test new techniques! The resort also offers ski and snowboard lessons as well as toboggan runs for beginners.
More info
- DISTANCE FROM SEOUL: 2h
- WEBSITE: here
- NUMBER OF SLOPES: 9
- ADDRESS: Gangwon-do, Wonju-si, Jijeong-myeon, Oak Valley 2gil, 58, Oak Valley (강원도 원주시 지정면 오크 밸리 2 길 58 오크 밸리 스키장)
- TEL: + 82-1588-7676 (Korean)
- SKI PASS: here
BEST TIME TO GO SKIING IN KOREA?
The ski season in South Korea runs from late November to early March.
The peak season for skiing in Korea is typically late January to February. During this time, you can expect the best snow conditions, well-groomed slopes, and the most consistent skiing experience. This period coincides with the winter school holidays so the ski resorts can get quite crowded.
As in many places, South Korea is also affected by global warming and receives less and less snow. So usually November is too early, and only in late December, it’s worth going. In March the temperature starts to rise and the snow conditions are not great anymore…
Avoid Weekends and Holidays: If you want to enjoy quieter slopes and shorter lift lines, it’s best to plan your trip during the weekdays and avoid weekends and major holidays.
Weather Considerations: South Korea experiences cold winters, so be prepared for sub-zero temperatures, especially in January and February. It’s essential to dress warmly and wear appropriate winter gear.
BEST SKI TOUR FROM SEOUL
Going on a ski trip from Seoul is super convenient. Most tours include transfers from Seoul to the Ski Resort, Equipment Rental, Clothes, and even ski lessons.
>> CHECK OUT ALL SKI TRIP OPTIONS FROM SEOUL
IN CONCLUSION ABOUT THE BEST SKI RESORTS IN KOREA
South Korea’s ski resorts have rapidly gained recognition on the global stage for their high-quality facilities, breathtaking landscapes, and a variety of slopes suitable for all skill levels.
Whether you’re an expert skier or a first-timer, these ski resorts have something to offer everyone. So, when planning your next winter adventure, consider heading to South Korea, where you can enjoy a memorable ski vacation and immerse yourself in the country’s rich winter culture.
Korean ski resorts are perfect for some beautiful fast and deep carving. However, it doesn’t snow enough, hence most of the time you will only get fake snow. However, as we always say to people who ask us, Korea has some of the best fake snow in the world (no kidding). We mean it! So enjoy the ride.
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