Ski season hits Korea from November to March and we *highly* suggest you take advantage of the country’s stunning hillsides. Two of the most popular spots for skiing in Korea are Gangwon-do and Gyeonggi-do.
With surrounding snowcapped mountains and slopes for all skill levels, you can’t really go wrong when it comes to choosing what resort you’ll visit. However, because you should focus on the important stuff (i.e. perfecting your cool swerves on the hill), we’ve put together a list of the top ski resorts in Gangwon-do and Gyeonggi-do.
Take a look at the best ski resorts across Gangwon-do and Geyonggi-do, South Korea:
Top Ski Resorts in Gangwon-do
Phoenix Park Ski Resort, Pyeonchang
As the host of the 2018 Winter Olympics, Phoenix Park Ski Resort in Pyeonchang, is an excellent ski resort location. The resort boasts 21 slopes suitable for all abilities, including beginner, intermediate and advanced courses. There are also snowboarding facilities if that’s more your speed.
Off the slopes, Phoenix Park Ski Resort features a superb resort village, complete with restaurants, a supermarket, spa, shopping street, indoor swimming pool, bowling alley and a golf course.
- Perfect for: groups of beginners to advanced skiers who are looking fro a challenge
- Nearby Attractions: Herbnara Farm, Lee Hyo-seok Culture Village
- How to Get There: Take the bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Jangpyeong Bus Terminal then take a free shuttle bus to Phoenix Park Ski Resort (duration: 2.5 hours)
High1
Gangwon’s High1 Resort is one of the three biggest ski resorts in Korea. With great views of surrounding mountains, various slopes for all skill levels and cable cars, High1 is a great pick for families. High1 is also well known for their environmental protection efforts that help to jeep the mountains, rivers and forests clean.
- Perfect for: those looking to stay at a ski resort for a few days
- Nearby Attractions: Gangwon Land Casino, Hwaamdonggul Cave
- How to Get There:
- Take the train from Cheongnyangni Station to Gohan Station, then take the High1 shuttle or a taxi (duration: 4 hours)
- Take the bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Gohan/Sabuk Bus Terminal, then take the High1 shuttle or a taxi
Pro-Tip: Getting to High1 is a little less convenient, we suggest considering multi-day trip with travel from Seoul included (check out the Gangwon High1 Two-Day Ski Trip)
Daemyung Resort Vivaldi Ski World
If you’re looking for something a little closer to Seoul without sacrificing on quality, then make your way to Daemyung Resort Vivaldi Ski World. Only a short journey from Seoul and the slopes are directly accessible from the resort, it’s perfect if you’re short on time and hoping for a quick day trip. If you do decide to stay over, you won’t be disappointed, Daemyung Resort has fantastic facilities and is the largest resort village in Korea.
- Perfect for: those looking to enjoy the slopes on a day trip and staying in Seoul
- Nearby Attractions: Vivaldi Park, Vivaldi Ocean World
- How to Get There: Take the subway from Yongsan to Obin then take free shuttle bus to Vivaldi Resort
Alpensia
Alpensia Ski Resort in Gangwon-do is on the smaller side with six slopes, however it’s an excellent choice for families and beginners. The courses have been specifically designed for starters and intermediate skiers.
- Perfect for: travelers who aren’t super confident on the slopes yet
- How to Get There: Take the bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (near Gangbyeon Station) to Hoenggye Bus Terminal then take a taxi to Alpensia
Top Ski Resorts in Gyeonggi-do
Elysian Gangchon
Elysian Ski Resort is conveniently located ski resort in Gyeonggi-do, connected directly to Seoul by a one-hour subway ride. A great option for short stays and day trips, Elysian is situated inside a mountain valley making it both, even safer and spectacularly beautiful.
It’s also excellent for skiers of all abilities, especially beginners that can take advantage of the training area so they’re fully prepped to start their ski adventure.
- Perfect for: beginner skiers seeking stunning surroundings
- Nearby Attractions: Gangchon Rail Bike, Gangchon Day Tour, Nami Island
- How to Get There:
- From Yongshan Station or Cheongnyangni Station take the ITX Train to Gangchon Station and take shuttle bus to Elysian Resort
- From Sangbong Station take the Gangchon line to Baegyang-ri Station, then take shuttle bus to Elysian Resort
- Take the bus from Sangbong Bus Terminal or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Gangchon
Jisan Forest Ski Resort
Jisan Forest Ski Resort courses are designed with beginners in mind, making this a good choice for newbies and the whole family. Don’t worry if you’re already no longer a beginner though, Jisan also has a couple of intermediate and advanced slopes for any pros out there.
If you’re hoping to up your skiing game, take the Blue or Silver Lift from the park’s highest elevation – these two slopes designated for advanced levels. Fun fact: Jisan Forest Ski Resort is also home to the annual Valley Rock, the biggest rock festival in Korea.
- Perfect for: beginner skiers looking to improve their skills
- Nearby Attractions: Korean Folk Village, Everland Theme Park, Yongin MBC Daejanggeum Park
- How to Get There:
- From Nanbu Bus Station, take the bus towards Jincheon, get off at Yangji and take a taxi
- From Seoul Express Bus Terminal, take the bus to Yongin, then take a taxi
- Travelers can choose opt to include transportation via KKday (book in advance here)
Konjiam Resort
With only a 40-minute drive from Seoul (and in about two hours by bus), you’ll find yourself at Konjiam Resort, the biggest ski resort in Gyeonggi-do. There are three ski lifts and nine varied ski courses, including the longest beginner/intermediate course at 1.8 km long. As a bonus, the resort includes a spa, pool, restaurant and bar making this a well-rounded ski experience.
- Perfect for: travelers who want a ski escape with a mix of adventurous slopes and relaxing amenities
- How to Get There:
- From Gangbyun Station (Exit 1), take the 1113-1 bus, disembark at Dongwon University, buses run every 5-10 minutes (first bus departs at 5:40am, last bus departs at 1:10am)
- From Jamsil Station (Exit 6), take 500-1 bus, disembark at Dongwon University (buses run every 8-15 minutes (first bus departs at 5:40am, last bus depats at 1:10am)
- From Gangnam Station (Exit 6), take the 500-2 bus, disembark at Dongwon University (buses run every 10-20 minutes (first bus departs at 6:10am, last bus departs at 11:35pm)
Bears Town
Bears Town’s crowd puller is its favorable location (close to the city suburbs of Seoul) and its International Ski Federation (FIS) certified courses. Bears Town is on the smaller side but if your family is searching for a resort accessible from Seoul for a quick ski, it’s a great spot. There are courses for all abilities and ages such as, for beginners (Little Bear) and advanced skiers (Big Polar).
- Perfect for: families vacationing in Seoul and beginners
- Nearby Attractions: Korea National Arboretum, Sanjung Lake, The Garden of Morning Calm
- How to Get There:
- Take a free shuttle bus (check out the schedule here)
- By subway, take Line 2 to Gangbyun Station
Pro-Tip: If you are planning on a ski trip to Gyeonggi-do, we recommend seeing some of the other things Gyeonggi-do has to offer such as: Petit France, Yeoju Premium Outlets, Paju City, Everland and Korean Folk Village.
Gyeonggi-do and Gangwon-do Ski Resort Travel Tips:
What to Bring: Clothing and Outerwear
Most resorts will offer rental clothes for you to borrow however, we still recommend that travelers bring their own gear and outerwear. Of course, ski resorts can get chilly so be sure to pack hats, gloves and socks (a few pairs in case they get wet!). Since you’ll be shredding some powder, ensure your gear is waterproof and windproof.
Don’t forget to dress in layers! That way, when you head inside to enjoy a little apres-ski, you peel off a layer or two. Skiing can get a tiring and layers allow you not to feel weighed down by heavy clothing.
What to Bring: Goggles
Ski goggles are standard equipment for skiing, when picking out your goggles, choose a pair with good UV protection. UV intensity increases with altitude as the atmosphere thins and even if it is cloudy you still need to protect yourself.
Book a Pro for Ski Lessons
If you’re a beginner in need of training, remember to pick a professional teacher / class. Learning how to ski properly will help you stay safe, making your winter getaway a fun and product experience!
Warm Up, Stay Hydrated
Before you begin skiing, you should warm up your body by doing some stretches first, the weather will be cold and your body can become stiff, warming up will help reduce the chance of injuries and strains.
Remember to drink water too! Skiing is a physically strenuous activity, and the weather is dry, so while you’re having fun skiing it’s vital to remember to drink water.
You’re ready to make your way to Gangwon-do and Gyeonggi-do, take in the fresh mountain air, and glide down scenic slopes! Planning more winter getaways in Korea? Get more tips and travel hacks below:
