activitiesKoreaSeoulWinter

Winter 2019-2020: Best Korea Ski and Snowboard Resorts to Smash this Winter

Swish-swoosh! Another ski season is here and it’s high time to gear up and get ready for the thrill of speed and a frosty adventure. If you choose South Korea as your top destination for skiing and snowboarding this winter, you’ve been wise. As the host of last year’s Winter Olympics, the country has since stepped up its game in providing world-class winter sports resorts!

The ski season in South Korea lies between November and March, and the most sought-after ski resorts are in Gangwon-do and Gyeonggi-do. That being said, we’ll also introduce the winter sports resort near Busan, just in case you’re looking for an alternative travel destination besides Seoul.

If you are an absolute beginner and would like to avoid the embarrassment of looking completely lost on the slopes, we have just the right option for you too! Read on for beginner-friendly ski resorts and ski lessons!

 

 

Best ski experiences in South Korea:

 

Gangwon-do

 

Gyeonggi-do

 

Gyeongsangnam-do (Near Busan)

 

 

Gangwondo Ski Resorts

Oak Valley/ 오크밸리스키장

Oak Valley, (Source: KKday)

Oak Valley Ski Resort is located in Wonju, about a 1.5-hour drive from Seoul. It is a relatively smaller resort known for being more remote, surrounded by a picturesque oak forest.  

The slopes in the Oak Valley Snow Park were specially built for different levels of skiers, including 2 beginners, 5 intermediates and 2 advanced courses, making it suitable for players of all levels to indulge in thrilling winter sports! Also, thanks to the fast speed ski lifts, you can test your nerves on different levels of slopes in a shorter time. Looking for some guidance? This tour provides both basic and intermediate lessons with professional English speaking instructors.

  • Address: 58, Oak Valley 2-gil, Jijeong-myeon, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do
  • Transportation:
  1. From Incheon International Airport 9C: take the bus bound for Wonju Intercity Bus Terminal (원주시외버스터미널), then take a free shuttle bus to the resort
  2. From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal or Seoul Express Bus Terminal: take the bus bound for Wonju Intercity Bus Terminal, then take a free shuttle bus to the resort
  3. Take Seoul Subway Line 4 to Cheongnyangni (청량리) station, then take the train to Wonju (원주역) station. Walk from Wonju train station to the shuttle bus station and take a free shuttle bus to the resort

 

 

Elysian/ 엘리시안 강촌 스키장

Elysian, (Source: KKday)

Known as one of the most beginner-friendly ski resorts in Korea, Elysian welcomes all ski newbies to try the exciting winter sport. 

The resort is within 1-hour drive from Seoul—perfect for a one-day visit. On top of that, it is the only ski resort in Korea that can be reached by subway. Located on a beautiful valley, this is the place where you can enjoy a safe glide while embracing the panoramic views of a natural landscape. Aside from the 8 courses designed just for novices, there is also a group practice zone where you can try skiing at ease before you’re entirely ready to go. 

Elysian is also close to the tourist hotspot Nami Island, so why not include it in your itinerary as well?

    • Address: 688, Bukhangangbyeon-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
    • Transportation: Take the Seoul subway Gyeongchun Line or ITX-Cheongchun Train to Elysian Gangchon (Operated during winter season only)
    • Nearby Attractions: Gangchon Rail Bike, Nami Island
    • Official Website

 

 

High 1/ 하이원리조트 스키장

High1, (Source: KKday)

High1 ski resort is one of the three biggest resorts in South Korea, where the mesmerizing view of snow-capped Taebaek Mountains will take your breath away. It has three peaks: Baekwoon Mountain, Valley Top and Mountain Hub. The levels vary from beginner to International Ski Federation (FIS) certified advanced course, perfect for the family or a group of friends with diverse skiing abilities. Not to mention, they have high-tech facilities such as lift systems and gondola that will guarantee you a smooth and comfy journey in the grand snow playground.

Last but not least, the ski resort is well-known for its effort in environmental preservation, keeping the captivating mountainscape and river view beautiful for generations to come.

    • Address: 265 High1-gil,Sabuk-eup, Jeongsun-Kun, Gangwon-Province
    • Transportation: From Incheon International Airport / Gimpo International Airport / Song Seoul Bus Terminal— take the bus or train to Sabuk station / Gohan station / Singohan Bus Terminal, and take the shuttle bus or taxi to the resort
    • Recommended tour: Korea High One Resort Skiing 2 or 3-Day Tour 
    • Nearby Attractions: Kangwonland Casino, Hwaamdonggul Cave
    • Official Website

 

 

Vivaldi Park/ 비발디파크 스키월드

 

Vivaldi Park, (Source: KKday)

Remember the very moment in the K-drama, “Legend of the Blue Sea” where Joon-jae fell for the beauty of Shim-chung while lying side to side on the crystal bed of snow? Vivaldi Park is the exact shooting location of the hit drama. Hop into the scene and spark your own romance here!

A 45-minute drive from Seoul, Vivaldi Park is the perfect ski resort for a one-day trip. However, if you seek to stay for one or two nights, the resort also offers a wide range of accommodations and amenities. As for the skiing itself, the resort has 12 slopes that cater to all levels of skiers. It is open from 8:30am until 5:00am, making it a perfect place for night skiing!

 

 

Gyeonggi-do Ski Resorts

Jisan Forest Resort/ 지산 포레스트 리조트 스키장

Jisan Forest Resort, (Source: KKday)

Moving to Gyeonggi-do, we have Jisan Forest Resort which has 6 slopes with 3 different difficulty levels, 4 ski lifts and a few sunkid lifts for beginners and children.

It is a perfect resort for both skiers and non-skiers, with a wide variety of restaurants and cafes for skiers who need a warm food break and those who are just there to chill! It is located not far from Seoul (about 1-hour drive), perfect for a one-day trip too.  

 

Bonus: Busan Ski Resort!

Eden Valley Resort/ 에덴밸리리조트

Visitors going to Busan, weep no more.  Although most of the ski resorts are too far away, you have a great choice too! Eden Valley Resort, with various types of slopes cater to all, is just a one to two hours drive from Busan. It is also known for scientifically-designed slopes to disperse skiers and avert overcrowding. For the beginners, be sure to take the lesson with a professional coach to get a hang of it. Your hard work will pay off!

 

  • Address: 1206, Eosil-ro, Wondong-myeon, Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
  • Transportation:

 

 

Here are a few tips and tricks to make the best of your skiing experience

1.Wear waterproof clothing and dress in layers

(Image via Shutterstock)

Even though most of the ski resorts can lend you ski clothing, dressing accordingly for the snowy environment is a must. Make sure to put a waterproof and windproof hat, gloves, socks into your baggage. Dress in layers to avoid heaviness that drags you down while skiing and snowboarding.

 

2. Protect yourself by wearing goggles and sunscreen  

(Image via Shutterstock)

The ski and snowboard goggles not just make you look cool, it is indispensable for your health and safety! Make sure your goggles are with UV protection to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, snow, and wind.

Wearing sunscreen is strongly suggested for winter sports too, even if it’s counter-intuitive. The snow is a grand mirror that easily reflects the UV rays, hence might cause bigger sunburn than under normal circumstances. Put some sunscreen on your face if you want to avoid the “goggle tan”!

 

3. Follow instructions

(Image via Shutterstock)

If you are a first-timer, pick the resorts with coaches and lessons. Maximize the fun by learning the correct techniques and to protect yourself!

 

4. Flop on to your side when falling

(Image via Shutterstock)

For all skiers, falling is part of the game. You need to know how to fall without hurting yourself. When you feel yourself falling, just let it happen and topple over to the side to avoid direct impact. Also don’t overestimate your skill level—remember to choose the right type of slope!

 

5. Warm up your body and keep yourself hydrated

Before you hit the slopes, warm up your body by doing some simple exercises and stretches. Also, as skiing is physically strenuous, don’t forget to drink water and take a break when needed.

 

 

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