Korea is a year-round natural beauty, but is an especially lovely sight in the winter. Inside the country that hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics, we’ve come up with a list of great things to do to make the most of the season!
1. Discover the Delights of Ice Fishing
Had enough of the usual activities like skiing and sledding? Then maybe you should try ice fishing at Korea’s Pyeongchang Trout Festival! This three-week festival is held every January by the Odaecheon River in the Gangwon Province.
Participants drill a hole through 16 inches of the frozen river, cast their fishing lines, and try to catch as much mountain trout as they can. And while this may seem easy, you’d be surprised at how competitive the festival can get! Afterwards, many choose to grill and eat their catch of the day for dinner.
2. Go Sledding at Everland
Everland, Korea’s largest and most popular theme park, is a year-round must-see with lots of seasonal rides and attractions. And every winter, children and adults alike head to Everland to go sledding.
The star attraction is the Snow Buster, a huge sledding hill with a ‘tube lift’ that lets park-goes ride back up to the top for another round of sledding. If you’re looking for more kid-friendly slopes, you can also go on Everland’s Jungfrau Sledge or Monch Kid’s Sledge.
3. See the Herb Island Lights Festival
Find yourself going snow blind from all the white? Add some light and color to your holiday (and your Instagram feed!) and check out the Herb Island Lights Festival. Every year, the Light & Fairy Tale Festival stuns audiences with millions of LED lights decorating the Santa’s Village. Feel the Christmas spirit when you come here with your family!
4. Catch a K-Pop Show at Seoul Lotte World
If you’d rather stay indoors, but don’t want to out on winter, then head to Lotte World. This huge indoor amusement center complex is full of games and rides, with a skating rink at the very center. And if you’re a huge K-Pop fan, you’re in luck; many groups and idols hold special performances and fan meet-ups here during the holiday season!
5. Conquer the Slopes at the Vivaldi Park Ski World
Almost 80% of Korea’s landscape is pure mountain. In the summer, people spend their weekends on hikes and camping trips, but come winter time, skiing is sport of choice. For the finest ski slopes in the country, head to Vivaldi Park Ski World.
Visitors get to enjoy a scenic cable ride that overlooks Palbong Mountain before choosing from thirteen different terrains. Beginners can take guided lessons along easy slopes, while more advanced skiers can opt for the more extreme courses. Whatever your ski level, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the park.
6. Detox with a Hot Spring Bath
The cold weather can get pretty old, pretty quick and there’s nothing more soothing in the winter than a nice, hot spring bath. Apart from incredible ski slopes, Korea’s mountains are also home to mineral-rich hot springs that will revive and rejuvenate you after a long day of snow sports.
Looking for more amazing winter adventures in Korea? How would you like to make the most of your Christmas vacay? Check out more of our Korea winter ideas and guides below:
