Top 11 Korean Ski Resorts for 2022

yongpyeong-ski-snowboard-winter

Top 11 Korean Ski Resorts for 2022

Are you wondering where you can ski or snowboard in South Korea this winter? We’ve compiled a last of the Top 11 Korean Ski Resorts for 2022. Get ready to have a great time on modern, well-groomed slopes that feature the latest snow-making equipment, high-tech lifts and gondolas, and a wide selection of rental equipment and clothing prepare. Check out some fine Korean slopes this winter.

There is a fairly tacit coexistence between skiers and snowboarders at most Korean ski resorts, so both pursuits can be enjoyed on most runs.

*The following list does not connote or confer any specific rankings.*

Konjiam Ski Resort | Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do.

If you’re a Seoulite, this could be your go-to ski & snowboard resort. Less than an hour drive for most residents of the capital city, Konjiam is a family-friendly resort that features a large number trails.

Konjiam also limits the number of people on its slopes at any one time, which makes it one of the best ski resorts on weekends and holidays, as large crowds and long lines are the norm at most other resorts.

konjiam ski resort snowboard winter

Yong Pyeong Ski Resort | Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do

The patron saint of Korean ski hills, Yong Pyeong opened in 1976 with a max elevation of 1350 meters and a wide variety of trails.

Digital Marketing Agency

Count on three hours travel time from Seoul (shuttle bus and car only). The Rainbow lift (advanced course only) seems to operate only for a limited time.

The Gold lift features mostly long intermediate runs. But if you are after a short, steep racing piste, then the Red or New Red lifts should work out for you.

yongpyeong ski snowboard winter

High1 Ski Resort | Gohan-eup, Gangwon-do

Here’s the new kid on the block. The summit is approximately 1150 m. The casino is nearby for apres-ski gambling, there are plenty of accommodations nearby, it has a proper snow (not hard ice) mogul run, and best of all it is rail-accessible.

The Victoria and Apollo lifts provide service to more challenging terrain. The train from Cheongnyangni Station leaves every night at 9:50 arriving in Gohan at 1:45 AM – a short 3-minute walk will bring you to yogwons (motels).

In the morning, local shuttle buses will take you to the resort every hour at 40 minutes past the hour. If you jump on the evening shuttle bus back to Gohan station at 5:10 or 5:40, you can catch the 6:00 train back to Seoul, sleep for a few hours en route, and be ready to party when you arrive!

high1 ski snowboard resort winter activity

Deogyusan Ski Resort | Muju-gun, Jeollabuk-do

Perhaps the most scenic layout of any ski resort in Korea. A beautiful panorama awaits you at the highest summit of any ski station in the country (approximately 1530 m).

Catch some “Hermanator” time on the summit runs! Again, plenty of nearby accommodations.It is rail-accessible and also the only major resort south of Seoul (it is located S.E. of Daejeon in North Jeolla Province).

If you take the train from Seoul Station to Yeongdong Station, it is a reasonable trip by local shuttle bus (daytime hours only) or taxi if you are traveling with friends.

As far as I am aware, Muju also has the only real Nordic ski terrain in Korea – a 48 km jaunt from Muju to Chonju.

deogyusan resort ski snowboard winter

Phoenix Park Ski Resort | Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do

Almost all the way to Yongpyong, it is known as the most snowboard-friendly resort among Korean boarders. Some great runs, but again really only accessible by car or shuttle bus.

At an elevation of 1050m, it boasts the Aerial course and the Champion lift with the rather ambitiously named Mount Blanc lodge perched on the highest peak.

phoenix park ski resort winter

Alpensia Ski Resort | Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do

Alpensia Ski Resort was a venue in the 2018 Winter Olympics, so it can get crowded! The resort has six main hills specialized for snowboarding, including an advanced snowboarder area, along with a 1.4km trail for beginners and intermediate-level skiers.

alpensia-ski-snowboard-winter

Elysian Gangcheon Ski Resort | Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do

It has a few steep runs, a unique location, plenty of accommodations in the nearby town and is totally rail-accessible.

There is ice-climbing on nearby frozen waterfalls for those who want a bit more of an adrenaline rush mixed in with their skiing/boarding. The train for Gangcheon departs from either Cheongnyangni or Seongbuk Station.

When you get off the train, turn right to go into town. The local shuttle buses or taxis will get you to the hill in short order. Restaurants and rental shops in Gangcheon are quite good.

elysiun gangcheon resort ski

Welli Hilli Hyundai Ski Resort | Hoengseon, Gangwon-do

It has some fun slopes, a great setup, and it seems to be a venue for evening outdoor concerts. If you get the train to Wonju station and there are 3 or 4 of you, it is only 20-30 minutes by taxi or local shuttle bus (daytime hours only) to the resort.

It has an international scale half-pipe and boardwalk Consisting of length 180m, width 17m (lip to lip), height 6m, and slope 16.5 degrees, Hyundai Sungwoo Resort’s half-pipe is recognized by everyone as being created at an international scale.

Hotels are only a short walk away. At an elevation of about 900 m, the more advanced pistes are short but sweet.

welli-hilli-ski-resort-winter

Vivaldi Ski Resort | Songpa-gu, Seoul

Known for being the most visited ski resort in South Korea, Vivaldi has state-of-the art facilities and runs suitable for all levels, with more facilities added annually.

Also near Seoul, Vivaldi is the closest and largest resort in the metropolitan region. It is also an all-season resort with large outdoor swimming pools.

vivaldi park ski resort

Bears Town Ski Resort | Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Bears Town Resort is a Seoul suburban ski resort with an advanced leisure culture. It takes about 50 minutes from Seoul.

This one has a fair bit of variety. The surrounding neighbourhood features local hot springs and some great country-style restaurants, but there are most definitely no bear sightings. It is a bit of a drive (shuttle bus available), but it’s not too far.

ski resort korea

Oak Valley Ski Resort Wonju-si, Gangwon-do

This resort was refurbished in recent years and featured on a Korean reality show. It is close to Wonju and therefore rail-accessible, with a short cab ride from Wonju Station or local shuttle bus during certain hours. 

ski resort korea

Useful Tips

Before you head out to the slopes for some skiing/snow-boarding, here are a few suggestions so that you may maximize your time and enjoyment:

When To Go

  • Resorts generally start to open mid to late November.
  • The peak season for skiing is from December 15th to February 15th. Good skiing can be had before or after these dates, but the shuttle bus services are scaled down.
  • Weekends between 1 – 3 p.m. are crowded, especially on beginner and intermediate runs.

Public Transport

Bus: While the shuttle bus systems are efficient, allow a lot more time for returning to Seoul than it takes to get to the resort.

Jamsil Station is the central feeder point for all Seoul-area shuttle buses heading to the mountains. The buses leave very early in the morning – just after last call for some revelers.

Train: If the resort is rail-accessible, pick the train every time.

Accommodation

Remember, most resorts have nearby hotels/yeogwans with beds or Korean-style mats

If you’re with a large group and don’t want to share beds, the Korean-style yo can be a good option. You’ll all be sleeping on the floor, but you’ll have your own cushion and comforter.

If sleeping on the floor doesn’t appeal to you (or more importantly, your back), then make sure to request a room with a bed.

The resort/hotel restaurants usually offer pretty decent Western-style breakfast buffets to meet your energy needs for the day.

General Information

  • If you can head out of town by rail or perhaps express intercity bus the night before and grab an inexpensive yeogwan/pension/hotel near the resort of your choice, a good night’s sleep is more probable and therefore you will have a more energetic and satisfying day out on the boards.
  • The cost for a full day’s skiing plus rental equipment and return transportation will run you about W80,000 – W100,000.
  • Bring photo ID of some sort if you are renting gear.
  • Keep in mind that there are many rental shops in the vicinity of each ski station. If you organize rentals outside of the ski resort, most times they will drive you to the hill and pick you up afterwards.
  • Ask a Korean friend to check websites for you to find good deals on some top notch gear. Also ski hills are open all hours of the day and night, so skiing/boarding in four hour increments is likely possible at most spots.
  • Most of the areas have a wide variety of amenities and events to keep you occupied if you want to ski for a day and take the next afternoon/day off.
  • Naturally, all resorts have professional lessons and first aid centres staffed by qualified personnel. Specialty winter sports shops in Korea sell the latest European/International ski and snowboard gear if you wish to purchase your own equipment.
  • If you are a rookie snowboarder, please wear wrist guards (roller-blade wrist pads are fine) and the hip/butt custom foam-cushion belt available at most rental shops.
  • The best protection from injury is to start your exercise/training program now so that your body is ready for the twists, turns and falls that inevitably accompany any good ski day.

Looking to expand your client base? Hosting an event that our readership would be interested in? Advertise with 10 Magazine.