Travel Tips

Skiing or snowboarding in Korea? Here’s where to go this season

From the trendy slopes of Phoenix Park to the family-friendly charm of Oak Valley, here’s your complete guide to where to go skiing or snowboarding in Korea. Plus, insider tips to make your trip smooth, fun, and unforgettable!

Think Asia’s ski scene is only in Japan?

Think again. South Korea is fast carving its place as the region’s next big winter sports hub. Skiing or snowboarding in Korea is legit!

Why? Gangwon Province is home to many world-class resorts just a short distance from Seoul. Each year, from December to February, Gangwon transforms into a snowy wonderland, and the region comes alive with a vibrant K-style après-ski culture.

With average winter temps between -6°C and 3°C, it arguably has the best snow quality in Asia, yet skiing or snowboarding in Korea is significantly cheaper and less crowded than in Japan.

But it might not remain a hidden gem for long.

South Korea saw a 48.4% surge in tourism in 2024, so if you want to experience skiing or snowboarding in Korea while it’s this affordable, now is the time to hit the slopes!

In this article

Best ski resorts in Korea for every type of traveler

From Olympic-grade runs to cozy mountain retreats, here’s where to go for skiing or snowboarding in Korea, based on your level and style.

Resort	Location	Distance from Seoul	Key features	Best for
Yongpyong Resort	Pyeongchang	2.5 hours	28 slopes and 14 lifts, 2018 Winter Olympics venue	Intermediate and advanced skiers
Vivaldi Park	Hongcheon	1.5 hours	Wide gentle slopes, lively entertainment complex	Families and beginners
Alpensia Resort	Pyeongchang	2.5 hours	Modern facilities, scenic 700m altitude views	Casual skiers
High1 Resort	Jeongseon	3 hours	Long, well-groomed slopes, 43m vertical drop, casino	Intermediate and advanced skiers
Phoenix Park	Pyeongchang	2 hours	Olympic terrain park and half-pipe, vibrant après-ski nightlife	Snowboarders and freestyle riders
Elysian Gangchon	Chuncheon	1.5 hours	Easy train access, gentle beginner slopes, laxed vibe	Beginners and day-trippers
Oak Valley	Wonju	2 hours	Remote resort, scenic slopes, luxury condos	Couples

Yongpyong Resort (Pyeongchang)

Best for: Intermediate and advanced skiers

Distance from Seoul: 2.5 hours

Source: Shutterstock

Known as the “Alps of Korea,” Yongpyong is the country’s biggest and oldest ski resort, with 28 slopes and 14 lifts. It was also the host of the 2018 Winter Olympics, so Yongpyong now boasts world-class facilities, modern lifts, and excellent snow quality.

Yongpyong is a favorite among intermediate and advanced skiers, thanks to its long, challenging runs like Rainbow Paradise, Gold Paradise, and Silver Paradise.

Off the slopes, there’s a sizable resort village with après-ski dining and saunas.

Vivaldi Park (Hongcheon)

Best for: Families and beginners

Distance from Seoul: 1.5 hours

Source: Shutterstock

Vivaldi Park is the closest ski resort to Seoul, and it’s well-designed for international visitors. It has wide, gentle slopes, English-speaking instructors, and a lively atmosphere.

One of the resort’s top features is its huge entertainment complex, which includes a water park, arcade, sledding area, and mini shopping mall! Because there’s something for everyone (including non-skiers), it’s a popular choice for families and first-time skiers looking for a relaxed ski holiday.

Alpensia Resort (Pyeongchang)

Best for: Couples and casual skiers

Distance from Seoul: 2.5 hours

Source: Alpensia Resort

Serving as a key venue for the 2018 Winter Olympics, Alpensia Resort has world-class ski facilities, including six well-groomed slopes ideal for beginners and intermediates.

Plus, situated at an altitude of 700 meters, it’s one of the most scenic places to go skiing or snowboarding in Korea, with stunning views of Daegwallyeong’s snow-covered peaks.

But Alpensia is more than a skiing destination. It offers the complete winter getaway experience with luxury suites, an indoor water park, and even an alpine roller coaster.

High1 Resort (Jeongseon)

Best for: Intermediate and advanced skiers seeking variety

Distance from Seoul: 3 hours

Source: High1 Resort

High1 Resort in Jeongseon is home to some of Korea’s longest and best-maintained slopes, and a 43 m (2109 ft) vertical drop that rivals top resorts in Japan. It has 18 runs across three peaks that cater to all levels, but it’s particularly popular among intermediates and pros looking for a new challenge.

Off the slopes, High1 has a casino, spa, water park, and observatory cafe, giving it a polished resort-town feel.

Because it’s farther from Seoul, High1 typically has fewer crowds, offering visitors a premium, peaceful skiing experience.

Phoenix Park (Pyeongchang)

Best for: Snowboarders and freestyle riders

Distance from Seoul: 2 hours

Phoenix Park is one of Korea’s most stylish ski parks, complete with a luxury 5-star hotel. It’s popular with snowboarders thanks to its huge terrain park and half-pipe used in the 2018 Winter Olympics.

The resort has 21 slopes with options for all levels and eight lifts, plus a lively après-ski scene with western restaurants, cafes, bars, and karaoke spots.

With a cool, youthful vibe and excellent snow conditions, Phoenix Park blends K-style energy with serious slope action, making it a hit with the younger crowds.

Elysian Gangchon (Chuncheon)

Best for: Beginners and day-trippers

Distance from Seoul: 1.5 hours

If you’re traveling in Korea and want a quick introduction to skiing or snowboarding, head to Elysian Gangchon in Chuncheon. There’s a direct ITX train, bringing you from Seoul to the slopes in around 75 minutes, perfect for day-trippers.

Elysian Gangchon has 10 gentle runs, most of which are designed for beginners. There are also wide practice zones and a reputable ski school, so it’s the perfect place for beginners or families looking to try skiing for the first time.

Away from the slopes, Elysian Gangchon has a laid-back atmosphere that feels less intimidating than some of Korea’s busier mega-resorts.

Oak Valley (Wonju)

Best for: Couples and families seeking a peaceful retreat

Distance from Seoul: 2 hours

Oak Valley in Wonju is the most serene place to go skiing or snowboarding in Korea. Far from the hustle and bustle of Korea’s larger ski resorts, Oak Valley is set amongst forested hills, making the 8 runs private, peaceful, and picturesque.

Aside from the gorgeous landscapes, the resort continues to impress with its luxury condos, fine dining restaurants, a spa, and an on-site art museum. Oak Valley oozes relaxation and culture, making it more of a cozy, romantic winter getaway rather than a high-adrenaline ski scene.

Essential tips for skiing and snowboarding in Korea (from a local)

Here are a few insider tips to help you make the most of Korea’s winter slopes:

Transport tips (from Seoul)

Most ski resorts offer direct shuttle buses from Seoul (Hongdae, Myeongdong, or Gangnam). You can book them through Klook or the resort’s English site, and shared shuttles are much cheaper than a private van.
You can take the KTX high-speed train to Yongpyong or Alpensia. Get off at Jinbu Station, then hop on the free resort shuttle. The whole trip takes just about 2 hours, and it’s super scenic.
Ride the ITX-Cheongchun train direct to Elysian Gangchon. It’s a fun, scenic experience that brings you right to the resort’s entrance.

Money-saving tips

Get travel insurance. Ski-related injuries can be costly if you are not insured. So before you hit the slopes, make sure you’re covered with travel insurance for Asia.
To save money, avoid renting ski gear at the resorts. Instead, head to one of the local shops in Daegwallyeong town (near Pyeongchang or Hongcheon downtown), where you can rent full gear sets (board, boots, jacket, pants) for much cheaper.
Lift passes are cheapest on Korean apps like Naver or KakaoTalk. If you have a Korean friend or guide, ask them to get it for you, as foreign tourists cannot use NaverPay or KakaoPay.
Create a budget before you go. Research the cost of living in South Korea to understand what you can expect to pay for things like transport, food, and activities.

Cultural tips

Local foods to try: Makguksu (cold buckwheat noodles) and gamja ongsimi (potato dumpling soup) are Gangwon specialties perfect for the cold weather.
After skiing activities: Unwind at Seorak Waterpia (Sokcho) or Osaek Hot Springs, which both have outdoor hot pools and are open until late.

Stay connected on the slopes with Holafly

Whether you’re checking ski conditions, navigating to your resort, or sharing your best powder shots, you’ll need a Korea SIM card to stay connected.

With instant setup the moment you arrive, a Holafly eSIM for Korea gives you fast, unlimited data whenever and wherever you need it, from Seoul’s express trains to Gangwon’s snowy peaks.

Follow Holafly on Google Discover to explore more up-and-coming travel destinations.