The majestic Asian Alps

THE LARGEST MOUNTAINS IN SOUTH KOREA

Known for its leading entertainment industry in Asia, its unique and captivating cuisine, and its dazzlingly beautiful nightlife, South Korea also attracts millions of tourists each year with its dreamy and romantic natural landscapes. Especially during the snowy season, the scenery on the high mountains becomes more enchanting than ever.

The Yeongnam Alps, located in southeastern South Korea, around Ulsan and Gyeongsang provinces, are not as long as the European Alps (most mountains are only slightly over 1,000 meters high), but they boast many majestic and enchanting landscapes, including waterfalls, hot springs, and temples.

However, perhaps the most attractive feature for both locals and tourists visiting the Korean Alps is the Eoreumgol Ice Valley. Located on the slopes of Mount Eoreumgol, it is known for its frigid climate year-round.

Nestled high in the Taebaek Mountains of Gangwon-do, northeastern South Korea, Mount PyeongChang is renowned as a unique wonderland in Korea, characterized by its frigid weather. Temperatures here never exceed 1°C year-round.^oC, sometimes even lower. Located at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level, PyeongChang is known as the "Korean Alps." Winter in this area typically lasts for several months and brings heavy snowfall. This has made PyeongChang a fantastic destination for ski enthusiasts. You can easily find many famous ski resorts here, including Alpensia Ski Resort.

Closer to Seoul, you'll find one of South Korea's "Hidden Alps" - Seoraksan National Park. This is one of the most famous national parks in the country, boasting majestic mountain scenery and spectacular roads that attract millions of visitors every year, especially in autumn, to admire Seoraksan bathed in vibrant red and yellow foliage.

Japan and the majestic Alps

In Japan, nowhere is there a more extraordinary beauty than the Alps on Honshu Island. The northern Alps, also known as the Hida Mountains, boast rugged terrain and breathtaking mountain scenery. This region has long been famous, attracting numerous domestic and international tourists, especially those passionate about trekking. If you have the opportunity to visit the Hida Mountains, you can explore some of the famous spots such as the Kamikochi Valley; Shirakawa Village; and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route – a renowned ski corridor in the Land of the Rising Sun.

The most attractive destination in the Central Alps is Kiso – an ancient valley that runs through several high-altitude towns in Nagano Prefecture. During the Edo period, merchants used this valley for trade between Edo and Kyoto. Therefore, many post offices were established along this route, each only a few kilometers apart. As a result, postal cities gradually formed in the Kiso Valley, many of which are preserved today to maintain their historical charm.

The Southern Alps are formed from the Akaishi mountain range, which boasts a rich ecosystem of flora and fauna, as well as natural hot springs. In winter, the area receives abundant snow, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike for skiing. The Akaishi range features over 35 km of slopes, and skiers are served by a system of 27 ski lifts that take them to the summit. Furthermore, it is home to some of the highest ski resorts in Japan, with some reaching altitudes of up to 1,900 meters!

China, with its majestic 13-peaked Alps.

China is home to many majestic mountain ranges, but the most beautiful are often found in the northwest, in Tibet, or along the Nepalese border. Among them, the Meili Snow Mountain Range in Yunnan Province stands out, comprising 13 magnificent peaks.

You don't even need to hike up the mountains to enjoy this enchanting beauty. Just wake up early, wait for the sunrise, and watch the golden sunlight gradually spread across the captivating mountains. If you want to see this magnificent beauty up close, you can hike from Phi Lai Pagoda to Vu Bang village.

Kawagebo is the highest peak in the Meili Snow Mountains. To date, no one has reached the summit of Kawagebo. However, you can still admire the magnificent beauty of the glaciers at its base. The long stretches of glaciers and snow-covered banks create a breathtaking natural spectacle.

The Alps of Vietnam

The Hoang Lien Son mountain range is also known by many international tourists as the "Vietnamese Alps". Although a Southeast Asian country with a warm tropical climate, northern Vietnam can still get very cold in winter. Therefore, it's no surprise that this "Vietnamese Alps" is located in the northwestern town of Lao Cai.

Nestled in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, the town of Sa Pa is hidden beneath the majestic Fansipan – the highest peak in Indochina. Besides its magnificent mountain scenery, Sa Pa is also famous for its unique and stunning terraced rice fields. In September, during the harvest season, Sa Pa is ablaze with the golden hues of ripening rice and the vibrant green of the forest trees. All of this creates a dreamy, romantic, and breathtaking natural landscape.

The Thai Alps with their ancient temples

In the north of Thailand, in the mountainous district of Khao Kho, Phetchabun province, you can find the "Thai Alps." Khao Kho is only an hour's flight from Bangkok. However, the atmospheres are so different, as if they were not in the same country. While Bangkok is glamorous with its modern skyscrapers, luxurious shopping malls, and upscale restaurants, Khao Kho is simply beautiful with its vast expanse of green mountains and sky. This would be a wonderful getaway if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Visitors to this area often can't miss the opportunity to trek to the summit of Phu Thap Boek mountain to enjoy the atmosphere and stunning natural scenery. Alternatively, you can visit the villages around Khao Kho to admire the picturesque ancient Thai temples.

Huong Thao