White snow in the land of kimchi.

Skiing from Gangwon-do all the way to Seoul…

Lasting from around November to February, winter in South Korea is much colder and drier than in tropical countries like Vietnam, with temperatures consistently below freezing, sometimes dropping as low as -6 degrees Celsius in January. From the very beginning of winter, ski resorts are already bustling with visitors from all over the world. While Gangwon-do, with its heavy snowfall, boasts the highest concentration of ski resorts in South Korea, the outskirts of Seoul are particularly popular with tourists looking for shorter getaways and less travel options.

Gangwon-do

Nestled behind mountains at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level, Alpensia Resort is renowned for its snow quality and stunning views of the majestic Daegwallyeong mountain range. Designed with six slopes suitable for skiers of all ages and skill levels, the resort can accommodate 3000 people enjoying the vast expanse of snow. Alpensia became a focal point not only for domestic tourists but also for international visitors and sports enthusiasts when it was chosen as the main venue for the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games. Don't miss the opportunity to see and experience the exceptional facilities used during the upcoming Olympic Games.

Daemyung Vivaldi Park Ski World is the first resort in Korea to offer night skiing opportunities for tourists. With slopes named in trendy, teen-friendly styles like Hip-hop, Techno, and Funky, this ski resort is particularly attractive to young visitors. The unexpected turns on the slopes never disappoint thrill-seekers. Daemyung Vivaldi Park Ski World is also the perfect area for beginners to safely experience the sport. All you have to do is choose a slope with a suitable gradient and practice to try the more challenging slopes.

Located right next to an oak forest, Oak Valley Snow Park is smaller than most other winter ski resorts in South Korea. Because of this, the resort offers visitors a cozy and friendly atmosphere, far removed from crowded tourist spots. It's one of the best parks for snowboarding, thanks to its spacious grounds perfect for trying new techniques.

Seoul

Konjiam is the largest ski resort in the Seoul area, featuring nine slopes of varying difficulty. To ensure the most enjoyable skiing experience, Konjiam limits the number of visitors to a maximum of 7,000 per day. Waiting times for each slope are less than 15 minutes. It's considered an ideal resort for families, with 70% of the slopes being easy or medium difficulty. Visitors can also enjoy other amenities such as a nursery, an ecological river, and a spa.

Located a 40-minute drive from Gangnam, Seoul, Jisan Forest Resort in Icheon-si consistently ranks among the top choices for day skiers, even during peak season when rooms are fully booked. Thanks to its five high-speed ski lifts, visitors no longer have to wait in line to reach the ski slopes. Although relatively small, the resort is fully equipped with modern amenities, promising a fantastic experience at a reasonable price that offers great value for money.

Do ice and snow hibernate?

Korean winters are never boring, and ice and snow are the "main characters" that create unique winter festivals in this country.

The Taebaeksan Snow Festival, with its expansive display area in Dangol Square, will welcome you with unique ice sculptures on various themes. Take photos with your family, especially your little ones, amidst the dazzling ice creations and capture warm, happy moments surrounded by snow and ice. Or immerse yourself in the ice lantern festival by Hwangji Lake, where the light from the artworks competes with the twinkling stars. Additionally, visitors can participate in many interactive programs such as sledding, dog sledding, and other exciting activities. Taebaeksan deserves to be considered the best winter getaway, offering memorable experiences for adults and magical dreams for children.

While autumn fishing is often described in East Asian poetry as a tranquil experience, winter fishing in Korea is unique and exciting in its own way, with thick layers of ice covering the surface of many rivers and streams. Are you ready to wade into the freezing water and catch fish by hand, or dig small holes in the ice and leisurely wait for a bite? Visit and participate in the two unique festivals, Hwacheon Sancheoneo and Inje Icefish, where you can try these experiences. Icefish lovers can sample the fish and even participate in an eating contest. And if you're not interested in freezing fish, you can play ice bowling, ice soccer, and… even ice tug-of-war!

Relaxing in the cold season

If skiing on snow-capped mountains or participating in winter festivals isn't exciting enough, choose a more tranquil journey and visit famous tourist destinations in South Korea. While Jeongdogjin offers couples the most romantic sunrise views, Daegwallyeong Samyang Ranch boasts the largest highland grassland in Asia, where you can witness herds of dairy cows grazing peacefully on endless green meadows. Another special winter destination is Gyeongpo Provincial Park, with Gyeongpo Lake, home to many swans, and Gyeongpo Beach – one of the cleanest beaches on the eastern coast. Strolling along the beach in the evening light and stopping to enjoy fresh seafood as the cool winds begin to pick up is one of the memorable experiences here.

Amazing experiences will surely make your winter trip an unforgettable memory. Let's travel to beautiful South Korea this winter and create those unforgettable memories!

Text: Thùy Linh. Photos: KTO

The Thanh