Winter activities to check out in South Korea
One of the best times of the year to visit South Korea is in the winter! When the snow blankets the city, the whole town becomes a mini winter wonderland. Whether it’s shredding down the slopes on a snowboard, skiing, or ice fishing for fresh trout, here are some ideas to help you enjoy your winter in Korea.
Seoul & Gyeonggi-do
1. Jisan Ski Resort
Located just 40 minutes from Seoul, the Jisan Ski Resort is the perfect getaway for winter in Korea. Whether you’re looking to spend a day shredding down the slopes or just looking to explore the area, we’ve got you covered.
Jisan Ski Resort is the perfect place to begin if you're game for shredding down the slopes. For beginners, the Jisan Ski Resort Sightseeing Klook tour includes a 1-hour lesson for those who have yet to experience going on the slopes, and the staff will provide all the equipment. You can pick from skiing, snowboarding, and even sledding.
There is even a sightseeing tour option for those who don’t wish to ride the slopes.
If you’re also planning to visit Everland Theme Park, why not make your trip to Gyeonggi-do a full-day experience? Start your day with a trip to Everland Theme Park before trying out the Jisan Ski Resort slopes at night.
Head to Everland Theme Park and experience the thrills of the T-Express, one of the world’s steepest roller coasters. If you’re not up for rides, the Safari Express will have you up close and personal with the kings and queens of the jungle! You’ll even get to try your hand at feeding bears and other wildlife creatures.
Have you ever tried skiing in the dark? Well, now you can! Head down the slopes of this skiing resort in Korea at night for a different experience you wouldn’t want to miss. It includes a 30-minute basic ski lesson, so you don't have to worry even if you have never been on the slopes.
2. Seoul Winter Attractions and Strawberry Picking
Take a leave from the city and witness Seoul’s hottest attractions blanketed in snow!
This one-day tour starts with an icy hike up the mountains, where you can walk across the Gamaksan Rocking Bridge and admire the white landscape all around. After a hearty lunch at altitude, visit the local favorite Choligol Cafe for coffee and dessert. The cafe’s stunning views will have you snapping away at your camera.
Speaking of dessert! You can also include strawberry picking in your itinerary. Spend the afternoon tasting the sweetness of Korean strawberries at Paju Wolong Strawberry Farm and packing some for later.
To cap off your day, head to Eunpyeong Hanok Village for an immersive journey into traditional Korean culture, then witness the beautiful scenery at Jingwansa temple. These two destinations are must-visits for anyone looking to add cultural depth to their winter trip to Korea.
3. Bukchon Oneday Hanbok Rental Experience
Winter in Korea is the perfect time to don a hanbok without sweating!
Head to Oneday Hanbok rental in the Jung-gu district of Seoul, where a team of friendly staff is waiting to assist you. Choose from various designs and accessories to find the best look that suits your style. After putting on your costume, it’s time to hit the streets! Visit shrines, temples, and villages around the city while enjoying “Hanbok Benefits,” which grants you discounts and even free admission to some places.
Then, after a memorable day of picture-taking and visiting landmarks, choose to drop the costume back in the store or avail of the return pick-up service for an additional fee. That way, you can jump to your next activity hassle-free!
Gangwon-do
4. Elysian Gangchon Resort
The Elysian Resort is located on Nami Island Gangchon, within a beautiful valley. With how close it is to Seoul, this makes for a great day trip for those looking to experience a beautiful winter in Korea. With round-trip transfers from Seoul, you can enjoy a fuss-free snow trip to Elysian with Klook!
5. Nami Island
For those who have visited in the summer, we bet you’ve never seen winter in Nami Island with its tree-lined avenues covered in white snow! Stroll along the lanes of trees hand-in-hand with bae and recreate some famous Korean “Winter Sonata” drama scenes.
You’ll find piping hot steamed red bean buns, syrup-filled pancakes, and sausages on the streets, so you won’t have to worry about going hungry. For a hassle-free trip to Nami Island, be sure to Klook your Nami Island day trip and enjoy round trip transfers from your hotel in Seoul.
6. Vivaldi Park
Vivaldi Park consists of 2 parts–Snowy Land and the Ski Park. If you find Snowy Land familiar, it was the set of many famous Korean drama series like “Legend Of The Blue Sea'' and “That Winter, The Wind Blows.” Enjoy winter in Korea with candlelit streets, ice sledding, tube sledding, and snowmobiling! If winter sports are not your thing, the breathtaking views are still worth the trip. Who knows? It might even spark a winter romance.
For the winter sports enthusiast, the Ski Park has 13 different slopes spanning many difficulty levels. Whether you’re a first-timer trying to learn the ropes or an avid skier looking to shred, you are guaranteed to find the best slope for you. You can even opt for a ski lesson package where the instructor will teach you all you need to know to head on the slopes.
Gyeongsangbuk-do
7. Cheongsong Ice Valley and Pohang Roller Coaster Space Walk
Want to channel your inner Elsa or take cool pictures with your partner? Travel to the southeast region of Korea and visit the Cheongsong Ice Valley. Spend hours striking poses in front of a giant ice wall and reenact your favorite scenes from Frozen!
But while you’re in the area, make a day out of it! Discover more attractions on this side of the peninsula, such as the Pohang Roller Coaster Space Walk. Can’t handle the high speeds and sudden drops of a roller coaster? This one lets you go at your own pace while exercising your legs! Found in Hwanho Park, it has a great view of Pohang City and Yeongildae Beach in the distance.
Finish the day with a visit to the famous Chung-ha Gongjin Market featured in the popular K-Drama “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.” Known for its IG-worthy coastlines and incredible ocean views, you can spend the afternoon admiring the beautiful sunset or try out local delicacies and folk crafts.
Your Winter Wonderland Awaits!
With all the bulky winter coats and shopping you’ve done, it might be a hassle lugging your luggage to the airport. Klook your Safex Airport Luggage service and explore Seoul with your hands-free for more shopping before returning to the airport!
Whether shredding down the slopes in a ski resort or taking a stroll in the snow while admiring the scenery, there is much to do during winter in Korea. So grab your winter coats and take a trip to the land of K-Pop this winter! You might even catch a K-drama shooting while enjoying some of the activities on this list.