Winter activities to check out in South Korea
One of the best times of the year to visit South Korea is during winter when the snow blankets the city transforming it into a mini winter wonderland! Whether it’s shredding down the slopes on a snowboard or ski or even ice fishing for some fresh trout, here are some ideas on how you can experience the best of winter in South Korea.
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Seoul
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Image from Korea Tourism Organization
One of the must-visit attractions when you’re in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace has been an integral part of South Korea’s history being the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty! Besides that, it’s also a huge part of the country’s Kdrama scene, being the filming location of many classic dramas.
Image from Korea Tourism Organization
With each season bringing out a specific charm from the palace, it is especially beautiful during winter, when the grounds are fully clad in blankets of snow, making for a romantic backdrop for all your pictures!
#KlookTip: Enter the palace from the south and you’ll see the grand Gwanghwamun Gate consisting of three arched gates set in giant stone walls. You might catch the changing of the palace guards at designated times during the day if you’re lucky!
2. Bukchon Hanok Village
Credit: @keweitay via Instagram
Another traditional village in the heart of Seoul, Bukchon Hanok Village consists of hundreds of traditional houses that have been there ever since the Joseon Dynasty! Take a stroll around this quaint neighbourhood and you’ll find that most of the Hanoks have been converted into guesthouses, restaurants and even cafes.
Image from Korea Tourism Organization
Known for its art scene and fancy cafes, go on a cafe-hopping journey as you explore this trendy and historical neighbourhood while experiencing the best of traditional Korean culture at the same time!
Gyeonggi-do
3. Jisan Ski Resort
Located just 40min away from Seoul, Jisan Ski Resort is the perfect getaway for those looking for a quick escape from the city to spend the day shredding down some slopes!
For beginners, the Jisan Ski Resort 1 Day Tour includes a 1hr lesson for those who have no experience on the slopes. You won’t even have to bring along your own equipment as everything is provided. You can pick from skiing, snowboarding and even sledding.
4. Everland Theme Park
If you’re also planning to visit Everland Theme Park, why not make your trip to Gyeonggi-do a full day experience! Start off 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 one of the world’s steepest roller coasters, the T-Express. 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 the Jisan Ski Resort at night for a different experience you definitely wouldn’t want to miss!
5. Bears Town Ski Resort
Bears Town Ski Resort is a must-visit for all avid skiers! With 11 different slopes covering over 15km, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to routes. Plus, there are 8 different ski lifts to take you around, so you won’t have to worry about not being able to access any.
The tracks and their levels of difficulty are varied so even if it is your first time on the slopes, you won’t have to worry about not being up for the challenge.
Even if you are not keen on winter sports, the views from the top of the resort are so breathtaking they are definitely worth a trip here.
6. Onemount Snow Park
If you’re not one for outdoor activities but still want to experience a winter wonderland, head over to the Onemount Snow Park, the first and largest indoor winter theme park in South Korea that’s guaranteed fun for all ages!
Bowling on ice, riding on husky sleds, ice shows and even catching the aurora are just some of the things you can experience at Onemount.
Address: 1050-64 Daehwa-dong, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Opening hours are adjusted depending on the season and special events of the day so do check out their official website before heading down.
Getting there: Take Subway Line 3 to Juyeop Station, take Exit 2 and walk for 15min
7. Ice Fishing festival
Have you ever taken part in an ice festival? Well if you’re heading to South Korea this winter, here’s your chance! With festivals like the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, Pyeongchang Ice Festival, or the Gapyeong Ice Festival, try your hand at ice fishing for trout, sledding, ice soccer and even creating ice sculptures.
The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is definitely one we’d recommend! In celebration of the Mountain Trout, locals often set off on their annual pilgrimage in the thick of winter for some ice fishing. You’ll experience digging holes into the hard ice and fishing for fresh trout and of course, the experience ends with you grilling and eating them straight away!
8. Nami Island
Those who've been to Nami Island before in the summer, we bet you’ve never seen these tree-lined avenues so white! Stroll along the lanes of trees hand in hand with bae and recreate some famous Korean “Winter Sonata” drama scenes. On the streets, you’ll find piping hot steamed red bean buns, syrup-filled pancakes, and sausages so you won’t have to worry about going hungry.
9. Gangchon Rail Park
Less than 30min away by car from Nami Island is an old train track turned rail park. In Gangchon Rail Park, you can get on a two-seat or four-seat rail bike and pedal along the 20min route.
It’s a slow and relaxing pedal all the way through, so there’s no need to worry about tiring yourself. Plus, along the discontinued train tracks, you can fully soak in the surrounding scenic winter views!
10. The Garden of Morning Calm
Less than an hour drive away from the rail park is this hidden gem – The Garden of Morning Calm. A 30,000 square meter nature wonderland with 20 interconnecting themed sections, it feels like stepping into the pages of a fairy tale when you enter the garden!
With well-manicured colourful flower beds and lush nature trails all around most of the year, the garden transforms into a bed of white during winter, creating a serene and calming atmosphere. And at this time of the year, the magic only happens during sunset where the vibrance of the garden is recreated by led lights that are lined on the trees and plants!
Gangwon-do
11. Alpaca World
Credit: Alpaca World via Instagram
Who doesn’t love alpacas? At Alpaca World, you can get up close with the cutest furriest alpacas and even take them on a walk! There are also deer, birds, rabbits and goats which we are sure the little ones will love interacting with.
12. Yongpyong Resort
Visit the site of the 2018 Winter Olympics and one of South Korea’s most popular ski resorts, the Yongpyong Resort! If you’re looking to go on a ski or snowboard specific trip, this is the place to be! With ski passes and ski gear all available, you’ll have everything you need here to hit the slopes!
This ski complex is also famous for its beautiful winter romance drama scenes from “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God”. Even if you’re not an avid skier, you won’t have to worry about not having anything to do. Grab your Seoulmate and recreate your favourite winter drama scenes!
13. Vivaldi Park
Vivaldi Park consists of 2 sections, Snowy Land and the Ski Park. If you find Snowy Land familiar, it’s because it was the filming location to many famous Korean drama series like “Legend Of The Blue Sea” and “That Winter, The Wind Blows”.
Enjoy romantically lit streets, ice sledding, tube sledding and even snowmobiling! Even if you’re not up for some winter sports, the breathtaking views just might spark a winter romance.
For the winter sports enthusiast, the Ski Park is home to 13 different slopes spanning across many difficulty levels. Whether you’re a first-timer trying to learn the ropes or an avid skier looking to shred, you’ll definitely find a slope for you.
There is also a strawberry picking experience where you’ll get to pick fresh local strawberries and even take them home. Of course, you’ll be allowed to gorge yourselves silly on strawberries while picking them.
14. Elysian Gangchon Resort
The Elysian Resort is located on Nami Island Gangchon, within a beautiful valley. With its close proximity to Seoul, this makes for a great day trip for those looking to experience a winter wonderland.
Besides enjoying your time on the slopes, you can also hop on a sightseeing tour to experience the best that nature has to offer you around the area!
Your winter wonderland at Gangwon-do awaits!
Jeju Island
15. Hallasan Mountain
For a classic winter experience tobogganing with the entire family, the snowy summit of Hallasan Mountain in Jeju is the place to be. It's covered in snow throughout the whole season, making it perfect for snowball fights and snowman-making.
If you're not big on hiking, you can always head to 1100 Highlands Rest Area, nestled on the highest part of the road that passes over Hallasan Mountain. At a whopping 1,100-meter altitude, the rest area is frequently covered in snow! If you don't have a car or didn’t want to rent one during your winter travel in Jeju, you can hop on the number 240 bus to get there.
Address: 1-2 San, Saekdal-dong, Seongwipo-si, Jeju-do
