Winter activities in South Korea
Planning for your year-end vacation away from the humidity and haze in Singapore? Winter wonderland South Korea is perfect for strolling under snow-covered trees, sledding down ski slopes and recreating romantic drama scenes with bae. Look no further because we’ve rounded up several of South Korea’s hidden gems for the winter weather.
Read till the end to find out how to score EXCLUSIVE discounts on your South Korean holiday at our Klook Travel Festival.
Essentials for a wintry escape!
1. Staying connected
Before making your winter escapade, make sure to stay connected and pre-book either a 4G SIM Card (Pick up in KR Airport) or 4G Wifi (Pick up in Singapore). Simply show your e-voucher and retrieve your items straight!
2. Your Subway Must-Have
If you’ve set your eyes on Seoul, a T-Money Card is absolutely a must-have when taking the subway to all of your destinations. Check out our handy Seoul Subway guide for some essential information.
Now that you’re ready to jet off, here are 13 winter highlights to explore in South Korea!
1. Feed seagulls & chase the sunset on the Hangang River Cruise
The Hangang River Cruise is the most efficient way to seeing most of South Korea’s famous city landmarks and iconic sites. Coupled with a live guitar performance and the most stunning sunset backdrop in the evening, this is one picturesque tour for all those who are looking to chill and nail your photo game.
P.S. You can even feed seagulls on board!
Pick Up Point/Time: Hongdae Station (Line 2) Exit 8, Mixxo Mall at 2pm or 4pm
2. Enjoy panoramic views at N Seoul Tower
Head up to the N Seoul Tower Observatory in the late evening as the city illuminates. If you’re on holiday with bae, uninterrupted views of the city’s glittering skyline is the perfect date idea.
N Seoul Tower Observatory
Address: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan 2(i)ga-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours: 10am to 11pm; 10am to 12am on Saturday only
3. Unleash your inner child at Everland
Everland is South Korea’s biggest theme park and we are not just talking about rides that defy gravity or the classic swinging pirate ship. Here you’ll gain DIRECT ENTRY to an up-close wildlife enclave, the steepest wooden roller coaster and even a Wicked Parade and Trick or Treat shows! Conquer Everland with this insider guide to the sprawling playground now!
Everland
Address: 199 Everland-ro, Pogog-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Opening Hours: 10am to 9pm from Sunday to Thursday; 10am to 10pm on Friday and Saturday
4. Uncover Korea’s tumultuous past at Korea’s Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
The DMZ is by far the most volatile place in the world and is now one of the few surviving remnants of the Cold War. With increased security and restricted viewing, you can still step foot into the buffer zone, a stone thrown away from one of the world’s most politically isolated nations. Definitely a trip like no other, this expedition will uncover the hidden part of Korea’s turbulent history.
The 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, better known for its moniker as the Third Tunnel of Aggression, was only discovered by the South Koreans 3 years after they were tipped off that a secret tunnel had been constructed for a potential invasion. Here’s your chance to experience first-hand of the war zone! While the inclined pathway may be a tad difficult to climb out, we guarantee that it’s worth the sweat!
#Klooktip: Access to the DMZ is only available via group tours. If the DMZ is one of your bucket list item to check off, the DMZ Tour is your next best alternative.
4. Pick the freshest strawberries harvested in South Korea
Winter at South Korea doesn’t always have to be wet and cold. This year, sweeten your vacation with the highly anticipated harvest of organic strawberries the size of your palms! Strawberry picking has long been one of South Korea’s top family activities and it’s easy to see why. While the grown-ups revel in this therapeutic session of bringing home the largest strawberries, score brownie points with the little ones as they binge-eat the sweetest (and healthiest) snacks.
5. Baguette a trip to Petite France
After some sweetness overload, enter Petite France, a french theme park painted in bright popping colors inspired by the timeless tale of the Little Prince. Expect a series of dreamy murals, cottages adorned with french antiques and a 3D landscape of other Disney characters like Cinderella and Snow White. Instagram enthusiasts, gather your gear because this is one spot worthy for the gram’.
#Klooktip: Warm yourself up with a cuppa in one of Petite France’s french cafes.
Petite France
Address: Hoban-ro, Oeseo-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Opening Hours: 9am to 6pm
6. Watch the Garden of Morning Calm sparkle
Of course, how can we miss the winter solstice at Nami Island? Draped in a piercing white blanket of snow, the island transforms into a stunning white city at the end of the year. Stay a little longer and you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking illumination at the Garden of Morning Calm. Relive your favourite drama moments at the filming site of ‘Love in the Moonlight’ starring the nation’s crown price, Park Bo Gum and the nation’s fairy, Park Yoo Jung from 9th December 2019 onwards.
Garden of Morning Calmness
Address: 432 Sumogwon-ro, Sang-myeon, 상면 Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Opening Hours: 8.30am to 7pm
7. Explore Nami Island on a rail bike
Still can’t get enough of South Korea’s Moon Island? You’re in for a treat! Before wrapping up your vacation, pedal your way around the snow draped city along the 318km Bukhangang River. Capture the glistening waterfront as soft fluffy snow melts into the river body. Put away your transportation woes because this includes a tailored bus at the end of the trip!
Gangchon Railbike Station
Address: 1385, Gimyujeong-ro, Sindong-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
Opening Hours: 9am to 6pm
8. Step into a Winter Wonderland at Jade Garden
Photo credits: @about_gardens on Instagram
Photo credits: @about_gardens on Instagram
If you’ve always been fond of chasing snowflakes or rolling in showers of snow, the Jade Garden is one winter treat you’d least expect. By the end of the year, the European-inspired park turns into a winter wonderland seemingly right out from the movies! While you won’t find any flowers here, the garden itself is mesmerising enough to sate that picture-perfect winter theme you have in mind. The tour also includes a stopover at Gubongsan Mountain Observatory Cafe Street so you can warm yourself up with a cup of hot chocolate.
Jade Garden
Address: 80 Haetgol-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Opening Hours: 9am to 6pm
9. Snap up close selfies with alpacas
With a staggering 110,000 square feet (that’s about 2 football fields!) of green forest, get up close with the resident alpacas as they roam around in search for more treats. You will get to feed, pet and even go for a short walk along the enclave. Despite its name, you’ll also find other animals such as deer, horses and other farm animals.
Alpaca World
Address: Pungcheon-ri, Hwachon-myeon, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Opening Hours: 10am to 6pm
10. Fish for the freshest trout
Your South Korea experience is only truly complete when you’ve caught and eaten the freshest trout from the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival! This hundred year tradition includes braving the cold and a bona fide camping experience like no other.
Roll up your sleeves as you plunge into the icy water and compete for the greatest fishing loot only with your bare hands! Not up for the challenge? You can also opt for fishing rods or laying fish baits without getting yourself soaked. Most importantly, stay on for the ultimate foodie experience because why catch trout if you can’t feast on em’? Whether you like it fried or sashimi-raw, head on to the food centre just minutes away for a scrumptious meal.
If you’ve set your eyes on the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, you’ll be glad to know that after all the hustling and bustling, round trip shuttle buses will be available so you can get to the doorsteps of your hotel stay hassle-free!
Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival
Address: South Korea, Gangwon-do, Hwacheon-gun, Hwacheon-eup, Jung-ri, 196
11. Flex your sledding skills at Vivaldi Park Snowy Land
Vivaldi Park Snowy Land has long been a popular go-to travel spot when winter hits South Korea. After a series of remodeling, this family-friendly attraction now has a slew of winter activities that are equal parts safe and exhilarating for both grown-ups and kids as well! Suit up and head straight for snow sledding or Snowy World other than the usual skiing and snowboarding. With over 5 unique sledding courses and a series of child-friendly rides, there is always something for everyone in the family.
#Klooktip: Pack takeaway breakfast or snacks during the transfer rides to sate your hunger! Since it takes approximately 2 hours to reach Vivaldi Park and back to Myeong Dong, here’s the perfect chance to refuel and nap in the comforts of the shuttle bus.
Vivaldi Park Snowy World
Address: 262 Hanchigol-gil, Seo-myeon, Hongcheon, Gangwon-do
Opening Hours: 7am to 11pm
12. Visit a Coffee Festival at Gangneung
From 3 October 2019, the Coffee Festival at Gangneung will commence, an annual project in a bid to transform the city of Gangneung into a coffee landmark! Celebrating the emerging coffee culture of artisan coffee and expressive latte art, this makes the perfect romantic getaway; sipping on a latte beside a tranquil waterfront, the sweet fragrance of top notch coffee and of course, drinking in the amazing view of bae right in front of you.
Gangneung Coffee Festival
Address: 102, Surigol-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
13. Visit the iconic filming site of “Goblin”
Photo credits: Gangneung Tours
If your bae is a k-drama fanatic, here’s a roadmap to scoring your bae’s heart! Take her to the iconic filming site of ‘Goblin’ and reenact the very scene that got millions of fans swooning worldwide; surprising her with a bouquet of buckwheat flowers. If she is part of the fandom A.R.M.Y, dropping by the music video site of BTS’s ‘You Never Walk Alone’ is another way to win her over.
Unlock $100 for your wintry vacation
From now till 31st December 2019, save up to $100 for your upcoming Winter getaway to South Korea! Load up your carts and unlock these year-end promotions on us:
- Save $30 with <EXPLORE30>, minimum spending at $300
- Save $70 with <EXPLORE70>, minimum spending at $550
If you’re a new user at Klook, score 12% off, minimum spending at $50 with <EXPLORENEW>!
