The Best Ski Resorts in South Korea for a Perfect Winter Getaway

A magical winter escape to South Korea is surely one of the most popular bucket list experiences for many travellers, especially in Singapore. Just imagine: snowy fields, chilly winter weather, and a plethora of the most amazing ski resorts where you can let loose and take a temporary breather from your daily routine. Ah, such bliss!

If you’re wondering where to travel to for your ski adventure in South Korea, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a list of the best ski resorts in South Korea for a memorable winter getaway!

Also read: Winter in Korea: 9 Magical Experiences For a Snowy Getaway to Remember

Best time to go skiing in South Korea

The best time to hit the snowy slopes of South Korea is between December and February, which often coincides with the height of winter season. It’s also during this time that the country experiences heavy snowfall. This creates the perfect conditions for skiing, snowboarding, and plenty of other winter sporting activities!

Best ski resorts in South Korea

1. Alpensia Ski Resort

Alpensia Ski Resort is undoubtedly one of the most popular ski resorts in South Korea, thanks to its reputation not only as a world-class sporting venue (the resort hosted the ski jumping and bobsleigh events of the 2018 Winter Olympics) but also for being featured in some of South Korea’s most memorable movies, such as the 2009 film Take Off.

The resort features a multitude of exciting slopes with varying angles of steepness that are suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers. For guests who don’t own their own ski equipment, fret not — the resort offers ski equipment rental services, as well as a ski lift that brings you right to the heart of the action.

In addition to skiing and having fun in the snow, one can also spend a day at the indoor water park and explore the whimsical Odaesan National Park, where avid Korean drama fans can find Woljeongsa Temple and the iconic fir tree forest, which was featured in the uber popular K-Drama, Guardian: The Lonely and Great God.

2. Yongpyong Resort

Another one of the famous ski resorts in South Korea is Yongpyong Resort, 3. Yongpyong Resort

Another one of the famous ski resorts in South Korea is Yongpyong Resort, the country’s very first and largest ski resort, known by locals as “Korea’s Ski Mecca” for its incredible slopes. Like the previous two ski resorts in South Korea, Yongpyong Resort was also one of the venues of the 2018 Winter Olympics!

The resort itself is located around 700m above sea level, with annual snowfall of about 250cm, offering the perfect conditions for skiing amidst picturesque mountain scenery. This massive ski paradise features 28 different slopes, scenic gondola rides, and even a water park. The most popular ski course here is undoubtedly the Rainbow Paradise course, which features a 5.6km-long trail, the second-longest slope in the country!

In addition to the wide array of snow and winter activities, Yongpyong Resort is also known for having classy European-style accommodations, such as DRAGON VALLEY HOTEL which is located at the eastern edge of Asia! In addition, some of the locations in Yongpyong Resort have also been featured in popular Korean dramas like Winter Sonata and Guardian: The Lonely and Great God! In short, it is the perfect all-in-one destination for both ski enthusiasts and K-Drama fans! For those planning an early winter trip, MONA YONGPYONG is scheduled to open for the 2025–2026 season on 29 Nov.

3. Oak Valley Resort

Set in Wonju, Gangwon-do, Oak Valley Resort is a great pick for travellers looking for a more relaxed ski getaway in South Korea. A family-friendly premium ski resort, it features courses for beginners through to advanced skiers, making it especially suitable for groups with mixed experience levels.

The resort is known for its approachable winter atmosphere, with slopes that are friendly for first-timers yet varied enough for those who want to practise beyond the basics. For travellers who are new to skiing or snowboarding, Oak Valley is often recommended for its wide beginner-friendly slopes, with guided lessons and equipment rental commonly included in ski day tour packages from Seoul.

Beyond the slopes, visitors can enjoy the snowy scenery and make the most of convenient on-site facilities after a day outdoors. Its location in Wonju also makes it a practical choice for those who want a ski trip that feels more laid-back than some of the busier, big-name resorts.

4. High1 Resort

Speaking of Hallyu-famous ski resorts in South Korea, fans of the K-Pop idol group BTS will recognise the picturesque mountains of High1 Resort for sure. After all, it was here that the famous boyband shot their 2021 Winter Package! But beyond being the setting of BTS’ photoshoot, High1 Resort is also a luxury ski paradise in its own right.

Situated along the Taebaek Mountains, the resort offers some of the most magical winter scenery in South Korea. In terms of skiing, this premium resort not only features 18 mesmerising ski trails (totalling 21 km), but also houses a ski academy that caters to differently-abled visitors. Let’s not forget the whimsical gondola rides that offer stunning views of the snow-covered landscapes below!

For non-skiers, High1 Resort offers a wealth of other experiences too. In particular, the luxurious High1 Water World is known for being home to Korea’s tallest megaton wave pool (at 3m tall!) and for its pristine location in the forest. Guests can also pamper themselves at the five-star High1 Grand Hotel. This resort is scheduled to kick off its 2025–2026 ski season on 5 Dec, making it a great choice for those visiting in early December.

5. Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort

While most of South Korea’s top ski resorts are found in Gangwon Province, there are also lesser-known winter gems that are easily accessible from Seoul. One such example is the Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort, which travellers can get to either via subway from Sangbong Station or by shuttle bus.

While the resort isn’t as large as the others on this list so far (it has 10 slopes), it is the ideal ski paradise for beginners, as most of its slopes are much gentler and suitable for new learners, including children. In fact, the resort is known for its ski lessons and bunny slopes, making this the perfect place for some family fun!

For something a little more exciting, you can also try ice climbing at Eobi Valley near the resort (a 15-minute car ride away), or if you’re up for some photo hunting, head to the nearby Nami Island (a 40-minute train ride away) for some spectacular winter scenery. Elysian Gangchon is especially appealing for early-season travellers, with its 2025–2026 season opening date set for 29 Nov.

6. Phoenix Park Resort

Like Alpensia Ski Resort, Phoenix Park Resort was one of the main venues of the 2018 Winter Olympics. This popular destination, located 700m above sea level in the pristine highlands region of Gangwon, offers a multifaceted vacation experience, punctuated by mesmerising alpine views on gondola rides, classy hotels and condos, a fun water park, and its famous Snow Park, the main highlight of the resort.

The Snow Park is the fourth-largest ski park in South Korea and features 21 slopes suitable for both beginners and experts. One thing you’ll notice about the slopes at Phoenix Park is the unrivalled quality of the snow and freestyle ski trails. No wonder, then, that it was hand-picked as the main location of the 2018 Winter Olympics’ snowboarding and freestyle skiing events!

If you’ve never skied before in your life and you’d like to learn how to enjoy the snowy slopes, fret not, because Phoenix Park now has its own complete training package, specially designed for families! You’ll get a two-hour private lesson from expert instructors before you get to ski or snowboard down the winding slopes!

7. SONO VIVALDIPARK SKI RESORTS

Finally, for those who want a more budget-friendly option when it comes to ski resorts in South Korea, check out SONO VIVALDIPARK SKI RESORTS, a popular ski paradise that’s only an hour and a half away from Seoul.

However, don’t let its reputation as a wallet-friendly ski paradise fool you — this ski resort is known for its ambient ski courses, complete with state-of-the-art facilities, that offer romantic night ski trips. Some eagle-eyed K-Drama fans may even recognise the resort as the one featured in shows such as Legend of the Blue Sea and That Winter, The Wind Blows.

For families travelling with young children, Vivaldi Park is also an ideal choice for a getaway because it houses Snowy Land, a popular theme park that’s known for child-friendly snow activities.

Also read: 7 Epic Winter Festivals in South Korea This Season for Fun Snow Activities, Winter Street Food & More!

8. Welli Hilli Park

Image credit: Welli Hilli Park | Official Facebook

Tucked away in the scenic highlands of Hoengseong, Gangwon Province, Welli Hilli Park is quickly gaining recognition as one of South Korea’s top ski resorts. With 20 slopes, seven of which are internationally certified, and state-of-the-art snow-making systems, you can expect consistently great conditions throughout the season.

Beyond the slopes, Welli Hilli Park offers a well-rounded winter escape with its indoor Aqua-zone, a Recreation Centre complete with bowling alleys and karaoke rooms, and a variety of nearby dining options. It’s the ideal destination for families and travellers looking to balance thrilling adventure with laid-back leisure.

South Korea truly offers an unparalleled winter escape, brimming with a diverse range of ski resorts to suit every preference and skill level. So, pack your bags, embrace the chill, and get ready to carve your way through the magical landscapes of South Korea this winter!

Brought to you by Korea Tourism Organization. All images are credited to Korea Tourism Organization unless otherwise stated.