When winter blankets South Korea in a pristine layer of snow, the country transforms into a playground for thrill-seekers and families alike. The crisp mountain air and stunning alpine scenery create the perfect backdrop for unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking to carve down Olympic slopes or a family eager for the simple joy of sledding, Korea’s winter destinations deliver. Get your winter gear ready as we dive into the top 10 ski and sledding spots you absolutely must visit in 2026!
1. Yongpyong Ski Resort: The Olympic Legend
As the site of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics’ alpine skiing events, Yongpyong Resort is the heart and soul of Korea’s ski culture. With 28 slopes, including the formidable Rainbow Paradise run, it offers something for every skill level. Its impressive Dragon Peak gondola whisks you to a breathtaking 1,458 meters, offering panoramic views that are worth the trip alone. The resort has a rich history and a sprawling complex with extensive dining and accommodation options, making it a complete winter holiday destination. It’s not just a ski resort; it’s a piece of sporting history where you can create your own champion moments.
Practical Info: Located in Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do, it’s about a 3-hour shuttle bus ride from Seoul. A full-day lift pass typically costs around ₩89,000.
Insider Tip: For the best photos, take the gondola to Dragon Peak just before sunset. The view of the snow-covered Taebaek mountains bathed in golden light is absolutely magical.
2. Vivaldi Park Ski World: The All-in-One Entertainer
Vivaldi Park is renowned for its vibrant, youthful energy and is often called the most visited ski resort in Korea. It’s famous for its extensive night skiing, with slopes brightly lit until the early morning hours, perfect for night owls. The resort is designed with a fun, trendy concept, featuring runs named after musical terms like ‘Blues’ and ‘Techno.’ Beyond skiing, Vivaldi Park is a massive entertainment complex with an indoor water park (Ocean World), bowling alleys, and numerous restaurants, ensuring you’re never bored, even off the slopes. It’s the ideal choice for groups of friends and families looking for non-stop action.
Practical Info: Located in Hongcheon, it’s one of the more accessible Gangwon-do resorts, just 1.5 hours from Seoul via a dedicated shuttle bus.
Insider Tip: Book the all-inclusive shuttle bus package from Seoul online. It often includes round-trip transport, a lift pass, and gear rental for a very reasonable price.
3. High1 Resort: Powder Heaven
Sitting at a higher altitude than most Korean resorts, High1 Resort boasts some of the best natural snow quality in the country. It’s exceptionally well-designed for beginners, with three gondolas that all lead to the mountaintop, allowing novices to enjoy long, gentle slopes from the peak. The resort also features a revolving restaurant at the top of the mountain, offering 360-degree views as you dine. For those feeling lucky, a large casino is part of the complex. The combination of pristine snow, beginner-friendly infrastructure, and luxury amenities makes High1 a premium winter experience.
Practical Info: Located in Jeongseon, Gangwon-do. It’s a bit further (around 3.5 hours from Seoul), but the snow quality makes it worth the journey.
Insider Tip: Even if you’re not skiing, purchase a gondola pass to visit the mountaintop. The views are spectacular, and the revolving restaurant is a unique experience.
4. Phoenix Pyeongchang: The Freestyle Playground
Another star of the 2018 Olympics, Phoenix Pyeongchang hosted all the freestyle skiing and snowboarding events. As such, it features a world-class terrain park, including a superpipe that attracts serious riders from all over. But it’s not just for pros; the resort has a variety of wide, well-groomed slopes perfect for intermediates. The resort village is modern and convenient, with many ski-in, ski-out condo-style accommodations. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet relaxed, making it a great choice for those who appreciate both high-octane thrills and comfortable relaxation by a fireplace after a long day on the mountain.
Practical Info: Located in Pyeongchang, about 2.5 hours from Seoul. The resort is well-connected by bus and KTX train.
Insider Tip: Check out the ‘Montblanc’ peak for stunning views and access to some of the most enjoyable intermediate runs. The slope quality is consistently excellent.
5. Everland Snow Buster: The Ultimate Family Sledding Day
For families with young children or those not inclined to ski, Everland’s Snow Buster is the undisputed king of sledding parks. Located within South Korea’s largest theme park, it offers a fantastic, hassle-free experience. The park features multiple courses with varying thrill levels, from a gentle slope for toddlers to a 200-meter ‘Express’ course for adrenaline junkies. The best part is the ‘tube lift,’ a moving walkway that pulls you and your tube back to the top, eliminating the exhausting uphill trudge. Combining a day of world-class sledding with the magic of a theme park is a guaranteed recipe for family fun.
Practical Info: Located in Yongin, just an hour south of Seoul. Access to Snow Buster is included in the standard Everland theme park ticket.
Insider Tip: Visit on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds. Arrive when the park opens and head straight to Snow Buster before the lines get too long.
6. Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort: The Day-Tripper’s Dream
What makes Elysian Gangchon truly special is its incredible accessibility. It is the only ski resort in Korea that you can reach directly by subway from Seoul, making it the perfect choice for a spontaneous day trip. While smaller than its Gangwon-do counterparts, it offers a well-balanced mix of 10 slopes catering to different levels. The resort has a dedicated focus on teaching, with a large and well-regarded ski school. Its proximity to the city means you can be back in Seoul in time for dinner after a full day of skiing, offering the best of both worlds.
Practical Info: Take the Gyeongchun Line from Seoul to Baegyang-ri Station; a free shuttle runs from the station to the resort (5 minutes).
Insider Tip: Take advantage of the late-night skiing options. The crowds thin out, and skiing under the stars with the city lights in the distance is a unique experience.
7. Alpensia Ski Resort: The Compact & Cozy Choice
Alpensia was the main hub for the 2018 Olympics, housing the iconic ski jumping tower. The resort itself is more compact and family-oriented than its neighbor, Yongpyong. With six slopes, it’s perfectly suited for beginners and intermediate skiers who prefer a less intimidating environment. The village is beautifully designed in a European alpine style and is very pedestrian-friendly. You can easily walk between your hotel, the slopes, and the Ocean 700 water park. It’s an excellent option for a relaxed family vacation where convenience is key.
Practical Info: Located in Pyeongchang, right next to Yongpyong. A resort-hopping experience is easily possible.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to go up the ski jump tower (even if you’re not jumping!). The observation deck provides an incredible bird’s-eye view of the entire resort complex.
8. Konjiam Resort: The Exclusive Escape
Located just 40 minutes from Gangnam, Konjiam Resort brings a premium ski experience close to the city. Its standout feature is a daily visitor cap, limiting the number of skiers on the mountain to 7,000. This means significantly shorter lift lines and more open space on the slopes, a true luxury on a weekend. The resort also boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including high-speed lifts and an extensive spa. While the lift passes can be pricier, the crowd-free experience and high-end amenities offer excellent value for those seeking a more comfortable and exclusive day on the snow.
Practical Info: Located in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do. It’s the closest large-scale resort to Seoul’s southern districts.
Insider Tip: Their lift passes are sold by time (e.g., 2-hour, 4-hour passes), so plan your arrival to maximize your time on the less-crowded slopes.
9. Welli Hilli Park: The Snowboarder’s Haven
While welcoming to skiers, Welli Hilli Park has carved out a reputation as a premier destination for snowboarders. It features a massive, internationally recognized terrain park with a variety of jumps, rails, and a large half-pipe. The resort consistently invests in its freestyle facilities, attracting a cool, energetic crowd of riders. With 20 different slopes, there’s plenty of terrain for everyone, but if you’re serious about snowboarding or want to watch some impressive tricks, this is the place to be. The fun, dynamic atmosphere makes it a top choice for those looking to push their limits.
Practical Info: Located in Hoengseong, Gangwon-do, about 2 hours from Seoul. It operates a regular shuttle bus service.
Insider Tip: Even if you’re not a park rider, position yourself near the main terrain park for a while. Watching the talented snowboarders is a free and thrilling show.
10. Seoul Land Sledding Hills: Urban Winter Fun
For another fantastic, city-accessible option, look no further than Seoul Land. Nestled next to the Seoul Grand Park and Zoo, this amusement park opens a large and popular sledding hill every winter. It’s incredibly convenient for those staying in Seoul who want a quick dose of snow without a long journey. The park offers two slopes: one for adults and a gentler, shorter one for small children, ensuring safety and fun for all ages. It’s an easy, affordable, and fun-filled way to enjoy the snow, especially when combined with a visit to the amusement park or the nearby zoo.
Practical Info: Located in Gwacheon. Take Seoul Subway Line 4 to Seoul Grand Park Station. The sledding hill access is included with the park’s entrance fee.
Insider Tip: To make it a full day, visit the Seoul Zoo in the morning (some animals are more active in the cold) and then head to the sledding hill in the afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When is the best time to ski or sled in South Korea?
The typical ski season runs from early December to late February or early March. For the best snow conditions and to enjoy all facilities, the peak season from late December to mid-February is ideal.
Q2: Are these resorts beginner-friendly?
Yes, absolutely! Most major Korean resorts like High1, Yongpyong, and Vivaldi Park have excellent beginner areas with ‘magic carpet’ lifts and gentle slopes. They also offer robust ski and snowboard schools with English-speaking instructors available.
Q3: What should I pack for a Korean ski trip?
Layering is key. Pack thermal underwear, fleece mid-layers, and a waterproof/windproof outer jacket and pants. Also essential are warm socks, gloves or mittens, a beanie, goggles or sunglasses, and sunscreen, as the sun reflecting off the snow can be intense.
Q4: Can I rent equipment and clothing at the resorts?
Yes, every resort on this list offers on-site rental shops for skis, snowboards, boots, and poles. Most also rent out ski jackets and pants, so you don’t need to own all the gear to enjoy a day on the slopes.
South Korea’s winter landscape is a treasure trove of snowy delights. From the Olympic peaks of Pyeongchang to the family-friendly hills near Seoul, there’s a perfect winter adventure waiting for you. So, start planning your 2026 trip and get ready to embrace the chill and thrill of a Korean winter!
Tags: #SkiinginKorea #SnowboardingKorea #Pyeongchang #Gangwon-do #Wintertravel #Seouldaytrip #Koreanwinter #Familyfun #Snowparks #Wintersports
