Winter Wonders in South Korea

Winter is one of the best times to visit South Korea. When snow blankets everything, the country becomes a winter wonderland. A Seoul winter is sensational, and there are endless things to do in Seoul in winter. While you’re here: ski or snowboard the slopes, go ice fishing for fresh trout and try traditional hanbok and bulgogi: Korean grilled beef to warm your belly. These activities are just the tips of the winter iceberg when it comes to wintery things to do and places to visit in Korea during winter. 

 Only 40 minutes from Seoul, the Jisan Ski Resort is a great getaway if you’re looking for a quick escape. Whether you’re a passionate skier or you want to explore the area, this resort is a win-win. 

As far as skiing in Korea and snowboarding in Korea, as well as sledding goes, Jisan Ski Resort is the perfect place to begin. For beginners with no ski runs under their belts, the Jisan Ski Resort Sightseeing Klook tour includes a 1 hour lesson to help you get your snow legs. And you don’t even have to bring your equipment – everything’s provided. 

If you don’t want to ride the slopes at all, take the sightseeing tour instead. If you’re a competent skier, the Ski Package offers you the ultimate hassle-free Ski trip in Jisan! All ski equipment is included, as well as a 4 hour ski lift pass so you can conquer the slopes as many times as you like. If you’re heading there from Seoul, a round trip transfer makes for a fuss-free experience.

If you’re keen to visit Everland Theme Park, make your trip to Gyeonggi-do a full day experience! Start your day at Everland then move onto the Jisan Ski Resort slopes at night. Everland theme park is for thrill-seekers and lovers of the more tame rides too. Don’t miss one of the world’s steepest roller coasters: the T-Express. And if rides just aren’t your thing, get up close and personal with the kings and queens of the jungle at the Safari Express! Check out our Everland guide to see what else you can experience at one of Seoul’s largest theme parks.

Ever skied in the dark? Well, now you can! Head down the slopes of the Jisan Ski Resort at night for a unique experience. This includes a 30 minute basic ski lesson, so you can get up and in-action faster. 

Avid skiers: Bears Town Ski Resort Korea is a must. With 11 different slopes covering over 15km, with 8 different ski lifts to take you around, it’s epic! Trails and levels of difficulty are varied, so even if it’s your first time on the slopes, there’s a slope to suit your ability. And even if you’re not keen on winter sports, the views from the top of the resort are so breathtaking you won’t regret the ride up to the top. 

Klook your Bears Town Ski Trip. This includes a 2-way transfer from Seoul, as well as all your ski equipment. This tour is available every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 1 Dec 2018 to 28 Feb 2019.

If you’re not a cold climate fan, but still want to experience winter in Korea, head over to the Onemount Snow Park! South Korea’s first and largest indoor winter theme park is 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 here. 

Address:1050-64 Daehwa-dong, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Opening hours: Season dependant, so check out the official website

Getting there: Take Subway Line 3 to Juyeop Station, take Exit 2 and walk for 15 minutes

Winter in South Korea is when the ice festival magic happens! At this unique festival, try your hand at ice fishing for trout, then grill up your catch afterwards. It’s true – the best tasting food is what you catch with your own hands. Klook yourselves on an ice fishing festival tour; pick 1 or all of the 4 festivals to experience. With convenient 2 way transfers from Seoul, transport to these festivals is hassle-free.

The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is definitely one you don’t want to miss! 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 your catch. You’ll also get to experience sledding, bobsled, ice soccer and even creating ice sculptures.

Visit Nami Island in winter for jaw-dropping scenery, with snow-sprinkled, tree-lined avenues straight out of a fairy tale. Stroll along the lanes, hand-in-hand with bae and recreate some scenes from the famous K-drama, ‘Winter Sonata.’ Walk the island with a piping hot steamed red bean bun in hand or sample the syrup-filled pancakes and sausages. Yum. Klook your Nami Island day trip and enjoy round trip transfers from your Seoul hotel.

Yongpyong Resort is the site of the 2018 winter Olympics and one of South Korea’s most popular ski resorts. Enjoy a 2 day, 1 night stay with ski passes and ski gear all included. It’s so easy to hit the slopes, you’ll be skiing your heart out. In addition, get 2 way transfers from Seoul and a nights stay in the Yongpyong Resort Tower Condominium. This ski complex is also famous for its beautiful winter romance drama scenes from ‘Guardian: The Lonely and Great God.’ And if you’re not a keen skier, don’t worry, there’s plenty else to do. 

There’s two parts to Vivaldi Park: Snowy Land and Ski Park. Think you’ve heard of Snowy Land? It’s been the setting for many famous K-drama series like ‘Legend Of The Blue Sea’ and ‘That Winter, The Wind Blows.’ Enjoy candle lit streets, ice and tube sledding and even snowmobiling! There are breathtaking views too. 

For the winter sport enthusiast, Ski Park is home to 13 slopes spanning across all levels of difficulty. Whether you’re a first-timer trying to learn the ropes or a seasoned skier looking to shred, you’ll find a slope for you. You can even opt for a ski lesson package where the instructor will teach you all you need to know to take on the slopes. There’s also a strawberry picking experience; pick fresh local strawberries and then take your bounty home. And yes, you can gorge yourselves silly on strawberries while you pick them.

Winter is the perfect time to don a hanbok without sweating! While wearing hanbok and strolling the streets of Seoul, you’ll gain free entry to the palaces. And after being out in the cold, nothing warms the soul like some piping hot bulgogi (Korean grilled beef). Head over to Bulgogi Brothers to enjoy some bulgogi dishes or cook your own Korean Barbeque.

With all the bulky winter coats and all that shopping you’ve done, lugging your luggage to the airport may be a liability! Klook your Safex Airport Luggage service and explore Seoul, leaving you hands-free for more shopping!

This place is loved by tourists and locals all year round. In wintertime, see Mt. Hallasan – a dormant volcano and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take on the Jeju Olle Trail, marvel at the coastline, relish a plate of Jeju Black Pork and delight in fresh local seafood. If you're lucky, you might even spot the famous haenyeo – Korean female divers hauling their catch of fresh shellfish, abalone and even octopuses to shore!

South Korea is a winter wonderland. If you’ve had a taste of all things snow and ice and still want more – here’s a list of ice festivals to experience.