Gangwon-do is one of the most popular winter destinations in Korea. With world-class ski resorts, breathtaking snowy landscapes, and excellent facilities, this region offers the perfect experience for travelers who love winter sports. From December to March, Gangwon-do transforms into a white paradise, making it an ideal place for skiing and snowboarding.
In this article, I will introduce the top 3 ski resorts in Gangwon-do, recommended by locals. I’ll provide detailed information on ski resort facilities, lift ticket prices, lesson availability, and accommodation recommendations, so make sure to read until the end if you’re planning a ski trip to Korea!
Why is Gangwon-do the Best Place for Skiing?
1. Why Should You Ski in Gangwon-do?
Gangwon-do is located in the eastern part of Korea and has an average winter temperature of -5°C to 2°C (23°F to 35°F), making it ideal for maintaining high-quality snow. The region receives plenty of natural snowfall, which enhances the skiing experience compared to artificial snow.
2. Benefits of Skiing in Gangwon-do
✅ Abundant Natural Snow & Well-Maintained Slopes
- Powdery natural snow provides a soft and safe skiing experience, especially for beginners.
- Slopes are well-groomed, ensuring smooth and enjoyable rides for skiers of all levels.
✅ Easy Access from Seoul
- KTX high-speed train: Reach major ski resorts in just 1.5 to 2 hours from Seoul.
- Shuttle buses and rental cars are widely available for international visitors.
✅ Variety of Slopes for All Skill Levels
- Resorts offer beginner-friendly slopes, intermediate trails, and challenging expert runs.
- Ski and snowboard lessons are available in English, making it easier for foreign travelers.
✅ More than Just Skiing
- Night skiing available at many resorts.
- Winter festivals, hot springs, and traditional Korean food can be enjoyed nearby.
Top 3 Ski Resorts in Gangwon-do Recommended by Locals
1️⃣ Yongpyong Resort
⛷ Basic Information
- 📍 Location: Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do
- 🚆 Travel time from Seoul: About 1 hour 30 minutes by KTX
- 🎟 Lift ticket price: $60–$80 per day
- 🎿 Equipment rental: $30–$50 for full ski set
- 🏡 Accommodation: Resort hotels, condos, and budget-friendly pensions available
⛄ Why is Yongpyong Resort Special?
✔ The oldest ski resort in Korea (opened in 1975).
✔ Hosted 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
✔ Offers 28 slopes (8 beginner, 7 intermediate, 13 advanced).
✔ Gondola ride available – enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the top.
📌 Local Tips!
- Beginners should try the “Mega Green” slope, which is long and gentle.
- For budget-friendly stays, book a guesthouse or pension outside the resort.
- Save up to 30% by booking a lift pass + accommodation package in advance.
2️⃣ High1 Resort
⛷ Basic Information
- 📍 Location: Jeongseon, Gangwon-do
- 🚆 Travel time from Seoul: About 2 hours 30 minutes (KTX + shuttle bus)
- 🎟 Lift ticket price: $55–$75 per day
- 🎿 Equipment rental: $35–$55 for full ski set
- 🏡 Accommodation: Resort hotels, casino hotels, private pensions
⛄ Why is High1 Resort Special?
✔ The longest beginner-friendly slope in Korea (4.2 km / 2.6 miles).
✔ One of the highest-altitude resorts – snow quality is excellent.
✔ Top-notch lighting system for night skiing.
✔ Many additional attractions: Casino, spa, golf course, and theme park.
📌 Local Tips!
- Families with kids should visit “Snow World”, which has a sledding area and kids’ zone.
- Beginners will love the 4.2 km-long “Victoria” slope – it’s wide and easy to ride.
- Visit Jeongseon Traditional Market nearby to try authentic Korean street food at low prices.
3️⃣ Phoenix Pyeongchang
⛷ Basic Information
- 📍 Location: Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do
- 🚆 Travel time from Seoul: About 1 hour 40 minutes by KTX
- 🎟 Lift ticket price: $50–$70 per day
- 🎿 Equipment rental: $30–$45 for full ski set
- 🏡 Accommodation: Resort hotels, condos, and budget-friendly guesthouses
⛄ Why is Phoenix Pyeongchang Special?
✔ Hosted 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics (Freestyle Skiing & Snowboarding events).
✔ The best resort for snowboarders – many snowboard-friendly slopes.
✔ A well-balanced variety of slopes for beginners, intermediate, and advanced riders.
✔ Affordable accommodation options compared to other major resorts.
📌 Local Tips!
- If you’re a snowboarder, this is the best place for you!
- Book lessons in advance – English snowboarding classes are available.
- Save up to 40% by booking a package including lift passes, rental, and accommodation.
- After skiing, relax in the Blue Canyon Spa & Hot Spring, located inside the resort.
📊 Ski Resort Comparison Table
| Resort | Location | Lift Ticket Price (1 day) | Number of Slopes | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yongpyong Resort | Pyeongchang | $60–$80 | 28 | Oldest ski resort, Olympic venue |
| High1 Resort | Jeongseon | $55–$75 | 18 | Longest beginner slope, casino & spa |
| Phoenix Pyeongchang | Pyeongchang | $50–$70 | 21 | Best for snowboarders, affordable accommodation |
💡 How to Enjoy Your Ski Trip in Gangwon-do?
✅ Book lift pass packages early to save up to 40%.
✅ Visit on weekdays for a quieter experience and better prices.
✅ Take advantage of free beginner lessons available at some resorts.
Skiing in Gangwon-do is more than just a sport—it’s a unique winter experience with breathtaking landscapes, delicious food, and a variety of activities. In the next part, I’ll introduce where to stay, the best local food, and insider travel tips for a perfect ski trip! 🎿❄
Essential Preparations & Travel Tips for a Gangwon-do Ski Trip
Winter in Gangwon-do is breathtaking but extremely cold. The temperature often drops below -10°C (14°F), so being well-prepared is crucial.
⛷ Should You Rent or Bring Your Own Ski Gear?
| Renting Equipment | Bringing Your Own Gear | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Around $30–$50 per day | High-quality gear costs $500+ |
| Convenience | Travel light, no need to carry heavy gear | Familiar equipment for better performance |
| Recommended for | Beginners & short trips | Advanced skiers & long stays |
📌 Local Tips!
- Renting is best for beginners—it’s affordable, and you can try different equipment.
- Bringing your own boots & helmet is recommended for comfort and safety.
- Book rental equipment in advance to get discounts.
🧣 Must-Have Winter Gear for Gangwon-do
1️⃣ Warm clothing – Padded jackets, gloves, scarves, wool hats
2️⃣ Waterproof outerwear – Ski suit or waterproof pants
3️⃣ Hand warmers – Keep your hands and feet warm
4️⃣ Sunscreen & sunglasses – Protect against strong snow reflections
5️⃣ Extra socks – Change after skiing to stay dry
With the right preparations, you can enjoy Gangwon-do’s winter without worrying about the cold!
Where to Stay: Gangwon-do Ski Resort Accommodation Guide
Choosing the right place to stay can make a big difference in your ski trip. Staying inside the resort is convenient but pricey, while accommodations outside the resort offer better value.
🏨 Ski Resort vs. Off-Resort Accommodations
| Resort Accommodations | Off-Resort Accommodations (Pensions, Hotels, Guesthouses) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $150–$400 per night | $60–$150 per night |
| Convenience | Direct access to ski slopes | Requires short travel |
| Facilities | Discounted lift passes, breakfast included | Kitchen facilities available |
📌 Local Recommendations for Lodging
✅ Yongpyong Resort – Luxury hotel & condos, great for families
✅ High1 Resort – Casino hotel with various entertainment facilities
✅ Phoenix Pyeongchang – Affordable stays, best for snowboarders
✔ Insider Tips!
- Resort accommodations are expensive but very convenient.
- If you’re on a budget, consider guesthouses or pensions near the resort.
- Check Airbnb for more lodging options in the area.
Best Local Foods Near Gangwon-do Ski Resorts
After skiing, there’s nothing better than warming up with delicious Korean food! Gangwon-do is famous for its traditional dishes that are perfect for winter.
🍲 Must-Try Foods in Gangwon-do
1️⃣ Hwangtae Haejangguk (Dried Pollack Soup) – A nutritious soup that warms the body.
2️⃣ Gondre Bap (Korean Thistle Rice) – A specialty from Jeongseon, served with soy sauce.
3️⃣ Makguksu & Gamjajeon (Buckwheat Noodles & Potato Pancakes) – A classic Gangwon-do meal.
4️⃣ Hanu (Korean Beef) BBQ – Gangwon-do’s Hanu beef from Hoengseong is the best in Korea.
🍽 Recommended Restaurants Near Ski Resorts
| Ski Resort | Recommended Restaurant | Signature Dish | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yongpyong Resort | Jeongseon Traditional Table | Grilled Dried Pollack Set | $12–$15 |
| High1 Resort | Jeongseon Hanu Village | Korean Beef BBQ | $40–$80 |
| Phoenix Pyeongchang | Pyeongchang Potato Pancake House | Potato Pancakes & Makgeolli | $8–$12 |
📌 Local Food Tips
- Reservations are highly recommended (especially on weekends).
- Try Gangwon-do’s traditional Makgeolli (Korean rice wine) with your meal.
- Restaurants inside resorts tend to be expensive—visit local eateries for better value.
Local Insider Tips for a Perfect Gangwon-do Ski Trip
🎿 Best Ski Lessons for Beginners
Gangwon-do ski resorts offer excellent beginner lessons. Many provide English-speaking instructors, making it easy for international visitors.
✅ Recommended Ski Schools for Beginners
- Yongpyong Resort – Private lessons ($80–$120 for 2 hours)
- High1 Resort – Group lessons ($50–$70 for 2 hours)
- Phoenix Pyeongchang – Offers English lessons (advance booking required)
📌 Lesson Tips
- Weekday morning lessons are cheaper and have fewer students.
- Group lessons are more affordable and great for making new friends.
- Reserve English-speaking lessons in advance!
💰 How to Save Money on a Ski Trip in Gangwon-do
Skiing in Korea can be expensive, but you can save up to 40% with the right strategies.
✅ Lift Pass Discounts
- Early bird reservations – Get up to 30% off
- Accommodation + Lift Pass packages – Resorts often offer discounts
- Buy discount vouchers from social commerce platforms like Naver or Coupang
✅ How to Cut Equipment Rental Costs
- External rental shops are up to 50% cheaper than resort rentals.
- Rent for multiple days instead of per day—it’s more cost-effective.
- Go early to get the newest equipment before it’s taken.
🚗 Transportation: Public Transit vs. Rental Car?
| KTX + Shuttle Bus | Rental Car | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $40–$60 round trip | $80–$150 per day |
| Convenience | Less luggage space | Freedom to travel anywhere |
| Best for | Solo travelers, foreign visitors | Families, group trips |
📌 Local Travel Tips
- For international visitors, KTX + shuttle bus is the best option (no driving needed).
- For groups or families, renting a car is more convenient—especially for High1 Resort.
- If driving in winter, snow chains are required! Gangwon-do roads can be icy.
A ski trip to Gangwon-do is more than just a sport—it’s a complete winter adventure filled with stunning scenery, delicious food, and relaxing experiences. Whether you’re a first-time skier or a seasoned pro, Gangwon-do has something for everyone. 🎿❄