Winter sports enthusiasts can ski not only in the European Alps or the USA, but also on the Asian continent, for example in South Korea. The republic is the southern part of the Korean peninsula and is located in East Asia. There are five mountain ranges. At 1,915 metres, Jirisan is the highest peak on the mainland; only Hallasan is higher at 1,950 metres on the island of Jejudo in the south of the Korean peninsula. 70 per cent of the country is covered by mountains. A total of 12 ski resorts are available to winter sports enthusiasts. SnowTrex has 5 good reasons why skiing in South Korea is absolutely worthwhile.
1. Skiing on the pistes of the pros
Gangwon-do is home to the largest and oldest ski resort in South Korea, the Yongpyong ski area. It offers a total of 15 lifts and 24 kilometres of pistes and is one of the most popular areas in South Korea. On the rainbow piste, you can ski almost 5 km directly from the summit to the valley. This piste is considered to be particularly difficult and challenging among professionals. The World Ski Cup has also been held here. This ski area is less suitable for beginners, while professionals and experts alike can enjoy plenty of sports fun here. Skiers and snowboarders can choose between 3 km of blue, 11 km of red and 10 km of black pistes. The ski season here runs from mid-November to the beginning of April. In addition, the area is considered to be very snow-sure.
2. Diverse ski areas
Another well-known ski area in South Korea is called the Muju Resort. It is located in Jeollabuk-do, in the heart of South Korea. This ski area is a paradise for beginners, as 12 km of blue pistes are available to guests. 10 km of red and 2 km of black pistes together with 13 lifts complete the ski area – perfect for beginners and families! The highest point in the ski area is at 1,614 m.
In the Gangwon-don region, the High1 Resort ski area offers 21 km of pistes and 11 lifts. The ski area is mainly intended for experts. Snow lovers can let off steam along 9.5 km of black, 7.5 km of red and 4 km of blue pistes. It is situated at an altitude of 690 m to 1,367 m and is open from about the beginning of December to the beginning of April.
3. Ski lessons in English
In the Gyeonggi-do Province, there are a few areas that offer English language ski courses. Be careful when choosing the pistes, however, as they are rarely marked in the colours blue/red/black! The Jisan Forest Ski Resort is also a paradise for freestylers.
4. Skiing near Seoul
A ski area near the capital Seoul is, for example, the Bears Town Resort in Pocheon. It is perfectly situated for a day trip from Seoul. Winter sports fans can look forward to 10 pistes and a 400 m long toboggan run with lift – the perfect ski area for families! In Namyangju, on the other hand, winter sports fans can expect 6 pistes of all levels of difficulty at the Star Hill Resort. The fascinating and beautiful view of Mount Cheonmasan attracts more and more visitors, and because of its proximity to Seoul, this resort is becoming even more popular, and not just with the locals!
5. Korean après ski
As South Korea is a very small country, you have the opportunity to experience both the fascinating mountains of South Korea as well as the culture, people and beaches. Also, because of its healthy cuisine, more and more people are becoming interested in South Korea. Après ski as we know it does not exist here, but instead of mulled wine in the umbrella bar, people sit together and eat one of the many delicious delicacies for which South Korea is so famous, such as rice dishes, soups, meat and seafood of all kinds.
