10 Best Winter Destinations in Korea

Pyeongchang became known worldwide as a destination for winter sports after hosting the 2018 Olympic Winter Games. There are plenty of other attractions here, like the family-friend Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch and famous temples like Woljeongsa and Sangwonsa. Alpensia Ski Resort and Phoenix Pyeongchang, less than a two-hour drive from Seoul, are popular with families during the ski season as well as the summer when they can enjoy swimming in the water park.

When you hear "Gangwon-do", it just feels like a faraway destination, doesn't it? However, Hongcheon is so close to Seoul that it takes less than two hours to get there. It's no wonder it's such a popular destination for weekend getaways. Vivaldi Park Ocean World, famous for skiing in winter and the water park in summer, is a great place to be enjoyed, whether you're with friends, your significant other, or your whole family. An agricultural tourism experience is offered within the temple grounds of Sutasa, and the incredibly gorgeous scenery will have you wondering if the free admission is some sort of mistake.

Jeongseon is home to many famous ski resorts such as High1 Ski Resort, Pine Forest Jeongseon Alpine Resort, and Mayhills Resort and Suites, but it also offers lots of warm-weather activities such as rail bikes and zip wires. It's obvious why it's so popular with people seeking a more active holiday. Also, be sure not to miss the unique atmosphere of Samtan Art Mine, an art gallery created from an abandoned coal mine.

Wonju is famous for the ski resort Oak Valley, but it's just as well known for destinations where relaxation in nature is the focus, such as Guryongsa, Guryong Valley and several natural recreation forests on Mt. Chiak. If you're a bit of a thrillseeker, we recommend checking out Sogeumsan Suspension Bridge. This bridge, which was featured in the K-drama It's Okay to Not Be Okay, is 200 metres long and 100 metres high, which should send shivers down your spine and keep you cool in the summer.

Muju is known as a summer resort destination thanks to its cool valley streams, but lots of people also come in winter to feast their eyes on a snow-covered Mt. Deogyu. If you love to ski, you must not miss the long slopes of Deogyusan Resort. There's also an open-air hot spring where you can soak your tired bones after a long day of slicing through the slopes. Or, you can plan a romantic date course starting with some crimson glory vine wine tasting at Muju Meoru Wine Cave and finishing with some stargazing at the Bandibyeol Astronomical Science Museum.

Welli Hilli Park, a famous for Hanu beef in Hoengseong, offers lots of activities and amenities like skiing, golf, swimming and children's playgrounds so that you don't have to spend too much time visiting nearby tourist destinations. Pungsuwon Catholic Church, the first cathedral of Gangwon-do, completes a unique landscape with its gothic style against a backdrop of Gangwon-do nature. Also, there are plenty of walking paths around Hoengseong Lake where you can slow down and enjoy a leisurely stroll.

If you're feeling the itch for a spontaneous getaway, the mountains and the sea of Gangchon are always ready to welcome you with open arms. Gangchon was at one time a popular destination for co-ed social events. You can reach Gangchon in about 50 minutes via the ITX-Cheongchun express train from Cheongnyangni Station. In the spring, you can enjoy a scenic drive along the Bukhan River, and in the summer, you can get rejuvenated after a hot day at Gugok Waterfall. A rail bike with the cool breeze at your back and superb views of the Bukhan River is a great way to spend your autumn day, and in winter, you can shred the slopes at Elysian Resort.

You can reach Konjiam Resort, a perfect destination for relaxation, in about 40 minutes from eastern Seoul. You can start with a gentle monorail ride around Hwadam Forest. When you get to the summit via the ski lift, you'll be greeted by activities for children, like a playground and a petting zoo. Konjiam is a hotel-style resort that's fun for the whole family all throughout the year. You can go swimming in the summer and skiing in winter. Plus, Hwadam Forest shows off a different look each time the season changes, so don't miss out.

Nestled in the clean, natural surroundings of Jeongseon, High1 Ski Resort is a large-scale resort that captivates visitors with its dazzling facilities. There are a total of six buildings including a hotel, and it's also home to the only casino in Korea designated for Korean citizens. There's also a water park, ski resort and golf course. If you need a breather, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the foot of the mountain.

Bears Town, located 50 minutes from Seoul, offers skiing and winter sports all year round. What was only available for two months in winter is now yours at any time of the year. Try not to get distracted by the smell of barbecue emanating from the big, grassy campsite next to the ski resort. You can even go swimming or zoom down the zip lines if skiing isn't your cup of tea. Bears Town is also popular with family travellers as there are plenty of things to do for children as well.