Korea Seasonal Guide
❄️ Winter Ski Season (겨울 스키)
December to February
8 ski resorts within 3 hours of Seoul — and night skiing under floodlights until 3am.
Korean ski season runs December through late February with 8 major resorts: Yongpyong (2018 Olympic host), Vivaldi Park (closest to Seoul, 90min), Phoenix Park (premium), and High1 Resort (highest altitude). Night skiing is uniquely Korean — slopes open until 1-3am with floodlights, mid-temperature snow, and discount lift tickets. Equipment rental included in most foreigner packages.
Peak dates
Peak: Jan 5-Feb 15 / Edge: Late-Dec + Late-Feb / Open: Early-Dec to Early-Mar
What to expect
- •-5°C to -15°C daytime
- •-20°C overnight (Gangwon mountains)
- •Bus shuttles from Seoul (1-3 hours)
- •Equipment rental at all resorts
- •Night skiing 6pm-3am at most resorts
Best locations
- Yongpyong (Pyeongchang) (Gangwon)2018 Olympic host, longest run (5.6km), 28 slopes
- Vivaldi Park (Hongcheon) (Gangwon)Closest to Seoul (90 min), foreigner-friendly
- Phoenix Park (Pyeongchang) (Gangwon)Premium, Olympic snowboard venue
- High1 Resort (Jeongseon) (Gangwon)Highest altitude, best snow quality
- Alpensia (Pyeongchang) (Gangwon)Olympic biathlon + ski jump tracks
What to pack
- •Hand + foot warmers
- •Goggles (rentals charge KRW 10k)
- •Sunscreen (snow reflects)
- •Heated socks (game-changer for night skiing)
- •Camera (waterproof for snow)
Tips
- •Klook day-trip packages cheapest (KRW 80-120k bus+lift+rental).
- •Night skiing tickets are half-price + crowds are less than half.
- •Weekday is 50% cheaper than weekend at most resorts.
- •Avoid Lunar New Year week — Korean families flood resorts.
- •Pyeongchang Olympic Park is free to visit — no skiing required.
Frequently asked
When does Korean ski season start?
Mid-December opening, late February closing. Peak Jan-mid-Feb.
Best Korea ski resort for foreigners?
Vivaldi Park (closest to Seoul, English staff). Yongpyong for Olympic experience + longer runs.
Is night skiing safe?
Yes — floodlit + same staff as daytime. Snow is actually firmer overnight (cooler temps).