Korea transforms into a winter wonderland during the year’s end, offering unique and exciting seasonal activities across cities and scenic regions.
If you’re wondering what to do in winter in Korea, here are three must-try winter activities and recommendations on the best places to experience them!
Winter Sports: Skiing, Snowboarding & More
Winter sports are one of the first things to come to mind when we think winter, because tis the only season you can do them!
A few popular winter sports include skiing and snowboarding; with plenty of resorts in Korea designed for these activities.
The region of Gangwon-do is the go-to place for winter sports because of the many resorts there!
Here are two ski resorts in Gwangwon-do you can shortlist:
MONA Yong Pyong
Crowned as Korea’s first-ever ski resort, MONA Yong Pyong sits on Balwangsan Mountain in Pyeongchang. It sits about 2 hours away from Seoul and you can get here via car or day tour.
The resort boasts an impressive 28 ski slopes joined by a 3.7-kilometre cable car, ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert. They also offer onsite ski and snowboarding lessons.
It’s hosted many international winter games and competitions including the 2018 Winter Olympic Games so you can be assured of its facilities!
There’s onsite hotels, condos and hostels offering over 1,000 rooms to stay in.
There are also other things to do and see, including the Mt. Balwangsan Skywalk that overlooks the city, Yongpyong Waterpark and even forest trails to explore the mountain’s diverse ecosystem.
MONA Yong Pyong (모나 용평)
강원 평창군 대관령면 올림픽로 715
715 Olympic-ro, Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Open daily: 9am to 5pm, 6.30pm to 11pm
Official website
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Elysian Gangchon
For something more accessible, consider Elysian Gangchon!
The resort is only one hour away from Seoul and possible to get to via the Gyeongchun Line on the subway or the ITX-Cheongchun Train.
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If you are coming with family, consider Elysian’s official ski school and tour for convenience! They also provide on-site ski and snowboard lessons.
This resort is more suitable for beginners and children, with 8 of its 10 ski slopes designed for beginners and intermediate skiers.
The resort’s 220 rooms are designed like apartments, with larger spaces and views of the snowy mountains. There are even themed rooms for extra fun like movie rooms and princess rooms!
Elysian Gangchon (엘리시안 강촌)
강원 춘천시 남산면 북한강변길 688 엘리시안 강촌
688, Bukhangangbyeon-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
Open 24/7, all year round
Official website
Nearest train station: Baegyang-ri (Elysian Gangchon), Gyungchon Line. There is a free shuttle bus every 20 minutes to the resort’s condominiums.
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Ice Skating
There’s something romantic about ice skating in the winter and there are many ice skating rinks in Seoul you can visit for that magical experience!
Seoul Plaza Ice Skate Rink (Outdoor)
The Seoul Plaza Ice Skate Rink (서울광장아이스링크) is a good option for outdoor ice skating. It’s located right in front of Seoul City Hall in Jonggak, so you get a charming view of Seoul city centre as you skate!
Entry only costs 1,000 won, including ice skates, helmet, and knee pad rental.
Seoul Plaza Ice Skate Rink (서울광장아이스링크)
Operating hours: TBA
서울 중구 세종대로 110 서울특별시청
110 Sejong-daero, Euljiro 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Nearest train station: City Hall (시청역) Line 1 or Line 2, Exit 5
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Lotte World Ice Garden
If you prefer to stay indoors, the Lotte World Ice Garden is a sure hit! Located within Lotte World Theme Park, you will be surrounded by fun rides and attractions.
The rink caters to skaters of all levels and even offers skating lessons. Tickets start from 13,000 won for Adults and 11,000 won for children.
You can also spend the rest of the day exploring Lotte World Adventure!
Lotte World Ice Rink (롯데월드 아이스링크)
서울 송파구 올림픽로 240
240 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Operating dates: Dec 2024 to Feb 2025 (TBA)
Operating Hours: 12pm-8.50pm (Varies daily)
Please check the official website
Nearest train station: Jamsil (잠실역) Line 2
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Ice Fishing
Fancy fishing in a hole in the ice? Ice fishing is a fun sport suitable for all ages where you can try your hand at hook-and-line fishing.
Ice fishing is commonly found in winter festivals in Korea, so we’re recommending two festivals you can attend for this!
Pyeongchang Trout Festival
The Pyeongchang Trout Festival (평창송어축제) in Gangwon-do hosts the largest trout farm in Korea.
For 25,000 won, you can secure a spot in the dedicated ice fishing area to drop your lines. Just note you must purchase a fishing rod to enter.
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If you manage to snag one, you can have your trout cooked on-site nearby. And if that isn’t exciting enough, you can try catching them bare-handed!
The festival also has other activities like sledging, ice karting and ice skating for some wintertime enjoyment. Book a day tour there!
Pyeongchang Trout Festival (평창송어축제)
Dec 2024 to Jan 2025 (TBA)
3562 Gyeonggang-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
강원특별자치도 평창군 진부면 경강로 3562
Official website
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Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival
The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival (얼음나라 화천 산천어축제) is one of the most known winter festivals in Korea!
Here, you get to fish on the frozen Hwacheoncheon Stream. The fishing fee is 15,000 won, and you can get your slots on-site.
The festival also hosts a slew of winter activities, including ice fishing, bare-handed fishing and sledging. It even has an indoor experience center, ice soccer and more!
Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival (얼음나라 화천 산천어축제)
1 Jan 2025 to 2 Feb 2025
137 Sancheoneo-gil, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do
강원특별자치도 화천군 화천읍 산천어길 137
Official website
Book a day tour there!
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Unique Winter Activities In Korea
With the variety of winter activities available, we’re sure your itinerary will be packed with things to enjoy Korean wintertime!
Check out more things to experience winter!
- 3 Things To Do In Korea In Winter: Snow-Covered Forests, Ice Formations & Winter Festivals
- Gasirim (가시림): New Aesthetic Garden Cafe in Jeju Filled With Blooming Camellia Flowers in Winter
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