South Korea Winter Travel Guide – Must-Try Winter Destinations & Activities for Foreigners

Winters in Korea are cold, but they're also a beautiful season offering a wide variety of winter activities. From ski resorts and ice fishing to hot springs and romantic winter festivals! This guide introduces the winter destinations and activities that foreigners should definitely experience in Korea.

1. Must-Visit Winter Travel Destinations in Korea

1) Gangwon-do Ski & Snowboard Spots

Gangwon-do is home to Korea's best ski resorts. There are various courses and slopes with excellent snow quality for everyone from beginners to experts. During the winter, tourists from all over the world visit to enjoy Korea's winter sports.

✅ Recommended Ski Resorts
• Yongpyong Resort (Korea's most famous ski resort, with extensive experience hosting international competitions) – Offers a variety of courses and breathtaking snow-covered scenery. Conveniently located with on-site accommodations and restaurants.
• Phoenix Pyeongchang (2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics venue) – Experience world-class slopes with courses of varying difficulty levels for beginners to professionals.
• High1 Resort (Beginner-friendly courses, with a casino) – Popular with families, offering beautiful snow-covered scenery for skiing.
• Elysian Gangchon (Ski resort with easy access from Seoul) – Recommended for travelers who want to enjoy skiing on a short trip, as it is within an hour's reach from Seoul.
Local Tip:
• It's less crowded and has shorter lift wait times if you visit on weekdays rather than weekends!
• Most ski resorts offer equipment rentals and ski lessons for beginners.
• Many places offer night skiing, recommended if you want to enjoy a romantic winter night!
• Even if you don't ski, you can enjoy various activities near the ski resort, such as sledding, snow trekking, and gondola rides.

2) Sentimental Journey in Snow-Covered Hanok Villages

Visiting a Hanok village in winter allows you to appreciate the beauty of snow-covered traditional architecture. The snow-covered tiled roofs and quiet atmosphere create the perfect setting for experiencing traditional Korean culture in winter.

✅ Recommended Hanok Villages
• Jeonju Hanok Village – Experience traditional Korean culture, explore Hanok cafes & Korean restaurants. You can also rent traditional clothing at various shops along the alleyways and take photos.
• Bukchon Hanok Village – A Hanok village near Seoul, conveniently connected to Gyeongbokgung Palace, making it ideal to visit alongside a palace tour. Many cafes and galleries offer cultural experiences.
• Andong Hahoe Folk Village – A UNESCO World Heritage site where traditional houses and natural scenery blend together, giving you a feeling like you've stepped back in time to the Joseon Dynasty. Traditional Korean mask dance performances are also available.
Local Tip:
• Booking a stay in a traditional Hanok (Hanok stay) lets you spend a warm night in an Ondol room!
• Enjoy a warm winter with traditional tea like Yuzu tea, Jujube tea, at a Hanok cafe.
• Visiting a Hanok village after a snowfall gives you an even more atmospheric winter feel.

2. Top 4 Korean Winter Activities

1) Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival – Ice Fishing Experience

The Sancheoneo Ice Festival, held annually in Hwacheon, Gangwon-do in January, is a representative winter festival in Korea. The river freezes over with thick ice, allowing you to experience ice fishing firsthand and participate in traditional Korean winter games.

✅ Activities You Can Experience
• You can eat the Sancheoneo you catch yourself as sashimi or grilled fish.
• You can experience ice slides, sledding, and traditional sledding.
• You can enjoy an ice sculpture exhibition with lighting at night.
• You can wear traditional Hanbok and enjoy the festival, taking special photos.
Local Tip:
• Hot packs, gloves, and thick socks are essential to prepare for the cold weather!
• Your feet will get cold if you stay on the ice for a long time, so it's good to wear insulated boots.
• You'll feel warmer if you enjoy warm fish cake soup or hotteok at the festival!

2) Warm Hot Spring Trip – An Essential Winter Healing Course

Korea has many hot springs perfect for enjoying in winter. Relax and relieve stress while watching the snow fall from the hot water.

✅ Recommended Hot Springs
• Seorak Waterpia (Gangwon-do) – A healing hot spring in nature
• Deoksan Spa Castle (Chungcheongnam-do) – A sulfur hot spring, good for skin health
• Aqua Field Hanam (near Seoul) – Modern jimjilbang & infinity pool hot spring
Local Tip:
• In Korean jimjilbangs, it's essential to enjoy Makbanseok eggs & sikhye together!
• If you use an open-air hot spring, you can enjoy the winter scenery from the warm water.

3) Enjoy Sledding near Seoul

Even those who can't ski can have a fun winter at a sledding hill. Recommended activity for families!

✅ Recommended Sledding Hills
• Ttukseom Sledding Hill (Seoul) – Located in the Hangang Park, a good place for children.
• Yangji Pine Resort Sledding Hill (Gyeonggi-do) – Various slopes for adults to enjoy as well.
• Everland Snow Buster (Yongin) – Located inside a theme park, you can enjoy it with other amusement park rides.
Local Tip:
• It's crowded on weekends, so if you visit early in the morning, you can enjoy it leisurely!
• Be sure to bring waterproof gloves & warm clothes.

3. Foods to Try in Korea During the Winter Season

Warm soups and winter snacks are essential in the cold winter! Korea's various winter foods warm your body and enhance your travel experience.

✅ Recommended Winter Foods
• Samgyetang – A nutritious dish combining warm herbal broth and chicken. Good for preventing colds in winter and beneficial for health due to the herbal ingredients.
• Tteokguk – A dish eaten on Seollal (Lunar New Year), featuring chewy rice cakes and rich broth. It symbolizes adding a year to your age as you welcome the new year.
• Bungeoppang & Roasted Chestnuts – Representative winter street foods. Bungeoppang is filled with sweet red bean paste, while roasted chestnuts have a warm and nutty taste, making them must-try snacks on a cold winter street.
• Hotteok – Korean pancakes filled with sweet honey and nuts. The nutty flavor and crunchy texture are appealing as you chew it.
Local Tip:
• Traditional Korean teas are also popular in winter. A cup of Yuzu tea, Jujube tea, or Ssangwhacha will warm your body!
• Visiting winter markets allows you to enjoy various winter snacks at affordable prices!

Which winter travel destination in Korea are you most looking forward to visiting?
Enjoy a hot winter trip to Korea! ^^