Korea's Top 5 Ski Resorts 🇰🇷 Ultimate Guide to Korea's Best Mountains for Skiing and Boarding

[@TimaMikheev]

This is the best guide for anybody who's interested in skiing here in Korea. You've put so much effort into making it as good as it is! I used to spend a lot of time skiing in Vivaldi, only because its close location to Seoul but I'm definitely interested in trying out Yongpyeong, High One and Muju this year!

[@lostthenfound]

Thanks so much @TimaMikheev! I'd definitely give one of those three mountains a go if you can! I'd wait a little bit for more slopes to open though.

[@markhollman9667]

Can't believe how complete this is! The editing and video content are extraordinary. Thanks so much for helping us in deciding where we should take our next ski week.

[@lostthenfound]

Thanks so much Dad! Gotta get you out there on the slopes some time eh! 😁

[@myuw91]

Thank you for making this video. You helped us plan our very first ski trip and Yongpyong was such a good place for our first experience. It's very difficult to find a lot of detailed information to plan ski trips in South Korea, and your video was put together really well. Thank you!

[@lostthenfound]

@@myuw91 thanks so much for watching, and really glad that we were able to help a little bit to find information on skiing here! All the best and enjoy the slopes!

[@dschoonaert]

Perfect timing! We will be visiting family in Korea during the Christmas holidays and your video was very helpful! Very impressed with the video quality and my daughter says your skiing skills are impressive also!

[@lostthenfound]

Thanks so much @dschoonaert! Hahah extra thanks to your daughter too for the praise! 🤣 Hope you have a wonderful trip to Korea, and enjoy the skiing/boarding as well!

[@ONCEbittenTWICEshyshyshy]

Thoroughly comprehensive as usual 👍

[@lostthenfound]

Thanks so much @ONCEbittenTWICEshyshyshy! Have an excellent week!

[@emmett2624]

Lots of information! Very helpful for foreigners to plan the trip!

[@lostthenfound]

@@emmett2624 thanks so much! Really glad to hear that! Hope you have a good time skiing/riding in Korea!

[@donnahollman4259]

Such a great video!!👍Thank you!!

[@lostthenfound]

Thanks a lot Mom! ❤️

[@1001Bull]

Heyy! Thanks so much for the guide! I was just wondering about resorts nearby and turns out Muju is just an hour away from me! Definitely going there when all slopes open up.

[@lostthenfound]

Thanks so much @1001Bull! Muju is pretty awesome! It's got the whole old school Korean hiking vibe going on, so it's fun to check out. Have a blast!

[@rinadhara2495]

I wish I could go there, thanks for sharing this video with us, l really like it❤

[@lostthenfound]

@@rinadhara2495 hope you can make it soon! Thanks for watching!

[@rinadhara2495]

​@@lostthenfoundwelcome, have a nice day ☺️🙏

[@sn350channel]

The best ski resort I've ever been to in my life was hands down in Levi, Finland.

[@lostthenfound]

I've never heard of it, but will have to check it out some day!

[@TheVIV279]

Oh I've been there!!! 7mins away from the airport!!!!

[@sn350channel]

@@TheVIV279 I don't recall there being an airport 7 mins away.

[@yijuchen2099]

very useful, nice introduction

[@lostthenfound]

Thanks so much @yijuchen2099!

[@JooUpdate]

This is great video my dear friend. helo from bali

[@lostthenfound]

Thanks so much @JooUpdate! We hope to visit Bali some day! (It's the #1 place we want to go actually)

[@SprintingHead]

Thank you massively for the comprehensive guide. We'll be visiting our family in Korea and this is exactly what I needed. How do you think the snow quality in mid-February would be?

[@lostthenfound]

Thanks so much for the comment @SprintingHead! Really glad the guide was helpful! In Mid-February things will start warming up a bit, so there is a good chance that it might be a little slushy. However, it should be nice and sunny and not very cold too, so I think you will have a great time. All the best with your trip, and have a blast on the slopes!

[@howardlee7189]

Thanks for the video. Regards

[@lostthenfound]

Thanks so much Howard! Hope you have an excellent week!

[@ddll23]

Thx man see u on the slopes

[@lostthenfound]

@ddll23 see you out there! I'm not sure where I'll be skiing mostly this year (maybe Muju if the pass isn't too bad?) but definitely say hello if we bump into each other! The new multiple mountain pass which was called X5 last year is probably going to be announced within the next month or two, so if you live here definitely keep an eye out!

[@julianwslee]

As a life time local of Yongpyong, I just wanna say that it's a lot harder to create soft and "natural" slope condition because of the extremely windy condition of the region. therefore Yongpyong tends to have harder groomed or more icy surface compare to the others. well, at least that's what I've heard from the slope maintaining staffs. on the bright side, it attracts more of the race/interski maniacs such as myself. But hey! Thumbs up for the great content for the visitors and foreigners in Koera. Hope you have a great season!

[@lostthenfound]

Ah thanks for the information @julianwslee! That makes a lot of sense. Yongpyong definitely gets its fair share of wind, but it's a fun place to ski regardless! Have an amazing season as well!

[@holytiger89]

this is a really helpful video. thx. High one will be on my list next year

[@lostthenfound]

Thanks a lot @holytiger89! Glad it was helpful! Hope you have a wonderful trip to High 1!

[@dr_cybenovaelena]

Спасибо за подробное видео с описанием горнолыжных курортов Кореи. Очень полезно.

[@lostthenfound]

No problem @user-wo5mf1eg1n! Glad that it was helpful! Enjoy skiing/snowboarding!

[@kdhkr]

Muju actually had the greatest amounts of slopes in Korea few decades ago, consisting a whopping number of 34 trails available. Those 'unmarked' trails in the trail map are the ones that used to be a slope. H.Spiess(Expert) was the hardest trail available in Korea, which only opened for a year. Pilgrim, R.Gardner, Moderato also got abandoned since they're connected to H.Spiess. Flamingo(Next to Polka, Advanced) used to be a intermediate slope, and was the widest slope in Muju. The top part of Soyokgihang, which was accessible by Freeway(Advanced) slope, got abandoned since Freeway isn't a beginner slope & it has a crossing point with Rusutsu(Expert). So it isn't really 3.4km, but more close to 2.5km. Challange(Expert) got abandoned because it was dangerous, and was connected to beginner/intermediate slopes below without any slowdown point(s). Andante(Expert) was abandoned 10 years ago, and was superseded by Allegro, Mozart, and Cadenza... which they aren't opening recently. And it's the same for other resorts as well. High1 used to open Victoria 3(Expert), but they aren't opening that slope anymore. Phoenix Park used to have course called 'Cross', which was used during 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, but got abandoned since COVID & they used to keep way, way better snow qualities like 8~9 years ago. YongPyong abandoned Gold Fantastic(Upper Intermediate), and rarely opens New Gold(Expert), Silver(Expert), and the top section of Rainbow 2(Expert). Oak Valley is now opening only 3 out of 11 trails they have. Welli Hilli doesn't open Echo zone (E1/E2/E3) anymore. BearsTown, StarHill, Eagle Valley, and Yangji have all closed their operations due to COVID.

[@lostthenfound]

Wow thanks so much for this information @kdhkr! That's really interesting to hear. I've definitely noticed there being less slopes open at Yongpyong than there used to be, and it seems like a lot of ski resorts here are downsizing for some reason. Maybe they have a hard time making profits with more slopes open? I'm not sure. Wish I could have tried skiing at Muju when there were 34 slopes open! It's a really fun mountain to ski at, and it must have been really nice with even more variety!

[@kdhkr]

​@@lostthenfound Maybe they have a hard time making profits with more slopes open? This. All ski resorts in Korea generate their revenue primarily from lodging facilities rather than ski parks (or from the casino, if you're talking about High1). Because Korea's climate necessitates artificial snow, the operational costs for ski resorts in Korea are disproportionately high compared to their size. A decade or two ago, managing a ski resort was still feasible as numerous enthusiasts flocked to enjoy skiing and utilized the accommodations and amenities provided. However, with the decline in popularity of skiing a decade ago, the number of visitors dwindled by half, leading to the gradual closure of ski resorts, starting with the expert slopes. If you happen to be a backcountry skier, you might try out Muju's permanently closed slopes (of course at your own risk). I've tried all of them except for Flamingo, since it had a blockade made by an iron wall. Those slopes were truly enjoyable.

[@lostthenfound]

Wow thanks so much for all of your information and knowledge @kdhkr! I figured that was the case that it's too expensive to operate. Also I love backcountry skiing, and that sounds fun to try the slopes out at Muju, thank you for the recommendation!

[@argo_12]

Anyone here personally been to both Elysian and Vivaldi? Currently contemplating between Elysian and Vivaldi. Elysian seems to be less crowded? Planning to go on a weekday The packages I'm looking at are similar priced for both of these locations (despite Elysian supposedly having free shuttle buses)

[@lostthenfound]

@argo_12 if you don't care too much about the facilities outside of skiing/riding (bowling alley/pool tables/arcade/etc), then I would pick Elysian over Vivaldi personally. It will still have crowds (in Korea it's very hard to completely avoid them), but way less than Vivaldi especially on weekdays!

[@argo_12]

@ got it, thank you!

[@bk-xn5tk]

Well done. When is ski season in korea? Im gonna go Mar 10-20. Too late?

[@lostthenfound]

Thanks so much @bk-xn5tk! The ski season is typically early December to March, but this year I think there was still skiing until March 23 on Yongpyong. It will be warm and slushy, and there won't be many runs open just so you know though!

[@RB-pf1ht]

Hello I am going to do snowboarding with a first-timer friend in early February. The guide is so helpful and I think High 1 will be our preference given the snow quality and good beginner slopes. Will it be better to use train or shuttle bus to get to High 1 from convenience perspective? We are planning to do 2 days of snowboarding and 1 night staying at High 1. Thank you

[@lostthenfound]

Hello @RB-pf1ht glad it was helpful! The most convenient would be the shuttle bus, as it has an English reservation system and it will take you right to the resort: high1.rideus.net/high1/ Hope you guys have a wonderful trip!

[@RB-pf1ht]

@@lostthenfound Thanks for your reply! As I am travelling with 2 babies (below 1 year), we decided to drive. Can we also hire driver for the trip? I have now booked accommodation in the Mountain Condominium for 2 days on 07/02/2024 - 09/02/2024. It seems the Mountain condo is just next to the recommended beginner slope, making it very convenient for ski and night ski! This is our little itinerary. Would you please comment? Wed, 07/02/2024: drive from Seoul morning. Ski and night ski Thu, 08/02/2024: morning ski, afternoon ski, night ski Fri, 09/02/2024: morning/afternoon ski. Leave High1 and drive to Busan Please let me know your thoughts :)?

[@deraish]

I'm planning,to go skiing in south korea this winter...

[@lostthenfound]

Hope you can make it here @deraish!

[@winnieleechua]

Hi! Your video is extremely helpful in picking out a resort for my family. However, we were planning to go end of March - start of April. Which resort will have the best snow quality, if any? Or is it not worth it to go anymore? We are all beginners who just want to enjoy the snow and ride a little. Thank you!

[@lostthenfound]

Thanks a lot @winnieleechua! As far as I know, all of the ski hills will be closed by the end of March unfortunately. The last resort to close is Yongpyong usually, so I'd keep an eye on their website yongpyong.co.kr/ just in case!

[@osho5996]

I go to yongpyong cause of the food, kebab for days... 🤤

[@lostthenfound]

The food is pretty good at Yongpyong eh @osho5996? Went to Gonjiam Resort recently too and the food was good there too!

[@willentinejerry3209]

Hey mate i have dm you on Instagram,i hope you noticed about that,your video really detailed about every all offers ski resorts,I planned going YongPyong ski resort,what shop rental you recommend for rent all gears?

[@lostthenfound]

Hey @willentinejerry3209 sorry to miss your message. We don't use Instagram these days. I haven't personally tried renting gear because I have my own, but it looks like this rental shop is close to the mountain and you can walk there from the lodge: naver.me/xdfe8Qf0

[@willentinejerry3209]

@@lostthenfound greats yea i saw in naver map close too the ski resort,how about the price ?its expensive?

[@lostthenfound]

I'm not sure about the price as it's not listed on the website, but it'll be cheaper than renting from Yongpyong directly.

[@willentinejerry3209]

@@lostthenfound sure more cheap that rent at yongpyong,getting there by taxi possible?

[@1ifechanger737]

@@willentinejerry3209 Hey I''m a local near by and you can take a taxi from 횡계 bus terminal to yongpyong and it would cost about 10,000~20,000KRW. However, if your going straight to yongpyong then renting the equipment at the resort wold be more easy when you're just taking the shuttle bus because the rental shops outside the resort is quite far and would have to taxi witch is kinda hassle. Price of rental would be 20,000KRW outside the resort, btw don't expect for the equipment they are kinda old.

[@RB-pf1ht]

Hello, I have now booked accommodation in the Mountain Condominium for 2 days on 07/02/2024 - 09/02/2024. It seems the Mountain condo is just next to the recommended beginner slope, making it very convenient for ski and night ski! This is our little itinerary. Would you please comment? Wed, 07/02/2024: drive from Seoul morning. Ski and night ski Thu, 08/02/2024: morning ski, afternoon ski, night ski Fri, 09/02/2024: morning/afternoon ski. Leave High1 and drive to Busan Please let me know your thoughts :)? Can we also hire driver for the duration? I am travelling with kids. So want to take it easy.

[@1ifechanger737]

I'm a local who lives near high1 and youngpyeong. I Think your plan is good if your going to drive. I'm not sure you could hire a driver. You could pay a taxi to get to high1 from seoul but it would cost a lot, about 800,000 KRW in a round trip. One way trip might be 400,000 KRW. I think the best way is to rent a car and drive to high1. Hiring a driver or paying a taxi would be difficult I guess.

[@RB-pf1ht]

@@1ifechanger737 Thank you for clarifying. Do you have a recommended care hire website at good price and reliable? Also there will be 6 adults + 2 babies. I believe we need baby seats and 14 seated car? Can foreigner drive 14 seated car?

[@lostthenfound]

@RB-pf1ht sorry for the late reply, your itinerary looks good! You can hire drivers in Korea, but it'll be really expensive, as you will probably have to book lodging for them as well to stay there at the same time. You will probably have to contact a company like this www.vviptravel.com/chauffeur-service to get the pricing for a custom trip. As @1ifechanger737 mentioned, it would be better to rent a car and drive there. I'd recommend lotterentacar.net/ as you can rent from them in English. You can rent a Hyundai Staria with 11 seats without a special license. You just need an international license from your home country. If you don't want to rent a car, you can take the bus to High 1 from here kdtour.rideus.net/en/kdtour/ and then just take taxis using the Kakao T app when you get there.

[@richardbharata4142]

Hi @@lostthenfound thank you so much for your reply. We are 6 adults + 2 infants and about 6 big luggage. So I believe renting a 11 seats is great option! I am from Australia and have Australian drivers Licence. I will check with the rental company, if I will need a translated licence. I heard Google map does not work well there. Would you recommend using Naver Map? Is this easy to use?

[@lostthenfound]

@@richardbharata4142 no worries! I'd use Naver Map while you are in Korea. It's in English and very similar to Google Maps.

[@Crimsonbrawlstars-pro]

Hello.. how to order ski gear with 3rd party in high1 if the shuttle bus direct to the high1 resort ? Thanks before..

[@lostthenfound]

Hello @eddytasmin4045, there is a free shuttle bus that goes between High 1 Resort and Gohan/Sabuk (the cities nearby), but if I was renting gear I think I would take the train to Gohan Station and then go to one of the ski shops from there, then take the shuttle bus up to the mountain (or they might drive you up there).

[@Crimsonbrawlstars-pro]

@@lostthenfound ok thankss broo

[@anguscovoflyer95]

I wonder why a lot of their detachable lifts run very slowly for?

[@lostthenfound]

@anguscovoflyer95 I've always wondered this myself, and I think a lot of it is to prevent overcrowding on the runs, as they are already very narrow and crowded as is.

[@anguscovoflyer95]

@@lostthenfoundmaybe you could do a top 5 ski resorts for Japan one day

[@lostthenfound]

@@anguscovoflyer95 that's the dream! I've only skied at two places in Japan for financial reasons, but hopefully someday I'll get to check out more!

[@christopheheylen7180]

Why do all the resorts look-a-like 😂

[@lostthenfound]

Ahaha yeah unfortunately Korea doesn't get enough snow in the winter to open up any glades or anything, so you just get man-made narrow groomers here!

[@carlanthonyholmes2162]

All of them look boring for an advanced level snowboarder. No pow,/ backcountry and no side hits on the groomers. Japan all the way.

[@lostthenfound]

Hahah yeah @carlanthonyholmes2162 don't come to Korea just to ski/board. Japan is much better for it for snow quality and terrain!

[@1ifechanger737]

as a local I confirm that Japan is way better for skiing, if your a foreigner who lives in Korea and if your finding a decent ski resort then I recommend going to Japan Nagano or Hokkaido.