Skiing in Korea

By David Ellis

Snow holiday wholesaler Skimax pioneered the inclusion of Korean winter resorts in its annual line-up of Northern Hemisphere ski and boarding holidays.

Whilst there are numerous ski and snowboarding resorts quite close to the Korean capital of Seoul (that are open day and night) Yongpyong is known as "Korea's Ski Mecca" and will host numerous alpine skiing events at the 2018 Winter Olympics.

“We've received numerous inquiries on skiing in South Korea and have acted quickly to bring this destination to our clients,"said Jenny Foot Marketing Manager Skimax.

"Yongpyong is gaining a reputation as an internationally-renowned resort due to its well organised facilities. The alpine resort has more then 25kms of groomed slopes,15 chairlifts, a 3.7km gondola and a terrain park which ensures all levels of skiers and boarders are satisfied."

Unlike Australian and New Zealand alpine resorts this picture-postcard winter playground has a vast indoor water park, Peak Island, that’s about a two-minute walk from the Dragon Hotel. 

It is an ideal place to rejuvenate tired limbs after a days’ skiing or boarding the snow-covered slopes of Yongpyong.

Another attribute this resort offers is a 40-minute ride in its 3.7km gondola (the longest in Asia) to the highest point of Yongpyong. 

After disembarking from the gondola, and taking a quick snap of the surrounding scenery, there are numerous tree-lined trails back to the base of the lifts.

The easier option from the top station of the gondola is best described as intermediate standard. However, if by mistake you take the left-hand option, you’ll ski the slopes which will be used by the world’s top downhill skiers at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
 
English-speaking instructors can be sourced from the ski school situated in the recently built, European-style Ski House (Dragon Plaza) which is located alongside the beginner slopes and a five minute walk from numerous apartments and the Dragon Valley Hotel, an interesting fusion of European-style or Korean traditional rooms.

Within the hotel there are a number of restaurants that serve Asian and western-style meals. 

There is a small supermarket, swimming pool, bowling alley, lobby lounge (where you can observe who’s coming and going) and also bakery within the hotel's footprint.

A seven day package staying at Greenpia Condominiums in an Ondol Room plus a 6 day Yongpyong ski lift ticket costs from $1,159 per person twin share.

For more details contact Skimax 1300 136 997
Web: www.skimax.com.au
* Conditions apply