South Korea ski resorts are now almost as well known for family friendly fun as the 2018 Winter Olympics. Here are a few we like best this winter, all doable in a day from Seoul.
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- Family ski fun at Mona Yong Pyong resort
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- Ski lifts, Mona Yong Pyong ski resort
Mona Yong Pyong – Gangwon-do Mountains – 2.5 hours east of Seoul
The most famous of South Korea’s ski resorts, Mona Yong Pyong features almost 30 runs which obviously appeals to keen skiers. However, what might surprise you is the family friendly atmosphere at this 2018 Winter Olympic host resort.
Between a long season from November to early April, and at just over two hours east of Seoul, it’s doable in a day. Although waterparks, bowling alleys, a spa and good shopping, might persuade you to consider a longer stay.
Open from mid-November to April
See our recommended family hotels at Mona Yong Pyong
Night skiing, Alpensia ski resort
Alpensia – Gangwon-do Mountains – 2.5 hours east of Seoul
Alpensia Ski Resort is Mona Yong Pyong’s smaller more high-end neighbour, home to a range of 5-star luxury hotels, several of them ski-in-ski-out: perfect for children. There are six slopes here with runs as long as 1.4km. And an area dedicated to advanced snowboarding is a big plus for older kids and teenagers.
Great accessibility is another feature of this popular resort, so it’s also a good choice for differently abled skiers. Beginners will thrive on the quieter slopes and if you prefer a more relaxed family atmosphere, you’ll like the mix of easy-going skiing and gentle fun.
Open from mid-November to April
See our recommended family hotels at Alpensia
Phoenix Pyeongchang ski resort
Phoenix Pyeongchang – 2.5 hours east of Seoul
South Korea’s second largest ski resort and another 2018 Winter Olympian, Phoenix Pyeongchang also has some of the country’s best snow quality. As well as an excellent ski school, there are 20 slopes here and an Extreme Park for snowboarders.
Kids will love the Blue Canyon waterpark, along with a 90m sledding slope. Plus the new Gangneung KTX bullet train runs from Seoul almost directly to the resort in 2.5 hours.
Open from mid-November to early April
See our recommended family hotels at Phoenix Pyeongchang
Elysian Gangchon – 1 hour northeast of Seoul
Elysian Gangchon is an excellent resort for first time skiers and children, not least because it’s the only one in the country you can reach by subway from Seoul.
Schools here offer family group lessons, and as the slopes are best for beginners, there’s plenty of opportunity to skill-build too. Although you won’t have the grandeur of the Olympic South Korea ski resorts, the vibe is friendly and easy going which works well for younger kids. Plus, really small snow babies will love the sledding slope and the surrounding scenery is spectacular too.
Open from late November to early April
See our recommended family hotels at Elysian Gangchong
Music themed Vivaldi Park ski resort South Korea
Vivaldi Park – 2 hours northeast of Seoul
A very cool all-rounder, Vivaldi Park is another of the South Korea ski resorts that’s incredibly easy to reach from Seoul and offers one-day skiing, night skiing and a good choice of hotels, so it’s fun for weekends away too.
There are 12 slopes in all, cutely named after music genres and keeping the theme going tunes are played all over the resort, which could make this the funkiest place to ski this winter. Serious skiers will be pleased about the 10 lift network, although kids are likely to more impressed by Snowyland, snow village with its tube sledding slopes and play zones.
Open from late November to early April
See our recommended family hotels at Vivaldi Park
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