Yongpyong Resort
용평리조트
South Korea's largest ski resort offering excellent winter sports facilities and summer mountain activities, with accommodations and dining suitable for extended stays. It's a premier four-season destination for both skiing and golf.
Things to do
- Skiing and Snowboarding — South Korea's largest ski resort with 28 slopes ranging from beginner to expert terrain, operating from December to March with night skiing available.
- Golf at Yongpyong Golf Club — Championship 18-hole golf course set among mountain scenery, open year-round and hosting professional tournaments.
- Hiking and Mountain Biking — Summer and autumn trails across the surrounding Taebaek Mountains offering scenic views and varying difficulty levels.
- Alpine Slide — Bobsled-style ride down the slopes during summer and fall months providing thrills and panoramic views.
- Spa and Wellness Centers — On-site jjimjilbangs and hot spring facilities offering Korean sauna experiences and relaxation after outdoor activities.
- Yongpyong Lake Walks — Peaceful lakeside trails and scenic overlooks around the resort's natural water features, especially beautiful in fall foliage season.
Food to try
- Makguksu (Korean Buckwheat Noodles) — Chewy buckwheat noodles served cold with tangy broth and vegetables, a traditional Gangwon specialty commonly enjoyed by skiers.
- Dakgangjeong (Korean Crispy Fried Chicken) — Sweet and savory glazed fried chicken pieces coated in a crunchy seasoning, widely available at resort restaurants.
- Trout (Songeo) Grilling — Fresh alpine trout caught locally, grilled whole or prepared in soups, reflecting mountain regional cuisine.
- Korean Mountain Vegetables (Sanchai Namul) — Seasoned wild greens and mountain vegetables served as side dishes, showcasing Gangwon's agricultural heritage.
- Corn Ice Cream — Sweet corn-flavored soft-serve ice cream sold throughout the resort, a popular summer treat reflecting local agricultural products.
- Yongpyong Resort Buffet Dining — Multi-course Korean and international buffets available in resort hotels, convenient for extended stay guests.
Local customs & good to know
- Respect Skiing Etiquette — Follow slope safety rules strictly, stay to designated paths, and be aware that Korean ski slopes can become crowded on weekends and holidays.
- Book Accommodations Early — Winter ski season (December-February) and summer holidays fill quickly, so reserving lodging several months in advance is essential.
- Use the Shuttle System — Yongpyong provides free or low-cost shuttle buses between lodging areas and ski lifts; rely on these rather than driving in snow conditions.
- Embrace Jjimjilbang Culture — Korean spa culture is central to the resort experience; remove shoes and follow gender-separated bath customs, which is relaxing after winter sports.