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Frozen Fun: The Ultimate Guide to Winter in South Korea

· 2 min read
Elena Vance
Elena Vance
Editor-in-Chief & Logistics Expert

Korean winter (December - February) is famous for its "Kalbaram" (Knife Wind). It is dry, biting, and brutally cold. But it is also the season of pristine snow, world-class skiing, and one of the most unique festivals on earth.

Don't hibernate. Put on your "Long Padding" and head to Gangwon-do.

Frozen Fun: The Ultimate Guide to Winter in South Korea

1. Top 3 Ski Resorts (Gangwon-do)​

Korea hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics for a reason. The mountains in Gangwon province are snow magnets.

  • Yongpyong Resort (The Legend): The largest in Korea. It hosted the slalom events in 2018. If you are a serious skier, this is your mountain.
  • High1 Resort (The Quality): Known for the best powder and highest altitude (1,340m). It also has a casino (Kangwon Land), the only one open to Korean citizens (and foreigners), giving it a lively nightlife.
  • Vivaldi Park (The Party): Closest to Seoul (1.5 hrs). It attracts a younger crowd and is famous for night skiing. It can be crowded, but it's super accessible.

2. Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival​

CNN called this one of the "7 Wonders of Winter".

  • The Concept: A river freezes over with thick ice. They drill 10,000 holes. You drop a line and wait.
  • The Catch: Mountain Trout (Sancheoneo).
  • The Ritual: Once you catch your fish (limit 3 per person), you take it to the nearby "Grill Center". They wrap it in foil and roast it for you instantly. There is nothing tastier than eating your own catch in sub-zero temperatures.
  • For the Brave: The "Bare Hand Fishing" event involves jumping into a pool of icy water to catch fish by hand. (Note: Not for the faint of heart).

3. Winter Survival Kit​

To survive a Korean winter, look like a local:

  • Long Padding: A knee-length puffer coat. It is the unofficial uniform of Korea in Jan/Feb.
  • Hot Packs: Buy these at any convenience store (CU, GS25). One in each pocket.
  • Bungeoppang: Fish-shaped pastry filled with red bean or custard. It's the ultimate hand-warmer snack.

Winter in Korea challenges you, but the rewards—a silent snowy temple, a rush down an Olympic slope, or a warm fish bread—are worth the chill.