During the midst of winter, a myth awakens in the snowy wonderland of South Korea. A beauty that’s hard to ignore in the gentle slowness of falling snow that caveats the whole country and the picturesque mountain ranges that get bathed in the warm glow of a shining white moon. From the frozen lakes and cozy fireside camps to the bustling city streets that come alive with holiday cheer, there is no shortage of breathtaking sights and experiences to be had in South Korea.
Winter in Korea is a magical time, filled with endless possibilities for adventure and exploration. Whether you’re looking to participate in festive events, relax in a hot spring, or simply enjoy the beauty of the winter landscape, there’s something for everyone in this amazing country. So, if you’re planning a winter getaway to explore some spectacular curiosities, here are 12 amazing winter destinations in Korea that beckon travelers from all over the world.
Nami Island
Nami Island is an ethereal tourist spot decorated in all colors throughout the year. But during the winter months, the island lives up to the expectations of an amazing winter destination in South Korea. Located in the middle of the Bukhangang river that freezes over in the winter, the scenic Nami Island is a romantic haven with birch and redwood trees lined avenues on either side of the road. This half-moon-shaped island is a popular filming location, especially the iconic Metasequoia Lane made famous by the evergreen Korean drama “Winter Sonata”.
The Garden of Morning Calm
When the celebrated poet Rabindranath Tagore named Korea “The land of the morning calm” he wouldn’t have expected that in this very land years later a mystique garden would take shape with the fondness and elegance of the people in Korea woven directly into the texture of its natural beauty. The garden of morning calm is a vast private garden located north of Seoul in Gyeonggi Province. Being home to 5,000 different kinds of plants, this vibrant showpiece is an amazing winter destination in South Korea. During the winter months of December to mid-March, the garden hosts the famous lighting festival, one of the biggest and oldest of its kind in the entire country.
Taebaek
For all mountain lovers, Taebeak is a breathtaking city for you to venture into the remote wilderness of the winter in Korea. The grand Mt. Taebaeksan takes the center stage in the city, offering a stunning view of the surrounding landscape for tourists to explore an amazing winter destination in South Korea. Taebaek snow festival held in January & February every year since 1995 takes over the entire city to create a rejuvenating atmosphere. The nearby Hwangjo pond and the non-stop winter activities such as the snow rafting exhibition, dog sledding, charming snow igloo cafes, and the beautiful ice statues sculpted by people from all over the world are some of the iconic experiences in Taebaek.
Sangsodong Forest Park
At the foothills of the valley where the majestic Mt. Maninsan & Mt. Sikjangsan comes to meet, an epicenter of winter activities comes to its flamboyant colors. If you wish to take a break from the monotonous everyday life to explore a rejuvenating experience then Sangsodong Forest Park is an amazing winter destination in Korea. It is a great place to take a relaxing winter stroll with your loved one to visit the well-preserved ruins of stone pagodas in its winter charm. The amazing architecture of stone towers inside this snowy and icy paradise is a real photogenic treat.
Hwacheon-gun
Hwacheong-gun is a popular city in Gangwond-do, a three-hour drive away from Seoul. The city is an exotic tourist destination throughout the year with many attractions such as the famous Hwacheon Folklore Museum. But the ultimate showdown happens in the winter season when the Hwacheon stream becomes a thick sheet of ice. Winter in Korea is unlike anything else in the world and the celebrated Sancheoneo Ice Festival is a testimony to that fact. When the festive season comes close, the people of Korea from all over the country come together and use their traditional fishing methods to participate in the ice fishing competition. Hwacheon-gun is an amazing winter destination in Korea to experience some of the bone-chilling adventures that Korea has to offer.
Jisan Ski Resort
Winter in Korea is a heavenly abode of sporting activities. Skiing, skating, snowmobiling, or bobsleighing! A myriad of breathtaking adventures is awaiting you just outside of Seoul at Jisan ski resort. Established in 1996 the magnificent Jisan ski resort is an ideal winter destination in Korea for beginners and skilled skiers to ski down the slope on a snowboard. If you have had enough of the thrilling sports and want to catch some breath then enjoy some laid-back picturesque winter scenery.
Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival
In the Chungcheongnam-do province, the winter wonderland of Alps village is a spectacular sight to behold. But just across the Alps village, another stunning location gets decorated with the royal colors of winter– The Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival. Celebrated annually from December to February this amazing ice fountain festival is a mesmerizing experience to witness the popular character coming alive through the artistic mastery of ice sculptures. With appetizing traditional food and kids-friendly activities, the ice fountain festival is an amazing winter destination for a spirited family vacation. Aside from the huge ice sculptures, there are several other alluring visual treats such as the frozen waterfalls and ice walls.
Vivaldi Park Ski World
Located in Hongcheon, one and a half hours away from Seoul is a different world altogether! Secluded in the snowy hills with a whole lot of sporting activities, Vivaldi park in winter promises to be an epic adventure and a place that’s on almost everyone’s list of amazing winter destinations in Korea. The park is divided into two sections, Snowy land, and Ski park, where visitors can indulge in various winter adventures from ice sledding to nighttime skiing. Make use of state-of-the-art facilities such as ski lifts to reach the hilltops and choose the right slope to slide down for a lifetime’s worth of experience to cherish.
Camellia Hill
If you’re looking for paradise on earth, then take some time out to explore this enchanting fairyland located in the middle of Jeju island. Camila hill, also known as Camellia arboretum is home to a unique and uniquely winter celebration. The arboretum is where a curious thing happiness during winter, the 6000 and more Camellia trees will be bursting full of colors and the unfurling petals paint the natural canvas on full display. This elegant beauty will be blooming only in winter and along with the adjoining lily pond, the Camellia hills is an amazing winter destination in Korea.
Everland Theme Park
Located in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, the Everland theme park is the largest theme park in South Korea where the thrill of adventure is unstoppable. This five-themed park is home to one of the steepest wooden roller coasters in the world, the famous T-Express is Korea’s first wooden roller coaster. The excitement of feeding animals up close in the Zootopia, vibrant snow festival, and other themed zones make the Everland Theme Park a journey of surprises and discoveries. The snow festival during the winter months when the illuminating light decoration comes alive is an amazing winter destination in Korea.
Deogyusan Mountains
Deogyusan mountains is a mighty mountain range in the heart of Korea. Home to the fourth highest peak in South Korea this majestic range also has several other major peaks like Hyangjeokbong, Jungbong, and Nam Deogyusan where you will be greeted with panoramic views of powder-white snow. The enormous wealth of flora & fauna and hiking along the sweeping vistas of sparkling white snow manages to impress travel enthusiasts worldwide. In between the endless endeavors, take time to visit the well-preserved ruins of Buddhist temples and relics, it is a great place to take a winter stroll.
Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink
Seoul, the evergreen city of South Korea is always on display. Filled with areas like concerts, monuments, and restaurants, the city is an epicenter of all tourist destinations with its culture, delicacies, nature, and excellent hospitality. But what makes Seoul an amazing winter destination in Korea is its icing rinks. With the arrival of winter, the Seoul plaza transforms into an outdoor skating rink. Enjoy a great night in the plaza to end a wonderful winter expedition through the fairylands of South Korea to safe keep some unforgettable memories for a lifetime.
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