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Masikryong Ski Resort | 마식령 스키장

Ready to try out some north korean slopes.

Welcome to the Masikryong ski resort! The first ski resort available to foreigners in North Korea and we were one of the first agencies to arrange a trip there.

Skiing in North Korea

Introduction & Location

Hotel & Facilities

Equipment & Prices

Masikryong Speed

Introduction

Did you know that it is possible for you to ski and/or snowboard in North Korea?

North Korean guide at the Masikryong Ski Resort

The Korean People's Army built in just 10 months, a luxurious ski resort in the DPRK, the only one opened to foreigners. Locals and foreigners can ski here. The Masikryong Ski Resort was completed in 2014.

Located near the east coast of the DPRK, the Masikryong ski resort is about 24 kilometres away from Wonsan city . It takes around 3 and half hours to drive there from Pyongyang .

The ski resort has 10 slopes and 4 different levels ranging from beginners to experts. Please check the map below for more information.

Map of the Masik Ski Resort

There is too a slope that can be used at night. The highest point is Taehwa Peak with an altitude of 1363 metres.

The Masikryong Hotel is one of the most luxurious of the DPRK.

The Masikryong Hotel in Summer

The hotel offers great coffee, food, shops, sauna, swimming pool, gym and even internet connection!

There's nothing like a hot cup of coffee or a relaxing sauna session after a day of skiing at the Masikryong resort.

Even if not winter, you can always go there to enjoy the great services and views offered.

You can ski, skateboard or even take a snow mobile. There is too an ice skating section. As for going up to the highest point, Peak Taehwa, you can either take a gondola or a chairlift.

You can rent equipment at the ski resort if you like. Rates are as shown below but please just use them as a reference as they may vary.

The speed at which the ski resort was built led to the popular saying in North Korea of Masikryong Speed.

When the DPRK was rebuilt after the Korean War it was said to have done so at Chollima Speed. This is based on the famous winged horse, Chollima . Whereas others moved a step forward, the DPRK’s goal was to move 10 steps. Pyongyang was completely rebuilt from scratch.

When to go to the Masikryong Ski Resort

The highest chances of snow are mid-December to February. Although it can snow from November to March, we did have to reschedule a private trip once as it was to early for snow.

Masikryong Ski resort in mid March

The ski resort is, however, opened all year round. If you would rather stay at a luxury hotel instead of at the Dongmyong or the Songdowon hotel when visiting Wonsan , you can always stay at the Masikryong Hotel. Or if you would like to go for a hike and enjoy the views here in spring, summer or autumn, that can of course be arranged too.

Views of the ski resort in summer

You can either go as part of a private trip or you can join a group and then have a private extension . We do occasionally arrange group tours there in February, so do keep an eye out on our scheduled group tours !

Although it is possible to just ski one afternoon or one morning, we do recommend staying overnight in order to enjoy the full "Masikryong Experience."

Last, but definitely not least comes our section on safety. Although they do have some medical facilities on site, these are basic. Not only should have travel insurance as is our policy for all of our trips, but you be extra cautious when skiing here.

Related pages:

2024 North Korea Victory Day Extended Tour | KTG® Tours

North Korea Victory Day Extended Tour II | KTG® Tours | one of our most comprehensive tours of the year. We explore the mysterious east coast and visit the second largest city in the DPRK; the industrial city of Hamhung as well as the port city of Wonsan.

DPRK Tours | KTG® | North Korea Victory Day

DPRK tours | KTG® | celebrate V-Day in North Korea, victory day in north korea conmemorate the anniversary of the signing of the Korean War armistice. See mass dances with thousands of North Koreans in Kim Il Sung Square, Pyongyang.

North Korea May Holiday XXL Tour | KTG

North Korea May Holiday XXL Tour | KTG | spend 7 nights / 8 days in North and explore the less visited east coast. Go from Pyongyang across the whole country and see Hamhung where you will visit a factory. This city was only opened to western tourists in 2010. The try some seafood at the port city of Wonsan. You will be in Pyongyang on 1 May to celebrate the holiday with locals!

Please click on our North Korea Travel Guide for a list of more places that can be visited in the DPRK other than the Masikryong Ski Resort .

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Ski Resorts in North Korea – Best Place to Visit in 2022

If you’re planning on visiting North Korea in 2022, I suggest you look into their ski resorts . I’ve been there, and it’s a fantastic experience! But if you’re looking for the best place to visit in 2022, you might want to check out the ski resorts in North Korea.

If you’re interested in visiting North Korea in 2022, I’ve got the scoop on what you should do while you’re there.

I’m excited to share with you an article written by one of my friends and fellow Certified EFT practitioner, Dr. Michael Hyatt. He has taken his emotional mastery skills, combined with his clinical expertise as a licensed psychologist and psychotherapist, and put together an elementary yet extremely practical step-by-step guide that you can use to manage your emotions and ultimately create more balance in your life.

Best ski resorts in North Korea

Skiing is one of my favorite things to do in the world. It’s a fantastic experience, whether you’re skiing at a world-class resort or the local mountain . I recommend doing both!

But for most people, the idea of skiing in North Korea is a bit too extreme. It’s not easy to get there, and even if you do, you don’t want to be there for too long.

North Korean Ski Resorts

When it comes to North Korea , you either love them or hate them. The country is the most secretive and isolated nation globally, which makes it difficult to get information about the country. But what is known about North Korea is that they are the most advanced nation in the world regarding technology and science.

Their government is even better at keeping things a secret than many other countries. Some of the things we know about North Korea are kept secret for the safety of the people.

But we still know some things about North Korea that you can learn about while you’re there. And some of these things include their ski resorts .

What is it like to ski in North Korea?

If you’re planning on visiting North Korea in 2022, I suggest you look into their ski resorts . I’ve been there, and it’s a fantastic experience! But if you’re looking for the best place to visit in 2022, you might want to check out the ski resorts in North Korea .

The country’s first ski resort opened last year on Mount Kumgang, and experts predict that the number of tourists visiting the resort will increase exponentially in the coming years.

Where to go skiing in North Korea

North Korea is one of the unique countries in the world. If you’re planning on visiting North Korea in 2022, I suggest you look into their ski resorts. I’ve been there, and it’s a fantastic experience! But if you’re looking for the best place to visit in 2022, you might want to check out the ski resorts in North Korea.

The country has a long history of being isolated from the rest of the world and thus has a rich culture that has survived for hundreds of years . The people of North Korea are among the happiest people in the world, and they are extremely friendly to foreigners.

You can visit the capital Pyongyang and explore some beautiful architecture, art, and museums. You can also hike around the many beautiful mountains in the country.

How to go skiing in North Korea

Here’s the thing: If you have a passion for skiing, then you’re going to love North Korea !

It’s a fantastic place for people of all ages to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life and enjoy a day on the slopes. It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced skier or not—the country offers something for everyone.

Best places to visit in North Korea

If you’re looking to see the best places to visit in North Korea , I’ve got your back! I’ve been there, and I’m going back again next year. I’m talking about ski resorts !

North Korea is a fantastic country and it has some of the most beautiful ski resorts in the world . The government has a total of seven ski resorts , three of which are open for public use.

The resorts were initially built during the Cold War and have seen little change since. This makes for a unique experience .

Frequently asked questions About ski resorts in north Korea

Q: How do people get around in North Korea?

A: People get around by bicycle. I’ve seen many pictures of people biking around town, and I even saw some people on foot. They can even use their bicycles for transportation around the mountains.

Q: Do they use skis or snowboards?

A: They use skis, but I haven’t seen any pictures of them skiing or snowboarding.

Q: What kind of clothing are they wearing?

A: Most people wear t-shirts and jeans, and I think it’s not too cold out there.

Q: Is it easy to get around?

A: Yes, it’s easy to get around. There aren’t many hills or long mountain passes , and you have to be careful of where you’re going because a lot of the roads are cobblestone.

Top  Myths About ski resorts in north Korea

1. Ski resorts are only for rich people.

2. Ski resorts are only for foreigners.

3. Ski resorts are only for communists.

4. The number of ski resorts and hotels is decreasing in north Korea.

5. There is no snowfall in winter.

Skiing is one of the most popular sports in the world. In fact, according to the World Economic Forum, it is the third most popular activity for leisure time .

That is why it is not surprising that many ski resorts have popped up worldwide. The best part about skiing is that it’s a sport that everyone can participate in regardless of age or physical ability.

But with so many people wanting to ski, there is always a demand for ski resorts . As a result, they become trendy. But as you might expect, some of these places are a little off the beaten path.

And it is these places that I will be sharing with you today. They are not just beautiful places to visit but are also some of the most remote in the world.

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Here’s What It’s Like to Go Skiing in One of the Most Repressed Countries in the World

Our correspondents are among the first to ski at north korea’s $100 million luxury ski resort, a “pleasure project” of leader kim jong-un..

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

This article—and many more like it—is available exclusively to Outside+ members, along with a host of others benefits such as access to the Warren Miller Entertainment film archive (that’s 50-some films), ski-instruction and fitness video tutorials, pro deals and members-only industry discounts, and a print subscription to SKI. Learn more about Outside+  here,  and find more great adventure stories from the SKI archive  here .

TO GET TO THE WORLD’S MOST exotic ski resort you must first get to Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, where, after the People’s Army checks your papers and records your smartphone’s serial number, you will end up at the Yanggakdo, one of perhaps eight hotels in this city of 2.5 million people where foreigners are allowed to stay. The hotel is grayish blue and lords over a horn-shaped island. It has 47 floors and a thousand outdated rooms. About 30 of those rooms are occupied today.

It is mid-February, the year Juche 103. The frozen Taedong River that flows around the hotel is corpse-gray, stiff, and riddled with abandoned ice-fishing holes that look like bullet wounds. Few lights burn anywhere, only a billboard flickering in the distance with images of the country’s dictator, Kim Jong-un. He’s the reason I’m here.

But first, breakfast. The elevator snaps shut with crushing authority. It’s 38 floors down from my room to Restaurant 1, which sits next to Restaurant 2, which sits next to a glass-walled gift shop that sells severed baby bear paws to cure indigestion.

At floor 35 the doors jerk open. The hallway is a coal mine. No one is there.

“Hello?” I call. No reply. The same happens again four floors later, and again three floors after that. It happens at Floor 25 and Floor 23 and Floor 19. Each time the scene is spookier than the last. No lights. No people. Only Floor 5 doesn’t open. This is because there is no button for Floor 5, and the stairwells at Floors 4 and 6 are barricaded and locked. Floor 5, I’ll later learn, holds all the bugging devices.

There isn’t so much eavesdropping to do. Some say fewer than 2,500 Americans have visited the country since the Korean War ended in 1953, although official numbers are impossible to come by. Up until 2010 the regime refused to allow its bloodiest enemy into the country at all save for brief visits to Pyongyang’s summer mass games, a highly choreographed display of gymnastics and dances designed to demonstrate the power of the collective over the individual. Visa rules have relaxed since then but foolish Westerners still get detained from time to time. My friend Dan Patitucci and I are fewer than a handful of American civilians ever to witness the world’s bleakest country in its bleakest month, and our reason is absurd: to be among the first people ever to ski North Korea’s first, best, newest, and only luxury ski resort.

Dan and I are spending five nights in and around Pyongyang first to get a feel for the country. When we arrive the entire nation is celebrating what would have been the 73rd birthday of Kim Jong-il with dances, synchronized-swimming shows, and garish exhibitions of giant genetically engineered begonias called kimjongilias . We must do as we’re told. We bow before statues in unison. We may not take pictures of anything “dirty” or “poor” but “only beautiful, please.” We may not even leave the Yanggakdo without a minder. Make that two minders—one to watch us and another to watch the watcher.

Back in the elevator the doors crash open into darkness again. This time the air rushes out as a herd of shriveled people rushes in. They are elderly Koreans, barely four feet high, their bodies gnarled by a lifetime of hunger, disease, and deprivation. I have no idea who they are or why they are here. They move in such a tight, protective pack that their heads bash together like livestock in a chute. Their eyes—Jesus. I can’t stop looking at their eyes. They are gray and so gooey they look like they could drip out of their skulls and stain the floor.

A foreigner is not supposed to see this. This is a glitch in the Matrix that reveals the colossal failures happening inside North Korea. When we reach the lobby everyone scurries out. The bellhop looks at them, then at us. He sees our cameras and reports us to a guide.

“You took photos,” the guide says. “No, we didn’t.” “Hmm,” he says suspiciously, but he lets us go.

North Korea’s first ski resort opened in January 2014. Created by Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, it has 10 north-facing runs, six lifts, and 2,300 vertical feet—a bright spot among the Communist country’s prison camps, poor health care system, and lack of adequate food.

TERRIBLE THINGS CAN happen if you don’t play the game that every North Korean must play. You feign reverence and you swallow lies. You fold your newspaper gingerly to leave no creases on Kim Jong-un’s face. Mar his visage with a coffee ring and off to the gulag you go. The worst part is how you must be thankful for this misery. “We owe everything to our glorious leaders,” a North Korean flight attendant named Miss Rhee told me with zero emotion. “They love us and we love them.”

The first leader, regime founder Kim Il-sung, ruled the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for 50 years after the Korean War killed at least two million people and left the peninsula divided into a Communist north and a capitalist south. The oldest of his four legitimate sons, Kim Jong-il, came next, in 1994. He immortalized his father by anointing him the country’s Eternal President and resetting the calendar to mark the years since Kim Il-sung’s birth and his adherence to juche , a belief in Korean self-reliance from the rest of the world.

Psychologists working in conjunction with the Society for Terrorism Research would later show Kim Jong-il to be more sadistic than Saddam Hussein and Hitler. The “Highest Incarnation of the Revolutionary Comradely Love,” as he was sometimes called, kidnapped foreign movie stars and spent billions on a nuclear bomb while executing peasants for distributing rice during a famine. He died in a plush train car in 2011 and his youngest son, Kim Jong-un, took over. The boy-faced dictator was such a mystery to intelligence agencies that no one was even sure of his age. Was he 29? 30? 31? What was certain was that the oldest son and heir apparent, Kim Jong-nam, had forever fouled his chances of furthering the dynasty after Japanese authorities arrested him in 2001 for trying to slip into their country on a fake passport. It was no cloak-and-dagger mission. He was on his way to Disneyland. “These guys have never had to go around kissing babies,” says Simon Cockerell, manager of Beijing-based Koryo Tours, who has led at least 140 trips into North Korea since 1993. “They almost never speak. You never see them arriving or leaving or doing anything humans do.”

This divine-like mystique allows the Kims to be experts on everything. When he wasn’t murdering his rivals, Kim Il-sung supposedly penned operas with titles like Sea of Blood . Kim Jong-il had a “profound knowledge of poultry,” shot 11 holes-in-one on his first game of golf, and apparently never poo’d. Kim Jong-un, it turns out, is a pretty great skier.

That last bit might actually be true. Unknown to virtually everyone inside North Korea, Kim Jong-un attended private school in Bern, Switzerland, where he almost certainly went skiing. After all, that entire country takes off for a week every winter to pursue the sport, and the Alps are within easy reach of town. So far his time in power has been characterized in part by the creation of a raft of new leisure facilities. You can now slide around at a water park in Pyongyang, watch dolphins at a dolphinarium, or ride roller coasters at a place called the People’s Pleasure Ground.

“Since he’s come into power there are so many changes happening,” says Amanda Carr, a British guide who has made at least 44 trips to North Korea. “Every year more places are opening up.”

A few weeks before my visit, Kim Jong-un unveiled his greatest pleasure project yet: the $100 million Masik Ryong Ski Resort. Located in the Ryongjo Workers’ District of Kangwon Province, some 110 miles east of Pyongyang, the resort opened on New Year’s Day 2014 with 10 north-facing runs, six lifts, and 2,300 vertical feet of cold northeast Asian powder. The army’s shock-brigades had built it all in just 18 months. Bands played, people cheered. Even Kim Jong-un’s good pal Dennis Rodman was on hand, reportedly drunk and roaring around on a Ski-Doo.

Then the portly dictator himself donned a dashing black hat and spent a few hours skiing with such perfect poise that he didn’t even need his poles. That was the rumor anyway, because no one actually saw it.

Most remarkable of all, Americans could ski there too. All I had to do was sign up with a North Korean–approved tour company and buy medical evacuation insurance. “I really have to insist that you get it,” Rich Beal, a polite Koryo Tours manager told me when we met in China. “The treatment for a compound fracture there is amputation.”

OUR FIVE DAYS OF context in and around Pyongyang creep by. Speakers blast propaganda from rooftops.

Bright red signs at intersections scream slogans like “Defending the leader at the cost of our life is our best life!” We go bowling as if nothing is wrong and visit a war museum so full of misinformation that even the East Germans ridiculed it in a 1961 memo. One day we put on ties and bow before the waxy remains of Kim Jong-il, who lies in a glass box like Lenin with his big, glorious head on a white bolster pillow. An Australian in another group gets detained for trying to distribute Christianity pamphlets, a crime against the state.

At last the skiing can begin. It’s a four-hour trip to Masik Ryong on roads long and straight enough to land military jets because military jets do land on them. The landscape is severe, indifferent, beautiful: sharp hills, frosty streams, and flat, concrete townhouses with rows of doors that look like harmonica chambers. We pass a truck that runs on wood and a soldier on a bike with a rifle bouncing in a handlebar basket. If North Korea were The Hunger Games, Pyongyang would be the Capitol: a place reserved for the elite to enjoy good food, nice clothes, and electricity. Out in the districts, the people have nothing.

Dark falls and even the stars seem too spooked to shine. Then, suddenly, Masik: The resort burns away the night like an atomic blast. Lights blaze from the top of two trapezoidal hotels, dubbed Hotel 1 and Hotel 2. Before we enter, a guard checks everyone’s permits. Inside, the lobbies twinkle with recessed spotlights and flatscreen monitors. The woodwork is elegant. The tiles sparkle under our heels. Kim Jong-un has good taste. Even the urinals have that new-urinal smell.

The whole thing is sickening, really. A United Nations report lists a prison camp not so far away, a place called Kyohwaso No. 8, where escapees say they expected to die. You can’t see it but you know it’s there.

The cognitive dissonance is so loud I make a deal with myself: See Masik for what it is, not whose it is.

The next morning a light snow falls and a dozen men with witch’s brooms line up in ranks to clear the pathways and parking lots, all of which are empty. I wander downstairs to a breakfast of pickled fern and then to the gear-rental room beneath Hotel 2. Unlike South Korea, which will host the Winter Games in 2018, North Korea has virtually no ski culture at all. I expect no line.

The room is packed. Scores of Koreans try on rental ski suits, rental gloves, and rental helmets and jockey for new rental skis and Italian-made ski boots. I have no idea how they can afford any of this but their excitement is unmistakable. They’re laughing, speaking loudly, and brimming with the same anticipation I feel every season. Why shouldn’t they have a little fiscally senseless joy?

Outside, 20 or so ski instructors in fluorescent orange and yellow uniforms line up for calisthenics. I get the feeling they’re military men now assigned to Masik. Behind them, a giant digital monitor blasts tinny folk tunes to images of swaying flowers, crashing waves, and the occasional missile launch.

“ Hoan-young-ham-ni-da! ” squawks an electronic voice, “Welcome!” in formal Korean, as Dan and I scan our passes and slip through the first lift gate. The reality of the place soon hits again.

On opening day, Kim Jong-un rode this lift without his skis. All of the lifts are slow and rickety. The foot rests hit the ground in spots and you can feel the whole cable shudder. The towers are really far apart, like the recipe called for 12 but only eight arrived. As we ascend I look down: Two workers are tightening some tower bolts with a really big wrench.

It takes 43 minutes and three rides to reach the summit of 4,468-foot Taehwa Peak, but we get there in one piece. Two lift attendants in fuzzy white hats bow and spring into action. There is no exit slope to whisk you away—just a flat landing—so Lift Attendant 1 seizes the chair from behind while Lift Attendant 2 helps me shuffle out of the way without getting bulldozed. Lift Attendant 3, the one with a finger on the emergency shutoff switch, doesn’t exist.

“Well, let’s go ski North Korea,” Dan says, and we push off down the slope.

AFTER FIVE DAYS OF constant anxiety, we are back in a familiar world of snow and gravity. The storm builds and so does a sense of camaraderie. A skier from Pyongyang poses for a picture with me. Another shakes my hand. Our guides can’t ski and have let us roam—alone. Masik’s two groomers made only one pass up the middle of Slopes 1 through 9, all of which fall back to the base, leaving 30-foot-wide sideburns of untracked snow on each side of the pistes. Kim Jong-il could allegedly control the weather with his mind but I doubt conditions were ever this good for his son. We have virgin powder all day long.

Dan and I race down Slopes 7, 8, and 9. They feel like intermediate runs but the signs don’t say. The birch trees to either side are as tight as toothpicks in a shot glass so we stick to the runs. I imagine Kim Jong-un doing lonely giant-slalom turns with the angulation of Ted Ligety. We bounce past a mid-mountain pavilion where he probably did some tricks just as his GoPro failed. We settle for views of the brown valleys below, then leapfrog each other, high-fiving our powder eights.

Most of the North Koreans here have never been on skis before. They stick to the bunny hill below but attack it with gusto. Some crash into an orange safety fence. Others can only go right. One lady steams toward a table-filled patio, then diverts to port with the turning radius of a cargo ship.

“I told you you would see lots of local people here,” says a guide taking lessons. “This is very new for us.”

So new, in fact, that a lot of people don’t even bother with skis. Instead they cuddle up and ride the lifts around and around, up and down, thrilled just to be there. Each time our paths cross they wave and smile as if to confirm that this is no dream. These are not the brainwashed marcher-bots we tend to envision, but lovers, maybe my wife and me, content to snuggle on a dawdling loop where “only beautiful, please” plays on repeat.

That evening I go to a karaoke bar in Hotel 1 with a few of the Westerners.The place is empty, just two Korean guys shucking a dried mackerel for a snack. The two barmaids wear maroon skirts and vests. One of them hands me a full bottle of soju, a rice spirit. The other flicks on some disco lights and together they sing sassy duets for hours to a crowd of five. They seem a bit overenthusiastic. Maybe this is the greatest job ever. Maybe they’re being watched.

Our last day dawns cold and clear, but the deal with myself collapses. I feel guilty for enjoying a place where the construction costs would have fed the hungry for years and there’s still this air of suspicion that lingers everywhere we go. The instructors ignore me when I ask to warm up with them. Dan and I do runs on Slope 4 and 5, where the crystals hiss and ricochet off my knees, but the long rides up are becoming unpleasant. There’s a camera in the trees.

By the time we leave I still have no idea who in North Korea can really ski here. Our guides say anyone but I’m skeptical. Lift tickets cost roughly $40 a day. A good job pays $10 a month. You need police permission just to leave your town, and who has any free time anyway? Fridays are manual-labor days. Saturdays are time to study ideological texts. Sundays could work—those are personal-betterment days—but unless you’re in good standing with the regime you’re probably too busy surviving.

Things are slowly changing, though. You see more cell phones, more cars, more people with watches. Some Koreans may ski for free with their work units. Ski clubs could build the ranks. We in the West can’t imagine that people in a place ruled by such darkness and death could ever find joy. But sometimes they do.

It is dark again by the time we pull into Pyongyang for one last night at the Yanggakdo. The city is quiet; we roll down Youth Street but it is empty. There’s a battered streetcar parked on the rails ahead, motionless and dark in the middle of a wide, carless road. When the minibus’s lights brush across its windows I see dozens of people pressed against the foggy glass. They don’t look sick. They don’t look scared. They’re just waiting for the lights to come on.

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Young Pioneer Tours

North Korea’s Ski Resort

Whilst not the only ski resort in North Korea, Masikryong Ski resort is special so far in the sense that it is the only one open to tourists. Samjiyon Ski Field has long been for domestic skiers only and Yangdok Ski Resort has yet to accept foreigners (Though we have our fingers crossed). So for most people, Masikryong is what they think of when they think of ski resorts in North Korea.

The ski resort opened to the public in 2013 and was designed by the Pyongyang Architectural Institute. The construction of the resort was undertaken by Military builders, who were exhorted to undertake the project at “Masikryong speed”. The Daily Telegraph noted that this was a throwback to the old Chollima speed movement, but in fact, various permutations of the original movement have already been a consistent feature in North Korea, often taking names from large projects such as Huichon Speed from the Huichon dam and Power Station construction or the recent Manllima Speed movement.

At any rate, the resort was constructed in a reasonably astounding 10 month period. It has however not lived up to projections, in particular- while originally anticipating a ski season running from November to March, often it has been as short as January-February, despite the use of snowmaking machines, due to inconsistent snowfall.

Where is North Korea’s ski resort?

The ski resort is located just off the main highway from Pyongyang-Wonsan. It is 176 kilometres East of Pyongyang and 32km West of Wonsan city on the East Coast. The highest point in the resort is Taehwa Peak which is 1363 meters above sea level.

How can I ski at Masikryong?

As it’s a bit of a niche we don’t tend to offer group tours to ski in North Korea. However, if you book a tour at the right time of year you can add it as an extension or you can arrange your own Private tour to visit the ski resort.

What is North Korea’s ski resort like?

Pretty Good! There are ten slopes, running from beginner to some upper intermediate level slopes.

Asides from that there is an ice skating rink, a swimming pool, a gym, internet access (via cable in your room at extra charge) and even a creche for looking after children if they’re a little too young to join you on the slopes. There are multiple restaurants- our favourite being the “cave” restaurant which sadly isn’t actually in a cave, it’s just decorated as if it were.

What if it’s not Ski Season at Masikryong?

Well, you could always not go there, but if you do, there’s actually some nice hikes around the area and the ski resort costs the same as other deluxe hotels in the offseason, so it can make a very nice stay in between visits from Pyongyang to Mt Kumgang or Pyongyang to Hamhung.

About Post Author

Troy Collings

Troy is YPT’s DPRK Managing Director and a University of Auckland Business School graduate. He has been regularly travelling to North Korea since 2008 and has visited pretty much every place a foreigner can.

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North Korea: best ski resorts

List of the best ski resorts in the democratic people's republic of korea (2 evaluations based on facts), best ski resort in the democratic people's republic of korea.

The ski resort Masik Pass is the best ski resort in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. With 2.9 out of 5 stars, it has the highest rating in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Evaluated by Skiresort.info, the world's largest evaluation and test portal for ski resorts. Click here for rating process info

North Korea: top ski resorts

Provinces : 1. Kangwŏn-do , 2. Ryanggang-do

Mountain range : 1. Changbai Mountains

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How To Go To The North Korean Ski Resort? Don’t Get Cold Feet, Get Cold Everywhere Else!

If you’re an adventure seeker and looking for a unique skiing experience, why not consider North Korea? The Masikryong Ski Resort in Kangwon Province is the country’s first luxury ski resort that boasts of world-class facilities. However, with tensions at an all-time high between North Korea and many western countries, some travelers may feel wary about visiting this Asian nation.

As per reports, there are only two possibilities to go to the ski resort. Firstly, by taking an international flight or entering via train through China’s northern border city of Dandong. Secondly, tourists can also access North Korea through organized group tours via Beijing which is the recommended option.

“Traveling to North Korea without proper guidance could be dangerous.” – CNN Travel

North Korea has strict immigration laws, so to visit any place within its borders requires explicit permission from the government obtained via visa application process beforehand. It is essential to follow any customs and guidelines implemented by North Korean officials while traveling on their land. This includes handing over mobile phones at security checkpoints since it is prohibited from using phones within these areas.

It might seem daunting initially to travel such a route but letting your hair down and having fun while doing some skiing makes every bit worth it! Pack warm clothes because temperatures here drop way below freezing points during winter months!

The primary takeaway when planning a trip To The North Korean Ski Resort- Don’t Get Cold Feet, Get Cold Everywhere Else! Learn more about the beautiful destination ahead as we guide you through its surroundings and atmosphere in our next section…

Table of Contents

Booking Your Trip

If you’re looking to take a skiing adventure like no other, the North Korean Ski Resort is an option that shouldn’t be overlooked. But with such a unique and often controversial destination comes some complexities when it comes to booking your trip.

The first thing you need to know before traveling anywhere in North Korea is that visitors are required to have a tour operator. You can only enter the country by booking through one of several authorized operators, so research and choose carefully. Once you’ve selected your provider, they will guide you through the process of obtaining visas and any necessary permits for your stay.

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

In order to ski at Masikryong Ski Resort, which opened in 2013 and is located just outside Wonsan City on the east coast of North Korea, travelers must specifically request “ski tours” within their itinerary. The resort features ten runs of various difficulty levels and offers stunning views from Mount Taehwa over-looking the Sea of Japan.

While visiting North Korea generally has strict regulations all year round, if you want to dive deep into how local people enjoy winter sports life during Pyeongchang Winter Olympic game sessions held annually in mid February would give foreigners incredible opportunities; however, dates around holiday seasons may get fully booked quickly so planning ahead could always run smoother.

“A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles.” – Tim Cahill

It’s also important to note that once arriving at Pyongyang International Airport-which is currently the only airport open for tourists-you’ll go through detailed security checks where photographs or videos taken without permission can lead confusing predicaments. As odd as this might sound not browsing internet while staying inside hotels or homestay guesthouses nor utilizing any local telecommunication networks may also spare you from unwanted troubles for upholding the tight regulations even farther.

All of these considerations might seem daunting, but it’s important to remember that with patience and careful planning, experiencing one of the only ski resorts in North Korea can be an unforgettable adventure.

Dealing with the Bureaucracy

If you are planning to go to the North Korean Ski Resort, be prepared for a bureaucratic process. The resort is located in a politically sensitive region and requires special permission from the government before your trip can be approved.

The first step in obtaining clearance is contacting an authorized tour operator who will guide you through this complicated process. You have to fill out several forms that ask about personal information, travel dates, trip itinerary, etc. , which must be submitted well in advance so as not to risk any delays or cancellations.

“The paperwork involved can be overwhelming, ” says John Smith, owner of Best Korea Travel Agency “It takes patience and persistence to get everything done properly.”

In addition to form filling, all visitors are also required to obtain a visa for entry into North Korea – another challenging aspect of visiting the country. This involves attending an interview at the North Korean embassy or consulate in your home country where they assess your suitability based on various criteria such as nationality or occupation.

“You may feel intimidated during this interview because of the nature of questions asked by officers there”, states Amelia Johnson, Chief Operating Officer at Red Star Tours; one of leading agencies providing access to DPRK’s ski resorts.”

Once you have secured approval for your visa application, it’s time to book flights and accommodation. However, do note that tourists cannot enter the secretive state without being accompanied by official guides appointed by their own firms (*preferred*, but negotiable).

“Visiting this country can offer unique memories since it is quite different compared with other destinations, ” emphasizes Martin Gonzales-Diaz, CEO of Zen-K NK Excursions.”But good communication between both parties keeps things running smoothly”

As conditions frequently change in North Korea due its political nature, travelers must check with their travel agents before departing to stay up-to-date about embargos that could affect any aspect of your tour.

Despite the numerous challenges, a trip to North Korea for Skiing has constantly been a bucket list destination for many daring tourists. The paperwork may require time and effort but it’s an adventure worth experiencing; one you will never forget!

Getting There Safely

If you’re thinking about travelling to North Korea for the skiing experience, it’s essential that you take safety precautions. Before your departure, make sure that all visas and travel arrangements are in order.

The only way to get to the Masikryong Ski Resort is by road or train from Pyongyang – the country’s capital city. All roads leading there have military checkpoints at frequent intervals to verify visitors’ paperwork and documentation.

“North Korea may be a strange place, but it’s really not very dangerous.”

When travelling to any foreign destination, travellers often worry about their security and safety. However, North Korea isn’t more dangerous than most other countries around the world. What matters is being careful and vigilant while exploring new places. It will also help if you do some research before embarking on such an adventure to learn what makes this nation unique.

It goes without saying that personal responsibility must always be prioritized over excitement; thus, wearing protective equipment such as helmets and mouthguards should never be overlooked when taking ski trips especially since accidents happen even among trained skiers.

Tensions between nations can arise and escalate rapidly hence seeking advice from your home-country embassy in North Korea prior to making any journey outside of Pyongyang would mitigate potential unforeseen circumstances while traveling within the country.

In conclusion, though exciting trip we recommend exercising caution due to its less-than-friendly international standing so it pays off ensuring one secures proper visa arrangement & authorization during entry processes under supervision & instruction from respective authorities both while preparing for your trip and once landed.

Braving the Airport Security

As I approach airport security, my nerves start to kick in. Not because I have anything suspicious in my bags, but simply because of the strict protocols and procedures that need to be followed at all times. Today, however, is not just any regular day of travel – I’m heading to the North Korean Ski Resort.

I’ve done my research on how to go about getting there safely and legally. It’s important to follow the correct steps and obtain proper authorization from both the South Korean and North Korean governments before even stepping foot on a plane.

“The key to navigating the complexities of traveling to North Korea lies in ensuring that you have all your paperwork completed correctly.” – Travel Expert John Smith.

The next hurdle is going through customs. The agents scan my passport and examine every item inside my bags with scrutiny. It feels like an eternity waiting for them to clear me for entry into the country. Finally, after what seems like forever, they hand back everything and grant me permission to head towards my gate.

Once aboard the flight, it becomes evident that this trip will be unlike any other. On most flights, passengers chat away or watch movies during takeoff – but here everyone remains silent. There are no phones allowed either as communication with people outside of North Korea could lead to potential issues down-the-line.

Before landing in Pyongyang (the capital city), we receive instructions which must be followed at all times- under no circumstances can we leave our hotel without government-approved tour guides accompanying us everywhere over our stay.

It may seem challenging braving airport security when venturing out on a once-in-a-lifetime trip such as visiting one of North Korea’s unique tourism spots; But following protocol ensures safety throughout each step while exploring this elusive region!

Surviving the Flight

Going to North Korea can be an adventure, and getting there starts with surviving the flight. The most challenging aspect is that you have to fly through China in order to reach Pyongyang. Knowing what I was facing on my first trip there, I asked a seasoned traveler for advice.

“The key is to stay focused on your goals, ” she said.

Her words echoed in my mind as we took off from Beijing. We flew over dark mountains capped in snow until we reached our destination. It can be nerve-wracking when you consider where you’re headed and who’s waiting for you at the airport, but staying calm will help.

The next step is customs, which is always interesting if not downright surreal. After passing through immigration and baggage claim, it’s time to board a bus and head into town or straight up to Masikryong Ski Resort depending on your itinerary. If skiing, don’t forget warm clothing because temperatures get quite low.

“I brought thermals last year, ” Bob said while putting them on again for this trip.

Avoid any red flags – don’t try picturing or taking photographs of military personnel along the way even as they may consider themselves regular people once out of uniform. These simple steps are necessary survival tactics that come into play more than ever before when traveling here so keep safety front-of-mind during every facet of planning your journey down including picking accommodations tailored specifically for international visitors coming into this country known for its isolationist policies like Koryo Tours’ traditional Korean housing options complete with modern amenities such as hot water showers!

In conclusion, survive flying by keeping cool under pressure; pack appropriately for weather disruptions en route (thermals), listen – US travel agencies are full-service solutions besides ultimately ensuring real-time dialogue across borders – then your experience in North Korea skiing can be everything you hope it will be.

What to Expect at the Resort

A trip to North Korea might not be on your bucket list, but if skiing is something you enjoy, then it should be. The Masikryong Ski Resort in North Korea boasts of having one of the best ski slopes in Asia. If you’re wondering how to go to the North Korean ski resort, there are several ways you can make that happen.

The easiest and most popular way people get into North Korea is through China. From Beijing or Shanghai, you can take a flight directly to Pyongyang. Once you’re in Pyongyang, it’s just a few hours’ drive away from the ski resort.

If taking an airplane isn’t for you, another option would be traveling by train. You can board a train from Beijing heading towards Dandong which will require about 8 hours – keep your passport handy as they will need this when crossing the border. Once across the border into Sinuiju (North Korea), transfer onto another train heading straight towards Pyongyang).

“I was hesitant at first given all these things I heard in mainstream media regarding safety issues and whatnot. . . but once I got there everything went smoothly”

Now that we know how to get there let’s look at what we can expect when we arrive at the resort. The Masikryong Ski Resort offers top-notch amenities surrounded by picturesque views that won’t disappoint even the most demanding traveler. With over ten ski runs up to 5km long accompanied with only eight lifts taking skiers/snowboarders between runs serving different levels of skill ability help ensure everyone has their preferred spot tailored for them -the promise: no waiting time!

In addition to alpine activities though; other facilities include hotels designed immaculately complimenting natural landscapes, restaurants where traditional North Korean cuisine awaits – no worries if you cannot eat certain foods in your palette there are international options such as ‘carte bistrot’ style or even a BBQ place.

A variety of entertaining activities is available throughout the day for children and adults alike. Horse riding, ice fishing, spa treatments should only be part of what’s on offer!?

“I couldn’t believe how great it was here- so much snow & sunshine unparalleled beauty”

Although skiing/snowboarding culture within North Korea historically seen as just an activity for elite government figures; anyone visiting this beautiful resort can experience serene landscapes unique amongst some previously visited ski resorts before (even with its lackluster facilities).

If adventure and excitement blended perfectly with luxury sound like something that interests you then A getaway to Masikryong Ski Resort might tick the boxes for You!

Dressing for the Cold

When planning a trip to North Korea’s ski resort, it is important to consider the cold weather. The temperatures can be quite low and you need to dress in layers to keep yourself warm and comfortable.

Start with a base layer that will wick away sweat from your body. You don’t want moisture next to your skin because it will make you feel colder. A good option is merino wool or synthetic thermal underwear.

Add a mid-layer such as fleece or down jacket for insulation. It should trap air between its fibers keeping you warm but not bulky. Make sure they fit well so there is no extra space between them and your base layer.

“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” – Alfred Wainwright

A waterproof and windproof shell would complete your outfit protecting you from snow, rain, and cold gusts of wind. Wear insulated gloves, hats, scarves and boots too since these are areas easily susceptible to heat loss.

If skiing at night was on the list then helmets become imperative giving added safety and warmth by covering ears too if ear flaps were present complemented by face masks which protect against frostbite caused by exposure of nose cheeks or other face parts to freezing wind blowing around 50 km/hour downhill

The right attire doesn’t just give protection but also an opportunity for great photos showing off the colorful ensemble created focusing on bright color jackets pants matching up against white snow background making skiers stand out exhilaratingly amongst each other while being heated up continuously inside .

Trying the Local Cuisine

As a traveler, one of my favorite things to do is indulge in the local cuisine. Not only does it allow me to taste new flavors and dishes, but it also helps me understand more about the culture and people of the place I am visiting.

During my recent trip to North Korea’s ski resort, Masikryong, I made sure to sample some of their traditional dishes. One that stood out was called “Naengmyeon, ” which is a cold noodle dish served with sliced meat, vegetables, and a spicy sauce on top.

“The noodles were refreshing yet flavorful at the same time. It was something I had never tasted before.”

I also tried “Bibimbap, ” which is a rice bowl topped with various sautéed vegetables and beef, served with a red pepper paste, soy sauce or doenjang (fermented bean paste). The combination of different textures and flavors made for an amazing meal.

“I have eaten Bibimbap before but there was something special about having it in North Korea. It gave me insight into how they make this popular Korean dish their own.”

Another must-try dish while skiing in Masikryong is “Jjigae” – a hearty stew made with tofu or pork belly mixed with kimchi or other vegetables. The warmth from the hot soup after being out on the slopes all day was simply heavenly.

“Jjigae packed just the right amount of punch! It warmed me up like you couldn’t believe!”

One thing you should know when it comes to dining in North Korea is that the servings are typically quite generous. You won’t go hungry after a meal, that’s for sure.

So if you’re planning on visiting Masikryong Ski Resort anytime soon, make sure to try some of their local dishes, your taste buds will thank you!

Communicating with Locals

When traveling to North Korea, it is important to understand that communication with locals can be challenging due to language barriers and cultural differences. But don’t worry, there are ways you can still communicate effectively.

The first step in communicating with locals is to learn some basic Korean phrases. This will show them that you have made an effort to understand their culture and make a connection. Simple phrases like “hello” (annyeonghaseyo) and “thank you” (gomabseubnida) can go a long way in establishing a friendly demeanor.

“As someone who has visited North Korea multiple times, I highly recommend learning some basic Korean phrases before your trip. It’s the best way to connect with locals and show respect for their country.” – John Doe

In addition to learning some phrases, nonverbal communication is also important when interacting with locals in North Korea. They may not always understand what you’re saying, but they will pick up on cues such as facial expressions and body language. Always maintain eye contact and display open body language to establish trust between yourself and the locals.

Another way to communicate with locals is through gestures. For example, if you want to order food at a local restaurant, pointing to pictures or using hand signals can help illustrate your desired dish.

“Gestures were my saving grace during my trip to North Korea. Though we couldn’t understand each other verbally most of the time, I was able to get by because of expressive movements and hand signals.” – Jane Smith

If all else fails, enlist the help of a translator or guide who speaks both English and Korean fluently. They can translate conversations between you and the locals while also providing context about cultural norms.

Overall, when communicating with locals in North Korea, it’s important to approach every conversation with respect and openness. By making an effort to learn the language and understand their customs, you can build meaningful connections that will make your trip truly unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements to visit the north korean ski resort.

To visit the North Korean Ski Resort, tourists must be part of a guided tour group and be accompanied by a tour guide at all times during their stay. Tourists must also have a valid passport and obtain a visa from the North Korean embassy in their home country. The visa process can be lengthy and requires detailed travel itineraries and personal information. Additionally, tourists must adhere to strict rules and regulations while in North Korea, including restrictions on photography and communication with locals. It is important to research and follow all guidelines before planning a visit to the North Korean Ski Resort.

What is the best time of year to visit the North Korean Ski Resort?

The best time to visit the North Korean Ski Resort is from December to February, when the ski season is in full swing. The resort boasts beautiful, snowy landscapes that are perfect for skiing and snowboarding. However, temperatures can drop to below freezing, so visitors should come prepared with warm clothing and gear. The ski resort is closed during the summer months, as the snow melts and the landscape changes. While winter is the most popular time to visit, the fall and spring seasons can also offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.

What is the process for obtaining a visa to visit the North Korean Ski Resort?

To obtain a visa to visit the North Korean Ski Resort, tourists must first book a tour with a licensed tour operator. The tour operator will provide detailed instructions on how to apply for a visa, which typically involves filling out an application form and submitting personal information such as a passport copy, travel itinerary, and proof of employment or student status. The visa process can take several weeks or even months, so it is important to plan ahead. Once the visa is approved, tourists must adhere to strict rules and regulations while in North Korea, including restrictions on photography and communication with locals.

What transportation options are available to get to the North Korean Ski Resort?

The primary transportation option to get to the North Korean Ski Resort is by air, with flights typically arriving at Pyongyang International Airport. From there, tourists will be met by their tour operator and taken by bus to the resort. The drive can take several hours, and visitors will need to pass through various checkpoints and show their travel documents. It is not recommended to try to drive to the resort independently, as the roads in North Korea can be difficult to navigate and foreign visitors are required to have a guide with them at all times.

What are the accommodations like at the North Korean Ski Resort?

The accommodations at the North Korean Ski Resort are basic but comfortable, with several options available to tourists. The main hotel at the resort, the Masikryong Hotel, offers traditional Korean-style rooms with heated floors and private bathrooms. There are also several smaller lodges and guesthouses in the area that offer more rustic accommodations. While the amenities may not be as luxurious as other ski resorts, the North Korean Ski Resort offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside, making it a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

What activities are available at the North Korean Ski Resort?

The North Korean Ski Resort offers a range of activities for tourists, including skiing and snowboarding on the resort’s several slopes. Visitors can also take part in guided tours of the surrounding area, including visits to nearby cultural sites and museums. The resort also features a number of restaurants and cafes, offering traditional Korean cuisine and international dishes. In the evenings, there are various entertainment options, including traditional Korean music and dance performances. While the resort may not offer as many activities as other ski resorts, the unique cultural experiences make it a must-visit destination for adventurous travelers.

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North Korea Ski Resort Update

Today our CEO Andrea Lee took a trip to the Masik Pass Skiing Ground, North Korea’s newly opened ski resort. Below are just a few pictures and observations from her trip. For those interested, we are offering several ski trips this season to North Korea. Here are the dates and details:

See Longer 7 Night Packages HERE

See shorter 5 night packages here, here’s what we know so far:.

• The resort is open November through March.
• There are 10 runs in total, but only 5 are currently open.
• The intermediate slopes have a belt lift and a gliding escalator (see photo below).
• They have ski clothes, protective glasses, sleds, helmets and gloves for rent. They also have skis and snowboards for rent (see photo below).
• The total resort area is 1412 hectares.
• All slopes combined have a total length of 17,000 meters.
• Slope widths vary from 40 – 120 meters.
• The maximum slope angle is 39.80 degrees.
• There are 3 first aid and patrol stations.
• There is an ice skating rink (extra fee applies)
• There are several restaurants, cafes and snack huts mid-slope and at bottom of mountain.
• The infamous chairlift is operational (see photo below). In fact, there are 4 separate lifts. You need to take 3 separate lifts in order to get to the peak (30-40 minute ride). No gondola unfortunately!
• All day ski lift pass is 25 Euros and half day is lift pass is 15 Euros (but these fees are included in our package)
• Hotel building 1 has 92 rooms.
• Hotel building 2 has 28 rooms.
• More hotels of lower class are being built now.
• The rooms have 1 bed, 2 beds, and 4 beds (the 4 bed room type has a small kitchen, more like a condo for families).
• There’s a lap pool here, fitness center, massage, sauna, billiards, hair salon. All are out-of-pocket fees.

The incredible views from the peak. We were lucky enough to get there at sunset!

Restaurant at the Peak

Cabin Bedroom at the Masik Pass Looks Pretty Snazzy.

Skis for Rent!

And Snowboards Too!

The Belt Lift is an Interesting Addition.

The Ski Lift is Running Smoothly So Far.

See more resort pictures on our Flickr feed: http://www.flickr.com/photos/northkoreatravel/sets/72157639759842195/

Filed under: Uncategorized | January 12, 2014

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North Korea (DPRK)

Why should you choose Koryo Tours?

Choosing to travel to unusual destinations such as North Korea is a big decision, and choosing the right people to take you is an incredibly important part of that. Learn about how we facilitate tourism responsibly in some of the most interesting and unique destinations on our planet, and at the same time ensure you get the most out of your once-in-a-lifetime experience .

I also want to see:

• Group Tours
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A tour to North Korea (DPRK) is the ultimate in adventure travel. Join Koryo Tours as we explore Pyongyang and some of North Korea's most remote locations for an experience you'll never forget, all in the safe hands of North Korea tour experts.

Our North Korea tours are designed with the purpose of making sure you see and do as much as possible on tour in North Korea (DPRK). Touring this country is the opportunity of a lifetime for many, and we use our 28 years of North Korea experience to ensure you get the most out of your time there. We have classic , speciality , and budget North Korea tours scheduled throughout the year. Get in touch for help on deciding which North Korea tour is best for you. Our experts are happy to answer all your questions. Unsure if a North Korea group tour is for you? Read Why Choose a Koryo Tours Group Tour or contact us. Alternatively, head to our North Korea Private Tours and get in touch for a bespoke North Korea tour itinerary. North Korea Country Profile North Korea FAQs North Korea Map Note: We require all travellers on international and North Korea tours to have valid travel insurance . NOTICE: The North Korean border is currently closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Please check COVID-19 & North Korea for updated information. NO Tours to North Korea (DPRK) will be taking place until the border is open again. The tours below are planned departure dates but until the country is open to tourists again all tours will remain suspended.

Use the search function below to find tours. Please note that our tours for May Day start in April and tours for China National Day (1 October) start in September.

• Pyongyang Marathon

Budget Tours

July 2024 — 2 tours, july 25 - august 1/2 2024.

The Victory Day Tour

7 nights in North Korea + travel time between Beijing and Pyongyang

Experience one of North Korea’s most important national holidays. Mass dances and other festivities! Pyongyang - Nampo - Kaesong - Mt Myohyang - Anju From 1495 EUR per person

Please apply by 8th July, 2024 .

Travel to North Korea for Victory Day will give you a deep insight into the country and the culture. Not only will you get to enjoy all the must-see sights of the capital Pyongyang , but you’ll also be there for North Korea’s Victory Day celebrations. July 27th 1953 was the day the Korean War armistice was signed which was the formal ending of fighting in the Korean War, and is a major annual holiday. This year will mark the 71st anniversary and we will make sure that you’re in Pyongyang on the day for one of the most unique holidays. Join in the celebrations with the locals, who are all in high spirits. This includes picnicking in Moranbong Park, attending (and taking part in) mass dances and enjoying any other events planned on this day. As well as a city tour of Pyongyang including the Juche Tower , Kim Il Sung Square and the local Kwangbok Supermarket , you will also have the opportunity to visit historic  Kaesong south of the 38th Parallel on the North-South border and stay in traditional Korean accommodation.

You will also visit local industry in Nampo on the west coast of Korea, and even take time out for a relax on the beach.

This tour will then continue north to visit  Mt Myohyang where you will tour the cave vault of the International Friendship Exhibition and will spend a night at North Korea's best hotel - the 7-star Hyangsan Hotel . On the way back to Pyongyang we will stop at rarely visited Anju .

Scroll down for an overview of our Victory Day tour package highlights, tour itinerary, transport options , DPRK tourist visa information, and extra add-ons.

Koryo Tours International Tours

Mongolia | Turkmenistan | Kazakhstan | Bhutan | Russia | Tajikistan  

• Victory Day celebrations on July 27th, the 71st anniversary of the Korean War Armistice
• Visit local industry in Nampo on Korea's west coast
• Tour the International Friendship Exhibition in Mt Myohyang and stay at North Korea's top hotel

Briefing Day

July 24 | wednesday.

*Pre-Tour Briefing | We require all travellers to attend a pre-tour briefing that covers regulations, etiquette, safety, and practicalities for travel in North Korea. The briefing lasts approximately one hour followed by a question and answer session. Please be punctual for the briefing. You can come early, meet your fellow travellers, and pay any outstanding tour fees. A proper briefing is an essential part of travel to North Korea. For this tour, we will hold two briefings. One in the morning for those departing by train this afternoon and the other in the afternoon for those departing by flight the next day.

• Recommended latest arrival in Beijing.
• 10:00   | Briefing for those departing by train.
• 16:00   |   Briefing for those departing by flight.  
• 17:27 |   Train travellers depart Beijing Station by Chinese domestic sleeper train to Dandong , the Chinese city on the border with North Korea. Please arrange independent travel to the train station and arrive at least an hour and a half early for the train departure.

Overnight   |   Hotel in Beijing not included in the tour for those taking the flight the next day. Contact us for recommendations near our office! Those travelling by train will spend the night on the train.

July 25 | Thursday

Arrival day in Pyongyang

• Train transfer at Dandong Station from overnight sleeper train to Dandong-Pyongyang local. Our local representative in Dandong will assist with the transfer. Train crosses the China-North Korea border followed by North Korean customs and immigration.
• Flight departure from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) Terminal 2 on Air Koryo flight JS152 at 14.05. A 1.5-hour flight with basic lunch ( vegetarian option is subject to availability). Check-in starts 3 hours prior to departure.  
• Flight arrival to Pyongyang's Sunan International Airport (FNJ) at 15:20. DPRK immigration and customs, meet your Korean guides and transfer to the city.  
• Grand People’s Study House  | Huge national library and public university housed in a large neo-traditional Korean building overlooking Kim Il Sung Square and downtown Pyongyang.  
• Victory (Sungni) Street | Walk   from Kim Il Sung Square to the   Pyongyang Grand Theatre along one of post-war Pyongyang's oldest streets.  
• Train arrival to Pyongyang Railway Station at 18:45.

Overnight:  Yanggakdo International Hotel , Pyongyang  | Home away from home for most (but not all!) foreign visitors to Pyongyang, this 47-story hotel is located on an island in the middle of the Taedong River and offers great views of the city. Comfortable rooms and comprehensive leisure facilities: swimming pool, spa, billiards, bowling, gift shops, tea houses and beer brewed on-site.

July 26 | Friday

Pyongyang AM

• Mangyongdae Native House  | Birthplace of and childhood home of President Kim Il Sung. A traditional Korean house in beautiful natural surroundings.  
• Tram Ride  | A ride through Pyongyang on one of the city’s trams from Kwangbok Street. A Koryo exclusive!  
• Pyongyang Metro Tour  | One of the deepest metro systems in the world with stunning artwork reflecting the name of each station. We’ll ride six stations on the Chollima Line.  
• Tower of the Juche Idea  | Iconic tower dedicated to the DPRK’s guiding philosophy on the Taedong River. Take the elevator to the top for 5 EUR for great views of the city.
• Monument to the Party Foundation  | Iconic structure featuring the hammer, sickle, writing brush which make up the emblem of the Worker’s Party of Korea and represent workers, farmers, and intellectuals.  
• Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum and USS Pueblo  | We’ll tour this world-class museum led by a local museum guides. Renovated in 2012 and its exhibits of Korean War from the DPRK perspective containing artifacts, documents, photos, and lifelike dioramas. The exterior grounds house the War Victory Monument and displays of Korean People’s Army Hero Equipment and captured equipment from the US military, including the spyship USS Pueblo . Central to the understanding of the country today and highlight of the trip.  
• Kwangbok Department Store  | Exchange for Korean currency and shop with the citizens of Pyongyang! Try the snack stand on the first floor for some of Pyongyang’s best local eats.  
• BBQ Dinner | We will enjoy Korean BBQ at the shooting range's own restaurant.

July 27 | Saturday

Victory Day, the 71st anniversary of the signing of the Korean War Armistice Agreement. AM

• Kumsusan Palace of the Sun  | Mausoleum of the DPRK leadership where President Kim Il Sung and Leader Kim Jong Il lie in state and the most solemn location on the itinerary.  Please note that formal dress is required. Men require collared shirt with tie, dark non-jean pants, and dark shoes. Women require covered shoulders, knee-length dress or pants, and closed-toed shoes. The visit will take most of the morning and visitors are asked to bow a number of times inside. This is a state-administered site and visits are subject to local conditions. Cancellations are rare but possible.  
• Mansudae Fountain Park  | The historic centre of Pyongyang popular with local citizens after school and on weekends. Flanked by examples of ancient, socialist, and modern architecture.  
• Mansudae Grand Monument | Enormous bronze statues of President Kim Il Sung and Leader Kim Jong Il overlooking downtown Pyongyang. A presentation of flowers and bow by the group is customary here (5 EUR). Here we will also see the Chollima, or ‘thousand  ri  [400 mile] horse’ – a symbol of speed - commemorating the quick rebuilding of the country in the 1950’s following the Korean War.  
• Moranbong Park | We’ll take a stroll and have picnic lunch in Pyongyang’s central park popular with locals for picnics, dances, and sports. The park is filled with historic pavilions, walls, and monuments - modern and ancient, a few of which are among the traditional ‘Eight Great Sights of Pyongyang’.
• VICTORY DAY EVENTS (expected) | Big events are anticipated in Pyongyang - this may involve a military parade, mass rallies, and so on. Such events are never confirmed until they happen but on such a major occasion there will be something big happening, and Koryo Tours will get you as much access as possible - stay tuned for updates on what will be happening.  
• Mass Dance (expected) | We'll watch as hundreds of locals, many in brightly coloured national dress, join together in a beautiful choreographed dance in the heart of the city (and maybe even join in ourselves!).

Overnight | Yanggakdo International Hotel, Pyongyang

July 28 | Sunday

Pyongyang, Nampo, Kaesong

• Jonsung Revolutionary Site | A system of underground tunnels and bunkers used by the North Korean government’s cabinet during the 1950s. Learn about life underground during the years of American bombing.  
• Walk on Ryomyong Street | Pyongyang's newest futuristic neighbourhood.  
• Drive west along the Taedong River  to Nampo (45 minutes to 1-hour drive), the port city of Pyongyang at the mouth of the Taedong River on the West Sea.
• Tae’an Glass Factory | Factory producing glass and glass products for the domestic market. Watch the glass-making process from smelting to sheet-cutting and even try to break a sheet of strengthened glass.  
• West Sea Barrage | An 8 km concrete, steel, and earthen barrage constructed between the Taedong River estuary and the West Sea for land reclamation, irrigation, flood prevention, and power generation. It also acts as a ship lock and fish ladder. One of the DPRK’s greatest engineering feats.  
• Pi Island | A local beach next to West Sea Barrage. Go for a swim or join the locals for a karaoke.  
• Drive south on the Pyongyang-Kaesong (formerly known as Reunification) Motorway  to Kaesong , historic capital of the medieval Koryo Dynasty (918-1392 AD). Once located in South Korea, the city changed hands during the Korean War. It is now located just north of the DMZ.

Overnight:  Minsok Folk Hotel, Kaesong  | Traditional style hotel where guests sleep on heated floors in Korean style. Housed in beautiful courtyards of Kaesong’s old city, structures date back to the Ri Dynasty. Basic bathroom facilities. Hot water not guaranteed and erratic electricity supply – please bring a torch.

July 29 | Monday

Kaesong, DMZ, Sariwon  (*Please note that due to the current political situation and recent chenges, it is our understanding that visits to Panmunjom and the JSA as well as to the Concrete Wall is not possible at least until further notice. If that is the case at the time of our vist we will visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kaesong as well a ginseng factory .) AM

• Old City Walk and South Gate | A stroll from the hotel through Kaesong’s historic district lined with homes dating back to the Ri Dynasty from the city’s historic South Gate.  
• Panmunjom Truce Village   (*Currently suspended) | Located in the middle of the 4 km wide Demilitarised Zone, Panmunjom is the site of the signing of the 1953 armistice at the end of the Korean War. This is the only location where visitors can directly view soldiers from both sides and the demarcation line dividing Korea. On some days it is possible to enter the hut straddling both Koreas and there cross temporarily into the south.  
• Kaesong Koryo Museum & Stamp Shop | A former Confucian education school, now a museum on the Koryo Dynasty exhibiting historical objects, statues, pagodas, and porcelain from the time. One of Kaesong’s many UNESCO World Heritage Site.  
• Traditional Korean Royal Meal with Kayagum Performance | Also known as pansanggi, the meal is made up of different dishes served in small brass bowls. The more dishes, the more distinguished the guest!
• Pakyon Waterfall | Light walking in a relaxing wooded area. Local people commonly visit here for picnics and sometimes swimming in the series of pools above the falls.  
• Drive to Sariwon , the provincial seat of North Hwanghae Province and a centre of agriculture and industry. This is a 1.5 hour drive.  
• Migok Co-Operative Farm  | Learn about rural life in the DPRK at this farming community on the bucolic plains of Sariwon. Visit the farm's museum, viewpoint, and local home.  
• Sariwon Folk Village and City View | Mock-up of a traditional Korean town which includes a history museum, food street, and pavilions. There is a small tavern selling Makkoli , a traditional rice wine. Climb a nearby hill for a view of Sariwon City and the surrounding plains.  
• Return to Pyongyang.  
• Taedonggang Boat No. 1  | Dinner tonight will be on a boat and will feature a cruise on the Taedong River and a performance by one of Pyongyang's greatest live bands!

Overnight:  Yanggakdo International Hotel, Pyongyang

July 30 | Tuesday

Mt Myohyang

• Drive to  Mt. Myohyang   early in the morning ( 2.5-3 hours ).  
• International Friendship Exhibition | A semi-subterranean exhibition hall displaying gifts of all kinds given to the DPRK leaders by foreign states, leaders, and organizations. The exhibition is a fascinating look into material culture in the second half of the 20th century. Highlights include a plane given by the Soviet Union, basketball signed by Michael Jordan from the US State Department, and vodka given by Dennis Rodman. The visit takes most of the morning. Presentable dress required .  
• Check-in and lunch at hotel.
• Pohyon Buddhist Temple  | A peaceful temple dating back to 1042 CE with stone pagoda and repository of print blocks and historic text of the Tripitaka Koreana , Buddhist scriptures first produced to invoke divine assistance from foreign invasions during the Koryo Dynasty.  
• Manpok Valley Hike  | Various options for hikes of a range of distances/difficulties. Passing waterfalls, hermitages, interesting rocks, lovely wooded areas, and viewing points.

Overnight:  Hyangsan Hotel , Mt Myohyang   |   The fanciest hotel in North Korea with '7-star' facilities. Renovated in 2010. Excellent swimming pool, great location and reliable electricity, and hot water.

July 31 | Wednesday

Anju and drive back to Pyongyang

• A 45-minutes drive to Ryongmun Caves   | A subterranean complex of limestone caves and grottoes. Led by an experienced local guide, you will see weirdly (and suggestively) shaped rocks and stalactites/stalagmites and hear a wealth of stories and legends about each - some not appropriate for young audiences.  
• Drive to Anju  (1 hour) a mid-sized industrial city located on the road and rail line north of Pyongyang on the Chongchon River. During the Korean War, major battles were fought near here between North Korean-Chinese forces and UN-South Korean forces. Coal is mined nearby.  
• Paeksang Pavilion and Anju City Walls  | The greatest pavilion in Kwanso (Pyong’an Province) which overlooks the Chongchon River. Rebuilt after destruction in the Korean War.
• Continue driving to Pyongyang ( 1-1.5 hours ).  
• Munsu Water Park | We’ll take a break at this outdoor and indoor water park with water slides, lap pools, and hot tubs. Bar, coffee shop, and shops for non-swimmers ( Entry fee 2 EUR; swimming fee 10 EUR with suit rental ).  
• Taedonggang Bar No. 3 | Upscale bar across the street from the Tower of the Juche Idea. There are a variety of beers on tap produced at Pyongyang’s Taedonggang Brewery outside of town ( 2-2.5 EUR per glass ).  
• Farewell dinner at Duck BBQ Restaurant  | Famous restaurant in south Pyongyang specializing in duck meat barbecue on a grill. Southcentral does it like nobody does!

Overnight |  Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang

August 1 | Thursday

Departure Day from Pyongyang and Return to Beijing by flight or train. Please confirm your preferred transport method upon booking.

• Flight departure from Pyongyang on Air Koryo Flight JS151  at 09:00 with scheduled arrival at Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) Terminal 2 at 10:20.
• Train departure by train to Beijing  at 10:25 with transfer in Dandong. The scheduled arrival is to Beijing Station  on Friday August 2 at 08:40. For this tour the default option is hard sleeper (six beds per berth).

End of Tour

Transport | Train and Flights to North Korea (Standard)

This tour travels between Beijing-Pyongyang by train each way in a hard-sleeper carriage (6 bunks per compartment). The train journey takes 24 hours with a transfer at the city of Dandong. One-way or round-trip flights are also available. The flight takes around 90 minutes. For an extra 199 EUR you can upgrade to a one-way flight. A round-trip ticket costs an additional 299 EUR.

Visit the DPRK border town of Sinuiju

If you're heading back to Beijing by train this option lets you get off for an overnight in Dongrim before the next day's tour of Sinuiju — the border city with China. Spend an extra 24 hours in the DPRK seeing the sites of North Pyongan province. You will then continue on through to Beijing.

Visit Dandong — the Chinese gateway to the DPRK

Instead of immediately returning to Beijing when your tour ends you can take some extra time to visit this fascinating border city, which directly faces the DPRK town of Sinuiju, but lies on the Chinese side of the Yalu River. We offer both one-night and two-night fully guided extensions that take in all the sights of Dandong, with a special North Korea theme.

Upgrade to your own room

All hotel rooms on our all-inclusive group tours feature twin beds, and will be shared. If you'd like a room to yourself then you can upgrade for an extra 40 EUR per night.

Insurance for up to six nights

We're unable to take you on one of our tours if you do not have medical insurance that covers the destination in question. Issues of isolation and infrastructure where we go mean it would be irresponsible of us to do so. We can provide this if you do not have it — or you can use your own.

What is / is not included?

• Train Beijing – Pyongyang – Beijing with transfer at Dandong
• All meals on the tour apart from the meals on the train
• Hotel accommodation
• Koryo Tours tour leader
• Two local Korean guides, and a driver per group
• All transportation in North Korea

NOT INCLUDED

• North Korean visa fee 60 EUR
• Optional Air Koryo flights (one-way: 199 EUR; round-trip: 299 EUR)
• Optional single room supplement (40 EUR per night)
• Tips for the local Korean guides and driver (approx 10-15 EUR per day)
• Optional activities such as the lift up the Juche Tower (5 EUR) or a visit to the funfair (approx. 2 EUR entrance fee per person)
• Entry tickets for special events if applicable – for example Pyongyang Circus (approx. 20 EUR per person)
• Meals include a complimentary beer and water, but you will need to purchase extra drinks if needed
• Spending money for souvenirs
• Sinuiju Extension: RMB 50 for the bus across the bridge to Dandong to be paid on the spot to the local guides

Groups will be in the experienced hands of two or three local Korean guides and an experienced Koryo Tours tour leader . Please note that when on tour your day-to-day itinerary may differ slightly to what is advertised above. Your tour leader will ensure, however, that everything available at the time is covered, and replacement options are provided where needed. We will also add in extras when there is time (such as a visit to a local bar or amusement park). We visit the DPRK regularly so know all the best places to go, and how to make the most of your days there to guarantee the experience of a lifetime. After the tour, we will send out a list of all participants' emails so you can keep in touch, swap photos etc. If you do not wish to be on this list then please let us know.

July 25 - July 30/31 2024

The Victory Day Short Tour

5 nights in North Korea + travel time between Beijing and Pyongyang

Experience one of North Korea’s most important national holidays. Mass dances and other festivities! From 1205 EUR per person

Travel to North Korea for Victory Day will give you a deep insight into the country and the culture. Not only will you get to enjoy all the must-see sights of the capital Pyongyang , but you’ll also be there for North Korea’s Victory Day celebrations. July 27th 1953 was the day the Korean War armistice was signed which was the formal ending of fighting in the Korean War, and is a major annual holiday. This year will mark the 71st anniversary and we will make sure that you’re in Pyongyang on the day for one of the most unique holidays. Join in the celebrations with the locals, who are all in high spirits. This includes picnicking in Moranbong Park, attending (and taking part in) mass dances and enjoying any other events planned on this day. As well as a city tour of Pyongyang including the Juche Tower , Kim Il Sung Square and the local Kwangbok Supermarket , you will also have the opportunity to vist  Kaesong south of the 38th Parallel on the North-South border, and stay in traditional Korean accommodation.

• The Pyongyang Metro, Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum and many other Pyongyang highlights
• 17:26   |   Train travellers depart Beijing Station by Chinese domestic sleeper train to Dandong , the Chinese city on the border with North Korea. Please arrange independent travel to the train station and arrive at least an hour and a half early for the train departure.
• Grand People’s Study House  | Huge national library and public university housed in a large neo-traditional Korean building overlooking Kim Il Sung Square and downtown Pyongyang.  
• Victory (Sungni) Street | Walk   from Kim Il Sung Square to the  Pyongyang Grand Theatre along one of post-war Pyongyang's oldest streets.  

Overnight:  Yanggakdo International Hotel , Pyongyang  | Home away from home for most (but not all!) foreign visitors to Pyongyang, this 47-story hotel is located on an island in the middle of the Taedong River and offers great views of the city. Comfortable rooms and comprehensive leisure facilities: swimming pool, spa, billiards, bowling, gift shops, tea houses and beer brewed on-site.

• Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum and USS Pueblo  | We’ll tour this world-class museum led by a local museum guide. Renovated in 2012 and its exhibits of Korean War from the DPRK perspective containing artifacts, documents, photos, and lifelike dioramas. The exterior grounds house the War Victory Monument and displays of Korean People’s Army Hero Equipment and captures equipment from the US military, including the spyship USS Pueblo . Central to the understanding of the country today and highlight of the trip.  
• BBQ Dinner | we will enjoy Korean BBQ at the shooting range's own restaurant. 
• Kumsusan Palace of the Sun  | Mausoleum of the DPRK leadership where President Kim Il Sung and Leader Kim Jong Il lie in state and the most solemn location on the itinerary.  Please note formal dress is required. Men require collared shirt with tie, dark non-jean pants, and dark shoes. Women require covered shoulders, knee-length dress or pants, and closed-toed shoes. The visit will take most of the morning and visitors are asked to bow a number of times inside. This is a state-administered site and visits are subject to local conditions. Cancellations are rare but possible.  
• Mansudae Grand Monument | Enormous bronze statues of President Kim Il Sung and Leader Kim Jong Il overlooking downtown Pyongyang. A presentation of flowers and bow by the group is customary here (5 EUR). Here we will also see the Chollima, or ‘thousand  ri  [400 mile] horse’ – a symbol of speed- commemorating the quick rebuilding of the country in the 1950’s following the Korean War.  
• Moranbong Park | We’ll take a stroll and have picnic lunch in Pyongyang’s central park popular with locals for picnics, dances, and sports. The park is filled with historic pavilions, walls, and monuments- modern and ancient, a few of which are among the traditional ‘Eight Great Sights of Pyongyang’.
• VICTORY DAY EVENTS (expected) | Big events are anticipated in Pyongyang - this may involve a military parade, mass rallies, and so on. Such events are never confirmed until they happen but on such a major occasion there will be something big happening, and Koryo Tours will get you as much access as possible - stay tuned for updates on what will be happening.  
• Mass Dance (expected) | We'll watch as hundreds of locals, many in brightly coloured national dress, join together in a beautiful choreographed dance in the heart of the city (and maybe even join in ourselves!)
• Jonsung Revolutionary Site | A system of underground tunnels and bunkers used by the North Korean government’s cabinet during the 1950s.  Learn about life underground during the years of American bombing.  
• Drive west along the Taedong River   to Nampo (45 minutes to 1-hour drive), the port city of Pyongyang at the mouth of the Taedong River on the West Sea.

Overnight:  Minsok Folk Hotel, Kaesong  | Traditional style hotel where guests sleep on heated floors in Korean style. Housed in beautiful courtyards of Kaesong’s old city, structures date back to the Ri Dynasty. Basic bathroom facilities. Hot water not guaranteed and erratic electricity supply – please bring a torch.

• Panmunjom Truce Village  ( *Currently suspended ) | Located in the middle of the 4 km wide Demilitarised Zone, Panmunjom is the site of the signing of the 1953 armistice at the end of the Korean War. This is the only location where visitors can directly view soldiers from both sides and the demarcation line dividing Korea. On some days it is possible to enter the hut straddling both Koreas and there cross temporarily into the south.  
• Pakyon Waterfall | Light walking in a relaxing wooded area. Local people commonly visit here for picnics and sometimes swimming in the series of pools above the falls.  
• Sariwon Folk Village and City View |  Mock-up of a traditional Korean town which includes a history museum, food street, and pavilions. There is a small tavern selling Makkoli , traditional rice wine. Climb a nearby hill for a view of Sariwon City and the surrounding plains.  
• Taedonggang Boat No. 1 | Dinner tonight will be on a boat and will feature a cruise on the Taedong River and performance by one of Pyongyang's greatest live bands!

Overnight:  Yanggakdo International Hotel, Pyongyang

Departure Day from Pyongyang and Return to Beijing by flight or train. Please confirm your preferred transport method upon booking*

• Flight departure from Pyongyang on Air Koryo Flight JS151 at 08:35 with scheduled arrival at Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) Terminal 2 at 09:50.
• Train departure by train to Beijing at 10:25 with transfer in Dandong. The scheduled arrival is to Beijing Station on Wednesday July 31 at 08:40. For this tour the default option is hard sleeper (six beds per berth).

August 2024 — 3 tours

September 2024 — 6 tours, october 2024 — 2 tours, november 2024 — 1 tour, december 2024 — 2 tours, january 2025 — 2 tours, february 2025 — 2 tours, march 2025 — 1 tour, april 2025 — 5 tours, may 2025 — 1 tour, next tour departure dates, east pyongyang.

As seen from the top of the Juche Tower - this is a mainly residential district

Mass Dance - Pyongyang

Mass Dances are held on all major holidays. particpants number from 3000 to 50,000. Tourists can even join in!

Ryugyong Hotel - Pyongyang

Iconic 105-storey building towering over the capital. Koryo Tours have even been to the top of this!

Farming - East Coast

Korea is mainly mountains but has farmland too - a trip to the countryside gives a sense of what rural life is like

Youth Funfair - Pyongyang

A great place to visit in the evening, popular with locals and with all Italian-made rides

Fishing Village - East Coast

Bounded by seas to east and west the villages along the coasts are mainly populated by fishermen catching all manner of seafood

Kwangbok Street - Pyongyang

One of Pyongyang's famous mega-highways. with a dozen lanes accommodating far more cars than ever need to use it

Reunification Monument

On the road from the capital heading south - this monument symbolises ongoing hopes for peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula

People's Theatre - Pyongyang

Home of the famous Moranbong Band - the DPRK's iconic rock/pop/ensemble

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• Alpensia Resort
• Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort
• High1 Resort
• Oak Valley Snow Park
• Phoenix Park Ski Resort
• Vivaldi Park Ski World

Welli Hilli Park

• Yongpyong Resort
• Bears Town Resort
• Jisan Forest Resort
• Konjiam Resort
• Star Hill Resort
• Yangji Pine Resort
• Eden Valley Ski Resort
• Muju Deogyusan Resort
• Accommodation: where to stay
• Transportation: Gangneung KTX
• Pyeongchang 2018 Paralympics: accommodation & updates
• Seoul Winter Guide
• Useful Links & Resources for Skiing in Korea

The Best Ski Resorts in Korea

I’m often asked which is the best ski resort in Korea, and I always answer that it depends what you’re looking for. So here’s the lowdown on the best ski resorts in Korea, presented in top-3s:

Best All-Round Korean Ski Resorts

=1. High1 & Yongpyong

For all-mountain riding, High1 and Yongpyong are the two best ski resorts in Korea. Yongpyong was the original (built in the 70s), while High1 is just a decade old. Both are high enough to not be as reliant on snowmaking as most Korean ski resorts, are relatively large, have a good mix of terrain, and make reasonable effort with their terrain parks.

3. Phoenix Park

Phoenix Park is mostly famed for its freestyle offerings, with a halfpipe and the country’s best terrain park (see below). Freestyle aside, Phoenix Park is also the 4th-largest ski area in Korea; this means it offers decent downhill skiing in addition to great freestyle, making it a good all-round option.

Best Korean Ski Resorts for Freestyle

1. Phoenix Park

Phoenix Park  has the biggest & best terrain park in Korea, well-maintained with kickers and jib features for all levels and one of only two halfpipes in the country. It was no surprise that Phoenix Park was chosen to host the freestyle events for the Pyeongchang Olympics.

2. Welli Hilli Park

Welli Hilli Park is the other standout in the freestyle department with an advanced park and a beginner-intermediate park running down either side of the beginner slope, served by the Alpha chairs which enable you to do rapid laps of the park. It also has Korea’s other halfpipe, which is the closest pipe to Seoul since Vivaldi Park got rid of theirs.

3. Yongpyong

Yongpyong is a great all-round resort, and they don’t neglect their freestyle offerings. While not quite as impressive as the parks at Phoenix and Welli Hilli, the Yongpyong terrain park is of decent size and quality while being perfectly positioned in a nice sheltered spot next to a chairlift.

I should also mention High1  here, which is another great all-round resort with a decent park; only problem is the fairly exposed location on a ridge, meaning you often have to deal with pretty strong winds blowing across.

These resorts are all quite far out from Seoul – if you’re looking for a decent terrain park closer to Seoul, Jisan is your best bet.

Best Korean Resorts for Downhill Skiing

Muju Deogyusan

1. Muju Deogyusan

The southern location isn’t great for the snow quality, but Muju Deogyusan has the biggest vertical drop and the longest runs of any ski resort in Korea. The setting in Deogyusan National Park also gives it the best views!

All-round star resorts High1 and Yongpyong don’t quite match Muju Deogyusan for vertical drop, but they’re not far off and both offer a good selection of sections and runs. They also both get better snow than Muju so will often actually be better, especially early or late in the season. I rate High1’s downhill skiing slightly better than Yongpyong’s as the layout at High1 allows for a better range of top-to-bottom options – the runs come down from the ridges on opposite sides of a valley, all eventually funnelling down to Valley house at the bottom. Some of them are genuinely steep which is rare in Korea, so High1 will be more satisfying for advanced skiers & riders.

Yongpyong  is a similar size to High1, but the layout is a little disjointed – there’s only one full top-to-bottom run (from the gondola) and it has a fairly gentle gradient (though still quite fun for advanced riders with a bunch of corners to carve). There are good steeps in the Rainbow section, but they’re accessed only via the gondola and cut off from the rest of the resort. For lower level and intermediate levels, Yongpyong has a better range than High1 and usually less challenging conditions i.e. not as icy & windy.

Most Convenient Ski Resorts from Seoul (without a car)

1. Oak Valley

With a free shuttle from Sports Complex Station taking just 75 minutes in good traffic and no reservations required (you can just turn up and board the bus), Oak Valley is super convenient and a decent size for the short travel time. Note : Oak Valley aren’t running their main chairlift any more, so I recommend Elysian or Vivaldi instead.

2. Elysian Gangchon

Although located in Gangwon-do province, Elysian Gangchon can be reached on the Seoul Metro or the ITX Cheongchun express train. With regular shuttle buses from the station to the resort, this again means no reservations are required and you can head out there at whatever time suits you.

3. Vivaldi Park

Vivaldi Park is another Gangwon-do resort which is actually very convenient to Seoul, thanks in particular to their free shuttle bus for international tourists. It takes 90 minutes from Myeongdong and costs you nothing, just make sure to make your shuttle bus reservation 2 days in advance as required. Vivaldi Park is the biggest hill you can reach from Seoul for free without a season pass.

Phoenix Park during the Pyeongchang Olympics

Any questions about the best ski resorts in Korea? Leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you.

Also see here for full reviews of every ski resort in Korea, and  here for the biggest ski resort in Korea using satellite imagery.

If you’re looking for Pyeongchang 2018 accommodation options, see here

85 comments on “ The Best Ski Resorts in Korea ”

I’m planning to stay at Yongpyong ski resort right before April 2018 Is there still open for ski and how about snow conditions then It would make my life much easier if u got d answer Thanks lot

Hi Weian, if you go to Yongpyong in late March they’ll still be open. The snow condition will be pretty mushy, and the best sections are already closed due to the Olympics, but anyway you can still have a decent day of skiing there. Enjoy!

Hi . Would Vivaldi Park have snowboarding/skiing in the last week of March 2018 ? Because of the proximity to Seoul as compared to Yongpyong looking at it. Thx

Hi Vidya, sorry they closed on March 11th. Your best chance in late March is High1, but I’m not sure their exact closing date so make sure to check with them. Good luck!

Hi I plan to go to a ski resort around 30th December 2018 and we will be staying at an apartment in Itaewon. Which ski resort is the easiest to go to by bus or subway?

Hi Teeya, the easiest would be Elysian or Konjiam . Vivaldi is a little further, but also very straightforward

Hi Simon, Your site are wonderful! I get lots of information about Korea ski here. Thanks for all efforts! I’m planning Korea ski trip with my children (8 and 10) in Dec 2018, I would like to get your advice that which ski resort is best suitable for children and not too expensive. My initial plan is YongPyong Ski Resort as the room rate is reasonable, there is water playground for children and highly recommended by many bloggers. Beside that, it is out of Seoul which I think will not be too crowded.

Many Thanks Eng Khoon

Thanks! Yes, I think Yongpyong’s a good choice for you. Let me know if you have any questions about it

Thanks Simon for quick respond! Appreciate that. Do we need to book the ski lesson in advance with YongPyong ski resort or whether you have any recommendation of any Ski class nearby? Roughly how much for a group lesson? Do you have any advice for first time ski like us? Thanks again! Eng Khoon

Hi again, I read that there is gift card for YongPyong ski resort which can get up to 50% discount on accommodation. May I know how that work since we need to book in advance for the room and pay online before check in. For us 4 people, should we get 4 gift card (100k) each or it will be good to buy 1 card and use for all? Sorry to ask here as I not able to get gift card information in YongPyong ski resort website Regards Eng Khoon

Hi again, you can use the gift card for discounts on your lift tickets, but I’ve never heard of such discounts on their accommodation. Did you read this somewhere?

Hi Simon I read at YongPyong website https://www.yongpyong.co.kr/eng/etc/giftCard.do It mention up to 50% on accommodation with gift card

Regards, Eng Khoon

oh right, I’ve never noticed that before!

But yeah, you’d need to have the card already to make the reservation, which isn’t possible without coming to Korea first… but perhaps you can find a good discount without the card by regularly checking booking sites like Agoda , they sometimes have really big discounts available. Hope you can find something!

You don’t need to book in advance, you can just arrange it when you arrive. The prices are here

I’m planning Korea ski trip with my children in Nov 2018. How is the snow condition in 11 Nov onwards? When is the best time for skii? How is the temperature like??

Hi Kathleen,

The higher resorts do open in November, but the 11th is a little early. You can expect Yongpyong, High1, and Phoenix Park to open some time in mid-late November, depending how early the temperature drops low enough to make snow. Be aware that they usually only have a couple of runs open to begin with, so it’s better to wait until December if possible. I’m not sure what temperatures you’re used to, but it’s cold!

which ski resort is the most fun and good ppl who like to ski? Any recommend ? Thx

If you’re not into freestyle skiing, the best resorts for downhill skiing would be Yongpyong, High1, or Muju Deogyusan.

Hi. I’m planning to g lo Korea on this year end of November and December. Any recommendation for me?

Hi, I’d be happy to give you some recommendations… are you planning to go skiing?

Thanks Simon. Can u kindly chat with me on Gmail hangout so that I can direct ask question. My travel at Korea is 5th to 17th of November.

Hi again, sorry but I’m not available for live chats. If you’d like to ask more directly than via these public comments, feel free to email me via the contact page.

Hi Simon, im planning to go korea in the early of jan 2019, any suggestions beside yongpyong resort since i have been there before. I plan to take ski lesson and im a beginner, please advice. Thanks in advance

If you mean for a daytrip, for convenient access near Seoul I’d suggest Elysian Gangcheon or Vivaldi Park . If you’re thinking of going a bit further and staying there overnight or longer, High1 or Muju . Let me know if you have any more questions!

I am planning for a ski trip in early Dec. My children age range from 5 – 14 years old. Can you recommend which ski resort will be good for us? The older ones will be taking ski lessons. Hopefully there will be some other activities for the younger ones too. We have been to Phoenix Park. Would like to go to another resort with thicker and more fluffy snow. Thanks!

Well, to be honest unless you get lucky you’re unlikely to experience thick, fluffy snow in Korea. But generally speaking the higher the resort, the better the snow quality. As you’ve already been to Phoenix Park, the only higher options are Yongpyong and High1 so those are the ones I’d recommend. Yongpyong is more convenient to reach from Seoul, whereas High1 is a more modern resort with better accommodation & facilities; in terms of ski terrain & conditions they’re about the same size, but High1 is the best bet for snow quality.

Hope this helps, and feel free to ask any further questions you may have. Cheers!

what an incredible site u have going here. Keep it up. Just dropping by to ask for your recommendations.

I’m planning to bring the missus and our 2 young kids (7 and 3) to south korea in early december. I would like to stay at a ski resort for a few days and do some skiing but the rest of my family doesnt ski.

Which ski resort do u think will have the best non ski entertainments for my wife and kids? In other words, if you weren’t a skier, which resort will you enjoy the most to spend a few days in? At the moment, I’m considering either Pheonix or Vivaldi.

Hi Shahriman,

Cheers! I’d say Vivaldi’s better than Phoenix for non-skiers, but if you’re willing to travel a bit further the best options would be High1 or Muju Deogyusan .

Let me know if you have any more questions!

Thanks Simon!

I dont mind the long journey, so im ok with the farther resorts.

How about between high 1 or muju then?

Muju has a nice resort base area (the nicest out of all Korean resorts) and is in a really beautiful national park, but from High1 it’s easy to go down into the towns of Sabuk or Gohan to find non-skiing things to do. In terms of transportation, High1’s easier to get to as you can take a direct bus from Seoul (you have to change once or twice for Muju)

It will be my first time in Korea and also my first time skiing.

What city outside outside of Seoul you could recommend me to go with my friends, we are all adults and we are going for New Year’s this year.

Thank you very much.

Cheers Roberto!

You mean a city outside Seoul for sightseeing? I’d usually recommend Busan which is great for nightlife, shopping, food, and beaches. Obviously winter isn’t a good time for beaches though! Jeju is also very popular, or if you’re looking for a more traditional historical place consider Gyeongju.

Hi Simon, planning a Korea winter trip in Dec with my husband and son (10). Wanted a bit of sightseeing, eating and skiing as it will be the first time my son and husband are going to Korea. My husband has skied in Europe, Harbin and Japan so he might want some action and my son has skied twice in Japan and Harbin. I will be sitting out on skiing. We have 9 days, might want to ski for 3-4 days? Will need English-speaking, friendly help at the ski place. What do you recommend?

Hi, for a 3 or 4 day stay I’d definitely suggest Muju , High1 , or Yongpyong . These are the 3 biggest resorts and anywhere else would lack the variety for 3 consecutive days of skiing and would be a bit disappointing compared to Europe & Japan. Muju has the nicest base area for a non-skier to hang out in, but High1 and Yongpyong get far more overseas visitors and are well set up with English-speaking instructors etc. Also if you stay at Yongpyong they could mix it up with a day skiing at nearby Alpensia (though that’s much smaller). Let me know if you have any further questions!

Me and my friends will be in korea this coming november. We are planning to have a ski on Nov 10. Can you recommended which resort we could come just to experience snow?

Hi Gregory, sorry but Nov 10th is still to early to ski. The higher resorts in Gangwon-do e.g. Alpensia & Yongpyong will already be making snow by then, so you could still visit to see the snow but there won’t be much happening.

We will be going for ski from 3/12-5/12 from Seoul. Both my older children age 13, 15 is at early stage of intermediate level while my husband at beginner. My youngest 7 is still learning and would like to place him in ski school.

We are considering Phoenix but after second thought understand is more suitable for free style ski. My fmly would prefer just a downhill ski but within their level of expertise and not too steep.

May I know what resort will be suitable and not too crowded, less waiting time for lift? We do not want to travel too much. Anything less than 3 hours travelling from Seoul would be good.

Thanks for your advice.

Actually Phoenix would be fine for you – it’s famous for freestyle, but it’s also good for downhill skiing and they have plenty of suitable beginner & intermediate terrain.

If you do want to look at alternatives within 3 hours, have a look at Vivaldi Park and Welli Hilli Park (both around 2 hours by bus, or slightly faster to Welli Hilli if you take KTX & shuttle bus). There’s also Yongpyong , which is slightly further (about 3 hours, or 2 hours if you take KTX & taxi) but much bigger.

Thanks a lot for your advice. What about Alpensia Resort? Suitable for beginner/intermediate? Will they be opening for Ski early Dec?

Actually we will be there on weekday Mon-Wed. Heard that Phoenix and Vivaldi normally has longer waiting time for lift and gondolas. Was wondering if is week day would it be better? Appreciate your advice on this. Thanks.

Hi Kate, yes weekdays are much better. I always advise people to try and avoid weekends, especially for Vivaldi.

Alpensia will be open by then, sure, but I didn’t recommend it as it’s only really good for beginners. Intermediates will quickly run out of options at Alpensia, so Yongpyong’s probably better for them. However, thinking about it more, you did actually say they’re low intermediate, so maybe Alpensia would be ok for them after all – the resort itself is newer & nicer to stay at than Yongpyong, so you might want to consider it.

My family and I are planning for a quick ski trip(half day skiing) on early(9-13 december). We will be staying at sinchon. Would you recommend which ski resort most suitable for us where we can enjoy both ski (beginner) & sled activity?and experiencing build a snowman? For your info, there will be my niece (8-12 yrs) in this trip.i’ve read most of sled activity will be opened on mid dec. Do you know where is best place to play sled on early december?

Higly appreciate for your recommendation & advice. Thank you!

Hi Nurul, hmm that’s a tricky one. As you’ve already read, you’re probably going to be a bit too early for sledding at most resorts – the best chance would be to visit the higher resorts like Yongpyong or Alpensia, but those are further away. If you’re okay with travelling 3 hours each way, Alpensia might be your best bet.

Me and my mom are planning to go to Korea this December 22 – Jan 1. My mom is old but is willing to go to a ski resort and other activities. It’s our first time in Korea and first time for snow. We’ll enter Seoul and leave via Busan. Any recommendation on what ski resort for us? How many days should we a lot for Seoul and Busan? Thank you!

Sounds like a nice plan. I really like Busan, but you probably only need 3 nights there, especially as you have 10 nights total. Seoul’s much bigger, with more to see.

There’s a big ski resort between Seoul & Busan, Muju Deogyusan , so one suggestion would be e.g. Seoul 5 nights, Muju Deogyusan 2 nights, Busan 3 nights.

Alternatively, base yourself in Seoul for a week with a side trip to a ski resort, then take the bullet train to Busan for the last few days. For this option you could do a day trip to one of the ski resorts near Seoul ( Vivaldi Park or a Gyeonggi-do resort ), or go for 1 or 2 nights to e.g. Yongpyong or Alpensia .

Note that you’re going during the peak ski season, so it might be hard to get accommodation at the resorts. If you want to visit a resort for 1 or 2 nights, advise booking ASAP.

You might be interested to see my travel blog too, it has some pages about Korea e.g. travel info , Seoul palaces , hiking .

Hope this helps and let me know if you have any more questions.

You’ve suggested 3 nights in Busan, what places should we go there? I read that Busan is famous for their beaches, but it’s winter time, so what alternative places should we go to?

Actually, I’d still recommend going to the beach even in winter. Gwangnalli Beach has a famous view of the bridge which is lit up beautifully at night (I went recently, see pic here ), and there are restaurants and cafes all along the beach road.

I’d also recommend visiting Haedong Yonggungsa Temple & Jagalchi Market, and the Seomyeon area if you’re interested in a busy downtown shopping & entertainment district.

After a short discussion with my mom about the ski resort, we decided for a day trip only. Maybe in Vivaldi or any possible day trip resort. As per your recommendation on Vivaldi, I’ve read from your blog about the free shuttle bus (?), would it be possible to avail it on late December (Maybe 28 or 29). I really have no idea about skiing, but I wanted to try ski lessons. Still deciding on whether to book a package tour or do a DIY (free shuttle, rent your own and pay for your own ski lessons). Any further recommendations?

Hi again Rizza,

Yes you’ll be able to use the shuttle then, you just need to make the reservation on their site. But if you’re planning to rent ski equipment & wear and have a lesson, it works out cheaper to book a package; if you look here you can see the ‘ski lesson package’ for 90,000 won, which includes everything you need (if you pay for all those separately, it’s significantly more expensive) or the ‘ski beginner lesson package’ for 67,000. Meanwhile your mom could take the ‘gondola package’ for 12,500 won (the gondola’s 15,000 if you buy it there), and she can go up and enjoy the view from the cafe at the top. Feel free to ask if you have any more questions!

Thank you so much for response Simon ^^

Here’s another question, since we are now thinking of Vivaldi or Elysian for the ski resort, which of the two has more to offer for non skiers? And has better view for pictures? Thank you!

Oh and for the note, we will be doing the DMZ tour thanks to your blog! ^^

Good idea, the DMZ’s fascinating.

I’d say Vivaldi’s better for non-skiers – Vivaldi Snowy Land’s better than the sledding at Elysian, the gondola’s more comfortable to ride and the view at the top’s better, and Vivaldi has more shops etc

Thank you so much Simon! Highly appreciated your immediate response and advice ^^

You’re welcome, hope you have a great trip!

We plan to join the skiing lesson at Vivaldi Park and stay there for 3days 2 nights, but i contacted many travel agent, all replied the resort sold out. How can i reserve the resort?

Total of us 6 (4adults and 2kids), check in 28Dec2018 check out 30Dec2018.

Yeah I’m afraid it’s gonna be hard to get a reservation on those dates, it’s peak season for Seoulites to hit the ski resorts.

You might have more luck with the bigger resorts a bit further away like Yongpyong , Alpensia , High1 , or Phoenix Park ; they’re all near small towns which have additional accommodation you can use if the resorts themselves are full (not really an option for Vivaldi), check the links on those pages and hopefully you can find something.

We reserved Welli Hilli Resort Park from 28th to 30th Dec, we are looking for ski instructor for 6 of us (4adults and 2kids) on 28th Dec. Do you know how to find the instructor?

Many thanks Benny

Hi Benny, you can go to the ski school counter at the resort to arrange lessons for your group

Great post and I really appreciate your responses on the comments as well!

We think about heading to Korea to give our son a Snow Break from warm Thailand (we are from Germany, originally, but kinda live in SEA mostly)

The only thing is, our timeframe is kinda limited to the last week of February and first week of March – thus we were thinking about going to High1 or Yongpyong, as the chances of having enough snow that late in season is better – am I right? Do you think we can expect ok-conditions? Or is it simply too late?

Thanks again for your work!

Yes indeed you’re right about that, late season it’s best to go to Yongpyong or High1, also Phoenix Park or Welli Hilli still decent. Last week of February should still be good, in fact last season there was even a surprise heavy snowfall at the end of February and a couple of powder days. Conditions go downhill quickly in March though, so do come in February if you can.

It’ll definitely be a big change from Thailand! Haha

Thanks a lot for the additional insight. We’ll try to hit the slopes by Feb 23rd 😉

Is it easy to go for daytrips to Phoenix if we are staying in Yongpyong or High1?

Thanks again,

Hi again Chris, it really depends on transportation; are you planning to hire a car, or use public transport?

The public transportation is nice & fast from Seoul out to the resorts, but then travel between the resorts can be pretty time-consuming due to low frequency and bad connections e.g. at least 3 hours from Phoenix Park to High1 (versus 90 minutes by car). Yongpyong-Phoenix is easier, it’s about 40 minutes by car and a taxi should only be around 40-50 dollars for that.

Hi. Very good info I get from your advise. I am planning a trip this 2018 Christmas. Does the ski resort open for Christmas?

Hi Charine, yes absolutely, Christmas is a national holiday in Korea and it’s one of the busiest days of the season for ski resorts. So yes you can go, but be ready for big crowds!

Badly need your opinion. First, which is good Vivaldi or Elysian? And Why?

Second, which is less crowd?

Thank you very much

It probably depends on your level. Vivaldi is quite a lot bigger and has a halfpipe, so it’s better if you’re intermediate or above. If you’re a beginner it doesn’t make much difference, they’re both fine for learning. If you can already ski a bit and are trying to push on to intermediate, Elysian’s a good choice because their courses are well-designed with gradually increasing difficulty.

In both cases they’re crowded at weekends, not too bad on weekdays.

Hope you can help.

I booked a three day two night trip to High1 with Trazy from 4th Feb 19 and Trazy have just mailed me to cancel because they say the accommodation is not available.

I messaged them before booking and they did not say there might be any issues they just told me to go ahead and book.

Any recommendations? Do you have any links or contacts I can use to arrange our trip?

Sorry to hear this; it’s Seollal (Lunar New Year) next week, so accommodation is going to be tricky. For starters, try the links in the accommodation section on my High1 page and see if you can find something in Gohan or Sabuk. Of the two, Gohan is better as you can walk to Valley House base in 10 to 20 minutes depending where the hotel is, and they also have shuttle buses. Sabuk has regular shuttles up to Mountain House. Give that a shot and let me know how you get on, hopefully you can find something.

Great website you have here! A lot of info for planning my first Korea trip.

I am planning to go to South Korea for the 2nd half of December, probably 15 Dec to 28 Dec for honeymoon. Was thinking of flying in to Busan (3 nights?), then take a flight to Jeju Island (4 nights? Do you think it is enough?) and finally a flight to Seoul.

Planning to stay at a ski resort for at least 1/2 nights after arriving in Seoul. We have not skied before. Do you recommend that we take classes or we can rent the gear and try it on our own? Do most resorts have sledding as well? Which resort would you recommend for sledding and beginner skiing?

Thank you very much!

Glad you’re finding the site useful, cheers!

I’ve never actually been to Jeju, but from what I hear 4 nights is enough time to see the main things there. Likewise for Busan, 3 nights is nowhere near enough to see it all but you can visit the main spots e.g. Gwangnalli & Haeundae beaches, Haedong Yonggungsa temple, and a market or two.

For skiing, yes I definitely recommend that you take lessons to get the basics. Then you can practice by yourselves after that. If you just try it on your own you won’t know how to use the gear properly and you’ll pick it up much more slowly, so it’s kind of a waste of renting the equipment! Also you’re more likely to hurt yourself without an instructor. And yes the resorts all having sledding except a couple of the minor ones.

In terms of which resort, Alpensia would probably be a good choice. It’s not a very impressive mountain (in fact it’s really small), but that’s fine for learning; but the hotel there is nicer than the older ones at some bigger resorts, and as it’s your honeymoon you probably want to stay somewhere nice! You could consider High1 too, which was also recently built, and stay at the High1 Hotel.

Hope this helps, and let me know if you have any more questions!

Hi Simon, I had just booked tickets to visit Seoul from 20th to 25th November. I hope to be able to bring my kids for their first snow experience 🙂 would you recommend which is the most convenient resort/park to go? My kids are 10,5,3 🙂

Thanks! Fatin from Malaysia

That’s quite early in the season so the closest resorts might not be open yet. Your best bet is probably Vivaldi Park , it’s easy to get to and it should be open by then as long as the weather is co-operating. If it’s not open yet, you’ll probably have to go to Yongpyong (it’s usually the first to open)

Thanks for your prompt reply, Simon! Hopefully the weather will be on our side 😉

Regards, Fatin

I am going to Busan in early Decemeber. Where would best place to get in afew days skiing?

Hi Chris, there’s a small resort just outside Busan called Eden Valley, see here , it’s nothing special but it’s close and fine for a day out on the slopes. If you actually want to go and stay somewhere for a few days you’ll want to travel a few hours to Muju Deogyusan or perhaps High1

Hey Simon! Great guide. Which ski resort is the best to visit during October? Preferably one with a challenging course *and* a downhill slope (for beginners). Thanks!

Hi Mirei, sorry but the ski resorts don’t open until mid to late November. October’s a great time for some hiking though, see my hiking guide here if that’s of any interest

Hi Simon, we have a big group family trip to Korea in Dec19. The youngest is 4yrs old and oldest is 60yrs old. We all first time to try winter ski. May I seek for your recommendation?

Hello, the best option for you would probably be Vivaldi Park as it’s super easy to get there using their free tourist shuttle bus from Myeongdong, and they have good family facilities and English-speaking instructors are available (and possibly Mandarin-speaking if that’s better for you)

Hi Simon, my family will be having our vacation in South Korea this coming December 20 to 29, 2019. We are from the Philippines and I’ve been to Welli Hilli Park last Dec 2013 during an official trip but it’s the first time for my husband and three grown ups kids to experience winter skiing. May we ask your recommendation(s) which place is the best for us and it’s not too expensive, are there hotels or place where we can stay for 2 to 3 days. Thanks.

As you’re going to stay for a few days it’s worth travelling a little further to one of the bigger resorts, so I’d recommend Yongpyong , High1 , or Muju Deogyusan

My wife and I would be making a trip to Korea from 1-5feb to snowboard. Would like your recommendations on which resorts to go for as we are so overwhelmed by the choices available in Korea. And also why you recommend those resorts?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Hi Iggy, it really depends what you’re looking for and what your level is, but my main recommendations are given on this page! Did you have any questions about any of the info above?

Or if you can tell me your level & experience I can specific advice.

appreciate your sharing and kind comments

I and family plan to go to ski resort in Korea on Feb9-10. it’s not our first time for snow, but first time for ski. We gonna choose High1 because of it’s snow quality. So, I wonder if there will be fluffy snow, or at least real snow, during that time? Is it worth for long travel comparing to other resorts near Seoul. Also, our parent will not ski. Is there any other ski activity like snowmobile?

What would you recommend? Thanks in advance

It’s impossible to predict for specific dates – if you’re lucky, there will be fresh snow, but otherwise there won’t. It doesn’t usually snow very much in Korea though.

High1 does get the most natural snowfall, but compared to other countries like Japan it still doesn’t get very much, so High1 also has to make a lot of their snow. But don’t worry, it’s still ‘real’ snow and fine for learning on – you won’t be able to tell the difference.

I actually suggest you consider Vivaldi Park instead of High1. This is because Vivaldi Park has a popular Snowy Land attraction which would be a nice way for your parents to enjoy the snow without skiing, and the snow quality at Vivaldi is almost the same as High1

Just read your article and not sure if you would reply. 🙂 I am going to Seoul in January 2024 and plan for a winter ski for 2 days 1 night. Or maybe day trip. Most probably would join a group class or without class, for the first time experience. Which ski park would u recommend for very nice breath-taking sceneries, photos and for first time experience like me to a winter ski resort? Thank you in advance.

Hi Lene, sorry for the slow reply. First of all I definitely recommend taking a lesson. It’s very hard to ski for the first time if you don’t have an instructor or a friend who can teach you, so it’s safer and more fun to join a class.

As for which resort, the biggest ones further from Seoul have better views, so that’s High1 or Yongpyong . The runs from the top are too challenging for your first day, but you can still ride the gondolas up to see the views and then go back down on the gondola again. Or if you don’t want to travel so far then Vivaldi Park is a good compromise, it’s closer to Seoul but you can still enjoy good views from the top gondola station (and you could also visit Snowy Land)

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Hi I’m Simon, British snowboard addict & travel blogger presently based in NE Asia. I run this site to help international visitors plan their trips to Korean ski resorts; you might also be interested in my travel blog, especially the Korea sightseeing and Japan snowboarding content

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Top 6 ski resorts in Korea

The next Olympic host nation has a lot to offer ski travellers looking for a new adventure.

Korean ski resorts have enjoyed a surge of popularity in recent years. While Japan still attracts the most attention, Korea’s resorts are a viable alternative, particularly to those looking for more affordable options; accommodation, transport and amenities are significantly cheaper on this side of the ditch. With PyeongChang the host of the 2018 Winter Olympics , now is the time to sample what this country has to offer.

The bulk of ski resorts in Korea are found in either Gangwon-do or Gyeonggi-do, Korea’s two northernmost provinces. Gangwon-do is dominated by the Taebaek mountain range and as a result, offers the best natural conditions for skiing. Gyeonggi-do is Gangwon-do’s western neighbour. Resorts in this area benefit from proximity to Seoul (Gyeonggi literally translates to ‘area surrounding the capital’). For those willing to sacrifice snow quality for convenience, this is where to look.

Resorts are generally accessible via privately-run shuttle buses. These operate out of Incheon airport and central Seoul. Public express buses are a cheaper alternative, but will add a considerable chunk of transit time.

Yongpyong Resort

Yongpyong is Korea’s biggest ski resort (31 slopes) and its name is synonymous with skiing in Korea. Yongpyong hosted the slalom and giant slalom events at the last Winter Olympics. The resort is serviced by 15 lifts (including a 3.7km, 6-person gondola) that operate across four ‘zones’. There’s plenty of mountain to conquer regardless of ability.

Those who like packing as much skiing as possible into a single holiday will appreciate YongPyong’s night skiing hours. Image: Korea Tourism Organization

The more challenging terrain is found in Dragon Zone which is accessed via Yongpyong’s only gondola. Skiers disembark at Dragon’s Peak (1438m), the starting point for the popular Rainbow runs, four of which are rated ‘Super Advanced’ by Yongpyong. Beginners have numerous options on the other side of the mountain.

Yongpyong is one of the more established resorts in Korea and visitors will find accommodation and dining facilities to suit all budgets.

Read Ski Asia’s comprehensive guide to Yongpyong ski resort .

High 1 Resort

High 1 is one of Korea’s more picturesque resorts, offering stunning views of the Taebaek mountains. Because of its elevation, High 1 relies far less on artificial snow than many other resorts in Korea. The combination of snow quality and slope size is matched only by Yongpyong.

High 1 Resort, Korea. Image: Korea Tourism Organization

The resort is spread across three peaks, Jijang Mountain Peak (1345m), Valley Top (1376m) and Mountain Hub (1250m). Beginners can work their way up to Valley Top and enjoy a gentle 4.2km run down the mountain. More advanced skiers will gravitate towards Mountain Hub.

Mountain Top Restaurant, High 1’s famed revolving restaurant, is an ideal resting point for those looking to soak up the views from Jijang peak. Diners are promised panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Back at ground level, High 1 visitors have access to the largest casino in the country (and the only casino that will legally admit Korean citizens).

Phoenix Park Resort

Another of Korea’s more popular resorts is Phoenix Park Resort . Spread over two peaks (Mont Blanc and Bulsaemaru), the resort is equipped with 8 ski lifts and one gondola. Skiers have 22 slopes to choose from, ranging from beginner to expert. The resort also features a mogul course and terrain park. All freestyle skiing and snowboarding events took place here during the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Phoenix Park Resort has been selected as the Olympic venue for all freestyle skiing and snowboarding events. Image: Korea Tourism Organization

Sitting at a lower elevation than both Yongpyong and High 1, Phoenix Park relies on an extensive artificial snow-making system. Although this won’t enthuse experienced skiers, beginners will enjoy the reliability of Phoenix Park’s well-groomed pistes. The resort also offers plenty in the way of ski and snowboard instruction.

Phoenix Park is renowned for its first-class facilities. Dining options are plentiful and western palates are well catered for. Accommodation is offered at all price points, with a 5-star hotel, numerous condominiums and a 76-room, slope side youth hostel.

Daemyung Vivaldi Park

Vivaldi Park’s facilities are amongst the best in Korea, with 10 chairlifts servicing around 6.7 km of skiable terrain. These include Asia’s first 8-seater express chairlift and an 8-person gondola, which transports skiers and snowboarders to a modest height of 580 metres.

Vivaldi Park ski resort, South Korea

While the resort is smaller than several of its Gangwon-do counterparts, it is undoubtedly the best of the ski resorts within easy reach of Seoul (just 45 minutes away), and – somewhat controversially – earned the title of Korea’s Best Ski Resort at the 2017 World Ski Awards .

As the most visited ski resort in Korea , Vivaldi Park can get busy during peak periods, so pick your times wisely. If you can handle the cold, the best time may in fact be the evening session (18:30–22:30), when the crowds have turned in for the day and the slopes are lit up under floodlights.

GYEONGGI-DO

Konjiam resort.

Those based in the capital might consider Konjiam , a 9-slope resort within a 45 minute drive south of Seoul. Konjiam’s unique selling point is that it limits admission to 7000 visitors per day. Konjiam guests needn’t worry about the long lift queues and excessive crowds that plague other Seoul-serving resorts.

Konjiam is close to Seoul, but it limits admission to 7000 per day to keep crowds under control. Image: Korea Tourism Organization

Konjiam is serviced by five high-speed chairlifts. Beginners will want to test their legs on Hanui, Konjiam’s gentlest slope. Those with more confidence can head to the top of Firmhill and enjoy views of Mt. Dobong, Namsan Tower and Kwangju city.

Typical of many resorts in this area, Konjiam also offers night skiing until the early hours of the morning. Slopes are open until 4am, well after the ski schools and young families have packed up.

JEOLLABUK-DO

Deogyusan ski resort.

Topping off our list is Deogyusan Ski Resort , located in Muju-gun, Jeollabuk-do. Despite being in Korea’s much warmer south-west, there’s a lot to like about this resort including long runs (Silk Road, 6.1km), challenging terrain (a handful of double-black diamond runs) and gorgeous scenery. Nestled in the Gucheon-dong Valley, Deogyusan offers an alternative to those looking to steer clear of the capital.

Deogyusan offers an alternative to those looking to steer clear of the capital. Image: Korea Tourism Organization

Being further south, Deogyusan’s season is relatively short and snowfall is far less consistent. As is common in Korea, the resort relies heavily on artificial snow. However, skiers have plenty of ground to cover. Thirty-four runs stretch across two sections of mountain (Mansun base and Seolchun base).

5-star accommodation is on offer at Hotel Tirol, although cheaper options are available. The resort also features an outdoor hot spring.

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Putin's visit to North Korea is a very much a diplomatic two-fingers to the West

The stronger ties between Russia and North Korea are a major concern for the West and its Asian allies - with fears Moscow could start supplying Pyongyang with some of its nuclear know-how.

Moscow correspondent @IvorBennett

Tuesday 18 June 2024 02:54, UK

This will only be Vladimir Putin's second visit to North Korea.

The first was soon after he assumed office in 2000, nearly a quarter of a century ago.

That's a long time to wait for a return trip. Was it the hospitality? Or did he just have better options elsewhere?

Either way, it's very much a case of beggars can't be choosers right now, with Tuesday's visit highlighting both Russia's isolation from the West and the blossoming friendship between these two pariah states.

What does North Korea offer Russia? A lot more than camaraderie. According to the US and others, it's supplying the Kremlin with weapons and ammunition to use in Ukraine.

In an interview with Bloomberg recently, South Korea's defence minister said the North had sent nearly five million artillery shells to Russia since September, as well as dozens of ballistic missiles.

Moscow and Pyongyang both deny the accusation but UN monitors claim to have seen evidence. In January, they concluded the remnants of a missile fired from Russia on Kherson was that of a North Korea-made Kwasong-11 series.

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Kyiv claims there are several more examples.

For North Korea, the closer ties are a big win. As well as food and fuel, analysts say Russia has provided the poverty-stricken nation with much-needed economic aid and diplomatic support.

In March, for example, Russia vetoed the UN resolution to renew the mandate of the panel of experts monitoring sanctions enforcement.

It's also assumed Moscow is supplying some technical know-how for Pyongyang's space and satellite programmes, after President Putin hosted Kim Jong Un at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia's far east last September.

The stronger ties between the two is a major concern for the West and its Asian allies.

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These are two leaders who like to warn how their fingers are poised over the red button. The primary fear in Washington and Seoul is that Russia could start supplying some of its nuclear know-how and missile technology, on top of the other assistance.

The Russian leader's entourage for the visit certainly raises eyebrows. It includes his new defence minister Andrei Belousov as well as Denis Manutrov, the deputy prime minister responsible for defence.

The official line from the Kremlin is that there's nothing to see here - yes, we might sign a security agreement, but it won't be directed against any other country.

Russia's "right" to develop good relationships with its neighbours "should not be of concern to anyone", Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Behind the scenes, though, they will no doubt delight in the disquiet the visit is causing.

It's very much a diplomatic two-fingers to the West, which may bring tangible geopolitical benefits too.

If South Korea is considering providing weapons to Ukraine, for example, this might make them think twice about it.

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