Winter’s the best season to visit South Korea, and it’s little wonder why.
From white magical forests to brilliantly illuminated festivals, we bring you a whole new side of Korea’s stunning beauty that comes and goes with winter. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, this list of Korea’s most resplendent spots will make you think again.
1. Deogyusan Mountains
Image credit: Deogyusan mountains is covered by snow and morning fog in winter, South Korea
Set in the sprawling Deogyusan National Park, the Deogyusan Mountains are the veritable highlights amongst acres of gorgeous scenery. Take a hike up to the summit of major peaks like Hyangjeokbong, Jungbong and Nam Deogyusan to be greeted with panoramic views of powder white snow.
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You can also choose to stay in any of the ski resorts flanking the park, including the luxurious Deogyusan Resort. Whizz down the ivory slopes and wander around snow-capped streets as you explore the area around the resort.
Deogyusan National Park
Address: Anseong-myeon, Muju-gun, South Korea
Opening hours: Daylight hours, daily
Deogyusan Resort
Address: 185, Manseon-ro, Seolcheon-myeon, Muju-gun, Jeonbuk, South Korea
2. Nami Island
Image credit: Nami Island
Nami Island may be a favourite tourist destination all year round for its verdant, leafy summers and stunningly golden autumns. However, its winter landscape is the main reason that brought fame to the area, thanks to the famous K-drama Winter Sonata.
Image credit: 남이섬 – Nami Island
K-dramas aside, Nami Island transitions into an idyllic winter wonderland at the end of the year. You’ll find yourself surrounded by tall, straight-trunked trees that bear white frosting on their branches. Don’t forget to check out the incredible ice sculptures if you happen to visit during the Snowman Festival!
Image credit: 남이섬 – Nami Island
Nami Island
Address: 1 Namisum-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Opening hours: The island is open 24 hours though the ferry only runs from 07:30 to 21:40.
3. Boseong Green Tea Plantation
Image credit: Korea Tourism Organisation
Ditch the regular winter scenery for something a little more unique: a snow-covered tea plantation! The Boseong Green Tea Plantation is usually made up of rows upon rows of lush greenery throughout the year. But during winter, it turns into a splendid view of snow-stacked terraces – a pretty novel sight to behold!
Image credit: Jocelyndurrey
Catch the Boseong Green Tea Plantation Light Festival for a truly magical experience as the white-topped hills are illuminated with colourful lights. Relish in the winter evening as you stroll through a dazzling light tunnel, sip on some piping hot green tea and explore this brightly lit winter wonderland.
Boseong Green Tea Plantation
Address: 763-65 Nokcha-ro, Boseong-eup, Boseong, Jeollanam-do, South Korea
Opening hours: 09:00 – 19:00 (check for festival hours on the website)
Festival runs from mid-December to mid-January
4. Camellia Hill
Image credit: camelliahilljeju
Winter isn’t all white in Korea! At least not at Jeju Island’s Camellia Hill. A sanctuary to 500 different species of camellias that only bloom in winter, you’ll be greeted with an explosion of colour when you visit this arboretum.
Image credit: camelliahilljeju
Explore all the charming sections of the garden, and admire the winter florals at the various glasshouses and camellia-themed craft gallery. Charge your camera batteries, because you wouldn’t want to miss capturing the striking contrast of pink and red blossoms against the white backdrop!
Camellia Hill
Address: 166 Byeongang-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo, Jeju-do, South Korea
Opening hours: 08:30 – 17:00 in winter
5. Yongpyong Resort
Image credit: Yongpyong Resort
A multi-facility resort all year round, winter is when Yongpyong Resort morphs into a winter sports resort extraordinaire, with a thick blanket of snow and its signature Rainbow Slopes.
Image credit: Yongpyong Resort
Built 700m above sea level, Yongpyong Resort offers a skiing and snowboarding paradise in the clouds, where you can gaze upon a seemingly endless expanse of snowy slopes. A family resort that’s popular with both locals and tourists alike, there’s something for everyone in this gorgeous resort, from mountain coasters and zip lines to even a water park!
Image credit: 용평리조트
Yongpyong Resort
Address: 232-950, 715, Olympic-ro, Daegwanryeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, Korea
6. Inje Wondaeri Birch Forest
Image credit: juhohohokim
Stepping into Inje Wondaeri Birch Forest is probably the closest you will get to climbing out of a wardrobe and into Narnia. With about 690,000 birch trees decked in pristine snow, you’ll feel as though you’re in a fairytale wonderland!
Image credit: queenbeejoo
Foray further into the forest through trails of varying difficulty, and revel in the tranquility and serenity of the forest. Find a sense of peace and calm amongst the towering birch trees, which are known for their healing properties.
Inje Wondaeri Birch Forest
Address: 75 Wondae-ri, Inje-eup, Inje, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Opening hours: 09:00 – 17:00 daily (hiking trails close at 14:00)
7. Gangchon Rail Bike Park
Image credit: Gangchon Rail Park
A popular attraction in the warmer months, the Gangchon Rail Bike Park is an entirely different and mesmerising experience in winter. Instead of the typical green scenery you get throughout the year as you pedal along the tracks, you’ll be confronted with the bare beauty of winter.
Image credit: Gangchon Rail Park
Located not too far away from Seoul, this park offers a peaceful respite from the city as you admire the countryside vistas painted with streaks of white as you cruise by. Don’t forget to dress warm and pedal hard to generate extra heat!
Ganghon Rail Bike Park
Address: 1383 Gimyujeong-ro, Sindong-myeon, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Opening hours: 09:00 – 18:00 (lunch break 12:00-13:00)
8. Seonjaryeong Ridge
Image credit: PyeongChang
The Seonjaryeong Ridge saddles the border between Pyongchang and Gangneung, and is the centrepiece of the Baekdudaegun Mountain Range. Trekking to the peak will give you unparalleled views of the snowy landscapes, and offers you an otherworldly experience with snow-dusted branches lining your ascent.
Image credit: ksy04272000
The ease of the hike makes the trail a popular one, but be prepared to have your breath taken away at the sublime spectacle that awaits you at the peak.
Image credit: racelljeong
Seonjaryeong Ridge
Address: #458-23, Kkotbatgyangji-gil, (Hoenggye-ri), Daegwallyeong-myeon, PyeongChang-gun, Gangwon Province, South Korea
9. Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm
Image credit: Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm
In warmer parts of the year, the Daewallyeong Sheep Farm appears as grassy pastures with grazing sheep and a little wooden cottage, making for an utterly picturesque scene. Come winter, the sheep are gone and instead, you will be greeted by acres of thick, fluffy snow – a real postcard-worthy scene!
Image credit: Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm
Daewallyeong Sheep Farm
Address: 483-32 Daegwallyeongmaru-gil, 대관령 Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Opening hours: 09:00 – 17:00
10. Gwanghallu Garden
Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization, New York
Namwon is a historic town shrouded in stories of peace and romance, and dubbed as the ‘City of Love’. Made popular due to a legendary romance tale, learn more about its origins at Gwanghallu Garden, where the tale is set.
Image credit: Michelle’s Memories
Admire the elaborate pavilion in the garden steeped in rich cultural history, as it gains even more elegance in the winter, cloaked in a blanket of snow.
Gwanghallu Garden
Address: Cheongeo-dong, Namwon, Jeollabuk-do 590-080, South Korea
Opening hours: 08:00 – 20:00 (free entry from 18:00 – 20:00!)
Korea displays an entirely different side during winter and it’s a strikingly beautiful one. The end of the year is coming right up, so if you want to be transported to a surreal snow-filled utopia, now’s the time to be making plans!
For more information on Korea in winter, visit Korea Tourism Organization’s official website and Facebook page.
Brought to you by Korea Tourism Organization (Singapore Office).