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KTO decided to send Ilya from Russia and Mathieu from France to experience the 2006-2007 ski season at Yongpyong Resort. When I announced that we were leaving to cover Korea’s largest ski resort with two tall, handsome guys, many KTO staff members looked at us in envy. A heavy snowfall had already swept over Gangwon-do, making the slope conditions at the resort even better, and our hearts were full of excitement as we grabbed our skis.
One day before our departure, I asked Ilya if he had ever skied before, and he assured me that he had been two or three times before. So with that in mind, we headed off to Yongpyong Resort to enjoy our first ski trip of the year.
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Yongpyong Resort
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Going to Yongpyong Resort by Bus
 During the ski season, shuttle buses connect Yongpyong Resort with a number of areas in Seoul. Except for weekends, however, most buses depart early in the morning, so we decided to take an intercity bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Hoenggye and take a free Yongpyong Resort shuttle bus from there. The intercity bus travels as far as Gangneung and Sokcho, and since Hoenggye was midway, we let the bus driver know that we would be getting off in Hoenggye. Since we had started quite early in the morning, we fell asleep on the bus, and in no time (exactly 2.5 hours) found ourselves in Hoenggye.
Unlike Seoul, the small town of Hoenggye was blanketed with snow, living up to its name as a wintry destination. Walking past the gas station to the left of the Intercity Bus Terminal, we waited in front of the post office for the free shuttle bus to take us to the resort. Buses run every 30 minutes. |
Cozy Condominium Overlooking White Slopes
 Thanks to the filming of the TV drama ‘Winter Sonata’ with Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo, Yongpyong Resort continues to attract a stream of tourists year after year. This is why numerous events and tours related to the drama are still organized at the resort. We had already made a reservation for a condominium apartment, so we went straight to the front desk to check in at the Villa Condo. The outside of the facility looked rather old, but the inside was clean and cozy. Also, the front window of the living room overlooked the ski slopes, offering a rather romantic ambience. We were already excited, thinking of enjoying a drink while gazing at the night view of the slopes. |
Heading Out to Explore Yongpyong Resort
Yongpyong Resort consists of a place called “Dragon House”, which houses a rental shop, restaurants, and a coffee shop for skiers, and the Tower Condo, featuring a condominium, a supermarket, a bowling area, a karaoke room, a PC room, and a fitness center. We set out to explore the entire resort, starting with the Dragon house.
First, we had a hamburger steak for lunch at a restaurant on the first floor of the Dragon House. After filling our stomachs, we went to the ski shop to buy gloves. The resort has rentals such as ski suits, ski boots and equipment as well as ski gloves. Gloves were available in a wide range of prices, so we picked the cheapest ones for 10,000 won.
Later after shopping, we visited the cafeteria, gondola boarding area, and restaurants before heading over to the Dragon Hotel. The children we met on the way happily greeted Mathieu and Ilya.
In the hotel lobby, we found a huge Christmas tree by the fireplace where the sight of blazing logs made us feel warm. We sat down by the tree for a photo and thawed out our cold hands by the fire as we chatted. The hotel interior was cozy rather than grand or luxious, meaning that anyone could feel free to come in to rest.
For all those who love Korean dramas, you should make sure to stop by the cafe called “Cheoeum”, where a few scenes of ‘Winter Sonata’ were filmed. Ilya wanted to rent the DVD because he hadn’t seen the beginning, so we went into the cafe. The café was also used as a restaurant for group visitors, and we found numerous props from the drama and mementos left by fans. Ilya, like the protagonist of the drama, played a tune on the piano that stood in one corner, while Mathieu banged out a few clumsy notes. |
How about a Game of Pool?
 Korean men, both young and old, enjoy billiards even more than a good meal. I wanted to enjoy bowling or another type of entertainment, but the guys said they couldn’t bowl very well.
No sooner had I asked about billiards that they became just like Korean men insisting we play a game of pool. While most resort guests were up on the slopes, we went to play a game of pool. Ilya was the winner hands down, making eight shots in a row as Mathieu fell further behind.
Skiing is not the only fun activity at the resort. People can relax and enjoy bowling, karaoke, or billiards for a great evening of fun. Then, as it gets dark out, crowds of people go out to hit the slopes of Yongpyong Resort.
Even before the excitement of billiards had disappeared, we headed to the game room. I remembered going to game rooms as a child, but this was my first experience as an adult. We laughed like children as we enjoyed games like car rally, ski practice, and even target practice. Totally immersed in the games, Mathieu and Ilya looked like two mischievous boys. |
Mart Shopping
 Next, we headed to the resort supermarket to buy some beer for that evening, and some groceries for breakfast the next day. The two guys concentrated on picking out the best beverages, fruits, cookies, bread, and instant food.
In the supermarket, some children wearing ski boots prepared instant noodles and other foods in the microwave, finished their meals quickly, and ran back to the slopes. While we had the urge to follow them to the slopes, we controlled ourselves and resisted the temptation. We returned to our room to gaze out at the white slopes and drink cold beer. We toasted to a safe and exciting ski trip tomorrow! |
Let’s go Skiing!
“What? You go on that lift and move all the way up there? I can’t do that!”
“Oh my god! Ilya!”
Ilya had never taken a lift high up the slopes and skied his way down, nor did he know the basic ski position. Shouting how to make an A with your skis reverberated throughout Yongpyong Resort. In fact, Ilya’s only experience was cross-country skiing on flat terrain. Mathieu was not experienced enough to teach him and I was more into snowboarding.
So, Ilya joined a group ski lesson. ‘One, two… One, two…’ He learned all the basics of skiing: walking up the slope, the A position, getting up after a fall, stopping, and changing directions. After the lesson, we were finally able to go on the lift.
“See? I didn’t fall down even once!”
Thanks to his great coordination, Ilya quickly learned, and skied down in a beautiful and inspiring S curve. We were soon completely immersed in skiing, and hurried back up time after time. |
Gondola Ride
For a spectacular view all of the scenery Yongpyong Resort has to offer, take a gondola ride. At the top, there is a challenging slope beckoning the most advanced skiers. Since we were just beginners, we settled for the view. During the ride, we took photos and greeted others who were riding down on the other side of the gondola lane. In no time had we reached the top. Compared to the slopes below, the higher slope was covered with fog and the strong wind made it difficult even to stand up straight. But since this was a film location for Winter Sonata, a number of drama fans were there to take memento pictures. If you reach the summit, make sure to either take a picture or stick a flag there. |
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| Tip!
Condominium Reservation: During the ski season, Yongpyong Resort is always full of visitors, so it is best to make a reservation in advance during the weekdays. Reservations can be made by phone (+82-2-3270-1270). Japanese and English interpretation services are available. Since Korean people prefer condominium rooms that come with a kitchenette, visitors may find more vacancies at the hotel.
Ticketing: Lift passes and equipment rental tickets can be purchased at the ticketing counter located at the foot of the slope. The counter opens 30 minutes before the lift starts, so get your tickets 30 minutes in advance and rent the necessary equipment so that you can be in time for the first lift. If you want to spend as much time as possible on the slopes, check the lift operation schedule.
To rent a ski outfit, visit the ski shop. You will be required to present an I.D. in exchange for a key, which you will return later. On the back of your rental ticket, write down your height, weight, and foot size. In Korea, foot size is measured in centimeters. Use the foot ruler available at the rental counter. |
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How to Get There: Take an intercity bus bound for Hoenggye and get off at Hoenggye Bus Terminal. Walk past the gas station to the left of the bus terminal and take a free shuttle bus in front of the post office. If you want to take a bus for Yongpyong Resort from Sinchon, Gangnam, or Jamsil in Seoul, make sure to make a reservation in advance.
If you only booked for a one-way trip, you can make a reservation for a return bus at the bus ticket counter on the first floor of Tower Condo. The people at the ticket counter have a basic command of English or Japanese.
For more information on the free shuttle bus in Hoenggye or the bus between Seoul and Yongpyong Resort, visit the website of the resort at http://www.yongpyong.co.kr/eng/trans/tr_sbus.asp.
Yongpyong Resort Website: http://www.yongpyong.co.kr/eng/ (English)
Telephone: +82-33-335-5757 (Korean, English, Japanese)
Korea Travel Phone: +82-33-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) |
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