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Gangwon-do province is where Korea's winter season begins and where it lasts the longest, and therefore the majority of Korea’s winter resorts are located in this province. With two more resorts opening this year, there are now a total of eight winter resorts in Gangwon-do. Each resort is designed under a different theme, and appeals to skiers and snowboarders for various reasons. Let's take a look at what Gangwon-do has to offer, and learn about the various resorts and slopes we can enjoy this winter.
[Find out more!]
☞ Gyeonggi-do Resorts: Best Recommended Winter
Spots
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Winter Sonata's Home Ground, Yongpyong Resort
Yongpyong Resort has the most slopes out of all the resorts in Korea, but it is also extremely famous as a film location. This was where the popular drama Winter Sonata was filmed, and you can still find mementoes of the drama at the resort. Yongpyong resort has also hosted an international ski championship, due to its 28 slopes and 15 lifts.
At Yongpyong resort there are various courses available, ranging from beginner courses to the Yellow and Pink slope expert courses. On selected courses various rails and fixtures have been installed so snowboarders can make jumps and test various skills. The T-Rain Park Course allows snowboarders to ride stair rails and gives them the sensation of jumping over cars. Snowboarders from all over the world come here to try out these more difficult stunts. The resort also has many other great facilities, including an assortment of restaurants and cafes. The Western restaurant, Chalet, in Dragon Hotel, served as one of the film locations for the drama Winter Sonata. Diners can look out over the slopes while enjoying a delicious meal.
Those who wish to explore the entire area of Yongpyong Resort can use the beautiful walking paths or the observatory gondola. Yongpyong Resort, along with Muju Resort, serves as the location for the Fun Ski Event each year.
→
Go to Yongpyong Resort
→
Go to Skiing Beginners - Ilya and Mathieu’s Yongpyong Resort Challenge |
Accommodations |
Yongpyong Resort has various accommodation facilities, including the Dragon Valley Hotel with its beautiful view overlooking the resort, condos with kitchen facilities as well as bedrooms, and affordable youth hostels for those on a budget. The condo is available to both members and non-members, but during the high seasons non-members may find it difficult to make reservations. If you are not a member and want to reserve a condo, it is best to do it early and also to avoid weekends and the high seasons. You can make reservations through the homepage after creating an account, and your confirmation will be sent to you via email.
For non-members accommodation at the Dragon Valley Hotel starts at ￦242,000, and condo accommodation ranges from ￦280,000 to ￦500,000. Accommodation at the youth hostel ranges from￦70,000 to ￦160,000. Prices will vary depending on the dates. For exact prices, log on to Yongpyong Resort’s homepage to make further inquiries. |
| Surrounding Attractions |
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Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm
Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm is one of the very few large grass fields in Korea. It is also famous for being a film location for the drama ‘'Fall Story' and for the movies 'TaeGukGi: Brotherhood of War' and 'Lover's Concerto'. It is very convenient to reach from the Yongpyong Resort. In good weather conditions you can see all the way out to Jumunjin Beach. In the winter seasons the sheep are kept in the shed, but even though you will not be able to enjoy a nice view of the grazing sheep, you will be able to enjoy a beautiful view of snow-covered fields.
Transportation:
Take a shuttle bus from Yongpyong Resort to Hoenggye Cross-Country Bus Terminal → Take a taxi at the taxi stand in front of the terminal (travel time: 10 minutes / Fare costs around ￦10,000)
Tip) There is no public transportation to the Sheep Farm, so you will need to use a taxi, which the taxi fare is negotiable.
→ Go to Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm
→ Go to Samyang Dagwallyeong Ranch
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Mt. Odaesan National Park
About thirty minutes from Yongpyong Resort, Mt. Odaesan National Park has rich forests and beautiful creeks, and is a great location for hiking. There are many different hiking courses beginning with a half-day course. Don't forget to visit the Woljeongsa Temple on Mt. Odaesan, which was built during the Shilla Period (A.D. 643).
Transportation:
Take the shuttle bus from Yongpyong Resort to Hoenggye Cross-Country Bus Terminal → Take a bus bound for Jinbu → Get off at Jinbu Terminal and transfer to another bus bound for Mt. Odaesan
→ Go to Mt. Odaesan National Park
→ Go to Woljeongsa Temple |
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Festivals |
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Daegwallyeong Snow Festival
Beginning in January each year, this snow and ice themed festival is an opportunity to experience Korea's winter at its best. Various hands-on programs are held, including ice-sledding, making snowmen, making an igloo, and there are also ice sculpture exhibitions.
→
Go to Daegwallyeong Snow Festival
• FunSki
Hosted every winter by the Korea Tourism Organization, the Funski Event is a winter camp, providing lessons in skiing and snowboarding. Additionally, various fun recreational programs are held. With the Funski event you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding all day long at Yongpyong Resort. Places are limited, so visitors are advised to make reservations in advance.
→ Go to Funski
→ Go to Fun Ski & Snow Festival at Yongpyong
→ Funski Special Promotion, Join Now!
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Transportation |
① Incheon International Airport → Yongpyong Resort: From Bus Stop 9C at Incheon International Airport take the bus bound for Wonju (Service Hours: 09:10 ~ 21:10 / Travel Time: 3 hours / Fare: ￦17,400) → at Wonju Cross-Country Bus Terminal transfer to the bus bound for Hoenggye (7:00am ~ 19:40pm / Travel Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes / Fare: ￦6,300) → Get off at Hoenggye Cross-Country Bus Terminal → Take the free shuttle bus to Yongpyong Resort in front of Hoenggye Post Office next to the terminal
② Yangyang International Airport → Yongpyong Resort: Take the limousine bus bound for Gangneung (14:55 / Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun) → at Gangneung Cross-Country Bus Terminal transfer to the bus bound for Hoenggye (Service Hours: 6:00am ~20:00pm / Travel Time: 30 minutes / Fare: ￦2,200) → Get off at Hoenggye Cross-Country Bus Terminal → Take the free shuttle bus to Yongpyong Resort in front of Hoenggye Post Office next to the terminal
③ Seoul ↔ Yongpyong Resort Regular Shuttle Bus: Roundtrip ￦28,000, One-way ￦15,000 (Travel time: 3 hours)
④ Seoul → Yongpyong Resort Cross Country Bus:
East Seoul Bus Terminal → Hoenggye Cross-Country Bus Terminal→ Take the free shuttle bus to Yongpyong Resort in front of Hoenggye Post Office next to the terminal.
* Refer to their homepage to learn more about the services for Seoul ↔ Yongpyong Resort
Tip) Regular Shuttle Bus, Yongpyong Resort ↔ Hoenggye bound free shuttle bus
For more details, click here! |
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Water Theme Park with Daemyung Vivaldi Park
Daemyung Vivaldi Park was the very first ski resort to have its slopes open 24 hours. The slopes have pipes, steep degrees and many winding routes to provide the maximum thrill. Daemyung Vivaldi Park is one of the young generation’s favorite resorts and has been specially designed to appeal to them. The slopes are named Hip-Hop, Techno, Funky etc, free hot coffee is given out, and young couples can propose to each other on a large multi-vision screen.
Visitors to Daemyung Vivaldi Park can also enjoy Ocean World, a water theme park located in the underground level of the resort. It is open every day of the year. Opened in 2006, this water park’s interior was designed like an Egyptian desert with a huge sphinx and pyramids. The water park also offers the thrill of turbulent rapids, and an indoor wave pool. Daemyung Vivaldi Park's facilities include a supermarket, a bakery, and a variety of restaurants, including a Korean restaurant, a Western-style restaurant, and Japanese restaurant. However, the most popular eateries in Daemyung Vivaldi Park are the Chinese restaurants and a countryside marketplace, located right in front of the slopes.
→ Go to Romantic Winter Getaway at VIVALDI PARK
→ Go to Daemyung Vivaldi Park
→
Go to Vivaldi Park Ocean World
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Accommodations |
There is a youth hostel and a condominium complex at Daemyung Vivaldi Park. The youth hostel is mostly for group visitors, and reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis beginning every Monday at 9 am. Please note that the youth hostels get very booked-up during the student vacation period (December-January), so be sure to call ahead for reservations or any inquiries you may have (+82-2-2222-8934, Korean, Japanese).
The condos are operated mainly for members. The rooms are equipped with a complete kitchen. For non-members the rate for a 4 persons condo is ￦242,000. Reservations can be made by phone (+82-33-434-8311, Korean).
Further information is available on the homepage. |
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Surrounding Attractions |
• Chuncheon
Chuncheon is a lakeside city and was one of the film locations for the drama ‘Winter Sonata’. It is a popular destination for young couples. The early morning view of the lake covered with fog is magnificent. You can enjoy great Dakgalbi (spicy chicken ribs) at one of the many Dakgalbi restaurants located in downtown Myeongdong district, as well as see visiting the memorable ‘Winter Sonata’ film sites.
Transportation:
From Daemyung Vivaldi Park take the Guemgang Unsu(Transportation) Bus bound for Hongcheon Cross-Country Bus Terminal → Get off at Hongcheon Cross-Country Bus Terminal and then take a bus bound for Chuncheon Terminal → Take an intercity bus or taxi to Myeongdong.
→ Chuncheon & Namiseom Tour - A Place of Romance
→ Chuncheon, Land of Lakes
→ A Three-day ‘Winter Sonata’ Best Course
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Namiseom Island
At Namiseom Island you can take a bicycle tour of the island, and enjoy various hands on programs. It was one of the film locations for the drama ‘Winter Sonata’, and is frequently seen in commercials and other dramas. Namiseom Island has many galleries and visitors can even meet some of the artists in person. Namiseom Island’s fir tree forest is beautiful all year round, but looks especially beautiful in the snow.
Transportation:
From Daemyung Vivaldi Park take the Guemgang Unsu(Transportation) Bus bound for Hongcheon Cross-Country Bus Terminal → Get off at Hongcheon Cross-Country Bus Terminal and take a bus bound for Chuncheon Terminal → Take a bus bound for Namiseom Island at Chuncheon Terminal.
→ Go to Namiseom Island
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Festival |
• Vivaldi Park World Ice Festival
Held every winter, this festival features ice sculptures made by famous ice sculptors. Visitors can also enjoy ice slides, ice sleds and more. This festival is undoubtedly Vivaldi Park's most famous winter festival. The beautiful ice sculptures, together with unique lighting, attract many families with young children.
→ Go to Vivaldi Park World Ice Festival
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Transportation |
① Incheon International Airport → Daemyung Vivaldi Park:From bus stop 9C at Incheon International Airport take the bus bound for Wonju → Get off at Wonju Cross-Country Bus Terminal and take a bus bound for Hongcheon (travel time: 50 minutes) → Take a bus bound for Vivaldi Park at Hongcheon Cross-Country Bus Terminal (06:00~21:00, travel time: 50 minutes).
② Seoul↔Daemyung Vivaldi Park’s Regular Shuttle Bus:
One-way ￦11,500, Roundtrip ￦20,000 (travel time: 80 minutes)
Tip)For exact times for the Seoul ↔ Vivaldi Park’s Regular Shuttle Bus refer to their homepage
(English).
③ Seoul → Daemyung Vivaldi Park’s Cross-Country Bus: Get off at Gangbyeon Station of Subway Line No.2 → From Dong(East) Seoul Bus Terminal take a bus bound for Hongcheon → Take a bus bound for Vivaldi Park at Hongcheon Cross-Country Bus Terminal.
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Snowboarder's Heaven: Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park opened in 1995, and comes complete with ski slopes, a golf course, a hotel, a swimming pool, and a shopping mall. There are 12 valley-like slopes for beginners to experts. If you take the high-speed 6-persons lift, from the top can enjoy a panoramic view of Phoenix Park. Phoenix Park is paradise for snowboarders. There are mini pipes for snowboard beginners, while snowboard experts can try out the large super pipes. The Extreme Park is designed for snowboarders, and the slopes are equipped with various devises to ensure maximum fun and thrills.
The Phoenix Park nightclub is well-known for inviting top DJs from all over Korea to provide great music for its young visitors. There are a large variety of restaurants in the resort, including Domino's Pizza, Castle Pines Restaurant (located in the lobby area), and the Mont Blanc Restaurant, which is located at the mountain peak and provides an overall view of the resort.
→ Go to Phoenix Park
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Accommodation |
Phoenix Park operates a condominium complex, a hotel, and a youth hostel. The condos are available mainly for members, and the rates applied to non-members are quite expensive. The condo and hotel room rates begin at ￦260,000, and the youth hostel room rate is ￦160,000 for the 8-person room and ￦180,000 for the 12-person room.
Reservations can be made by phone (+82-2-1577-0069, Korean, English) and further information is available on the homepage
(English). There are numerous pensions located around the Phoenix Park, so if you feel the resort prices are too high, you can take advantage of one of the pensions. |
| Surrounding Attractions |
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Mui Arts Center
Mui Arts Center was originally a closed school, and has been transformed into a comprehensive arts center, featuring paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, and various other works. The center also has an outdoor sculpture park. Mui Arts Center has a relaxed environment, and you can take your time enjoying the various works of art.
Mui Arts Center offers a cool opportunity to see up close artists at work, and also to participate in some fun hands on programs. Additionally, a free shuttle bus is available from Phoenix Park.
Inquiries: +82-33-335-6700/ Korean Travel Phone +82-33-1330 (English,Japanese,Chinese)
Opening
Hours: March – October 9:00am~7:00pm, November - February 10:00am~5:00pm * Closed on the 1st & 3rd Monday of each month
Admissions:
￦3,000
Transportation:
Free shuttle bus from Phoenix Park (08:30, 10:30, 12:30, 14:30, 16:30, 18:30, 20:30)
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Hoengseong Hot Springs
Hoengseong Hot Springs are one of the highest quality bicarbonate hot springs in Korea, and they are well-known for their clean waters. Credited with being highly effective for relieving fatigue, curing chronic skin diseases and high blood pressure, they attract people from all over the world. Hoengseong Hot Springs has an open-air bath, a charcoal spa, a yellow earth spa, and more.
Inquiries:+82-33-344-4200/ Korean Travel Phone +82-33-1330 (English,Japanese,Chinese)
Opening
Hours: 7:00am~9:00pm
Admissions:
￦7,000
Transportation:
Take the free shuttle bus from Phoenix Park to Jangpyong Cross-Country Bus Terminal → Transfer to a bus bound for Hoengseong Cross-Country Bus Terminal → Transfer to bus No.2-4 or No.2-5 at Hoengseong Cross-Country Bus Terminal (07:40, 08:49, 10:50, 13:05, 17:05/ 5 daily departures/ Travel Time:: 25~25 minutes) → Get off at the entrance of Hoengseong Hot Springs
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Transportation |
① Incheon International Airport → Phoenix Park: From bus stop 9C at Incheon International Airport take the bus bound for Wonju → At Wonju Termainal transfer to a cross-country bus bound for Jangpyong→ Get off at Jangpyong Cross-Country Bus Terminal and transfer to the free shuttle bus bound for Phoenix Park
② Seoul ↔ Phoenix Park Regular Shuttle Bus: One-way ￦13,000, Roundtrip ￦24,000 (1 hour, 30 minutes)
③ Seoul → Phoenix Park Cross-Country Bus: Get off at Gangbyeon Station on subway line No.2 → From Dong (East) Seoul Terminal take the bus bound for Jangpyeong → At Jangpyeong Terminal transfer to the free shuttle bus to Phoenix Park.
Tip) For exact times for the Seoul↔Phoenix Park Regular Shuttle Bus and Free Shuttle Bus refer to their homepage (English). |
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Fun for all at Sungwoo Resort
Sungwoo Resort has Korea’s largest Fun Park (Terrain Park) and the various rails and sliders are a thrilling experience for snowboarders of all abilities. Sungwoo Resort has also installed nightlights, so people can watch snowboarders do tricks all night long. The slopes are open 24 hours. Sungwoo Resort has twenty slopes designed by the Canadian based company Cosign, and there is an international snowboard course approved by FIS (International Ski Federation). Also, an exclusive pipe boardwalk has been installed to allow convenient access to the top of the pipe.
There are various restaurants and a supermarket within the resort. The Korean restaurant’s menu includes pine mushroom rice served in a hot stone pot, made from wild fresh pine mushrooms. Also within the resort are a KFC, Dunkin Donuts, and other fast food restaurants that serve pizzas and more. |
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Accommodation |
| Sungwoo Resort operates a condominium complex and a youth hostel. The 42.9㎡ condo room costs ￦167,000 a night. The condo rooms come as large as 194㎡, and the prices vary as well. The youth hostel is cheaper than the condo: the 10 person room is ￦100,000, 13 person room is ￦120,000, and the 15 person room is ￦130,000. You can make reservations by phone (+82-2-523-7111 (Korean)/ 09:00~17:00) and further information is available on the homepage (English). |
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Surrounding Attractions |
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Pungsuwon Catholic Church
This is the very first Catholic Church in Korea, which was built by a Korean priest. The church is made of red bricks and bold-colored stain glass windows. It was also a film location for the dramas ‘Yuriwha’ and ‘Love Letter’.
Inquiries:
+82-33-342-0035
Transportation:
Take the free resort shuttle bus to Wonju Terminal → From Wonju Terminal take a bus bound for Hoengseong → At Hoengseong Cross-Country Bus Terminal transfer to a cross-country bus bound for Pungsuwon Catholic Church (8 daily services / travel time: 30 minutes)
* 20 minutes travel time by taxi
Tourist Information: +82-33-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
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Transportation |
① Incheon International Airport → Sungwoo Resort: From bus stop 9C at Incheon International Airport take the bus bound for Wonju → from Wonju Cross-Country Bus Terminal take the free shuttle bus to Sungwoo Resort l
② Seoul ↔ Sungwoo Resort Regular Shuttle Bus: One-way ￦14,000, Roundtrip ￦26,000 (80 minutes)
③ Dong(East) Seoul Terminal → Wonju bound cross-country bus: (6:10am~9: 30pm / travel time: 1 hour, 30 minutes / fare: ￦6,800) → Free shuttle bus service at Wonju Cross-Country Bus Terminal
④ Seoul Express Bus Terminal → Wonju bound cross-country bus: (06:00am~10:40pm / travel time: 1 hour, 30 minutes / fare: ￦6,100) → Free shuttle bus service at Wonju Cross-Country Bus Terminal
Tip) The service hours for the free shuttle bus and the regular shuttle bus are subject to change, so be sure to refer to their homepage (English) for the exact times. |
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Only One Hour from Seoul, ‘Gangchon Resort’
Although the Gangchon Resort is located in Gangwon-do Chuncheon, it is conveniently close, only one-hour away from Seoul. The resort is fully equipped with snow machines, so that skiers can enjoy wonderful snowfields throughout the entire season. There are a total of 9 ski slopes ranging from beginner, intermediate, to advanced ski courses, and skiers can enjoy a delightful view over the Bukhangang River and Gangchon Country Club as they ride down the slopes. The resort provides various refreshments and Western-style dishes at the Alps House and also houses a restaurant, ski rental shop, and other facilities. |
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Transportation |
① Incheon International Airport→ Gangchon Resort: From bus stop 9C at Incheon International Airport take the bus bound for Gapyeong → Get off at Gapyeong Cross-Country Bus Terminal and transfer on to a Chuncheon bound bus → Take the free shuttle bus from Chuncheon Cross-Country Bus Terminal
② Seoul → Gangchon Free Shuttle Bus Service
* Refer to their homepage (Korean) for the exact times of the free train and shuttle bus services to Gangchon Resort. |
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Ski Train Tour to Hansol Oak Valley Snow Park
Set against the backdrop of an oak forest, the Hansol Oak Valley Snow Park is a small, cozy resort with 9 slopes. However, the facilities are of an international level, and for those snowboarders wishing for less crowded slopes, this is the place to go.
Open since 2006, the resort is equipped with high-speed lifts, which can accommodate four, six or eight people at a time, so that even more people can enjoy themselves on the slopes. Within the resort, there is a water park, a sculpture park, and a swimming pool where you can spend your spare time. On the second floor of the resort is a fusion rock cafe. Various drinks are available, including beer, and top DJs play great music.
→Go to Hansol Oak Valley Snow Park
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Transportation |
① Incheon International Airport → Oak Valley Resort: From bus stop 9C at Incheon International Airport take the bus bound for Wonju → Transfer on to the free shuttle bus at Wonju Terminal.
② Seoul ↔ Oak Valley Regular Shuttle Bus: Hyundai Department Store parking lot at Apgujeong Station on subway line No.3 (9:00am), in front of Lotte Mart at Jamsil Station on subway line No.2 and No.8 (09:30am) daily shuttle bus services (90 minutes)
Tip) Refer to their homepage (Korean) for details about the regular shuttle bus and free shuttle bus services. |
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Enjoy the Casino & Ski at Kangwon Land High 1
Built in a former coal mine district, Kangwon Land is the only casino in Korea that allows Korean citizens to enter. The ski resort and theme park opened in 2006 and has the largest casino in Korea. It will be the first resort Korea to be connected by train, making it even more attractive and convenient for visitors.
The resort has made the most of its surrounding environment of trees and mountains, providing beautiful natural scenery. For beginners, a gondola is provided and there are several slopes which offer a easy and comfortable ride down the mountain. A revolving restaurant is situated at the peak of the mountain, at 1,340m above sea level, offering a relaxing place to eat with an incredible view.
→Go to Kangwon Land High 1
→Go to Trip to “High 1 Ski Resort” by Train! |
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Transportation |
① Incheon International Airport → Kangwon Land High 1 Resort: From bus stop 5B or 12A at Incheon International Airport take the bus bound for Cheongnyangni → Get off at Cheongnyangni Station in Seoul and take the train bound for Gohan → Get off at Gohan
② Seoul → High 1 Resort Train: Cheongnyangni Station on subway line No.1 → Transfer on to a train bound for Sabuk Station → Get off at Sabuk Station → At Sabuk Station take a shuttle bus to Kangwon Land
Tip) The service schedule for Kangwon Land Exclusive Ski Train Tour is yet to be released. As soon as the service schedule is confirmed, it will be posted on their homepage (Korean).
③ Seoul → High 1 Resort Cross-Country Bus: Go to Gangbyeon Station on subway line No.2 → Dong(East) Seoul Terminal (6: 00am~11:00pm / 16 daily services / travel time: 2 hours, 50 minutes) → Get off at Kangwon Land Terminal -> Take a taxi to High 1 Resort (travel time: 10~20 minutes)
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