Essential Travel Ski Guides

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Perched atop the Jinburyeong plateau and known for its abundant snowfall, Alps is one of Korea’s premier ski resorts, offering skiing, sledding and a host of indoor recreational activities. Majestic Mount Seoraksan dominates the landscape, while the Eastern Sea is visible in the distance, providing visitors with breathtaking views.

Alps is located roughly a 5-hour drive from Seoul. The ski resort is purpose-built and resembles a small town and encompasses a wide range of leisure and convenience facilities as well as several accommodation options. The ski resort is stylish and upscale, with a distinctive European atmosphere created by the western-style architecture and décor.

Alps ski resort offers eight separate ski trails that are open for use by skiers of all levels of ability, but in general the skiing is appropriate for riders with at least some previous experience and novices may find they struggle on certain routes. The ski runs are served by five ski lift systems made up of four chairlifts and one surface lift.

Accommodation is supplied by several different condominiums and hotels, and the ski resort offers plenty of alternatives to skiing, with a separate sledding hill, bowling alley, indoor swimming pool and a disco providing entertainment. The resort is also home to Korea’s only ski museum, providing an interesting insight into the history of the sport.

There are a number of interesting attractions situated within a short distance of the ski resort including the Goseong Unification Observatory, which affords exquisite views of the surrounding terrain, and the Hwajinpo Lagoon, where hundreds of swans and migratory birds find seasonal sanctuary.

The ski season at Alps runs from December to March and the most convenient way of reaching the resort is by direct transfer from Seoul. Alternatively, you can take the bus from either Sangbong or Dong-Seoul terminals in Seoul and disembark at Jinburyeong Peak, from where the resort can organize your transportation to the resort.

Skiing in Alps

Renowned for its European elegance and prolific snowfall, Alps is one of Korea’s most popular ski resorts and is situated atop the Jinburyeong plateau, not far from the town of Sokcho and about 5 hours’ drive from Seoul. Its runs are open to all ages and stages of skiing ability, but some of the runs can prove to be tricky for inexperienced skiers, so novices should consider navigating the routes under the guidance of an instructor before attempting them alone.

There are eight different skiing trails at Alps, served by five lifts including one surface system and four chairlifts. Night skiing is permitted until 22:00 and sledding and snowboarding are offered in addition to skiing.

For non-riders or those wanting a break from skiing, Alps offers a bowling alley, indoor swimming pool, table tennis, games room, karaoke and a discotheque. In the summer months visitors have the use of the resort’s extensive golf course, while rafting, mountain climbing and cycling are other popular activities. There are several significant nearby attractions for visitors to explore including Hwajinpo Lagoon and Hwajinpo Beach, the Eastern Sea and Mount Seoraksan.

A choice of lodging is available at both hotels and condos, and the resort’s facilities include an infirmary, children’s play room, supermarket, fast-food court and a banquet hall.

The Jinburyeoung plateau is known for its long, heavy snowfall and skiing conditions at Alps resort are generally good throughout the December to March season, although inexperienced skiers should be aware that the slopes can get dangerously icy between bouts of snowfall.

Transportation to Alps

Alps is situated approximately 5 hours’ drive from Seoul on the exposed plateau of Jinburyeong and above the town of Sokcho, near Mount Seoraksan. Visitors arriving by air are likely to enter the country at Seoul’s Incheon International Airport, from where buses and shuttles provide transportation to the resort from various departure points across the city.

Situated 32 miles southwest of the city centre, Seoul’s Incheon International Airport is the point of arrival for most visitors travelling to Korea from overseas destinations, while Gimpo Airport, in Gwahae-dong, Gangseo-gu, receives most of Korea’s domestic flights. Both airports are served by taxis, buses and shuttle buses, which provide transportation to the city centre, bus terminals and rail stations.

Direct shuttle bus transfers to Alps leave from four different locations: Gwanggyo, in front of Lotte Tours; Banpo, in front of the old New Mart; Jamsil, in front of the clock tower at Lotte World; and Mok-dong, in front of Jisan Sports. The bus takes approximately 5 hours to reach the ski resort. It is also possible to take buses from Sangbong and Dong-Seoul terminals in Seoul to Jinburyeong Peak, from where you can call the resort to send a collection shuttle. However, resort transportation can be erratic during the snowy winter months, so it’s best to make arrangements before you arrive at Jinburyeong.

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