Travel to Yong pyeong with ski insurance from Essential Travel

First opened in 1975, Yongpyeong is Korea’s oldest ski resort and one of the country’s best to boot. Located approximately 135 miles from Seoul in the fresh mountain air of Gangwon-do Province, it has a high peak elevation of 4,720 feet and a longer snow season than most ski resorts in the country, while both the facilities and runs are impressive by Korean standards.

The ski resort is nestled at the base of Mount Barwangsan and was catapulted to national fame after being screened on TV as the setting of a Korean drama series. The surrounding scenery is breathtaking, with the East Sea and Mount Odaesan both visible from the slopes on clear days. Yongpyeong ski resort has played host to several international events over the years, including the Ski World Cup and the Winter Asian Games.

Yongpyeong has an excellent range of ski runs, with a great assortment of 31 novice, intermediate and advanced slopes. Beginners have plenty to keep them entertained at the resort, with wide, gently graded runs such as the ‘Yellow Course’, while the ‘Pink Run’ and ‘Rainbow Paradise’ are perfect for intermediate skiers. Yongpyeong ski resort is a goldmine for advanced skiers, with the ‘Gold Valley’ and ‘Gold Fantastic’ offering plenty of tricky sections to keep your adrenalin flowing. Transport to the descents is provided by a system of 15 skilifts.

Accommodation at Yongpyeong ski resort is provided by both hotels and condos, which tends to be quite expensive, as at most Korean ski resorts, so be prepared to dig deep into your pockets if you are set on upscale lodgings. The resort offers a reasonable selection of restaurants, nightclubs and bars, while it also has a decent range of secondary facilities which provide entertainment at off-slope times, including a swimming pool, health club, racquet ball court, karaoke, sauna, archery, games and more. For visitor convenience and peace-of-mind, Yongpyeong encompasses a supermarket, infirmary, photo shop, stationery shop, sports shop and various other services.

Due to Gangwon Province’s mountainous terrain and abundant snowfall, a number of other ski resorts are located within the vicinity of Yongpyeong, providing visitors with alternative slopes should they feel like a change of scenery. Of particular interest is Phoenix Park, Korea’s largest ski area. Additionally, there are a number of tourist attractions located close by including Sangwonsa Temple and Odaesan National Park.

The ski season at Yongpyeong is longer than at most other Korean ski resorts, running from about mid-November to late March. Transportation options to and from the resort include buses from Seoul to Gangwon-do and taxis and shuttle buses from Gangwon-do to Yongpyeong.

Skiing in Yong pyeong

Like a number of other ski resorts, Yongpyeong is located in the beautiful province of Gangwon-do, where the mountainous territory, heavy snowfall and stunning scenery combine to create an excellent skiing environment. Yongpyeong is Korea’s oldest resort and it has built up a reputation for its fine range of runs, comprehensive facilities and reliable snow conditions. Most Koreans and international visitors regard it as the country’s premier ski resort, with good reason.

Yongpyeong offers excellent skiing for all levels of ability and has previously hosted a number of international competitions including the Asian Winter Games and the Ski World Cup. The resort’s 31 slopes are extremely varied, with mild beginner slopes such as the ‘Yellow Course’ for inexperienced skiers as well as a fabulous selection of intermediate runs including the three mile ‘Rainbow Course’. Meanwhile, advanced skiers visiting Yongpyeong will find their fair share of thrills on runs such as ‘Gold Valley’ and ‘Gold Fantastic’.

Skiing access is provided by a system of 15 skilifts, including 14 chairlifts and one two-mile long, eight-person cable car lift. Slopes at Yongpyeong are generally wide and well-groomed, but the resort does not offer much in the way of extremely steep slopes, and those who are after sheer drops should head to nearby Phoenix Park.

Plenty of skiing accommodation is available at Yongpyeong at both hotels and condos, but be aware that prices aren’t cheap. The resort features both Korean and Western restaurants and a number of bars and clubs to provide late night entertainment including Drago Peak, located at the top of the mountain and offering exquisite views over the surrounding area. Yongpyeong also features a sauna, bowling alley, archery, karaoke, swimming pool, racquet ball and tennis courts, and a golf course that is operational in warmer weather.

Skiing is offered from mid-November to late March, with slight fluctuations due to weather conditions. The best way of reaching the resort is by hiring a car from Seoul and driving to Yongpyeong, a trip with a journey time of between 3 and 5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Seoul to Gangwon-do and then a taxi or shuttle bus to the ski resort.

Transportation to Yong pyeong

Yongpyeong is located on Mount Barwangsan in Gangwon-do Province, approximately 135 miles from Seoul. Bus transportation runs from Seoul to Gangwon, from where you can take alternative transport to the resort. Another option is to hire a car from Seoul and drive to the resort.

Although only 135 miles, the journey from Seoul to Gangwon-do by road can be a lengthy one due to congestion and bad weather. Expect to be on the road for between 3 and 5 hours before reaching the resort.

If you are arriving by air from a foreign destination, you are likely to enter the country at Seoul’s Incheon International Airport, located roughly 30 miles southwest of central Seoul. Those arriving at Seoul from other parts of Korea are likely to land at Gimpo Airport, which receives most of the region’s domestic flights.

If you opt for bus transportation to Yongpyeong, you will need to take a bus from Seoul to Hoenggye Intercity Bus Terminal in Gangwon-do Province, and then a free shuttle bus or taxi to Yongpyeong. Shuttle buses destined for the ski resort leave the bus terminal regularly, with about 12 daily departures and a journey time of 10 minutes to the resort.

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