10 Best Things to Do This Winter in Pyeongchang

Yongpyong Ski Resort, also known as Dragon Valley, is a notable ski resort and is the largest in South Korea. The ski season lasts from November to early April, and the resort is open throughout the winter.

This ski resort boasts 31 slopes in total, along with 15 different lift facilities and a massive ski house called Dragon Plaza. The elevation at the bottom of the facility is 770 metres, just slightly higher than the county's average, but the summit is nearly double at 1,458 metres. It's all available on the east side of the county, just west of Gangneung.

Phoenix Park of Phoenix Snow Park is a ski resort that hosts 17 FIS-approved slopes with notably high-quality snow that draws in skiers from around the world. The slopes are set up to allow for freestyle skiing and were even used for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games.

When you visit these slopes, you'll find plenty of options available, including beginner slopes and more advanced runs for experienced skiers and snowboarders. Additionally, the resort was structured in such a way as to specifically avoid disturbing the natural environment. You'll find it all in Gangwon-do.

Jeongseon Alpine Centre is a ski resort facility known primarily for its stunning vertical drop built specifically for the winter Olympics. The minimum requirement for a vertical drop for the Men's Alpine Downhill competition is 800 metres, and this ski facility created a drop measuring 825 metres, which is among the largest in all of South Korea.

Ten kilometres of slopes are available in total, with several options available. However, most of the slopes are of the intermediate or difficult variety, with only 3 kilometres being rated as easy. See it all for yourself a few kilometres southeast of the county's centre.

Alpensia is a comprehensive ski resort with various slopes and activities, including their iconic night skiing. This ski area has 6 slopes for skiing in total, including one reserved solely for snowboarders if that's what you're more interested in.

Several slopes are notably well lit, allowing for night skiing, which can be entertaining if you grow tired of typical skiing during the day. Ensure you don't miss your opportunity, as night skiing is only available until 10 pm. It's located on the east side of the county, a few miles due west from Gangneung.

Daegwallyeong Samyang Ranch Observatory is a viewpoint that allows travellers to take in one of the largest pastures in Asia from a plateau 1,470 metres up. The view is stunning no matter what time of year you visit, but the winter is particularly photogenic as the vast fields are blanketed by white sheets of snow.

The observatory's views are fascinating enough in their own right, but you'll also find a hiking path that can provide scenic views. It's also remarkably affordable, so it's perfect for a budget winter break. It's located on the county’s east side by Odaesan National Park.

Ocean 700 is a waterpark that allows you to enjoy summertime fun during the winter since it's located entirely indoors. It's designed for adults and kids alike, so it's a popular destination for families visiting the county.

The main draw here is that the waterpark's giant pool is designed to mimic the feelings of oceanic waves. Additionally, there are several play areas and water features that kids will especially enjoy. They're located in the centre of the pool, so it's easy for parents to supervise. The facility is set north of Yongsan-Ri on the county’s east side.

Gangneung Ice Arena is an indoor ice arena with recreational ice skating opportunities that the whole family can enjoy. The facility was first constructed for the 2018 Winter Olympics but has since been used for anyone who wants to enjoy a bit of skating.

One of the most notable aspects of this arena is that it uses an ice cooling system that's remarkably eco-friendly. Several ice rinks are also available here, so you'll have options between casual and track skating. Try it out for yourself in Gangneung on the far east side of the county by the coast.

The Taebaek Mountains are a sprawling mountain range that's especially beautiful in the winter when the frost covers trees and plants, making them all look like snow flowers. A lot of the trail is fairly easy, with only a few steeper sections, so experienced hikers should make short work of it.

It's common to begin this hike before sunrise, arriving very early at the trail's entrance. If you can get some height along with a good view to the east, the sunrise from these mountains is among the most glorious sights you'll see in Pyeongchang. It's located on the north side of the county, quite a few miles from the centre.

Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm is an active sheep farm with real live sheep that you can visit, along with picturesque fields and an iconic wooden shack. While the area's aesthetic in winter is enough to warrant a visit, travellers interested in meeting the sheep need to book a feeding experience that allows you to get up close and personal with the creatures.

One of the most iconic sites here is the wooden shack that was made famous in the film ‘The Man from Mars’, in which it was a backdrop. Because of this, it's a popular photo spot that's especially beautiful in the winter. See it for yourself on the east side of the country, just a few miles west of Gangneung.

Pyeongchang saunas offer a great way to warm up after spending time out in the snow, while you relax, rejuvenate and get ready for your next adventure. You'll find saunas in various locations throughout the county, so you can enjoy standalone facilities or indulge at the larger resorts.

The benefits of saunas are numerous, allowing you to enjoy increased blood flow, which is a necessity for staying warm. The relaxing feeling also adds an aura of calmness to your experience, making it easier to enjoy the rest of what the county offers. Day spas and saunas are available among most major ski resorts and high-end accommodation.