Seoul - Jisan Forest: Ski day trip with guide & pickup

Summary

First time skiing in Korea? Jisan’s gentle slopes are calling

You’ll get picked up right at your hotel in Seoul and head out for a day trip to Jisan Forest Ski Resort with a local guide. Try skiing for the first time (or just enjoy some easy runs), get help with your gear and a short lesson if you need it, then warm up with new friends before heading back to the city — memories that stick around longer than you expect.

What’s the experience like?

I was still half-asleep when the van pulled up outside my hotel in Seoul — you know that weird city-morning hush before the traffic really starts? Our guide, Minji, greeted me with this big grin and somehow remembered everyone’s name by the second stop. The drive to Jisan Forest Ski Resort took about 90 minutes, but it didn’t feel long; I watched the city fade into these rolling hills dusted with snow, and suddenly we were there, unloading gear while a group of kids nearby tried (and failed) to build a snowman. I’m not sure what I expected, but the air smelled like pine needles and cold metal from the ski lifts — sharper than Seoul’s winter somehow.

I’d never skied before, so I was nervous — probably obvious from how I kept fiddling with my gloves. Minji paired us up for a quick beginner lesson right on the flattest part of the slope. She showed us how to clip into our skis (I messed it up twice; she just laughed and said everyone does), then we practiced sliding and stopping until my legs felt like jelly. There were families everywhere — lots of little kids zooming past in neon snowsuits, parents cheering them on in Korean or sometimes English. It felt friendly, not intimidating at all. Honestly, falling down wasn’t as embarrassing as I thought; everyone just sort of helps each other up.

After a couple hours practicing on the easy runs (and one spectacular wipeout), we met back at the lodge for hot chocolate — which tasted way better than it should’ve after all that cold air. On the way back to Seoul, we stopped briefly at a ginseng center. Not really my thing, but watching Li from our group try to pronounce “insam” had us all cracking up (he totally butchered it). The sun was already dipping behind the hills when we got dropped off again in the city — cheeks still tingling from wind and laughter.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jisan Ski Resort Day Trip

• Skiing and snow activities at Jisan Forest Ski Resort
• Visit Amethyst / Ginseng Center

Top questions

How far is Jisan Forest Ski Resort from Seoul?

It’s about 90 minutes by shuttle from central Seoul, depending on traffic.

Is this tour good for first-time skiers?

Yes, it includes a beginner ski lesson and is ideal for those new to skiing.

Does the package include hotel pickup?

Yes, complimentary hotel or main subway station pickup and drop-off are included.

Are ski equipment rentals included?

Ski gear rental is included if you choose the ski package option.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No lunch is included, but there are places to buy food at Jisan Forest Resort.

What languages do guides speak?

The guide speaks English or Chinese depending on your group.

Is there anything else included besides skiing?

The tour includes a short visit to a ginseng center on the way back to Seoul.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Seoul (or main subway station), all taxes and fees, ski gear rental if you select that option, a beginner ski lesson with an experienced local guide who speaks English or Chinese, plus a quick stop at a ginseng center before returning home in the evening.