Yongpyong Ski Resort Day Trip from Seoul with Lessons & Shuttle

Summary

Ski Korea’s legendary Yongpyong slopes with pickup and lessons

You’ll start early in Seoul with hotel pickup or easy subway meeting points before heading out to Yongpyong Ski Resort for a day of real winter: snowy mountains, laughter-filled beginner ski lessons (gear included if you want), gondola rides above frozen forests, and time to soak up mountain views or try local food at Dragon Peak. You’ll come home tired but with stories you’ll keep replaying.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember was the shuffle of boots outside Myeongdong Station, everyone half-awake but buzzing under their scarves. Our guide, Minji, waved a mitten in the air so we wouldn’t get lost in the crowd. I’d never seen Seoul so quiet before sunrise — just the distant sound of street sweepers and that cold air biting at my cheeks. The shuttle felt warm and half-dreamy as we rolled out of the city, watching neon signs fade into snowy fields somewhere past PyeongChang County. There were sheep out there, which surprised me for some reason. Maybe I expected only mountains.

By the time we reached Yongpyong Ski Resort, it was late morning and the sun was bouncing off everything — even my eyelashes felt frosted. Minji handed out lift passes and showed us where to grab our ski gear (I nearly walked off in two different boots). For anyone doing this as a day trip from Seoul to Yongpyong, don’t worry about being a pro; the beginner lesson was actually fun. Our instructor joked that I looked like “Bambi on ice,” which… fair enough. There was this sharp smell of snow mixed with coffee coming from a little café near the rental shop. I still think about that view up Balwangsan Mountain — all those powdery runs twisting through white woods.

I didn’t expect how much laughter there’d be on the slopes. A couple of locals helped untangle me when I fell (twice), and one kid zipped by yelling something cheerful in Korean. Some people skipped skiing altogether for the gondola ride — it’s long, like twenty minutes up over frozen birch trees, totally silent except for creaking cables and muffled giggles in our cabin. At Dragon Peak, you could see forever: blue sky, icy wind stinging your nose, eagles circling above us like they owned the place.

On the way back down, everyone seemed tired but happy — snow melting off gloves, goggles pushed up into messy hair. We got dropped off near Myeongdong Shopping Street again; some peeled away for hotteok snacks or just stood staring at city lights flickering back on after all that mountain silence. Not sure if it was just exhaustion or something else but yeah… I already want to go back next winter.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day trip to Yongpyong Ski Resort

• Hotel pickup or meet at subway exits
• Travel through Taebaek Mountains and PyeongChang
• Pass Yongpyeong township scenery
• Enter Daegwallyeong township and see ranches
• Arrive at Yongpyong Ski Resort
• Collect ski gear (optional)
• Beginner ski lesson (optional)
• Ride Mt. Balwangsan Cable Car (optional)
• Explore Dragon Peak and Dragon Castle (optional)
• Visit Balwangsan Skywalk (optional)
• Return to Seoul
• Drop off at City Hall or Myeongdong

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Seoul to Yongpyong Ski Resort?

The shuttle ride from central Seoul to Yongpyong Ski Resort usually takes around 2.5 hours each way depending on traffic.

Are ski lessons included in this day trip?

If you choose the Essential or Full Ski Package options, beginner ski lessons are included with your booking.

What is included in the Full Ski Package?

The Full Ski Package includes all equipment rental (skis, boots, poles), ski suit rental, a 2-hour lesson with a licensed guide, and an all-slopes lift pass.

Can non-skiers join this trip?

Yes! Non-skiers can enjoy scenic gondola rides or explore winter views at Yongpyong Resort without skiing.

Where are the meeting points in Seoul?

Main meeting points are Hongdae (Hongik Univ.), City Hall Subway Station Exit 6, and Myeongdong Subway Station Exit 9 near SkyPark III Hotel.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No meals are included but there are cafés and restaurants at Yongpyong Resort where you can buy food.

Are snowboards or sleds available?

No snowboards or sleds are included but they can be rented separately at Yongpyong Resort for an extra fee.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes! Complimentary hotel pickup is offered from main hotels in downtown Seoul if arranged ahead of time.

What is special about Dragon Peak at Yongpyong?

Dragon Peak sits atop Mt Balwangsan with panoramic views; you can reach it by cable car for cafés and epic scenery even if you don’t ski.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip shuttle service from central Seoul (or hotel pickup if selected), all-day access to Yongpyong Ski Resort grounds with options for ski equipment rental and lessons depending on your package choice. A licensed local guide helps throughout your visit so you won’t feel lost even if it’s your first time seeing snow like this.