Visiting Seoul when it’s blanketed in snow is like stepping into a real-life snow globe. The air turns crisp, and a certain magic hangs in the air, transforming the vibrant city into a serene winter wonderland from mid-December to February. But the true magic of a Korean winter lies just beyond the city limits, in the majestic peaks of Gangwon-do province.
This is where soul meets slope. A winter trip to South Korea isn’t just about skiing; it’s about embracing a season of coziness, hearty food, and breathtaking landscapes. The resorts near Seoul are more than just sporting venues; they are self-contained villages of warmth and adventure, each with its own unique character. Whether you’re an Olympic-level skier or building your first snowman, finding the right base camp is key to an unforgettable experience. This guide will help you discover the perfect hotel to match your vibe, from luxury havens to value-packed family suites, ensuring your mountain getaway is nothing short of magical!
1. Intercontinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort by IHG
Average Price: From ~USD 300/night (Subject to season and availability)
Experience the pinnacle of Olympic-grade luxury and alpine convenience at the Intercontinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort, an ideal choice for skiers and families seeking a seamless, upscale mountain getaway. This landmark hotel places you directly in the heart of the 2018 Winter Olympics venue, offering a sophisticated retreat where world-class slopes meet refined comfort.
Highlights:
- Ski-In/Ski-Out Access: Enjoy unparalleled convenience with direct access to the Alpensia Ski Resort slopes. Store your gear and be on the lifts in minutes, making it effortless to catch the first tracks of the day.
- Spacious & Elegant Rooms: Retreat to beautifully appointed rooms and suites featuring warm, modern decor, plush bedding, and stunning views of the surrounding Yongpyong mountains.
- Extensive Resort Amenities: Unwind after a day on the mountain in the serene indoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, maintain your routine at the 24-hour fitness center, or indulge in a rejuvenating treatment at the full-service spa.
- Multiple Dining Options: Savor a variety of culinary experiences without leaving the resort, from international buffets to cozy lobby lounges with crackling fireplaces, perfect for aprés-ski.
Why It Stands Out:
It offers the most integrated and luxurious experience in the region, seamlessly combining genuine ski-in/ski-out access with the full spectrum of a five-star resort. More than just a winter destination, its prime location within the massive Alpensia complex also provides year-round appeal with a water park, golf course, and Olympic Park, all wrapped in an atmosphere of modern alpine elegance set on the historic Olympic stage.
2. Phoenix Hotel Pyeongchang
Average Price: From ~USD 150/night (Subject to season and availability)
A haven for snow sports enthusiasts and families seeking fun beyond the slopes, Phoenix Hotel Pyeongchang offers a vibrant, activity-packed resort experience. Known for its impressive ski terrain and diverse facilities, this hotel is the heart of a dynamic mountain playground.
Highlights:
- Prime Ski Resort Location: Enjoy direct access to the renowned Phoenix Park Ski Resort, featuring a wide range of slopes for all skill levels, from beginner greens to challenging expert runs.
- On-Site Entertainment: The resort boasts a plethora of activities including a large water park, an indoor golf range, and a sledding hill, ensuring non-stop fun for everyone, even off the slopes.
- Comfortable & Practical Rooms: Rooms are designed for functionality and comfort after a long day of adventure, with many offering scenic mountain or slope views.
- Varied Dining Options: Choose from several casual restaurants and food courts within the resort complex, catering to quick bites and hearty family meals.
Why It Stands Out:
Phoenix Hotel stands out as the ultimate choice for an energetic, all-in-one mountain vacation. It goes beyond typical skiing by offering a huge variety of on-site entertainment, most notably its popular water park, making it a top pick for families and groups looking for a lively and convenient base.
3. Ramada Hotel & Suite by Wyndham Gangwon Pyeongchang
Average Price: From ~USD 120/night (Subject to season and availability)
Delivering reliable comfort and excellent value, the Ramada Hotel & Suite is a smart choice for travelers who want modern amenities and easy access to the Pyeongchang region’s attractions without the premium resort price tag.
Highlights:
- Spacious Suite-Style Accommodation: Ideal for families or longer stays, many rooms feature separate living areas and kitchenettes, providing extra space and convenience.
- Modern Amenities: Guests can enjoy a well-maintained indoor swimming pool, a sauna, and a fitness center, perfect for relaxation after exploring the area.
- Family-Friendly Facilities: Includes a kids’ club and playroom, keeping younger guests entertained throughout their stay.
- Strategic Location: Situated within the Alpensia Resort complex, it offers a more affordable gateway to the ski slopes, Olympic venues, and the Alpensia Ocean Water Park.
Why It Stands Out:
This Ramada offers the best of both worlds: the space and practicality of a serviced apartment with the trusted amenities of a well-known hotel brand. It stands out as a value-conscious option that doesn’t compromise on comfort or location, providing a comfortable and smart base for exploring the wider Olympic region.
4. Holiday Inn & Suites Alpensia Pyeongchang Suites by IHG
Average Price: From ~USD 200/night (Subject to season and availability)
Perfectly positioned for families and groups, the Holiday Inn & Suites combines the trusted comfort of an international brand with the fantastic amenities of the Alpensia Resort, offering a relaxed and spacious alpine retreat.
Highlights:
- Family-Focused Suites: Designed with families in mind, the suites provide separate bedrooms and living areas, along with kitchenettes for preparing snacks and simple meals.
- Direct Resort Access: Guests benefit from easy, walkable access to the Alpensia ski slopes, the water park, and other resort facilities, minimizing travel time with gear and children.
- Indoor Pool & Playroom: Features a dedicated children’s pool and an indoor play area, ensuring younger guests have plenty of entertainment options.
- Warm & Welcoming Atmosphere: The hotel maintains a friendly, unpretentious vibe with comfortable common areas and reliable service.
Why It Stands Out:
It carves its niche as the premier family-friendly hotel within Alpensia. While other hotels cater to luxury or pure ski efficiency, the Holiday Inn & Suites stands out for its thoughtful design—offering the crucial extra space and kid-focused amenities that make a family ski vacation significantly more comfortable and enjoyable.
5. Yongpyong Resort Dragon Valley Hotel
Average Price: From ~USD 180/night (Subject to season and availability)
Step into the legendary home of Korean skiing at Yongpyong Resort, the country’s largest and most famous ski destination. The Dragon Valley Hotel places you right at the center of the action, offering a classic, full-service mountain experience.
Highlights:
- Iconic Ski-In/Ski-Out Access: As the main hotel of Yongpyong Resort, it provides direct access to an expansive network of slopes, including the famed Rainbow Paradise runs.
- Extensive Resort Facilities: The massive complex includes over 20 restaurants and bars, a casino, a bowling alley, a seasonal outdoor hot spring pool, and multiple shops.
- Spectacular Gondola Views: Take the 3.7km gondola from the resort base for breathtaking panoramic views of the Taebaek Mountains, a must-do activity in itself.
- Spacious, Recently Renovated Rooms: Many rooms have been updated to offer modern comforts while maintaining a warm, alpine lodge feel, often with balconies overlooking the slopes.
Why It Stands Out:
Yongpyong is the iconic soul of Korean skiing, and the Dragon Valley Hotel is its historic heart. It stands out for its sheer scale and comprehensive offerings, providing a vibrant, bustling village-like atmosphere where everything you need is connected indoors—a true destination for skiers who want the complete resort experience.
6. Jeongseon JS GRAND PALACE Hotel
Average Price: From ~USD 80/night (Subject to season and availability)
For the adventurous skier seeking value and access to unique terrain, the JS GRAND PALACE Hotel offers a practical and comfortable base near the acclaimed Jeongseon Alpine Centre, a 2018 Olympic venue known for its challenging World Cup downhill course.
Highlights:
- Proximity to Jeongseon Slope: Provides convenient, shuttle-accessible proximity to the prestigious and thrilling slopes of the Jeongseon Alpine Centre.
- Excellent Value: Offers clean, comfortable accommodations at a very accessible price point, making a ski trip more budget-friendly.
- Local Experience: Its location away from the major resort complexes allows for a more authentic taste of the Gangwon-do region, with local restaurants and culture nearby.
- Essential Amenities: Features straightforward amenities like an on-site restaurant and free WiFi, covering all the essentials for a focused ski trip.
Why It Stands Out:
This hotel stands out as the go-to choice for serious skiers on a budget who prioritize slope time over resort frills. It offers a no-fuss, value-driven stay right near one of the most challenging and exciting ski areas in South Korea, appealing to those who want to experience Olympic-level terrain without the Olympic-level price tag.
Choosing the right resort is about matching the mountain to your soul. Do you crave the Olympic-scale buzz of Yongpyong or Alpensia, or the lively, all-in-one fun of Phoenix Park? Perhaps you value the family-friendly space of the Holiday Inn & Suites or the smart value of the Ramada.
But remember, the adventure continues off the slopes. Embrace the full winter magic by warming up with a bowl of spicy kimchi jjigae, exploring the snow-dusted palaces of Seoul, simply enjoying the serene beauty of the mountains, or extending your adventure in the city itself! For the perfect urban retreat, explore our guide to the best hotels in Seoul for every budget. A little preparation—dressing in layers and getting a T-Money card—will make your journey seamless.
No matter which hotel you choose, you’re not just booking a room; you’re booking the gateway to unforgettable memories. So pack your warmest layers, embrace the chill, and get ready to discover the soul-stirring beauty of South Korea’s ski country. Your perfect winter escape is waiting.
Let us know about your favourite Seoul stays below!
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I’ve just discovered this roundup of ski-friendly hotels in Seoul, and it’s a fantastic find! I didn’t realize how easily accessible winter sports are in the area, especially with resorts like Konjiam and Bears Town just a short drive away. I’m curious about how well they accommodate skiers, particularly in terms of gear storage and shuttle services.
This really makes me want to plan a winter trip. The idea of combining city exploration with snowy slopes sounds like the perfect balance. Personally, I would prefer a hotel that is conveniently located near both nightlife and ski transportation.
Hi Will, thanks so much! I think you’ve picked up on the best part—Seoul’s perfect mix of city and slopes!
To answer your questions: most ski hotels offer secure gear storage and seasonal shuttles to the resorts. That’s a great point about night life! While the hotels in this guide are chosen for their ski access, many are in central areas like Myeongdong which is packed with nightlife and has great public transport to get you to the ski shuttles. For your needs, I’d especially recommend looking at the Lotte Hotel or Nine Tree Premier Hotel Myeongdong as a fantastic base.
Hope you have an amazing winter getaway!
Hey Clan,
Loved this roundup—perfect for planning a first Seoul winter. I’ve never been, so two rookie questions: which of these hotels has the easiest shuttle or transit to beginner-friendly slopes (and roughly how long does it take on a typical day)? Also, for travellers without gear, do any of them bundle rentals and English-language lessons or offer secure storage/drying rooms?
Marios
Thanks so much Marios, I’m glad you found the roundup helpful for your first winter trip! To answer your questions:
For the easiest transit to beginner slopes, I think Holiday Inn & Suites Seoul Namgajwa would be the best. It’s directly connected to the metro, and a trip to the Phoenix Park Ski Resort shuttle (which has fantastic beginner areas) takes about 60-75 minutes door-to-door.Regarding gear and lessons, both Holiday Inn and InterContinental Grand Seoul Parnas have excellent partnerships with ski resorts. They can definitely bundle lift passes, equipment rentals, and English-speaking group lessons if you book through their concierge. And yes, all the hotels listed offer secure ski storage and drying rooms!
Have an amazing time in Seoul! The winter there is truly magical.
This article makes me want to pack my bags and head straight to Gangwon-do! I also like how it captures both the vibe and the variety of Korea’s ski scene, andfrom the luxury calm of Alpensia to the lively, family-centered buzz at Phoenix Park. It feels like more than a travel guide; it’s a full sensory experience.
I’ve only been to Seoul once in winter (sadly without skiing), but reading this makes me realize how easy it is to combine the city’s culture with mountain adventure. I’m curious though and for someone new to skiing, which of these resorts would you say offers the best beginner-friendly slopes and easy access from Seoul?
Also, the food mention at the end,kimchi jjigae after a long ski day, is perfection. That’s a marketing hook on its own!
John
Hi John, thanks so much for the kind words! I’m really glad the article got you excited about combining Seoul’s city vibes with some mountain adventure.
For a beginner, I’d definitely recommend Phoenix Park. It has the most beginner-friendly setup with wide, gentle slopes and really good English-speaking instructors. The learning area is separate from the advanced runs too, which helps build confidence without pressure. The shuttle from Seoul is direct and takes about 90 minutes – super straightforward.
And yes, that kimchi jjigae moment is truly magical after a day on the slopes! It really completes the whole Korean ski experience.
Hope you get to make that trip happen soon – you’ll love it!