High1 Resort Offers Some of the Best Skiing in South Korea

Have you been looking for a spot to ski this winter? In my opinion, High1 Resort offers some of the best skiing in South Korea.

About High1 Resort

High1 is located in Gangwon-do, South Korea. The resort opened in 2006 in order to bring additional revenue to the declining mining towns of Gohan and Sabuk. High1 remains one of the largest ski resorts in South Korea. The ski slopes reach three different “mountain tops” with peak elevation being 4,514 ft above sea level. The slopes offer excellent skiing for beginner to advanced.

My High1 Ski Resort Expectations

I learned to ski in the Alps and for the following decade, I trampled through various countries, slopes, and terrain that can’t be measured here. So for my first trip to High1 Ski Resort, I tempered expectations. South Korea’s skiable mountains are closer to the Appalachians than the Alps with two more glaring differences: artificial snow and no après ski. 

My High1 Ski Resort Experience

Even though things might not have been the best based on global standards, here is why I think High1 Resort offers some of the best skiing in South Korea.

Once I strapped on my gear, though, it didn’t matter. The summit at High1 provided the same sensation of barreling down a mountain, with lifts that reach challenging heights. It’s not the Alps, but it’s likely the best place to ski on the peninsula and the highest elevation in the country. 

The Snow at High1 Resort

The resort is equipped with lifts and ski slopes for all levels from beginners to expert. While it doesn’t have a bunny slope, or a magic carpet, the practice hill is flat enough to learn safely and steep enough to learn quickly. The gondola takes you back up to the top for those who haven’t mastered chair lifts yet. 

The snow is manmade, lending itself to be a bit icier than natural snow, but the elevation is high enough that fresh snow does sometimes dust the artificial. There are 18 slopes total covering 21 kilometers, all well-groomed. Although not all of the runs were operational in December, more are likely to open in January and as the ski season progresses. Between three gondolas and seven chair lifts, there is a lot of ground to cover and a few long runs that make it worth it. 

Ski School at High1 Resort

Ski school, I was told, is closed due to covid, but the surrounding towns in the valleys had numerous rental shops and lessons available. Best to just drop in and inquire. Between my Papago app, and a tiny bit of Korean, I was able to easily set up lessons for my 6-year-old. The instructor spoke minimal English, but it didn’t stop my son from learning to ski like a pro after three days. 

Gear Rental at High1 Resort

The resort itself does offer rental gear as well, but you have to return items each day. If you’re night skiing, you have to return your gear and rent it out again two hours later. If you plan on skiing for multiple days, getting gear at one of the shops in town is a better deal and much more efficient. They rent everything, including pants and jackets. If you’re there for a few hours only, renting on the mountain may be easier, but it will be more expensive.  

Smaller items like socks, gloves, goggles, and base layers are available for limited purchase at the resort ski shop. 

Locker Rentals at High1 Resort

Locker rentals at the bottom of the slopes make it easier to store gear for multi-day trips. They rent for either a day or a week, so if you’re there for a few days, the weekly rental is your best option. Weekly rates are 20,000 won for a 2-person locker or 40,000 for a 4-person. Helmets are required and are available to rent for free at the resort. 

Other Things to Do at High1 Resort

If skiing isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the snow with tube sledding or hit the nearby water park. Note, that the water park is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 

Passes/Hours at High1 Resort

Slopes are open from 8:30 a.m.- 10 p.m. with no skiing during the early evening, 4-6 p.m. while the runs are groomed. Passes are available for purchase in a variety of hours – 3, 4, 5, and 7, – or all day for both day and night skiing. 

Prices are as follows in won: 

• Adult/Child
• 3 hours: 54,000 / 43,000
• 4 hours: 60,000 / 48,000
• 5 hours: 66,000 / 53,000
• 7 hours: 74,000 / 58,000 (for skiing during all daytime hours)
• All day: 94,000 / 74,000 (for both day and night skiing) 

Hotels at High1 Resort

There are numerous places to stay on the resort grounds, including small hotel rooms, or bigger, multi-room condos. Each allows you to walk to the slopes, and some have kitchens available for covid-safe dining. Ours was stocked with pots, pans, plates, cups, silverware, and even a rice cooker (no microwave). For any hotel in Korea, bring your own bath towel if you wish to dry off with something larger than a hand towel. You can often find deals for stays on apps like Agoda, or contact the concierge and ask for foreigner discounts. 

If you stay at the resort, you’ll receive a coupon book for discounts on ski passes, rentals, food, and more. (You can also ask for this coupon book at the customer service desk. They are usually willing to offer it). I read on numerous blogs that if you bring your passport, you can get a 40% foreigner discount on lift tickets, but this was not my experience, and I tried a few different days. 

To save some cash, stay at one of the numerous hotels down in the valleys. While you lose the ease of walking to the mountain, it’s an easy 5-minute drive, and taxis are plentiful, too. 

Food Near High1 Resort

Food is in abundance both inside and outside. You can easily grab a can of hot chocolate to down in-between runs from the outdoor shack, or relax and sip on some warm broth in the cafeteria inside. Vaccines are required and every facility took our USFK Form 49s. Hit the mountain top restaurant for amazing views and Instagrammable moments. 

Getting to High1 Resort 

High1 is roughly a 2.5-hour drive from Pyeongtaek. It’s doable for a day trip, although ambitious. Like any resort, it gets crowded on the weekends. Parking is free and plentiful but can fill up fast on weekends and holidays. 

Covid Precautions

As of January 2022 masks are required and balaclavas are not a substitute. You are allowed to wear a balaclava or Buff over your mask, but the mask must be visible. Proof of vaccination is required to enter any of the indoor dining facilities. COOV app or USFK Form 49 is accepted everywhere. 

More winter sports in South Korea