A Complete Guide to South Korea’s Year-Round Playground for Skiing, Snowboarding, and Summer Mountain Adventures
High 1 Resort: A Top Destination for Skiing and Outdoor Adventures in South Korea
Ever wonder where a Colorado native would choose to ski among South Korea’s top resorts? For me, High 1 Resort is an easy favorite.
This guide will help you make the most of your visit to one of South Korea’s premier mountain destinations, from tackling the slopes to finding the best accommodations.
While I write as an advanced skier, this guide includes tips for beginners, intermediates, and snowboarders alike. It’s also designed to help newcomers to Korea navigate the unique challenges of planning a ski or snowboarding trip in a foreign country—like sorting out transportation and choosing the right lodging.
For dog lovers, High 1 Resort is also a great option. I often bring my border collie, Winnie, along on my trips, and this guide includes dog-friendly tips for your visit.
One highlight is the dog-friendly ‘Pet Club’ Hill Condo, located at the base of the resort. It offers ski-in/ski-out access, clean and spacious rooms, and welcomes pups around the base area in winter. While dogs aren’t allowed on the slopes, they can join you on the gondola and trekking trails during the summer months.
Whether you’re visiting solo, with friends, or bringing your furry companion, High 1 Resort has something for everyone.
No matter how you plan to enjoy High 1 Resort, this guide has you covered!
About Colorado Saram
First off, what exactly is a Colorado Saram? It’s Korean for “a Coloradan” or “the Coloradan,” depending on the context—and it’s also the name of this travel blog, where you’ve found yourself.
I chose the name because I’m a Colorado native, raised in the mountain town of Vail, where my passion for skiing and outdoor adventure was born.
These days, I call South Korea home, where I’ve lived since 2007, working as an English teacher and exploring Asia’s landscapes, ski slopes, and hiking trails.
This website is my way of sharing the experiences of a Colorado outdoor enthusiast, with a focus on skiing, trekking, and adventure travel across South Korea, Asia, and beyond.
In Vail, I used to eagerly await the moment when the ropes dropped, granting access to the untouched Back Bowls.
Here on my blog, I aim to “drop the ropes” on international adventures, helping you make the most of your time in this beautiful part of the world—whether you’re hitting the slopes or venturing into the great outdoors.
My journey in blogging began with a detailed guide to Muju Deogyusan Ski Resort in North Jeolla Province, a great option for those living in or visiting the southern part of South Korea.
For the 2024-2025 season, I’ve focused on exploring Gangwon-do’s top resorts, including High 1 Resort and Yongpyong Resort, with plans to cover even more destinations that showcase South Korea’s most exciting slopes.
Planning Your Korean Ski Holiday?
Check out my other favorite Korean ski resorts:
Gangwon Province
This guide focuses on High 1 Resort, located in Gangwon Province (also known as Gangwon-do), a region celebrated for its mountainous terrain and reputation as a top skiing destination in South Korea.
From my perspective as a Colorado native, Gangwon-do is where you’ll find the best skiing and snowboarding in Korea.
Let’s be clear—it’s not going to compare to Colorado or even nearby Japan, but for South Korea, this is about as good as it gets.
Gangwon-do’s rugged terrain and heavier snowfall (by Korean standards) make it the perfect spot for some of the country’s top ski resorts.
While “powder days” here aren’t exactly steep and deep, I’ve enjoyed a few sessions last season where fresh snow was a welcome surprise.
The province’s cooler climate and reliable winter conditions have made it the heart of South Korean skiing.
While I hear Gyeonggi Province also has some fine ski resort options, its proximity to Seoul often means larger crowds, and it’s a longer drive for those of us living in the southern part of the country.
As a Daegu resident, my personal experience primarily spans from Muju in the south to the Gangwon-do resorts.
How to Get to High 1 Resort
High 1 Resort is nestled in the remote mountains of Gangwon Province, offering a peaceful escape compared to more accessible resorts like Yongpyong, which benefits from its proximity to the city of Pyeongchang. While the isolation adds to High 1’s charm, it also means reaching the resort requires a bit more planning.
For international travelers, High 1 may seem less convenient than resorts with direct links to major public transportation hubs. However, it is still easily accessible by car or public transportation. If you’re flying into Seoul, you can take an intercity bus or KTX train to nearby towns of Gohan or Sabuk, then transfer to a shuttle or taxi for the final leg to the resort.
If you’ve pre-booked a hotel, I recommend contacting them for advice on the easiest way to get there. Many hotels have English-speaking staff or can assist with translation tools.
That said, my personal recommendation—especially if you’re traveling with ski gear or kids, aren’t part of a package tour, or don’t have a friend driving you—is to rent a car.
It’s affordable, straightforward, and allows you to travel at your own pace. For details on car rentals and driving tips, keep reading below.
High 1 Resort by Car
When I first started skiing in South Korea, renting a car opened up so many more options for exploring the country’s ski resorts. Now that I own a car, these trips have become even easier.
Although South Korea has an excellent public transportation system, reaching remote resorts like High 1 can be challenging—especially if you’re traveling with ski gear or kids. Renting a car offers the flexibility to travel at your own pace and eliminates the hassle of coordinating multiple transfers.
Driving in South Korea is also simpler than you might expect. Major road signs are in English, and rental cars are equipped with complete navigation systems, so getting around is straightforward.
That said, driving in Seoul or other major cities can be hectic, so if you’re from a small town like me, be prepared to have your nerves tested.
For those arriving from overseas, as mentioned, if it were me, I’d seriously consider renting a car to get to High 1. Just remember to you’ll need to secure an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) before your trip!
For more details about driving in South Korea, check out my foreigner’s guide to driving in Korea.
Support the Blog: If you’re planning to rent a car for your trip, consider booking through DiscoverCars. It’s an easy way to support this blog at no extra cost to you!
I understand the hesitation about driving in a foreign country. I’m currently planning a trip to Hokkaido, Japan, where I’ve already booked a rental car—that part was easy. Getting the IDP was also a snap in Korea, and only cost about 9 bucks.
However, I’ll need to drive on the opposite side of the road, which I’ve done a couple of times before. Still, I’m a bit nervous about tackling snowy roads in an unfamiliar country.
If you subscribe to my newsletter, I’ll provide updates on how it all goes!
High 1 Resort by Train
High 1 Resort by Bus
It’s a good idea to check train and bus schedules and to book tickets in advance, especially during the busy winter season.
High 1 Resort Package Tours
High1 Ski Resort now offers customizable Ski/Snowboard & Room Packages through Klook, making trip planning effortless. These packages combine premium condo lodging, lift tickets, and rental equipment, with flexible options for 2D1N, 3D2N, or 4D3N stays.
All packages are currently 10% off, with prices starting at US$214.30 per person, depending on group size and package type. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or in a small group, these packages provide a hassle-free way to enjoy everything High1 Resort has to offer.
For more details and booking, check out the Klook High1 Ski Resort Packages. Don’t miss out on this all-in-one deal for an unforgettable ski trip in South Korea.
Klook also offers great package tours to other mountain destinations in Gangwon-do, making it a perfect resource for exploring the region’s top skiing and snowboarding spots. Check out Top Gangwon-do Skiing & Snowboarding for more options.
Connecting Abroad: eSIMs for South Korea
🇰🇷 South Korea eSIMs: Stay connected on the mountain and everywhere you go in South Korea.
If you’re heading to South Korea for a ski or snowboarding adventure, staying connected is essential for navigating ski resorts, using GPS, and sharing your experiences.
I recently reviewed my experience with an Airalo eSIM card during a trip to Vietnam, and this convenient eSIM offered seamless, high-speed internet access in even the most remote parts of my trip.
With an Airalo eSIM, you can get fast and reliable internet coverage across South Korea without needing to swap out physical SIM cards.
I’ll be chasing powder in Japan this winter, and based on my experience in Vietnam, I’ll definitely be using an Airalo eSIM for that trip, too.
Affiliate Disclosure: I only recommend products and companies I genuinely believe in. By booking your package tour or purchasing an eSIM through the links above, you’ll be supporting my blog at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
High 1 Resort Hotels
Where you stay can make or break your ski trip, and High 1 Resort has plenty of great options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a premium condo right near the action or a cozy pension tucked away for some peace and quiet, there’s something here to suit your style—all with easy access to the slopes and resort amenities.
For booking in Asia, Agoda is my usual go-to platform, as it consistently delivers reliable results for High 1 Resort and the surrounding Jeongseon-gun area. That said, it’s always worth comparing options on Booking.com. Simply use the search term “Jeongseon-gun,” and the links above will take you directly to the search results.
While my Korean wife sometimes books through what I jokingly call the “Korean Internet,” I’ve had smooth experiences with all the platforms mentioned.
As an affiliate, I may earn a commission if you book through the links above—at no extra cost to you.
Dog-Friendly High 1 ‘Pet Club’ at Hill Condo
As I mentioned earlier, our border collie, Winnie, joins us on all our ski trips. Traveling with her is wonderful but adds an extra layer of planning and complexity.
That’s why we always choose the Hill Condo at High 1 Resort for both winter and summer stays.
Conveniently located at the base of the mountain, this ski-in/ski-out condo features an entire wing—the D-Wing—dedicated to being fully dog-friendly. This area is officially known as the High 1 Pet Club.
The D-Wing includes a pet-friendly café on the ground floor, adding even more convenience for dog owners. Besides its prime location and pet accommodations, the Hill Condo offers spacious, well-appointed units that are perfect for a comfortable stay. It’s not the cheapest option, but if you’re bringing your dog, I highly recommend it.
Even if you’re not traveling with a pet, the Hill Condo has several other wings offering the same comfort and ski-in/ski-out convenience—without dogs in the hallways.
Dog-Friendly Amenities
In addition to allowing dogs in the spacious condo rooms, High 1 Resort Hill Condo offers a range of pet-friendly amenities.
Pet Kindergarten
The resort features a dog-boarding kindergarten—perfect for most pets while you’re out on the slopes. Our border collie isn’t great with being left behind, so we usually take turns skiing while the other explores the base area or relaxes in the condo with Winnie.
Pet Club Café
There’s also a dog-friendly café on the first floor of the D-Wing, serving Korean food, drinks, and coffee. It’s a convenient spot to warm up without heading back to your room.
There’s ample outdoor space for pet bathroom breaks, though pets must be on a leash, and owners are expected to clean up after them.
Pet Club Sky Park
The High 1 Resort Hill Condo also features the Pet Club Sky Park, an outdoor area specifically designed for pets. This spacious park provides a safe, enclosed environment where dogs can run and play off-leash under supervision. It’s located just across the street from the D-Wing entrance and is open year-round.
The park includes pet-friendly amenities such as agility equipment and shaded seating areas for owners.
Additional Lodging Options
If you’re not traveling with a pet, the High 1 Resort Mountain Condo is an excellent alternative to the Hill Condo. Located right at the base of the resort, it offers unbeatable ski-in/ski-out convenience. With spacious rooms, kitchen facilities, and direct access to the slopes, it’s an ideal option for families or groups seeking comfort and proximity to the action.
For those who prefer a premium experience, Park Roche Resort & Wellness provides a luxurious retreat with stunning mountain views. Located a short distance from High 1 Resort, it features wellness-focused amenities, including a spa and fitness center. After a day on the slopes, unwind in spacious, elegantly designed rooms and take full advantage of its top-tier facilities.
On a budget? Dodo Pension offers a cozy, affordable stay with easy access to High 1 Resort. Known for its friendly atmosphere and comfortable rooms, this pension delivers a relaxed, homely vibe without compromising on convenience. It’s a great choice for travelers seeking charm and affordability close to the slopes.
Explore Nearby Hotel Options
Still looking for the perfect place to stay? Use the interactive map below to explore other hotel options near High 1 Resort. Whether you’re after a luxurious stay or a budget-friendly spot, this map makes it easy to find accommodations that suit your needs and budget.
Complete Guide to High 1 Resort
High 1 Trail Map
Below is the full trail map for High 1 Resort, featuring all trails, lift names, base areas, parking and resort hotels.
You can download the map for free here.
High 1 VR & Mountain Cams
High 1 recently introduced a helpful VR tool on their website. This allows users to experience a virtual tour of various parts of the mountain, including ski trails, base areas, hotels and other facilities. While not a real-time view, it may be helpful for those unfamiliar with High 1 Resort or with what skiing in South Korea looks like in general.
For those looking for a live look at current mountain conditions, or to get an idea of how many people are there at the moment, you can click around here for various live mountain cams.
Later in this post, I’ll also share my experiences with trekking and visiting High 1 Resort during the summer season, and you can also see what the different seasons look like by clicking ‘find’ on the VR page.
Slopes & Trails
High 1 Resort features 18 ski slopes with varying difficulty levels, accommodating everyone from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders.
The longest run, the Panorama Course, stretches 4.2 kilometers (2.6 miles), providing a scenic experience for skiers.
In total, there are 21 kilometers (13 miles) of trails on the mountain, though not all may be open throughout the season, depending on snow conditions.
Chairlifts and Gondolas
High 1 Resort includes 3 connected gondolas, 8 chairlifts, and 2 magic carpets on the beginner slopes. The interconnected gondolas are a standout feature, making it easy to explore different areas of the mountain.
If you head to the Valley Hub, which I recommend for a different perspective of the resort, remember that you’ll need to return to the base area to catch the Apollo lift or gondola back across the mountain. Be sure to check out the trail map for navigation.
Elevation
Base Elevation: 720 meters (2,362 feet)
Summit Elevation: 1,367 meters (4,485 feet)
While the summit elevation at High 1 isn’t as high as some international ski destinations, it’s still among the highest in South Korea, providing a respectable vertical drop for skiing.
Nearest Town Centers
Gohan-eup (고한읍): 3 km away
Sabuk-eup (사북읍): 4 km away
These nearby towns are just a short drive from High 1 and offer restaurants, convenience stores, hotels, and rental shops.
I suggest renting your ski gear in town if possible, as they often have a wider selection and better quality equipment.
Additionally, discounted lift tickets and lessons are available for purchase directly from the ski shops, making it a beneficial stop if you’re arriving by car.
Lift Ticket Prices and Hours at High 1 Resort for the 2024/25 Ski Season
Unlike most North American resorts that offer simple full-day or half-day passes, Korean ski resorts—including High 1—provide more flexible lift ticket options.
As a Colorado native, I know firsthand how pricey skiing can be back home, but skiing in South Korea is generally much more affordable.
High 1 Resort offers lift tickets based on hourly increments, allowing you to customize your skiing or snowboarding time to fit your schedule. Instead of a set full-day or half-day pass, you can choose lift access for specific time blocks, ranging from 3 hours up to a full day, with night skiing available until 1:00 a.m.
Below are the updated lift ticket prices for High 1 Resort for the 2024/25 ski season. An all-day pass costs 104,000 KRW for adults and 92,000 KRW for children, roughly $80 and $70 USD respectively (exchange rates may vary).
This system is perfect for skiers or snowboarders who want to make the most of just a few hours on the slopes, whether it’s a quick morning session or an evening run under the lights. Your chosen time starts with your first lift scan, so you can enjoy your time on the mountain without feeling rushed.
Night Skiing & Snowboarding
High 1 Resort offers night skiing and snowboarding, which you can access through their flexible ticketing options. You can purchase tickets for specific time blocks, so whether you prefer skiing during the day or under the lights, you can choose a schedule that works for you.
Though I’m not a huge fan of night skiing myself, it’s a unique experience worth trying if you’re staying overnight at the resort. The trails are well-lit, but keep in mind that visibility can be a bit reduced when looking through goggles at night.
Personally, I prefer natural daylight, but night skiing is fun and definitely something to try at least once.
Discount Tickets & Packages
One unique aspect of life in South Korea is that there’s almost always a deal to be found. When purchasing lift tickets in Korea, I recommend checking with rental shops in nearby towns for discount tickets. While I can’t confirm that every rental shop in Korea offers this, it’s a trick I picked up last season, and it seemed to hold true at both High 1 and in Pyeongchang near Yongpyong Resort.
As you approach High 1 Resort, you’ll pass through towns like Gohan-eup and Sabuk-eup, where the roads are lined with rental shops, convenience stores, and restaurants.
To purchase discounted lift tickets at a rental shop, you typically need to pay via Korean bank transfer. In return, you’ll receive a receipt, which you then exchange for a lift ticket at the resort’s ticket window. Be sure to ask the rental shop directly about these tickets, as they’re not generally advertised with signs.
This might feel a bit dodgy at first, but it’s legitimate, and in my experience, widely practiced at most Korean ski resorts. During the 2023–2024 season at High 1, I paid ₩51,000 and ₩48,000 (around $40 USD) for 7-hour lift tickets from a rental shop, as opposed to the standard ₩70,000 price for the same duration.
Unless you’re short on time, I recommend avoiding the resort’s ticket windows, as you can almost always find a discount in Korea. Whether you’re booking a package, buying tickets online, or visiting a nearby rental shop, there are typically ways to save.
If you’re driving, accessing the nearby towns for rentals and ticket deals is easy. If you’re arriving by bus without a package, taking a taxi to these shops might work, though it could reduce your overall savings. In that case, a package tour is often your best option, as it typically includes transportation, gear rentals, and lift tickets.
Additionally, ski or snowboard lessons are often available at discounted rates through the rental shops. My wife took a lesson last season from one of these shops, which worked out well and saved us some money.
I’ll provide more details on lessons in the upcoming section.
High 1 Resort Season Passes
I haven’t purchased a season pass at any South Korean resort because, living in Daegu, I can’t hit the slopes often enough to make it worthwhile.
High 1 offers season passes priced at ₩600,000 for adults and ₩500,000 for children (ages 5–13). These prices are accurate as of December 2024, according to the High 1 website, but I recommend confirming directly in case of updates.
South Korea X5 Multi-Resort Season Pass
Another option to consider is the X5 Multi-Pass, which grants access to five major resorts in South Korea, including High 1 and Mona Yongpyong Resort—two of my personal favorites. I’m still debating whether to get this pass for the 2024/25 season, but it’s a great choice if you plan to ski often across multiple resorts.
For more information, here’s a link to a detailed, unaffiliated blog post that explains the X5 Multi-Pass option in-depth.
If you’re reading this after the New Year, it may be too late to justify the cost, as I’ve heard they really jack the price up after the initial early-season special offer.
Should You Buy a Ski Pass or Lift Tickets?
This season, I decided against purchasing a ski pass in South Korea. For me, daily lift tickets are relatively affordable (especially when purchased at a discount from a rental shop), and since I don’t live near any ski resorts, it’s hard to make a season pass worth the investment.
Additionally, I have a February trip booked to Hokkaido, Japan, where I hope to enjoy some true powder skiing. With limited resources as an English teacher, I decided to save my budget for that trip instead.
Mountain Terrain & Ability Levels
High 1 Resort has terrain for all skill levels, offering a balanced mix of runs for beginners, intermediates, and experts.
As an advanced skier (humble brag), High 1 is one of my top picks in Korea for its expansive terrain and variety.
Unlike some Korean resorts, where advanced and intermediate skiers are limited to specific areas, High 1 offers a diverse range of runs across the entire mountain.
Although I haven’t skied on the East Coast in the United States, High 1 has an “East Coast vibe”—that’s admittedly just based off of conversations I’ve had with a few East Coasters in my life.
In the following sections, I’ll mainly refer to chairlift names instead of ski run names, as High 1 uses letters and numbers for trails (check the trail map), which can be confusing.
No matter your skill level, there’s something for everyone here.
High 1 Resort also has two trails marked as Expert—AP5 and V3—offering a greater challenge beyond the Advanced category.
Beginner
The main beginner area at High 1 Resort is near the Mountain Hub and Valley Hub, with gentle slopes ideal for learning.
Beginners can practice in a designated learning area with a magic carpet, making it easier to get comfortable on the snow.
If you’re just starting out, try the Jupiter lift first, then advance to the Zeus lift as you gain confidence.
My wife, a beginner, took a lesson where the instructor guided her from the Mountain Ski House base (accessible by gondola or car) to the Valley Ski House. From there, she could ride the gondola back to our Hill Condo accommodation.
Intermediate
High 1 Resort offers excellent intermediate terrain, with some of the best runs accessible via the Apollo, Hera, and Victoria lifts.
While most runs are labeled with letters and numbers, a few, like the Panorama Course, have names. The Panorama Course, the longest at the resort, begins near Mountain Top at the top of the Hera lift and descends all the way to the Valley Ski House base area.
Your legs will definitely feel the burn if you tackle it from top to bottom!
For both intermediate and advanced skiers, the Athena, Hera, and Zeus lifts provide access to plenty of cruisers.
Keep in mind that most skiers and snowboarders fall into the beginner and intermediate levels, so those runs and chair lifts see the heaviest crowds. While crowds haven’t been a major issue for me on the advanced trails, be prepared for some lengthy waits, especially at the bottom of the Valley Base area for the Juniper and Zeus lifts.
Additionally, skiing in Korea can sometimes feel like a contact sport, so stay alert on the more crowded runs near the base area.
Advanced
If you’re truly an expert skier or boarder, there’s honestly not a lot in South Korea that’ll knock your socks off; especially if you’re seeking the steep and deep.
That said, High 1 has a few good, steep runs that will get your legs burning and put your carving skills to the test.
One advantage of the advanced terrain is the shorter lift lines, allowing you to ski with fewer worries about collisions compared to beginner and intermediate trails.
The Victoria lift, in particular, often has minimal lines, so you can make quick laps.
When I’m skiing solo at High 1, I mainly stick to the Victoria and Hera lifts. The Athena lift is also enjoyable, offering long runs for carving.
Compared to other resorts like Mona Yongpyong, High 1 offers more space to explore, which I appreciate. At Yongpyong, advanced skiers really only have two main areas.
For advanced terrain, the slopes off of the Victoria lift offer some of the steepest terrain on the mountain.
Base Map & Mountain Cams
Check out this map for reference, along with links to mountain cams positioned throughout the resort. These cameras are especially helpful for checking snow conditions and seeing which areas are open.
The cameras also operate during the summer if you’re interested in viewing the summer activities.
On-Mountain Dining & Facilities
High 1 Resort offers several convenient on-mountain dining options and facilities, making it easy to grab a bite or warm up without leaving the slopes. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a full meal, or just a cozy spot to relax, here are the key areas you’ll want to know about.
You can refer to this resort map for specific locations mentioned in this section.
At the summit near the top of the Hera chairlift, you’ll find High 1 Mountain Top. This spot offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, making it an excellent place to pause for a meal.
While I found the food options a bit limited, it was a welcome retreat to warm up on a freezing night during my night-skiing experience. There’s also a panoramic view café accessible by elevator, which I didn’t get to try, but it seemed popular with other visitors.
In my opinion, the best dining option is Valley Hub. If you’re an intermediate to advanced skier, this area makes an ideal base, providing prime access to both the Hera and Victoria lifts.
Valley Hub serves basic but solid Western and Korean resort fare. I hadn’t had ski-area chicken nuggets since my ski racing days in Colorado—but these came with a side of kimchi!
For more variety, Mountain Hub offers a range of dining choices, including a food court with different vendors serving everything from hearty meals to quick snacks.
In addition to these primary dining spots, you’ll find other facilities at Mountain Ski House and Valley Ski House near the base areas. These locations are perfect for a quick meal or a warm-up break without having to return to your accommodations.
Snow Conditions
If you’re an advanced skier or snowboarder, I’ll be upfront: don’t expect endless, epic powder days here. For that kind of snow, you’d be better off chasing storms in nearby Hokkaido, Japan.
That said, for South Korea, I’ve had some of my best snow days at High 1 Resort, likely thanks to its location in Gangwon Province.
I’ve skied here numerous times, and I’ve yet to have a bad day. While advanced and expert runs can get a bit icy, which calls for some caution, High 1 generally offers some of the best snow conditions in South Korea.
At the very least, you can expect well-groomed runs. On good days, you might even find snow as good as what you see in the picture below.
From my experience, High 1 leads South Korean ski resorts in snow-making capabilities. I don’t have stats to back it up, but I’ve consistently seen most slopes open here, which isn’t always the case elsewhere.
Of course, conditions vary depending on the time of year. For your best chance at good snow, plan your trip between December and February.
Ski,Snowboard, and Gear Rentals
If you’re heading to High 1 and don’t have your own gear, don’t worry—you can rent everything you need either at the resort base or in one of the nearby towns.
For beginners, like my wife, the resort rentals work just fine. But if you’re particular about your gear quality, like me, you might want to check out the rental shops in town, where you can often find better options.
Resort Rentals
The main rental area at Mountain House provides skis, snowboards, helmets, and more. It’s perfect if you’re a first-timer or just don’t want to haul equipment across the country.
The rental process is smooth, and the staff are generally helpful—even if you don’t speak Korean, they’ll get you set up quickly so you can hit the slopes.
Plus, the rental area is just steps from the lifts, so you can grab your gear and be skiing in minutes. Lockers are available nearby for storing your shoes and clothes, making it easy to transition from the rental area to the slopes without hassle.
The staff are generally helpful and efficient, and even if you don’t speak Korean, they’ll get you in and out quickly so you can maximize your time on the mountain.
Rental Shops in Town
If you’re looking for higher-quality gear, the rental shops in town may be a better choice. The resort’s equipment, while serviceable, includes rear-entry boots and skis that max out around 160 cm.
For those with a car, it’s worth checking out town shops before heading up the mountain, as they often have better gear and even offer discounted lift tickets and lessons.
While these discounts might not be heavily advertised, the staff are usually happy to set you up if they’re ask about them.
Helmets Are Required at High 1 Resort
Last season, I heard helmets were now required—and it’s true. You won’t be allowed on any chairlift without one. While I’m not thrilled about this mandate, it’s probably for the best. If you don’t have your own helmet, the resort offers them for free with your rental.
For those who, like me, prefer not to use shared helmets, I found a solid option on Coupang for around $40. Whatever you decide, keep in mind that helmets are mandatory at High 1.
If this requirement is a deal-breaker, consider nearby Mona YongPyong, which doesn’t have this rule.
Ski & Snowboard Lessons
High 1 Resort offers a range of ski and snowboard lessons designed for various skill levels, from absolute beginners to those looking to refine their technique.
Whether it’s your first time on skis or a snowboard, or you’re an experienced rider aiming to improve, the resort’s certified instructors are ready to help.
At the time of writing, the prices for lessons aren’t listed on the resort’s website, though they may be available by the time you read this.
The resort offers both private and group lessons, with private sessions being more expensive. My wife, apparently unimpressed by my “pizza and french fries” teaching method, opted for a private half-day lesson instead.
I can’t argue with the results—if you check out the TikTok below, you’ll see her whizzing by like a young Olympian.
High 1 Highlights
Dining and Aprés-Ski
If you’re coming to Korea expecting a vibrant après-ski scene similar to what you’d find in Europe or North America, you may be a bit disappointed. Koreans tend to prefer smaller, private gatherings over bustling bar scenes.
This means you won’t find many après-ski bars, live music, or clubs at the resorts. However, there’s no shortage of convenience store beer, soju, and other alcohol, so most socializing happens in the comfort of condos with friends and family.
Koreans are also big fans of night skiing and snowboarding, which generally calls for sobriety. I strongly advise against night skiing with a buzz; it’s already challenging enough without adding alcohol into the mix.
Dining Options
After a day on the slopes, you’ll find that dining options at High1 Resort are somewhat limited. There are a few base-area restaurants offering classic ski-resort fare like chicken and pizza, but the selection is modest.
If you’d rather relax in your room, many places offer takeout, and you can even get delivery from nearby restaurants to enjoy a cozy meal without venturing outside.
Staying in one of the resort condos also gives you access to convenience stores stocked with Korean-style fast food, so it’s easy to grab a quick bite without leaving the premises.
For a wider range of dining options, the nearby town is worth exploring. A short drive or taxi ride will take you to local restaurants, where you’ll find a more diverse selection than what’s available at the base of the mountain.
Kangwonland Casino
As mentioned, après-ski isn’t a big part of the ski resort culture in South Korea. However, if you’re looking for a way to unwind beyond the usual food and drinks after a day on the slopes, Kangwonland Casino is a unique option.
Just a short drive or shuttle ride from High1 Resort, Kangwonland is the only casino in South Korea where Korean nationals can legally gamble, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
I haven’t personally visited Kangwonland, but it’s one of Asia’s largest casinos, with a variety of gaming options, including slot machines, table games like blackjack and roulette, and poker rooms.
Beyond gambling, Kangwonland also has several dining and nightlife options. The complex features restaurants serving both Korean and international cuisine, along with bars and lounges where you can relax with a drink.
The casino provides a distinct way to end your day after hitting the slopes, especially since South Korean ski resorts tend to lack traditional après-ski venues.
If you’re staying at High1 Resort, the casino’s nearby location makes it easy to check out. Be sure to look up the rules for entry before planning your visit.
High 1 Resort Summer Season
Before moving to South Korea to teach English, I promoted summer season at Vail—an aspect of the famous winter resort that many people overlooked.
High 1 Resort is similar; it’s an excellent summer destination.
After two winter visits for skiing last year, we returned this summer to explore. Naturally, we brought our dog and stayed at the same Hill Condo (see hotel section above).
Just like Vail, High 1 offers scenic mountain trekking, thrilling on-mountain activities, and family-friendly spots like Water World, ensuring there’s plenty to enjoy in warmer months.
High 1 Summer Trekking
We arrived in the afternoon, checked into the condo, and headed straight to the trekking trails near the Mountain House base. If you’re driving, continue up the road to the large parking area; the trailhead (pictured below) is at the far end.
My wife was set on reaching Dorongi Pond, inspired by Instagram photos she had seen. As the sun started to set, the hike was a bit hectic, racing up a few steep sections, but we made it.
For those interested, you can also take the free gondola to the top and walk over to the pond. Dogs are allowed in the gondola during summer, making it easy to bring them along.
Note: The hike isn’t overly difficult, but I wouldn’t start after 4 p.m. like we did.
As shown on the map, you can either hike up or take the gondola to access various trails, both on the ski mountain and off-piste.
High 1 Summer Trekking Map
High 1 Trekking Highlights
Additional Trekking in Gangwon-Do
As we wrapped up our stay at High 1, our summer adventure didn’t end there. We continued on a road trip through Gangwon-do, taking on more trekking and camping with our dog.
You can read about that leg of our adventure in: Year-Round Trekking and Camping in Daegwallyeong, Gangwon-Do, South Korea.
On-Mountain Summer Activities
Besides trekking, High 1 offers a variety of on-mountain summer activities perfect for families and thrill-seekers. The gondola ride provides stunning views, and in summer, dogs are welcome—making it a great experience to share with them.
If you’re staying at a resort condo (Hill, Mountain, or Valley), the gondola is free.
At the top, you can enjoy a leisurely walk or take in the panoramic views. The base area has fun activities like the mountain coaster, which winds through forested slopes. There’s also archery, mini-golf, mountain golf cart tours, and more, ensuring something for everyone.
We settled for just walking around on a sunny day taking pictures of places we visited in during the winter.
High 1 Water World
We haven’t personally visited Water World, but it’s a popular attraction at High 1, especially for families. This large water park has pools, water slides, and a lazy river, offering a fun way to cool off in the summer heat.
Golf at High 1 Country Club
For golf enthusiasts, High 1 features the beautiful High 1 Country Club, with its well-maintained greens and mountain views. Even if you’re not a golfer, the scenery alone makes it worth visiting.
The 18-hole course caters to all skill levels and takes full advantage of the natural terrain, with fairways winding through dense forests and along mountain ridges.
Final Thoughts
High 1 Resort is a top contender for the best skiing experience in South Korea. With a larger mountain and more varied intermediate and expert terrain, it stands out compared to other resorts like Mona YongPyong.
While both High 1 and Mona YongPyong have unique strengths, High 1 gets a slight edge for its overall mountain experience and the diverse activities it offers, both on and off the slopes.
Whether you visit for winter sports or summer activities, High 1 Resort promises a memorable experience.
For a closer look at Mona YongPyong Resort, check out my in-depth guide on what makes it another fantastic option for skiing in South Korea.
Questions?
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This winter, I’m also heading back to Hokkaido, Japan, so be sure to subscribe to my newsletter if you’re interested in updates on Asia’s powder mecca!
Colorado Saram Swag
If you enjoyed the content from this site and you feel like a kindred spirit, I invite you to check out my online store where I sell hats, hoodies, t-shirts and more. Though I reside in South Korea, I try to design swag that resonates with people who share the “Colorado” spirit.
Click on the pictures to check out the various color and size options available.
