Exploring Mona Yongpyong Resort: An Olympic Venue and Year-Round Mountain Adventure Destination in South Korea
Introduction
As an experienced skier who has lived in South Korea since 2007—and someone who considers himself a bit of an expert on the subject—I’m often asked, “What is the best ski resort in South Korea?”
My answer usually comes down to two options: High 1 Resort (which I covered in the linked guide) and Mona Yongpyong Resort, which you’ll learn all about if you keep reading.
If you’re in a hurry and just want to know which is better, my answer is—it’s complicated.
In my opinion, Mona Yongpyong, which hosted the giant slalom and slalom alpine skiing events during the 2018 Winter Olympics, offers superior expert terrain and a more traditional ski resort experience, especially from a Western perspective.
High 1 Resort, on the other hand, feels more expansive, with decent intermediate and advanced terrain. While its expert terrain may not match Yongpyong’s, it’s easier to move around the entire mountain while still getting in some fun and challenging cruisers.
For me, Mona Yongpyong stands out for its demanding advanced terrain, which makes it a winner in my mind. However, this terrain is concentrated in just two areas on opposite sides of the mountain, making it a bit inconvenient to transfer between them.
High 1 offers more opportunity to roam and explore, with a seamless transition between different sections of the mountain via chairlifts and gondolas. While its advanced terrain may not match Yongpyong’s, the intermediate runs make up for it by being equally enjoyable.
Another key consideration is that High 1 Resort has a helmet requirement for skiers and snowboarders. They’ll provide a helmet for free if you don’t have your own, but you won’t be allowed to board the chairlift without one.
If you prefer to take your chances like this old-school skier, Yongpyong has no helmet requirement, and you’re free to hit the slopes with your choice of headwear.
However, the beginner and intermediate slopes at all Korean resorts can resemble bumper cars at times, so maybe you should take High 1’s word over mine when it comes to safety precautions.
One last thing to consider is that High 1 is a bit more dog-friendly, which is important for me (though perhaps not for most people).
While we’ve also brought our dog along on our trips to Yongpyong (which I’ll get into below), the ski-in/ski-out Pet Club at Hill Condo at High 1 Resort gives High 1 the edge in the pet-friendly department.
So, it really comes down to personal preference, and I highly recommend visiting both resorts if you have the chance.
If you’re a hardcore skier or snowboarder planning a trip to Asia with the sole intention of shredding some pow, the honest answer is—head to Hokkaido, Japan.
But since you’re here, stick around to find out why I believe Mona Yongpyong is one of South Korea’s top ski resorts—and the one I’d choose if I had just one chance to ski in Korea.
About Colorado Saram
I’m a Colorado native who grew up in the ski resort town of Vail. Since 2007, I’ve been living and working as an English teacher in South Korea.
I started this website to share my experiences of living and traveling in South Korea and Asia, all from the perspective of a Colorado outdoor enthusiast. Naturally, skiing and snowboarding are a big focus.
During the 2023-2024 season, I wrote a comprehensive guide to Muju Deogyusan Ski Resort in North Jeolla Province. If you’re seeking a quieter, more remote option farther from Seoul, I highly recommend checking it out.
As a resident of Daegu, Muju Deogyusan is the closest ski resort to me. However, for the best snow and the most diverse terrain, Gangwon Province (also known as Gangwon-do) is where you’ll find the top slopes in South Korea.
Looking ahead to the 2024-2025 season, I’m focusing on several resorts in Gangwon Province. You can already explore my complete guide to High 1 Resort, and in this post, you’ll find everything you need to know about Mona Yongpyong Resort.
Gangwon Province
Mona Yongpyong Resort is located in the scenic Gangwon Province (also known as Gangwon-do), a region renowned for its mountainous terrain and abundant snowfall.
As a Colorado native, I can vouch for the province’s charm and its status as South Korea’s premier destination for skiing and snowboarding.
While Gangwon Province may not rival the famous slopes of Colorado or the legendary powder of Japan, it undeniably stands out as South Korea’s top winter sports destination. Its rugged landscapes, significant snowfall (by Korean standards), and cool climate create ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding.
Beyond its winter appeal, Gangwon Province is a year-round haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you visit in summer or winter, there’s plenty to explore beyond the slopes. For more on trekking and camping in this region, check out my guide to Year-Round Trekking and Camping in Daegwallyeong, Gangwon-Do, South Korea.
Pyeongchang
Pyeongchang, the host city of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games, is a peaceful town just a short drive from Mona Yongpyong Resort.
It has the charm of a small city but the atmosphere of a resort destination. While there isn’t much activity, you’ll find a variety of nice hotels, restaurants, and shops catering to tourists. The town’s laid-back vibe makes it a great place to unwind after a day on the slopes.
In addition to its proximity to the ski areas, visitors can explore traditional Korean villages, hike scenic trails, or simply enjoy the tranquil ambiance.
For those with their own transportation, a stretch of rental shops lines the road to Yongpyong, offering better gear and discounted lift tickets compared to the resort. This is worth considering if you want to save money and avoid the lower-quality resort rentals. More details are provided in the rentals section.
The legacy of the 2018 Winter Olympics is still alive in Pyeongchang, with modern sports facilities, cultural venues, and the vibrant Olympic Park.
The drive from Pyeongchang to Yongpyong Resort takes about 30 minutes along well-maintained roads through the scenic, mountainous landscapes of Gangwon Province.
Getting There and Away
Planning your trip to Mona Yongpyong Resort is straightforward, thanks to the variety of transportation options available.
Whether you prefer the flexibility of driving or the ease of public transportation, there are convenient routes to reach both Pyeongchang and Mona Yongpyong Resort from South Korea’s major cities.
Travel by Car
Navigation (English Address): 715 Olympic-ro, Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Navigation (Korean Address): 평창군 대관령면 올림픽로 715
I’ve been living in South Korea for a while now, and when the pandemic hit, I decided to buy a car to avoid public transportation like trains and buses. It turned out to be a fantastic long-term investment, and it continues to pay off by giving us the freedom to travel independently around the country, including on all of our ski trips.
You might be surprised to learn that it’s actually quite easy for foreigners to rent a car in South Korea for short trips—something we did often before eventually deciding to buy our own car.
If you’re interested in learning more about renting or buying a car in South Korea, as well as the license requirements, check out my Foreigner’s Guide to Driving in South Korea.
Driving From Seoul: The drive to Pyeongchang takes about 2-3 hours via the Yeongdong Expressway. From there, it’s a quick drive to Mona Yongpyong Resort.
Driving From Daegu: Driving from Daegu takes around 3-4 hours via the Jungbu Expressway.
Driving From Busan: The drive from Busan to Pyeongchang is approximately 4-5 hours, using the Namhae Expressway and Jungbu Expressway.
Travel by Public Transportation
From Seoul: Take a high-speed KTX train to Pyeongchang Station. From there, you can take a shuttle bus or a taxi directly to Mona Yongpyong Resort.
From Daegu or Busan: Take a high-speed KTX train to Wonju Station, then transfer to a local bus or taxi for the remaining leg of the trip to Pyeongchang.
Note: Public transportation options may vary depending on the season and time of day. It’s a good idea to check schedules and book tickets in advance, especially during peak travel periods like ski season.
Join a Package Tour
Prior to buying a car in South Korea, my only ski trips were through package tours, which made the entire process much simpler.
For those looking for a hassle-free ski trip, package tours to Mona Yongpyong Resort are a great option. Most packages include round-trip bus transportation, gear rentals, and lift tickets.
While you won’t have a guide with you the entire day (which I personally find unnecessary), a tour assistant will typically help with the rental process and provide your lift tickets.
Once you’re set with your gear and lift pass, you’ll have the day to yourself. They’ll just give you a designated time to meet back at the bus for the return trip.
Most tours depart from Seoul, though packages can be arranged from other cities in South Korea.
Some tours are designed as day trips, while others include one- or two-night lodging options, giving you more time on the slopes.
If you book through one of my affiliate links, it helps support this blog at no extra cost to you.
Yongpyong: Essential Facts
Base Elevation: 750 meters (2,460 feet)
Summit Elevation: 1,458 meters (4,783 feet)
Vertical Drop: 708 meters (2,323 feet)
Number of Trails: 28
Chairlifts
14 total, including 5 high-speed quads, along with a mix of fixed-grip lifts and surface lifts that help keep lines moving efficiently, even during peak season.
Rainbow Gondola
The Rainbow Gondola isn’t just for skiers and snowboarders—it also welcomes foot traffic, making it a popular attraction for visitors who want to enjoy the panoramic views from the Dragon Castle viewpoint at the summit.
If, like me, you take the chairlift to the top of the Rainbow Zone, you might be surprised to see many Koreans hiking around without any ski gear—it’s a popular sightseeing spot even in winter.
The gondola also operates during the summer, when it’s equally popular for hiking and social media-worthy photo ops.
Beginner Areas and People Movers
For beginners and kids, Yongpyong offers several people movers in the lower zones. These conveyor belt-style lifts are perfect for easing into skiing or snowboarding without needing to navigate chairlifts. Families and newcomers will appreciate the convenience.
Terrain Breakdown:
Mountain Zones
Yongpyong Resort is divided into 4 distinct zones: Gold, Red, Silver, and Rainbow.
On-Mountain Dining
Yongpyong Resort features 5 popular dining options across the mountain, including Dragon Plaza, Dragon Castle (also known as Mona Park), Gold Snack, Green Snack, and Wag Village. I’ll cover these in more detail later.
Additionally, there are smaller eateries and numerous convenience stores selling snacks and drinks throughout the resort, ensuring you’ll have plenty of options to refuel during your day on the mountain.
Longest Run
The longest run at Yongpyong is Rainbow Paradise, stretching 5.6 km (approx. 3.5 miles). This scenic trail connects the Rainbow Zone to the main areas of the mountain, offering a smooth ride from the summit all the way down to the base.
Night Skiing and Snowboarding
Night skiing at Yongpyong Resort is available until 11:30 pm during the peak season.
While I’ve always felt that skiing and snowboarding are best enjoyed during the day, night skiing is hugely popular in South Korea. It’s a unique experience that Koreans really embrace, and I have to admit, it’s a lot of fun and worth trying at least once.
The GoPro video below was taken at High 1 Resort, but it gives a good sense of what night skiing looks like in South Korea. Although each resort is different, the vibe of skiing under the lights is something special here.
Yongpyong Mountain Layout & Chairlifts
If you read my introduction where I called Mona Yongpyong one of the best—if not the best—mountains for advanced terrain in South Korea, I stand by that claim.
However, there’s a caveat. Mona Yongpyong is divided into four distinct zones: Gold Zone, Red Zone, Silver Zone, and Rainbow Zone.
Looking at the zone and chairlift map below, you’ll notice it’s essentially two interconnected mountains, with a long gondola bridging the connection.
Mountain Zones & Chairlift Map
As an expert skier, I’ve had an incredible time in both the Rainbow and Gold Zones. While I haven’t skied every resort in South Korea, I’d venture to say this is some of the best expert skiing and snowboarding the country has to offer.
The only drawback is the inconvenience of transitioning between these zones, and since the middle zones aren’t particularly remarkable, I end up spending most of my time on either side of the mountain.
This is where High 1 Resort may have a slight edge—the terrain there may not be as steep as the Rainbow Zone at Mona Yongpyong, but it’s more convenient to explore different areas of the mountain with its interconnected lifts and gondolas.
That said, in all my skiing across Korea, the terrain in Mona Yongpyong’s Rainbow and Gold Zones ranks at the very top for sheer enjoyment on steep, well-maintained trails.
The Red and Silver Zones rise from the primary base area, Dragon Plaza. The Silver Zone is the main beginner area, while the Red Zone offers some steeper runs suitable for intermediates and experts. However, for me, it mostly serves as the transition point to the Gold Zone.
I’ll break down each zone in more detail below.
Yongpyong Resort’s Four Distinct Ski Zones
Mona Yongpyong Resort features four distinct zones, each tailored to accommodate various skill levels and interests. Whether you’re a beginner, an intermediate, or an expert skier, there’s something for everyone.
Below, you’ll find a map illustrating the zones along with their respective trail names.
Mountain Zones and Trail Map
Rainbow Zone
I’m an old ski racer at heart, and the Rainbow Zone has the same feel as the ski racing hills of my youth in the Colorado mountains.
If you’ve ever skied at Vail, you might understand when I say it has a bit of a Golden Peak vibe.
If you spend time at the dog-friendly Wag Village base lodge (which I’ll cover in more detail below), you’ll likely spot young racers from various countries coming in and out, refueling between their training runs.
The Men’s and Women’s Giant Slalom events during the 2018 Winter Olympics were held here for a reason—its long, steep slopes are perfect for race courses.
Though my ski racing days are behind me, I still love hitting high speeds and carving turns, and the Rainbow Zone is the perfect place for that.
Rainbow Zone Trail Map
As you can see on this zoomed-in Yongpyong trail map, the Rainbow Zone features just four trails, creatively named Rainbow I, Rainbow II, Rainbow III, and Rainbow IV.
If you’re a high-level intermediate or an advanced skier or snowboarder, don’t miss the Rainbow Zone. It’s a fun area with the most challenging terrain on the mountain.
Since most skiers and riders in South Korea don’t fall into these categories, the lift lines at the Rainbow chairlift are minimal—at least every time I’ve visited. You should be able to get in plenty of runs.
Rainbow Zone: Making Turns (Video)
The downside, as I mentioned earlier, is that you might not want to spend the entire day on Rainbow without feeling the itch to explore other parts of the mountain.
Once you commit to the other side, getting back to Rainbow isn’t exactly convenient.
I drove between the two because my wife isn’t an expert skier, and one of us has to watch the dog. The gondola might not be too bad, but it sure looks long on the map!
Parking in the Rainbow Zone
If you have your own car and plan to ski or ride in the Rainbow Zone, there’s a small parking lot at the base that’s much less chaotic than the main Dragon Plaza parking area. The drive between the two is short, and the Rainbow Zone parking lot is far more relaxed.
For GPS or navigation apps, enter Yongpyong Resort (용평리조트) or Dragon Plaza (드래곤 플라자) as your destination.
From Dragon Plaza, continue driving uphill for about 5–10 minutes until you reach the Rainbow Zone base area, where you’ll find a small parking lot at the base of the mountain.
From this lot, it’s just a short walk to the Rainbow chairlift and Wag Village base lodge.
My advice? Skip the morning crowds by parking at the Rainbow lot. From there, you can either transition by car or take the scenic route and ski down the Rainbow Paradise run to the main area.
Chairlift Access to Rainbow Zone
The primary chairlift for the Rainbow Zone is the Rainbow Lift (15), which ascends from the Rainbow base area.
Additionally, you can access the top of the Rainbow Zone from the main base area, Dragon Plaza, via the Rainbow Gondola (14).
Dining and the Base Lodge at Rainbow Zone
Wag Village
Wag Village is a dog-friendly base lodge where you can relax and refuel between runs. It’s a popular spot for skiers and young racers, offering a cozy atmosphere and a selection of coffee, snacks and meals.
If you don’t have a dog or aren’t a dog person, don’t worry—Wag Village is mainly the base lodge for the Rainbow Zone, and you may not even notice it’s dog-friendly on most days.
However, for those of us who like to travel with our pooches, it’s a nice little oasis, as you can see in this video. While I believe the resort eventually cracked down on the sledding that became popular with Korean dog owners after the lifts shut down, it was a lot of fun while it lasted!
Dragon Castle
Located at the top of the Rainbow Gondola, Dragon Castle—and the surrounding area known as Mona Park—offers stunning panoramic views and fantastic photo opportunities.
This multi-level facility buzzes with activity, as skiers and snowboarders mix with tourists who take the gondola up just to enjoy the scenery. Inside, you’ll find two restaurants and a café, all with large windows showcasing breathtaking mountain views.
Outside, there’s an Olympic-themed photo area and scenic viewpoints that provide sweeping vistas of the Gangwon-Do mountains.
Even if you’re not up for skiing or riding the expert slopes of the Rainbow Zone, it’s definitely worth taking the gondola up to soak in the views and explore the Mona Park photo spots.
Gold Zone
If you’re an upper-intermediate to advanced skier or snowboarder, another area to check out besides Rainbow is the Gold Zone.
It’s kind of tucked over on the opposite corner of the mountain from Rainbow, making it relatively quiet compared to the chairlifts leading out of the main Dragon Plaza base area.
Gold Zone Trail Map
The main run I like to lap is Gold Valley. The top features a steep, advanced-level pitch that eventually flattens into a long, intermediate run all the way to the bottom.
I didn’t want to break out the GoPro on the steep section, especially on a cold day, but you can watch me cruise down the intermediate part to the base area.
If you stick around (or skip ahead) to the end, you’ll also see the Gold chairlift and Gold Snack base lodge. I’m also sorry that Cohen brothers don’t direct my ski films.
Gold Zone: Making Turns (Video)
Gold Fantastic and Gold Paradise are better suited for intermediates, and they offer some decent vertical drop. You can carve some great turns from top to bottom on both runs.
There’s also the shorter expert run, New Gold, accessed by the New Gold chairlift (2). However, I found this chairlift mostly useful as a way to return to the main base area.
However, if you prefer a shorter chairlift ride and run, New Gold may be a better option than the longer Gold chairlift and Gold Valley run.
Chairlift Access to Gold Zone
To access the Gold Zone, take the Red chairlift (4) from Dragon Plaza, then ski or ride down the left-side catwalk to reach the Gold chairlift (1).
At the top, you’ll be on the summit of Gold Peak. In addition to being the starting point for some steep, challenging runs, it offers fantastic views of the Gangwon-Do valley below.
As mentioned earlier, there’s also the New Gold chairlift (2), which doesn’t reach the top of the mountain but you can use it to return to the main base area at Yongpyong Resort.
Alternatively, you can take the Bridge chairlift (3) to enter or exit the Gold Zone and return to Dragon Plaza.
Gold Zone Anifore Monorail
One thing you’ll notice while boarding the Gold chairlift is a small monorail that departs from a terminal next to the lift.
Although it doesn’t appear to be accessible for skiers or snowboarders, it offers scenic rides through the forested areas adjacent to the ski runs, making it a fun activity for non-skiers or children.
During the summer months, there’s also a petting zoo at the top, though we didn’t get a chance to visit because we had our dog with us.
If you’re looking for a different way to explore the Gold Zone or enjoy some family-friendly activities, the Anifore Monorail could be a great option. Tickets are 18,000 won per person.
Parking in the Gold Zone
The Gold Zone features a small parking lot that is much less hectic than the primary parking area at Dragon Plaza. I haven’t tried parking there in winter, but if you want to start and end your day at this quieter side of the mountain, it’s likely similar to my earlier recommendation for the Rainbow Zone parking area.
Finding the Gold Zone parking shouldn’t be too difficult from the main resort. Just search for the Birch Hill Condo and continue past it.
Base Lodge and Dining in the Gold Zone
Anifore the Gold (formerly Gold Snack)
If you ski or ride all the way down Gold Peak, you’ll find a base lodge called Gold Snack.
By the time you read this, the name may have changed to Anifore the Gold (formerly Gold Snack), as at the time of my research in summer 2024 it appears they might be updating the name.
Whatever it’s called during your visit, it’s a cozy lodge that serves drinks and standard Korean and Japanese ski area fare, such as donkatsu, udon, and various Korean soups and snacks.
There’s also a pleasant deck area outside where, if the weather cooperates, you can relax and enjoy the mountain vibes with fewer crowds than at Dragon Plaza.
Red Zone
The Red Zone at Yongpyong Resort rises directly from the main Dragon Plaza base area and is best known for its beginner-friendly terrain. Chairlifts 7, 8, and 9 provide access to wide, gentle slopes, making this zone ideal for those new to skiing or snowboarding.
These slopes are popular with families and first-time skiers due to their proximity to the resort’s primary amenities.
As seen on the map below, Chairlifts 7, 8 and 9 access the main area for beginners and beginner lessons.
Chairlift Access & Trail Map in the Red Zone
For more advanced skiers, the Red Zone also offers two challenging expert runs descending from Red Peak. These steeper trails are serviced by chairlifts 4, 5, and 6, making them easily accessible for those looking to push their limits after warming up on the beginner slopes.
The mix of beginner and expert terrain in the Red Zone provides something for everyone—from novices to seasoned riders.
While the Red Zone is an essential part of Yongpyong Resort, for the type of skiing I enjoy, it primarily serves as a transition area between the Gold and Rainbow Zones.
Snow Sledge Park
The Snow Sledge Park at Yongpyong Resort is a fun, family-friendly activity located in the Red Zone. It’s perfect for visitors of all ages who want to enjoy the winter slopes without needing any skiing or snowboarding skills.
Although I don’t have kids and mainly come to the resort to ski, the park looks like a blast, especially for families or those in your group who aren’t into skiing or snowboarding.
The park features a designated sledding area with a gentle slope, allowing visitors to rent a sled and enjoy several rounds of sliding down the hill.
According to their website, you can rent a sled for ₩18,000 (about $13 USD) per person.
Base Lodge & Dining in the Red Zone
Dragon Plaza
Dragon Plaza is one of the main hubs at Yongpyong Resort, located right in the heart of the base area. It’s typically the first stop for lift tickets, rentals, and other essential resort services.
The building itself is large and modern, offering a range of amenities for both skiers and snowboarders. It feels more like the base area of a Western ski resort compared to many other Korean resorts.
Inside, you’ll find several shops, rental services, and guest service counters, making it a convenient spot to get everything you need before hitting the slopes.
For dining, Dragon Plaza offers multiple options that cater to various tastes and budgets. You’ll find a mix of Korean and Western-style food, from quick snacks like kimbap or ramen to more filling meals such as donkatsu or pizza.
Some of the restaurants have seating with views of the slopes, so you can enjoy a meal while watching the action outside. There’s also a large deck area where you can bring your food and soak in the mountain atmosphere on nicer days.
I’ll cover gear rentals in more detail below, but the rental shop inside Dragon Plaza is one of the biggest at the resort. It’s your go-to spot for all necessary gear, including helmets, boots, and more. There’s also a retail shop where you can pick up any forgotten items or grab some souvenirs to remember your trip.
Overall, Dragon Plaza is a key hub for skiers and snowboarders at Yongpyong, providing crucial services, a variety of dining options, and a comfortable place to relax between runs.
Red Zone and Dragon Plaza Parking
On the map above, you’ll see Dragon Plaza and the ticket office located at the center of the base area, with Greenpia Condo shown to the right.
The large parking lot between these two landmarks is available for skiers and snowboarders, and it’s free. However, it can get chaotic on busy days, so plan accordingly.
For quieter parking options, refer to my earlier tips on the Rainbow Zone and Gold Zone parking lots.
Silver Zone
Out of all the mountain zones at Yongpyong, the Silver Zone is where I have the least personal experience. That’s not to say it won’t be the best fit for you, but as an old ski racer, the terrain park trend passed me by.
While the Silver Zone does offer a lone expert trail, it doesn’t quite match up to what you’ll find in the Rainbow or Gold zones.
To each their own!
Chairlift Access & Trail Map in the Silver Zone
The Silver Zone at Yongpyong Resort is best known for its more relaxed and accessible terrain, making it a great spot for beginners and intermediate skiers looking to gain confidence.
The gentle Maga Green trail, accessed via the Maga Chairlift (11), is perfect for learning. (And no, I don’t think American politics have crept into Korean ski culture here—I’m pretty sure they mean “Mega.”)
Two seasons ago, my wife tackled the Silver Zone on only her second time on skis, and did great!
The Silver chairlift (10) goes up to the top of Silver Peak, which has a few short expert trails leading back down to the base of the resort.
Of course, the Silver Zone’s biggest draw might be Dragon Park Terrain Park, which is a favorite for freestyle skiers and boarders.
Dragon Park Terrain Park
While the Silver Zone caters to a range of skiing abilities, it’s also home to Dragon Park, Yongpyong’s popular terrain park. This area is perfect for snowboarders and freestyle skiers looking to hit jumps, rails, and boxes.
You won’t catch this 40+ skier hitting the rails, but I do enjoy the K-Pop tunes blasting as I ski by on my way to the other chairlifts.
Dragon Park is well-maintained, offering features for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a more advanced freestyler, there’s something here for everyone.
Base Lodge & Dining in the Silver Zone
Summit Land the Green (Green Snack)
Like Gold Snack in the Gold Zone, Green Snack in the Silver Zone seems to be undergoing a name change for 2025.
It’s a cozy spot where skiers and snowboarders can take a break, warm up, and grab a bite. Expect simple, convenient food options like snacks and light meals to fuel your day on the slopes.
In all honesty, I haven’t visited Green Snack myself, but it resembles Gold Snack, which is a charming lodge serving Korean and Japanese-style dishes, soups, and an assortment of beverages.
Parking in the Silver Zone
If you’re heading to the Silver Zone, parking is shared with the Dragon Plaza parking lot, the same lot used for the Red Zone. This lot is centrally located, providing easy access to both zones.
Once you park, it’s a short walk to the Silver Zone base and chairlifts. The convenience of Dragon Plaza parking makes it simple to move between the Silver and Red Zones without much hassle.
Mona Yongpyong Resort Map
This is the complete Mona Yongpyong Resort trail map, featuring all zones, trail names, chairlift access, base areas, and parking locations.
Lift Ticket Information
If you’re used to purchasing lift tickets at North American ski resorts, you’re likely familiar with standard options such as full-day, half-day, and multi-day tickets.
In South Korea, lift ticket options can be a bit more complex, but the goal is to make it easier for you to buy tickets that match your skiing or riding schedule, including night skiing.
Below are the operating hours and lift ticket prices for Mona Yongpyong Resort for the 2023-24 season, as of the time of writing. I will update this information when it becomes available.
In the next section, I will cover ski and snowboard rental shops located outside the resort. It’s worth noting that you can purchase lift tickets through these rental shops at discounted prices.
Gear Rentals & Shops
Mona Yongpyong Resort offers a variety of rental services to make sure you’re fully prepared for your ski or snowboard adventure. Whether you need skis, snowboards, boots, or full sets of ski clothes, the resort’s rental shops have you covered.
Helmets are also available for rent, though they aren’t mandatory at Yongpyong like they are at High 1 Resort.
All rental shops are conveniently located in Dragon Plaza, the central hub of the resort, making it easy to pick up or return gear without hassle.
All rental shops are conveniently located in Dragon Plaza, the main hub of the resort, so it’s easy to pick up or return your gear without any hassle.
Lockers are also available for added convenience, providing a secure place to store shoes, bags, and other belongings while you’re on the slopes.
Additionally, if you’re looking to purchase gear or clothing, Dragon Plaza features shops selling a variety of ski wear and accessories.
Rentals Outside the Resort
If you have your own transportation or are willing to catch a taxi, you might want to check out the independent rental shops located along the road between Pyeongchang and Yongpyong Resort.
As a self-proclaimed gear snob, I used to dread renting equipment—until I discovered that these off-resort rental shops typically offer higher-quality gear. This was a real game-changer for me.
Even better, many of these shops sell lift tickets at discounted prices and often provide ski lessons at reduced rates.
Even better, many of these shops offer lift tickets at discounted prices, and some even provide ski lessons at reduced rates. To take advantage of these deals, you usually need to pay via bank transfer, and the shop will give you a voucher to exchange at the resort’s ticket window.
For example, while a daytime ticket is listed at ₩84,000, I bought one last season for ₩56,000 through an outside rental shop. These prices may fluctuate, but rest assured, they’re legitimate deals arranged between the rental shops and the resort.
My wife also snagged discounted ski lessons from one of these shops, so it’s definitely worth asking about any special deals when you’re there.
These off-resort rental shops often have a broader selection of premium gear, making them a great option for those seeking a higher-quality rental experience compared to what the resort offers.
Ski and Snowboard Lessons
Yongpyong Resort offers a range of ski and snowboard lessons for ages and all levels, from beginners to intermediate skiers and boarders looking to improve their technique.
You can book English-speaking lessons through the link above, earning me a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Lessons are also available directly through the resort, though the booking process for foreigners can be more complicated.
You’ll find pricing information directly from their website linked here and listed below. Typos, like “foreigner,” can sometimes happen on Korean websites, but of course, not on mine!
Hotels & Lodging
As you may have noticed from my earlier sections and videos, all our South Korean ski adventures include our border collie, Winnie.
Because of that, we typically stay at the Ramada Hotel & Suites Gangwon Pyeongchang, one of the few hotels in the area that accommodates dogs of Winnie’s size. Besides being dog-friendly, it offers all the amenities you’d expect from an American chain: a swimming pool, fitness center, several restaurants, game rooms, and on-site convenience stores. And if you’re concerned about dogs, don’t worry—they’re only allowed on one floor in one wing of the hotel.
The hotel is also conveniently located next to Pure Sheep Ranch, where I was standing when I took the above picture of the Ramada. The ranch features a scenic café, trekking paths, and opportunities to feed lambs and llamas.
However, if you’re after a more authentic Korean resort experience, the Ramada may feel a bit too American. In that case, you might prefer staying right at the resort or choosing a smaller pension around Pyeongchang for a more local feel.
If you check the complete map of Yongpyong Resort, you’ll see plenty of ski-in/ski-out condominiums around the base area. While I haven’t stayed in one yet, I often admire them as I ski by or park the car with Winnie eagerly waiting to play in the snow.
One option to consider is Greenpia, a towering condominium complex located right at the main base area, across from Dragon Plaza.
Please note that booking through any of my lodging links helps support my blog at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
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Summer Season at Yongpyong Resort
While Yongpyong Resort is famous for its winter sports, it transforms into an adventure hub during the summer months. The resort offers a variety of activities to keep visitors entertained, making it a great year-round destination.
One of the main summer draws is mountain biking. Yongpyong’s ski trails convert into biking paths, with options for both beginners and advanced riders. Whether you’re looking for a casual ride or an adrenaline-pumping downhill challenge, the resort’s bike rentals and trails cater to all skill levels.
Mount Balwangsan Cable Car
For those wanting to take in the stunning mountain views, the resort’s gondola rides are a must-do. The same gondola used for skiers in the winter offers scenic rides up to Dragon Peak, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lush forests. The chairlifts also operate in the summer, allowing easy access to hiking trails and picturesque spots.
Anifore Monorail Summer Season
The Anifore Monorail, located in the Gold Zone, operates during the summer months and is especially popular with families.
As shown in the map below, the monorail takes passengers through scenic forest views and leads to a small mountain park featuring playgrounds, petting zoos, and more.
Golf and Waterparks
In addition to mountain biking and scenic lifts, Yongpyong Resort offers a range of family-friendly activities. You can explore the beautiful hiking paths, visit the nearby golf courses, or check out the summer festivals and events often held at the resort. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, the resort offers various recreational options, such as water parks, swimming pools, and even outdoor barbecues.
Final Thoughts
The best endorsement I can give is that if a friend from Colorado were visiting South Korea and we only had time to visit one ski resort, I’d choose Mona Yongpyong Resort.
It simply has the best expert-level skiing I’ve found in South Korea, plus the most to offer around the base area and nearby city of Pyeongchang.
I mentioned earlier that High 1 Resort comes in as a close second, and could even be first if factoring in the dog-friendly, ski-in/ski-out condo. However, for slopes and the overall resort experience alone, Mona Yongpyong Resort is my top choice.
This winter, I’m 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
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