Yongpyong Resort Summer Guide (2025)

If you’ve only thought of Yongpyong as a winter ski resort, you’re not alone — I did too. But after years of winter ski trips, my wife, dog, and I came back one summer to see what this highland hub near Pyeongchang is like without the snow.

Turns out? It’s an underrated escape from Korea’s muggy summer heat. Cooler air, wide-open green slopes, and barely any crowds. We wandered the base area, let our dog sprint down the grass runs, and watched mountain bikers tearing down the gondola trails — no lift ticket required.

This guide is for travelers looking for an easy Seoul getaway with alpine vibes, scenic day hikes, and cool-weather camping. We based ourselves near Pyeongchang and spent the rest of the trip trekking and camping in Daegwallyeong — one of Korea’s best-kept summer hiking regions.

Yongpyong Resort is located in Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do — about 2.5 to 3 hours from Seoul, depending on traffic. It’s relatively easy to access by car or public transportation, though having your own wheels gives you more flexibility, especially if you’re traveling with pets or planning to explore the wider Daegwallyeong region.

The fastest route from Seoul is via the Yeongdong Expressway (Route 50). Exit at Jinbu IC and follow signs toward Yongpyong Resort.

• Driving Time: ~2.5–3 hours from central Seoul
• Tolls: ₩10,000–₩15,000 each way
• Parking: Available at all resort hotels and gondola base areas

From Daegu, the drive to Yongpyong takes about 3.5–4 hours via the Jungbu Naeryuk Expressway and Yeongdong Expressway. From Busan, expect closer to 4.5–5 hours via the Gyeongbu and Yeongdong Expressways. Both are scenic routes — especially in summer — and tolls typically range from ₩15,000–₩20,000.

🐶 Traveling with pets? Korea’s rest stops are surprisingly dog-friendly, with grassy areas and picnic tables along the way. Here’s a quick clip of our dog Winnie making some unexpected friends at a Korean rest stop.

@coloradosaram

Gas station dogs in South Korea.

♬ original sound – Colorado Saram

If you’re not driving, Yongpyong is still accessible — though it may take a bit more coordination.

• KTX Train: Take the high-speed KTX from Seoul Station to Jinbu Station (approx. 1 hr 30 min).
• Shuttle Bus or Taxi: From Jinbu, you can take a local taxi (~20–25 minutes) or a seasonal resort shuttle (availability varies).

Before I bought a car, my wife and I used to rent vehicles for road trips like this — and it made a huge difference in flexibility, especially when traveling with our border collie.

With an International Driving Permit (IDP) and your passport, it’s relatively simple to rent a car in Korea. Pickup is available at Incheon Airport, Seoul, or even some KTX stations like Jinbu.

👉 Compare rental cars in Korea on DiscoverCars

For a full breakdown of how to rent and drive legally as a foreigner, check out my guide:
👉 Driving in South Korea as a Foreigner

This custom Google Map highlights key locations mentioned in this guide:

If you’re visiting Yongpyong in the summer, you’ll find plenty to do — especially if you’re up for a mix of scenic views and light thrills. One of the best ways to experience the area is through a day trip combo like this one from Klook, which includes the Daegwallyeong Sky Ranch, Balwangsan Cable Car, and the Mountain Coaster — all highlights of the region and easily accessible from the resort base.

👉 Check out the full tour here

This package is especially great if you’re short on time, traveling with kids, or just want a curated mix of alpine views and hands-on fun. Here’s what’s included:

• 🐑 Daegwallyeong Sky Ranch: Feed sheep, walk wide-open meadows, and take in classic highland views.
• 🎢 Mountain Coaster: One of Korea’s most exciting (and family-safe) gravity coasters, with self-controlled speed through steep forested slopes.
• 🚡 Balwangsan Cable Car & Skywalk: Ride Korea’s longest gondola to Yongpyong’s summit and take in 360° views from the glass-bottom skywalk — on clear days you can see as far as the East Sea.

Even if you don’t book a package, these attractions are all accessible individually and make great half-day outings. You don’t need to be a hardcore hiker or adrenaline junkie to enjoy the area — most of these activities are suited to all ages and fitness levels.

Daegwallyeong Sky Ranch (하늘목장 Han Neul Ranch) is one of Korea’s most scenic highland destinations — known for its wide-open meadows, grazing sheep, and panoramic views of the Pyeongchang mountains. Also called Han Neul Sky Ranch, it’s especially popular in summer when the hills turn green, the air is crisp, and the trails fill with families, hikers, and photographers.

• April–September: 09:00–18:00
• October–March: 09:00–17:30

• Adults: ₩8,000
• Children: ₩6,000
• Dogs: ₩5,000

Tractor Carriage Ride: ₩6,000

Animal Feeding Pack: ₩2,000

Note: If you’re hiking up with a dog, bring water and waste bags — there are some shaded areas, but not much along the upper ridge.

Note: For more details, visit the official website

We spent the afternoon here trekking with our border collie, and it’s one of the few ranches in the area — unlike the more famous Samyang Ranch — that’s truly dog-friendly. Pets are welcome throughout most of the property, though they must remain on a leash, and larger dogs (like ours) aren’t permitted on the carriage ride up to the top. That said, the hiking trail is open to everyone, and walking up is part of the experience.

Whether you’re traveling with a pet or not, it’s a peaceful place to take in Korea’s alpine countryside — and much less crowded than you’d expect.

If you’re after a little summer adrenaline, the Mountain Coaster is one of Yongpyong Resort’s most popular attractions. Located at the Red Platform, near Dragon Plaza and the Balwangsan Cable Car station, the coaster lets riders control their own speed as they zip through steep slopes and sharp turns. It’s a quick thrill — not too intense for kids, but fast enough to be fun for adults.

Just across the resort, in the Gold Zone, you’ll find a much slower-paced alternative: the Anifore Monorail. This family-friendly ride is especially popular during summer, taking visitors on a scenic forest route that ends in a small mountain park. There, kids can explore playgrounds, feed animals at the petting zoo, and enjoy shaded paths. If you’re traveling with younger kids — or just looking for a quieter experience — this area is worth the detour.

Not sure how the resort is laid out? Check out my Yongpyong winter guide for a breakdown of the four resort zones and where each activity is located.

🎥 Check out this short clip of families boarding the Anifore Monorail during summer below.

Mountain Coaster (Red Platform)

• Hours: Weekdays 10:00–18:00 | Weekends 09:00–18:00
• Closed Mondays & during rain
• Midday break: 12:00–13:30
• Price: Adults ₩17,000 | Children ₩14,000

Anifore Monorail (Gold Zone)

• Slow-paced scenic ride with access to petting zoo and playgrounds
• Great for families with small kids
• Summer-only operation (confirm on-site or through resort listings)

🎫 Tickets for both the Mountain Coaster and Anifore Monorail can be easily purchased on the day of your visit at each activity’s base station. For current pricing and hours, visit the official Yongpyong Resort website.

The Balwangsan Cable Car is the longest in Korea — stretching 7.4 km from the base of Yongpyong Resort to the summit of Mount Balwangsan. In summer, it’s a peaceful ride offering sweeping views of green ski slopes, forested valleys, and even distant glimpses of the East Sea on clear days.

At the summit, you’ll find Mona Park, a mountaintop rest area with shaded paths, viewing platforms, and the Balwangsan Skywalk — a short but striking glass-bottom walkway that juts out above the ridge for panoramic views in every direction. Since I haven’t ridden the cable car in the summer, here are a few images from the top taken during winter to give you a sense of what to expect. Just use your imagination that will be much warmer with greener vistas!

Although we didn’t ride the gondola in summer (due to our furry companion), we did visit the base area and got a feel for the setup. Dogs are not permitted on the gondola, so if you’re traveling with a pet, plan accordingly. If you’re staying at the resort or just visiting for the day, tickets can be easily purchased onsite at the Dragon Plaza base station.

👉 Want to combine your gondola ride with other nearby attractions? This Klook package includes the Balwangsan Cable Car, Mountain Coaster, and Daegwallyeong Sky Ranch — perfect for a full day of family-friendly mountain activities.

While the gondola, Sky Ranch, and mountain coaster are standout attractions, Yongpyong Resort offers a variety of other summer activities that cater to different interests and age groups.

Yongpyong Resort boasts two golf courses: the 18-hole Yongpyong Golf Club and the 27-hole Birch Hill Golf Club. Designed by renowned architects, these courses feature well-maintained fairways and greens set against the backdrop of Gangwon-do’s mountainous landscape. The courses are open from March to November, offering a refreshing golfing experience during the summer months.

Located within the resort, Peak Island is an alpine-themed water park that provides fun for the whole family. With indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, and a sauna, it’s a great place to cool off after a day of outdoor activities. The water park operates daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, except on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

For adventure enthusiasts, Yongpyong Resort offers mountain biking trails that traverse its scenic slopes. The downhill course, accessible from the Red Zone, provides thrilling rides for both beginners and experienced bikers. Bike rentals and safety gear are available at the resort.

In addition to outdoor adventures, Yongpyong Resort features indoor facilities suitable for children and families. These include play areas equipped with various games and activities, ensuring entertainment regardless of the weather. These facilities are located within the resort’s main buildings and are easily accessible to guests.

Whether you want slopeside convenience or a peaceful retreat in nearby Pyeongchang, there are several solid options for summer travelers — including dog-friendly hotels and private pensions that work well for families, groups, or longer stays.

When booking in Korea, I usually check both Agoda and Booking.com, as pricing can vary between platforms. I’ve also started using VRBO to find larger, private rentals like pensions and full houses in the area — especially helpful if you’re traveling with pets or need a kitchen.

For dog owners, this is one of the best (and only) full-service hotels in the region that accepts larger dogs — including our border collie, Winnie.

The Ramada is a modern, international-style hotel with reliable amenities: a fitness center, swimming pool, game room, on-site restaurants, and convenience stores. Only one wing of the hotel allows pets, so other guests likely won’t even notice.

It’s also right next to Pure Sheep Ranch, a local attraction with valley trails, a café, and animal feeding — not to be confused with the more famous ranches up the road in Daegwallyeong.

We often grab morning coffee at the café while Winnie enjoys a leash walk along the hillside paths.

If you’re not traveling with a pet (or want to stay closer to the lifts), these are a few other popular picks:

• 🏨 Mona Yongpyong Resort/Hotel – Located right at the base, this is the best choice for on-mountain access. Rooms are clean and functional, and the property has a sauna, dining options, and a convenience store.
• 🌲 Kensington Hotel Pyeongchang – A cozy midrange hotel with modern rooms and a slightly more boutique vibe. It’s located about 10 minutes from Yongpyong and makes a good base for exploring Daegwallyeong and nearby attractions.
• 🏡 Pensions (Private Guesthouses) – The Sisilli Pension and Terrace on the Cloud Pension both offer budget-friendly stays in scenic, rural settings. These private guesthouses are ideal for couples or small groups looking for a quiet base with mountain views — and in many cases, outdoor decks or barbecue areas for relaxing after a day of exploring.

If you’re traveling as a group, want kitchen access, or just prefer more space, VRBO has a growing list of family-friendly houses and additional pensions in the Pyeongchang and Yongpyong area.

👉 Explore private rentals near Yongpyong on VRBO — perfect for families, longer stays, or pet owners looking for more flexibility.

Dining at Yongpyong in the summer is… functional. While you’ll find a few restaurants and cafés around the base area, options are more limited than you might expect — especially compared to winter, when more resort facilities are open.

That said, you won’t go hungry. Here’s what to expect:

Most of the year-round restaurants are located inside Dragon Plaza or nearby resort hotels. You’ll typically find:

• Korean staples like jjigae, bulgogi, and bibimbap
• Fried chicken, pizza, and other comfort food
• Coffee shops and bakeries

Nothing fancy — but enough to refuel after a hike or gondola ride.

One of the perks of staying at a resort condo or nearby hotel is easy access to CU or GS25 convenience stores, which are stocked with:

• Kimbap, instant ramyeon, sandwiches
• Beer, snacks, and basic groceries
• Microwave meals and hot water stations

We’ve definitely cobbled together more than one dinner this way — especially on quiet summer nights when local restaurants are closed.

If you want more variety, it’s worth heading into Daegwallyeong-myeon or Hoenggye (about a 10–15 minute drive). In town, you’ll find:

• Korean BBQ spots
• Gamjatang and dakgalbi joints
• A few cozy cafés and bakeries

Nothing we’d call “destination dining,” but it’s a good way to round out the day — especially if you’re staying off-resort.

If you’re craving a proper burger and a cold craft beer, R&T Burger House (also known as Reety House) in Alpensia is absolutely worth the short drive from Yongpyong. We visited with our border collie, Winnie, and were warmly welcomed by the owners — a friendly couple who’ve lived in the U.S. and speak fluent English. Their two Sheltie dogs roam the space, and the vibe is casual, relaxed, and genuinely pet-friendly.

The menu focuses on American-style smash burgers with fresh ingredients, plus a rotating selection of craft beers on tap. Everything is made to order — we even got to chat with the owner while he was prepping our burgers behind the counter. Between the food, the atmosphere, and the people, it ended up being one of our favorite low-key stops of the trip.

You can check out their offerings and get a feel for the ambiance on their Instagram page.

• Light, breathable layers for daytime
• A jacket or fleece for cooler evenings
• Something casual for dinners or cafes (especially if staying off-resort)

• Hiking shoes or trail-ready sneakers for trekking and walking around the base area
• Sandals or slip-ons for easy downtime or hotel lounging

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat — that mountain sun is no joke
• A daypack or small backpack for carrying water, snacks, and layers

• Insect repellent is a must, especially near trails or wooded areas in the evening
• Ticks can be an issue in South Korea, particularly in rural and grassy areas — though Gangwon Province tends to have fewer due to its cooler temps, it’s still worth doing a quick check after hikes
• If you’re bringing a dog, make sure they’re protected with a vet-approved tick prevention medication, collar, or spray, and check them thoroughly after time in tall grass or forested areas

• Bring a refillable water bottle — there are public spigots at the base of most trails, but options are limited mid-mountain

• Leash, waste bags, and a portable water bowl
• A cooling mat or vest can help if your dog runs warm
• Most cafes and hotel rooms have tile floors, but pack something soft if your pup likes a bed

• 🏔️ Yongpyong Resort Winter Guide
  Your full-season breakdown of Korea’s most iconic ski resort.
• 🌲 High 1 Resort Summer Guide
  Another mountain escape with dog-friendly trekking and summer activities.
• 🐑 Sheep Ranch Trekking in Daegwallyeong
  A look at scenic trails, camping, and ranch visits just up the road from Yongpyong.