Welcome to your complete (dog-friendly) guide to High 1 Resort, one of South Korea’s premier winter & summer mountain playgrounds
Introduction
Discover the thrill of skiing and snowboarding at High 1 Resort, one of South Korea’s premier mountain destinations.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan your perfect winter getaway.
This High 1 Resort guide is primarily focused on intermediate-to-expert skiers and snowboarders, but beginners will also find valuable information.
Oh, and everything I cover is dog-friendly because our border collie, Winnie, always joins us on our ski adventures.
While dogs aren’t allowed on the ski hill itself (in winter), there’s a dog-friendly condo at the base of the mountain, and pups are welcome around the base area.
But rest assured, you can enjoy all of it with or without a furry companion!
About Colorado Saram
I am a Colorado native who grew up in the ski resort town of Vail. I’ve been living and working as an English teacher in South Korea since 2007.
I started this website to explore living and traveling in South Korea and Asia through the lens of a Colorado outdoor enthusiast. This obviously includes skiing and snowboarding.
In the 2023-2024 season, I wrote a comprehensive guide to Muju Deogyusan Ski Resort in North Jeolla Province. I recommend checking it out if you’re seeking a quieter alternative located farther from Seoul.
As a resident of Daegu, Muju Deogyusan is the closest ski resort of note. While Gangwon Province might require a slightly longer journey, it’s widely considered the premier destination for skiing and snowboarding in South Korea.
For the 2024-2025 season, I’m focusing on several resorts in Gangwon Province, which I believe offer the best overall skiing and snowboarding experiences in the country.
Gangwon Province
For this guide, I’m focusing on High 1 Resort, located in Gangwon Province (also known as Gangwon-do), a region celebrated for its mountainous terrain and status as a premier destination for skiing in South Korea.
In the humble opinion of this Colorado native, Gangwon-do is where you want to head for some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Korea.
Let’s not get it twisted; it’s not going to compare to Colorado or even nearby Japan, but for South Korea, it’s about as good as it gets.
Gangwon Province’s rugged terrain and heavy snowfall (by Korean standards) make it the ideal location for some of the country’s top ski resorts.
While “powder days” are not necessarily steep and deep, my several experiences last season all included a nice layer of fresh snow.
The province’s cool climate and reliable winter conditions have cemented its reputation as the heart of South Korean skiing.
There’s also an argument to be made for Gyeonggi Province, but its proximity to Seoul means bigger crowds.
My personal experience only spans from Muju Resort in the south to most of the Gangwon resorts, so I’m not the one to make the case for Gyeonggi Province.
High 1 Resort: Trail Map
You can download the map for free here.
High 1: Mountain Information
Here are the mountain facts, statistics, prices, hours and everything else you need to know before hitting the slopes at High 1:
Ski Slopes
High 1 Resort has 18 ski slopes, varying in difficulty to cater to everyone from beginners to advanced skiers. The resort offers a good mix of options for different skill levels.
Longest Run: Panorama Course (4.2 km) (2.6 miles)
There are 21 kilometers (13 miles) of trails on the mountain. Keep in mind that during the season, not all trails may be open due to varying conditions.
Chairlifts and Gondolas
High 1 Resort has 3 (connected) gondolas, 8 chairlifts, and 2 magic carpets. Magic carpets are “people-movers” on the beginner slopes.
Gondolas: High 1 is known for its interconnected gondolas, which are a key feature for accessing different parts of the mountain.
If you venture over to the Valley Hub, which I highly recommend, be aware that you’ll need to return to the base area to catch the Apollo lift or Gondola back to the other side of the mountain (see Trail Map).
Elevation
Base Elevation: 720 meters (2,362 feet)
Summit Elevation: 1,367 meters (4,485 feet)
While the summit elevation isn’t as high as some international resorts, it’s still one of the higher ones in South Korea, providing a decent vertical drop for skiing.
Nearest Town Centers
Gohan-eup (고한읍) (3 km), Sabuk-eup (사북읍) (4 km)
If you have your own car, these towns are just a short drive away and offer an assortment of restaurants, convenience stores, hotels, rental shops, and more.
I’ll discuss gear rentals later, but I recommend renting your gear in town if possible. They have higher-quality gear and more variety.
As mentioned earlier, you can also buy discounted lift tickets and lessons, so if you’re coming by car, this is your best bet.
Lift Ticket Prices and Hours at High 1 Resort
Unlike in Colorado and most North American resorts, Korean ski resorts generally offer more than just flat full-day or half-day tickets.
Additionally, as a Vail native who can no longer afford to ski when I go home, it’s worth noting that ski resorts in South Korea won’t break the bank in comparison.
High 1 Resort offers a flexible lift ticketing system based on hourly increments, allowing visitors to tailor their skiing or snowboarding experience to fit their schedule.
Unlike traditional full-day or half-day passes, High 1’s hourly tickets let you purchase lift access for a specific number of hours, ranging from just 3 hours to a full day, including night skiing until 1:00 a.m.
When purchasing your ticket, you can select the exact amount of time you wish to spend on the slopes. The time starts with your first lift scan, giving you the freedom to maximize your time on the mountain without feeling rushed.
This system is especially beneficial for those who want to ski or snowboard for just a few hours in the morning or who prefer an evening session under the lights.
Night Skiing & Snowboarding
High 1 Resort offers night skiing and snowboarding as part of their flexible ticketing options. The hourly tickets allow you to choose a specific block of time that fits your schedule, whether you prefer skiing during the day or under the lights at night.
I’ve never been a huge fan of night skiing, but it does offer a fun experience that’s definitely worth trying if you’re staying overnight at the resort.
As you can see in the picture below, night skiing is basically just skiing or snowboarding on brightly lit trails with K-Pop music blasting in the background.
Though the trails are well-lit, vision can be slightly compromised through goggles at night, so I still prefer good old natural daylight for skiing. That said, night skiing is still a fun experience and worth trying at least once.
Discount Tickets & Packages
One unique aspect of buying lift tickets in South Korea is that you can often get a discount by purchasing them directly from a rental shop in one of the nearby towns.
I mentioned the names of these towns earlier, and you can’t miss them if you’re driving in.
As you approach the resort, about 3 kilometers from the main entrance, you’ll pass right through them.
The road is lined with rental shops, convenience stores, and restaurants, making it a convenient stop along the way.
To buy your discount lift tickets from a rental shop, you’ll typically need to pay by Korean bank transfer. The shop will then give you a receipt, which you can exchange for a lift ticket at the resort’s ticket window.
Be sure to ask the shop about these tickets directly, as they’re usually not advertised with a sign.
While it might seem a bit dodgy at first, I’ve found this to be a legitimate practice at every ski resort I’ve visited in Korea. It’s not an under-the-table scam but rather an agreement between the shops and the resorts.
For reference, on my two visits during the 2023–2024 season, I paid ₩51,000 and ₩48,000 KRW (roughly $40 USD) for the 7-hour ticket using this method, compared to the listed price of ₩70,000 for the same timeframe.
In fact, unless you’re in a pinch, I don’t recommend purchasing tickets from the resort’s ticket windows at all. There’s almost always a discount to be found in Korea, whether by booking a full package, buying tickets online, or at a gear shop in a nearby town.
If you have your own car, renting gear and accessing the nearby towns is pretty simple. If you arrive by bus (not on a package) you could use a taxi, however, that might defeat the purpose of saving a few bucks.
In this case, opting for a package tour is your best bet, as it typically includes transportation from your city to the resort, along with gear rentals and lift tickets.
Additionally, ski or snowboard lessons can often be purchased at reduced rates from the rental shops in town, as my wife did last season, which worked out well and saved her some money.
I’ll dive into more details about that in the lessons section.
High 1 Resort Season Passes
I’ve never purchased a season pass at any resort in South Korea, as I live in Daegu and don’t get out often enough to justify the investment.
However, the High 1 website lists season passes for ₩600,00 for adults and ₩500,000 for children (ages 5–13).
Prices may increase for the 2024-2025 season, so please check the official website for the latest information.
South Korea X5 Multi-Resort Season Pass
There’s another option called the X5 Multi-Pass, which grants access to five top Korean resorts, including High 1 Resort and Mona Yongpyong Resort, two of my personal favorites in South Korea.
I am in the process of deciding whether to go this route in 2024-25, but for the time being, I’ll link to an unaffiliated blog that offers a more detailed explanation than I can provide at this time.
High 1: Terrain & Abilities
High 1 Resort caters to all skill levels, with a well-balanced mix of terrain for beginners, intermediates, and experts.
As an expert skier (cough, cough, humble brag), High 1 is one of my favorite resorts in Korea due to due to its expansive terrain and variety.
Unlike some resorts in Korea where advanced and intermediate skiers are confined to one part of the mountain, High 1 offers a wide range of runs and diverse terrain, allowing you to explore the entire mountain.
Although I’ve never skied on the East Coast in the United States, the skiing experience at High 1 has an ‘East Coast vibe’ that I attribute solely to general knowledge and stereotypes.
In the following section, I will mainly refer to chairlift names rather than ski run names, as High 1 rather confusingly labels the runs with letters and numbers (see trail map) rather than trail names.
Don’t worry—there’s truly something for everyone here, regardless of your skill level.
Beginner
The main area for beginners at High 1 Resort is located near the Mountain Hub and Valley Hub, where you’ll find gentle slopes perfect for learning.
For those who are new to skiing or snowboarding, there’s a learning area equipped with a magic carpet, making it easier for beginners to get comfortable on the snow.
If you’re a true beginner, you’ll likely want to start with the Jupiter lift and move on 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 area (accessible by gondola or by driving) down to the Valley Ski House. From there, she could simply ride the gondola back up to our accommodation at the Hill Condo.
More on ski and snowboard lessons below. . .
Intermediate
High 1 Resort offers a variety of intermediate terrain, with some of the best runs accessible via the Apollo, Hera and Victoria lifts.
While most of the runs at High 1 are labeled with letters and numbers, there are a few exceptions, like the Panorama Course.
This run, the longest at the resort, starts near Mountain Top at the top of Hera and descends all the way to the base area near the Valley Ski House.
I assure you, your legs will be burning if you see it through from top to bottom.
It’s a must-try for intermediates, offering a scenic, steady descent that allows you to enjoy the surrounding mountain views while working on your turns.
If you’re an intermediate—or even an expert—you can’t go wrong with sticking to the Athena, Hera, and Zeus lifts for all the cruisers you can handle.
While I haven’t had too much of a problem with crowds at High 1, be aware that peak times may get hectic, especially on the popular runs and chairlifts.
This is especially true at the bottom of the mountain as you descend from the Valley Hub to the Valley Base area.
If you’ve hit the slopes in Korea before, you may know that at times, skiing and snowboarding can be a contact sport if you’re not on your toes.
Advanced
If you’re truly an expert skier or boarder, there’s honestly not too much that’ll knock your socks off in all of South Korea.
That said, in my expert opinion (okay, we get it, Colorado guy), High 1 is among the best you’ll find.
By that, I mean you’ll find some pretty steep pitches as well as some decent vert that will get your legs burning and let you do your thing.
The beauty of the advanced and expert terrain is that the lift lines are much shorter, and you can generally open it up with far fewer concerns about collisions compared to the beginner and intermediate trails.
The Victoria lift, in particular, often has no lift line at all, so you can make laps with ease.
When I’m on my own at High 1, I basically just hammer the Victoria and Hera lifts. The Athena lift is a bit more moderate, but also has some great, long runs to let it rip.
As mentioned, the reason I might prefer High 1 over other options such as Mona YongPyong, even though they’re close in my opinion, is that High 1 is a bit more spread out and gives you more room to explore.
At YongPyong, if you’re an expert, there are really just two fun, albeit legit, areas.
If you’re strictly looking for advanced runs, the Victoria Peak area offers some of the steepest slopes at the resort, accessible via the aptly named Victoria Lift.
Base Map & Mountain Cams
Check out this map for reference, along with access to mountain cams set up around various parts of the resort. These are especially helpful for checking in on snow conditions and to see what’s open.
The cameras also operate in the summer if you want to check out summer activity.
On-Mountain Dining & Facilities at High 1
High 1 Resort offers several on-mountain dining options and facilities, making it easy to find a place to eat or warm up without leaving the slopes. Whether you need a quick snack, a full meal, or just a spot to relax, there are several key areas you’ll want to know about.
For this section, I’ll refer you back to this map of the resort.
At the summit, you’ll find High 1 Mountain Top, located near the top of the Hera chairlift. This is one of the best spots to take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains while enjoying a meal.
I found the food options a bit limited up here, but it was a great place to warm up on the blistering cold night I went night-skiing. They also have a panoramic view café accessible by elevator, which I didn’t check out, but it seemed popular.
In my opinion, the best dining option is at Valley Hub, which, if you’re an intermediate to advanced rider, makes a great home base with its prime access to both the Hera and Victoria lifts.
It also has basic but solid Western and Korean ski resort food offerings. I don’t think I’ve had ski area chicken nuggets since my days as a young ski racer back in Colorado—though those didn’t come with a side of kimchi!
The Mountain Hub features a variety of dining options, including a food court with different vendors offering everything from hearty meals to quick bites.
I didn’t personally check it out, so I’ll have to take their word for it.
In addition to these primary on-mountain dining locations, there are also dining facilities available in the Mountain Ski House and Valley Ski House.
These areas offer additional dining options and are conveniently located near the base areas, providing easy access to food and warmth without having to head back to your accommodations.
Snow Conditions
If you’re an advanced skier or snowboarder, I don’t want to get your hopes up for endless, epic powder days. For that, head to nearby Hokkaido, Japan, if you’re a true international storm chaser.
That said, for South Korea, I’ve had some of my best snow days at High 1 Resort, likely due to its location in Gangwon Province.
I’ve skied at High 1 numerous times and have never had a bad day. While the advanced/expert runs can get a bit icy, so you’ll want to use some caution, generally speaking, High 1 offers some of the best snow conditions in South Korea.
At a minimum, you can expect well-groomed runs. At best, you might find snow like what you see in the picture below.
Out of all of the Korean ski resorts, I’ve found High 1 to have some of the best snow-making capabilities.
I don’t have any stats to back that claim up, but my experience tells me that generally, most slopes are open, which isn’t always the case at South Korean ski resorts.
Of course, this will vary, depending on the time of year. Your safest bet for good snow conditions is between December and February.
Ski, Snowboard and Gear Rentals at High 1 Resort
If you’re heading to High 1 and don’t have your own gear, don’t worry—you can rent everything you need right at the base or in one of the nearby towns.
If you’re not too concerned about the quality of the equipment, like my beginner wife, the resort rentals will do just fine. But if you’re a bit more of a gear snob, like yours truly, you might want to explore the rental shops in town for potentially higher-quality options.
At the Resort
The main rental area, located at Mountain House, has you covered with skis, snowboards, helmets, and more.
Whether you’re a first-timer or just don’t want to lug your equipment across the country, you can walk in and get outfitted without any hassle.
The rental process is straightforward and convenient, especially if you’re staying on-site. You’ll find a wide range of sizes and options, making it easy to get geared up and hit the slopes in no time.
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.
Plus, the rental area is just a few steps away from the lifts, so you can grab your gear and be on the slopes in minutes. Whether you’re there for a day or a full weekend, renting at the resort is a convenient option that ensures you’re ready to go without the stress of transporting gear.
There are lockers just outside the rental area where you can securely store your shoes and clothes, making it easy to gear up and hit the slopes without any hassle.
Helmets Are Required at High 1 Resort
Last season, before our first trip to High 1, I heard a rumor that helmets were now required. As it turns out, the rumor is true—you won’t be allowed on any of the chairlifts without one.
I’m not thrilled that it’s mandatory, but honestly, it’s probably for the best. The good news is, if you don’t have a helmet, the rental area will let you borrow one free of charge.
If you’re like me and the idea of putting your head in someone else’s sweat factory isn’t appealing, I bought my own on Coupang (for those of you living in Korea, you’re probably familiar with it) for about $40.
Whatever you decide, just keep in mind that helmets are required.
If this is a deal-breaker for you, consider heading to nearby Mona YongPyong, where you’ll find similar conditions without the helmet requirement.
Rental Shops in Town
As mentioned, if you rent from the resort, you might end up with rear-entry boots and skis that max out at around 160 cm. While some resorts have improved their rental offerings, for higher-quality gear, it’s generally best to check out the shops in town first.
This requires having a car, and it might not be worth the effort if you don’t, but for those who do, I recommend stopping in town before heading to the resort.
In addition to offering a better selection of gear, as noted earlier, these shops often provide discounted lift tickets and lessons.
I don’t have a specific shop to recommend, but if you spend a few minutes walking around town, you’ll likely find one that meets your needs.
Ski & Snowboard Lessons at High 1 Resort
High 1 Resort offers a range of ski and snowboard lessons tailored to different skill levels, from absolute beginners to those looking to refine their technique.
Whether you’re strapping on skis or a snowboard for the first time or you’re an experienced rider looking to sharpen your skills, the resort’s certified instructors are ready to guide you.
At the time of writing, the resort’s website lessons page does not list the prices, though they may be added by the time you read this.
I do know they offer both private and group lessons, with private lessons being more expensive. My wife apparently didn’t appreciate my ‘pizza and french fries’ teaching method and opted for a private half-day lesson instead.
I can’t argue with the results—if you check out the winter Instagram video I’ve added below, you’ll see her whizzing by like a young Olympian.
Hotels at High 1 Resort
Finding the perfect place to stay at High 1 Resort can make your ski trip even more enjoyable. With a variety of accommodation options right on the mountain, you’ll have easy access to the slopes and other resort amenities.
It’s important to note that simply entering “High 1 Resort” on Agoda won’t get you very far. You need to use “Jeongseon-gun” as your search term to find the full range of hotels, resorts, and pensions available in the area. The link above will take you straight there.
To be fully transparent, my Korean wife has always handled the hotel bookings using what I like to call the “Korean Internet,” so if you happen to have some local help, it can be a real advantage.
That said, I just did a trial run myself, and everything I’m about to discuss was easily found on Agoda. I had less luck using Booking.com.
As an affiliate, I may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Dog-Friendly High 1 ‘Pet Club’ at Hill Condo
In the introduction, I mentioned that our border collie, Winnie, joins us on all of our ski trips. Having her with us is wonderful, but it does add a layer of complexity to our travel plans.
That’s why we have chosen to stay at High1 Resort Hill Condo for our winter and summer visits.
Conveniently located right at the base of the mountain, making it ski-in/ski-out, the condo features an entire wing—the D-Wing—dedicated to being completely dog-friendly.
This wing is officially named the High1 Pet Club.
Aside from the prime location and pet-friendly accommodations, as you can see in the pictures, the condo is also spacious and well-appointed. It’s not the cheapest option, but if you’re bringing your dog along, I can’t recommend it enough.
We’ve stayed here in both winter and summer, and I’m confident we’ll be back again.
Even if you’re not traveling with a pet, the Hill Condo has several other wings that provide the same comfort and convenience, without dogs walking about the hallways.
Dog-Friendly Amenities
In addition to allowing dogs in the spacious condo rooms, High1 Resort Hill Condo offers a variety of pet-friendly amenities.
Pet Kindergarten
The resort features a dog-boarding kindergarten, ideal for most pets while you enjoy the slopes. Unfortunately, our neurotic border collie isn’t great with being left behind, so we usually take turns on the slopes while the other explores the base area or relaxes in the condo with our princess Winnie.
Pet Club Café
There’s also a dog-friendly café on the first floor of the D-Wing, offering Korean food, drinks, and coffee. It’s a convenient spot to warm up without returning to your room.
Plus, there’s ample outdoor space for bathroom breaks, with the requirement that pets are kept on a leash and owners clean up after them.
High 1 Pet Club Sky Park
The High1 Resort Hill Condo also features the Pet Club Sky Park, an outdoor area specifically designed for your furry friends.
This spacious park offers a safe, enclosed environment where dogs can run and play off-leash under supervision. It’s a great place for pets to burn off energy while you enjoy the stunning mountain views.
It’s not located in the D-wing, but rather just across the street from the entrance. It’s not too difficult to find. It’s open in both winter and summer.
The park is equipped with pet-friendly amenities like agility equipment and shaded seating areas for owners.
Resort Ski-in Ski-Out Options
In addition to the Hill Condo, the High1 Mountain Condo is another excellent option. Situated directly on the mountain, this condo offers quick access to the slopes, allowing you to maximize your time on the snow.
While I haven’t personally stayed here, its prime location makes it a strong contender for those seeking a true on-mountain experience.
Lastly, the Valley Condo is also worth considering for its ski-in/ski-out access. Nestled in a convenient spot, it provides easy access to the slopes and resort facilities, making it a great choice for those who prioritize location.
While there are certainly more options available (many of them more budget-friendly), these condos are the primary ski-in/ski-out choices at High1 Resort, offering the most comfort and convenience for your stay.
Dining and Aprés-Ski
I have a bit of bad news if you’ve come to Korea expecting a robust après-ski scene like you might find in Europe or North America.
Koreans tend to prefer small gatherings over raucous bar scenes.
As a result, you won’t find much in the way of après-ski bars, live music, or clubs. However, you will have unlimited access to convenience store beer, soju, and other alcohol, so most of the partying takes place in the comfort of your condo with family or friends.
Koreans also seem to be much more keen on the concept of night-skiing and snowboarding than yours truly, which generally requires sobriety. In fact, I strongly advise against attempting it with a buzz, as it’s dangerous enough on its own.
Dining Options
After a long day on the slopes, you’ll find that dining options at High1 Resort are somewhat limited. While there are a few restaurants in the base area serving up ski-resort staples like chicken and pizza, the selection isn’t extensive.
If you prefer to relax in your room, many of these spots offer takeout, and you can even order delivery from nearby eateries to enjoy a cozy meal without venturing out.
As I mentioned, if you’re staying at one of the resort condos, you’ll also have access to convenience stores that sell basic Korean-style fast food, making it easy to grab a quick bite without leaving the premises.
For those looking to explore a bit more, the nearby town offers a wider variety of dining options. It’s worth taking a short drive or taxi ride to check out local restaurants, which offer a much more diverse selection than what you’ll find at the base of the ski mountain.
Kangwonland Casino
As mentioned in the previous section, aprés-ski is not a big part of the resort scene in South Korea.
However, if you’re looking for some evening entertainment beyond chicken and drinks in your room after a day on the slopes at High 1 Resort, Kangwonland Casino is a unique option to consider.
Located just a short drive or shuttle ride from the resort, Kangwonland is the only casino in South Korea where Korean nationals are allowed to gamble. This makes it a popular destination, not just for foreign visitors but also for locals looking to try their luck.
I don’t have any personal experience in this casino, so I don’t have any first-hand experience to offer.
That said, the casino is one of the largest in Asia, offering a wide range of gaming options, including slot machines, table games like blackjack and roulette, and poker rooms.
Beyond gambling, Kangwonland also offers a variety of dining and nightlife options. The casino complex features several restaurants serving both Korean and international cuisine, as well as bars and lounges where you can relax with a drink.
It’s an excellent spot to unwind after a long day on the slopes, especially since ski resorts in Korea typically lack a robust après-ski scene.
For those staying at High 1 Resort, the casino is conveniently located nearby, making it easy to check out without venturing too far.
There are some rules for entry that you should read before planning to visit.
High 1: Winter Highlights
High 1 Resort Summer Season
Prior to moving to South Korea to teach English, my job was actually promoting the summer season at Vail, one of America’s premiere winter ski resorts. Many people weren’t aware that Vail was just as amazing during the summer months.
High 1 Resort is no different—it’s a fantastic summer getaway as well.
After two winter visits for skiing last year, we returned this summer to check it out. Naturally, we brought our dog and stayed at the same Hill Condo (see hotel section above).
Just like in Vail, High 1 offers scenic mountain trekking, thrilling on-mountain activities, and family-friendly attractions like Water World, ensuring there’s plenty to enjoy during the warmer months.
High 1 Summer Trekking
Upon arriving in the afternoon and checking into the condo, our first order of business was to hit the trekking trails, located just a short drive away, beyond the Mountain House base area.
If you’re driving, continue up the road until you reach a large parking area. The trailhead (pictured below) is located at the far end of the parking lot.
My wife had her sights set on Dorongi Pond and was determined to capture the same pictures she’d seen on Instagram. All’s well that ends well, but it was a bit of a hectic and steep hike as we trekked onward and upward with the sun beginning to set.
High 1 Resort Summer Trekking Map
We made it to the pond, took the requisite photos, and returned just as it turned dark—only to find out later that we could have taken the gondola to the top for free and simply wandered over to the pond.
Regardless, the dog loved it, and we were in better shape for having trekked to the top.
The trek wasn’t extremely difficult, but I wouldn’t recommend starting after 4 p.m., like we did.
The trek wasn’t extremely difficult, just don’t try to squeeze it in after 4pm like us.
As you can see on the trekking map, whether you choose to hike to the top or take the free gondola (dogs are allowed in the summer, by the way), there are plenty of trails to explore both on the ski mountain and just off-piste.
On-Mountain Summer Activities at High 1
In addition to trekking, High 1 Resort has a variety of on-mountain summer activities that are perfect for families and adventure-seekers alike.
The gondola ride is a standout, offering breathtaking views of the landscape below. In the summer, dogs are welcome to join, making it a great way to experience the mountain together.
It’s also free if you have a room reservation at one of the resort condos—Hill, Mountain, or Valley.
Once at the top, you can enjoy a leisurely walk or simply take in the panoramic views.
The base area is bustling with fun activities like the mountain coaster, which provides an exhilarating ride through the forested slopes. Other activities include mountain golf cart tours, archery, mini-golf, and more, ensuring there’s 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
While we haven’t personally visited Water World, it’s a well-known attraction at High 1 Resort, especially popular with families.
This large water park features various pools, water slides, and a lazy river, providing a refreshing way to cool off in the summer heat. It’s a great place to spend the day if you’re looking to add a bit of aquatic fun to your mountain adventure.
Whether you’re lounging by the pool or racing down a water slide, Water World offers a fun escape from the summer sun.
Golf at High 1 Country Club
For golf enthusiasts, High 1 Resort offers the stunning High 1 Country Club, known for its beautifully maintained greens and breathtaking mountain views.
Even if you’re not an avid golfer, the scenery alone is worth the visit. The course is set at a high elevation, providing cooler temperatures and a refreshing escape from the summer heat.
High 1 CC features a challenging 18-hole course that caters to both beginners and seasoned golfers. The layout takes full advantage of the natural terrain, with fairways that wind through dense forests and along mountain ridges.
High 1: Summer Highlights
Final Thoughts
High 1 Resort stands out as a top contender for the best skiing experience in South Korea, offering a more expansive mountain and a wider variety of expert and intermediate terrain compared to other resorts, like Mona YongPyong.
While both have their unique strengths, I give a slight edge to High 1 for its overall mountain experience and the diverse opportunities it offers both on and off the slopes.
Whether you’re here for the winter season or exploring the summer activities, High 1 Resort delivers a memorable experience.
Stay tuned for my comprehensive guide on Mona YongPyong, where I’ll dive deeper into what makes it another fantastic option for South Korean skiing.
Questions?
If you have questions, please join my free Facebook group and community. I’m happy to answer you there!
Connecting in Korea: Using an Airalo eSIM
If you’re visiting Korea from overseas and need reliable internet connectivity, I recently wrote about my experience using an Airalo eSIM card during a recent trip to Vietnam.
While the post is focused on my travels to Vietnam, the eSIM is a universal solution for travelers seeking hassle-free internet access anywhere in the world.
