High 1 Resort in Summer: A Mountain Escape Beyond Ski Season
Prior to moving to South Korea to teach English, I lived and worked in my hometown of Vail, Colorado, and my job focused on promoting the often-overlooked warm-weather side of the world-class ski resort.
High 1 Resort, located in Gangwon Province, South Korea is no different—while most people know it for winter sports, it transforms into an outdoor adventure hub in summer. excellent summer destination.
After two recent winter visits, we returned in summer 2024 to experience the resort in a whole new way. Naturally, we brought our dog and stayed once again at the pet-friendly Hill Condo (see hotel section below).
With scenic mountain trekking, a gondola ride to sweeping views, and family-friendly attractions like Water World, High 1 offers plenty to explore beyond the snow. Whether you’re hiking its trails, enjoying an alpine escape, or just looking for a relaxing mountain getaway, this guide covers everything you need to know about High 1 Resort in summer.
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.
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.
