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Exploring Yongpyong Resort, also known as Mona Yongpyong Resort: An Olympic Skiing Venue and Premier Mountain Sports Destination in South Korea
Introduction
As an experienced skier who has lived in South Korea since 2007—and considers himself something of an expert on the subject—I’m often asked, “What is the best ski resort in South Korea?”
For me, it usually comes down to two top choices: High 1 Resort and Yongpyong Resort. Both have their strengths, but this guide focuses on why Yongpyong Resort (also known as Mona Yongpyong Resort) stands out as my top pick. If you’re interested in reading more about High 1, I encourage you to check out my complete guide to High 1 Resort for comparison.
For skiers based in the southern part of the country, Muju Deogyusan Resort in North Jeolla Province is another worthwhile option. It’s quieter and more remote, offering a unique experience compared to the larger, busier resorts further north.
A host of several events during the 2018 Winter Olympics, Mona Yongpyong Resort offers some of Korea’s best expert terrain, high-class facilities, and a Western-style resort vibe that many international skiers and snowboarders will appreciate.
In my opinion, these factors make Yongpyong one of, if not the best, ski resorts in South Korea.
About Colorado Saram
I’m a Colorado native, raised in the mountain town of Vail, and I’ve called South Korea home since 2007. My passion for outdoor adventure brought me across the world, where I work as an English teacher and explore Asia’s landscapes, ski slopes, and hiking trails.
I created this website to share my experiences as a Colorado outdoor enthusiast, with a focus on skiing, snowboarding, and adventure travel across South Korea, Asia, and other international destinations.
In Vail, I used to eagerly await the moment when the ropes dropped, granting access to the untouched Back Bowls. Here on my site, I aim to “drop the ropes” on international adventures, helping you make the most of your time in this beautiful part of the natural world—whether you’re traveling to hit the slopes or explore the outdoors.
Overview: Gangwon Province (Gangwon-do)
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’s undeniably 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: Gateway to Yongpyong Resort
Pyeongchang, the host city of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games, is a peaceful town just a short drive from Mona Yongpyong Resort.
With the charm of a small city and the relaxed atmosphere of a resort destination, Pyeongchang offers a variety of nice hotels, restaurants, and shops catering to tourists. Though not bustling with activity, its laid-back vibe makes it a great place to unwind after a day on the slopes.
Beyond the proximity to the ski areas, visitors can explore traditional Korean villages, hike scenic trails, or simply enjoy the town’s tranquil ambiance. The legacy of the Winter Olympics is still alive here, 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 that wind through the scenic, mountainous landscapes of Gangwon Province.
If you have your own transportation, a stretch of rental shops lines the road to Yongpyong, offering better gear and discounted lift tickets compared to the resort’s rentals. This is worth considering if you’re looking to save money and avoid the lower-quality equipment on-site. More details are provided in the rentals section.
Getting to Yongpyong Resort
Planning your trip to Mona Yongpyong Resort is straightforward, thanks to a variety of transportation options. Whether you prefer the flexibility of driving or the convenience of public transportation, there are accessible routes from South Korea’s major cities to both Pyeongchang and Yongpyong Resort.
If you’re arriving from overseas, getting to Pyeongchang and Yongpyong Resort is notably easier than reaching my other preferred ski destination, High 1 Resort.
Pyeongchang is a fairly sizable city with its own train and bus stations, making it well-connected. In contrast, High 1 is more remote and requires a bit more planning to reach.
Travel by Car
When the pandemic hit, I decided to buy a car to avoid public transportation, and it’s been one of my best long-term investments. It gives us the freedom to travel independently across South Korea, including on all our ski trips.
You might be surprised to learn how easy it is for foreigners to rent a car here for short trips—something we did often before buying our own. If you’re curious about renting or buying a car, along with the license requirements, check out myForeigner’s Guide to Driving in South Korea.
Travel by Public Transportation
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 ski season.
Join a Package Tour
Before buying a car, all my ski trips were through package tours, which made the process much easier.
For those looking for a hassle-free experience, package tours to Mona Yongpyong Resort are a great option. Most include round-trip bus transportation, gear rentals, and lift tickets.
While you won’t have a guide with you throughout the day (which I personally find unnecessary), a tour assistant will usually help with the rental process and provide your lift tickets.
Once you have your gear and pass, you’re free to hit the slopes, with a designated meeting time to catch the bus back. Most tours depart from Seoul, though packages can also be arranged from other cities in South Korea.
Most tours depart from Seoul, though packages can be arranged from other cities in South Korea.
Some tours are day trips, while others include one- or two-night lodging options for more time on the slopes.
Booking through one of my affiliate links helps support this blog at no extra cost to you.
Connecting Abroad: Staying Connected with an Airalo eSIM for South Korea
If you’re heading to South Korea for a ski or snowboarding adventure, staying connected is essential for navigating ski resorts, using GPS, and sharing your experiences. I recently reviewed my experience with an Airalo eSIM card during a trip to Vietnam, and this convenient eSIM also offers seamless, high-speed internet access in South Korea.
With the Airalo eSIM, you get reliable internet coverage across South Korea without needing to swap physical SIM cards. From live map updates to quick communication with friends or guides, it’s a hassle-free way to stay connected wherever your travels take you in South Korea—and beyond.
I’ll be chasing powder in Japan this winter, and based on my experience in Vietnam, I’ll definitely be using an Airalo eSIM for that trip, too.
As an affiliate partner, I only recommend products I genuinely believe in. You can support my blog by purchasing your eSIM through one of the links above.
Complete Guide to Yongpyong Resort
Below is the full trail map for Mona Yongpyong Resort, showcasing all zones, trail names, chairlifts, base areas, and parking locations.
For a deeper look, I’ll break down each section of the mountain further down, covering everything you need to know for your visit, whether you’re here to ski or snowboard.
Key Facts About Mona Yongpyong Resort
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
Yongpyong Resort has a total of 14 chairlifts, including 5 high-speed quads. The mix of fixed-grip and surface lifts keeps lines moving efficiently, even during peak season.
Rainbow Gondola
The Rainbow Gondola is a popular attraction not just for skiers and snowboarders but also for visitors looking 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 without ski gear—it’s a well-known sightseeing spot even in winter.
The gondola also operates in the summer, attracting hikers and those looking for Instagram-worthy photo ops.
Beginner Areas and People Movers
Yongpyong Resort caters to beginners and families with several people movers in the lower zones. These conveyor belt-style lifts make it easier for new skiers and snowboarders to start out without needing to navigate chairlifts.
Terrain Breakdown:
Yongpyong Resort Mountain Zones
The mountain is divided into four zones: Gold, Red, Silver, and Rainbow. I break each one down in further detail below.
On-Mountain Dining
Yongpyong Resort offers five main dining spots across the mountain: Dragon Plaza, Dragon Castle (Mona Park), Wag Village, Gold Snack (recently renamed Anifore the Gold), and Green Snack (recently renamed Summit Land the Green).
I’ll cover these in more detail later. There are also smaller eateries and convenience stores scattered throughout, so you’ll never be far from a snack or drink during your day on the mountain.
Longest Run
The longest run at Yongpyong is Rainbow Paradise, which stretches 5.6 km (approx. 3.5 miles). This scenic trail connects the Rainbow Zone to the main mountain areas, offering a smooth ride from the summit down to the base.
Night Skiing and Snowboarding
Night skiing at Yongpyong Resort runs until 11:30 pm during peak season. While I generally prefer skiing and snowboarding during the day, night skiing is hugely popular in South Korea. It’s a unique experience, 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. Though resorts differ, the experience of skiing under the lights is a quintessential Korean experience.
Yongpyong Resort Mountain & Chairlifts
In my introduction, I mentioned Yongpyong Resort as one of the best—if not the best—mountains for advanced terrain in South Korea, and I stand by that claim.
However, there’s a caveat. While Yongpyong offers excellent advanced terrain, its layout can feel a bit disjointed. The Rainbow Zone, in particular, is somewhat isolated from the other three zones—Gold, Red, and Silver—making it less convenient to move between them.
As you’ll see in the chairlift map below, it essentially functions as two interconnected mountains, with a long gondola connecting them.
The two areas for advanced skier and snowboarders (Rainbow and Gold) are on opposite sides of the resort.
Mountain Zones & Chairlift Map
As an expert skier, I’ve had incredible experiences in both the Rainbow and Gold Zones. While I haven’t skied every resort in South Korea, I’d say these offer some of the best advanced skiing and snowboarding in the country.
The only downside is the somewhat inconvenient transition between zones. Since the middle zones aren’t particularly remarkable, I spend most of my time on either side of the mountain.
In this aspect, High 1 Resort has a slight advantage. While its terrain isn’t as steep as Rainbow Zone at Yongpyong Resort, it’s more convenient to explore thanks to its interconnected lifts and gondolas.
That said, in all my skiing across Korea, the terrain in Yongpyong’s Rainbow and Gold Zones stands out for its steep, well-maintained trails.
The Red and Silver Zones start from the main base, Dragon Plaza. Silver is the primary beginner area, while Red offers steeper runs for intermediates and experts. For me, though, Red mainly serves as the transition point to the Gold Zone.
I’ll break down each zone in more detail below.
Exploring Yongpyong Resort’s Four 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.
Yongpyong Mountain Zones and Trail Map
Rainbow Zone
As a former ski racer, the Rainbow Zone reminds me of the ski racing hills I grew up on in Colorado. If you’ve skied at Vail, you might notice it has a bit of a Golden Peak vibe.
When you visit the dog-friendly Wag Village base lodge (which I’ll cover in detail below), you’ll often see young racers from various countries refueling between training runs.
It’s no surprise that the Men’s and Women’s Giant Slalom events during the 2018 Winter Olympics were held here—the long, steep slopes are ideal for race courses.
Though my ski racing days are behind me, I still love carving turns at high speeds, and the Rainbow Zone is perfect for that.
Rainbow Zone Trail Map
Looking at this zoomed-in Yongpyong trail map, you’ll notice the Rainbow Zone features four trails: Rainbow I, II, III, and IV.
Apparently, they didn’t put any of the Olympic funding towards a creative team for naming the runs.
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 of staying in the Rainbow Zone all day is that you might get the urge to explore other parts of the mountain. However, getting back to Rainbow can be inconvenient once you head to the other side.
Once you commit to the other side, getting back to Rainbow isn’t exactly convenient.
I drove between the two zones because my wife isn’t an expert skier, and someone needs to watch the dog. The gondola may be a good option, though it does look long on the map!
Parking in the Rainbow Zone
If you’re driving and plan to ski or ride the Rainbow Zone, there’s a smaller, less crowded parking lot at the base compared to the busy Dragon Plaza area. The drive between the two is short, and the Rainbow Zone parking lot offers a more relaxed atmosphere.
To get there, enter either “Yongpyong Resort (용평리조트)” or “Dragon Plaza (드래곤 플라자)” into your GPS.
From Dragon Plaza, continue uphill for about 5–10 minutes until you reach the Rainbow Zone parking lot. From here, it’s just a short walk to the Rainbow chairlift and Wag Village base lodge.
My advice? Park at the Rainbow lot to avoid the morning crowds. You can then drive to the main area or take the scenic route by skiing down Rainbow Paradise to Dragon Plaza.
Chairlift Access to Rainbow Zone
The main chairlift in the Rainbow Zone is the Rainbow Lift (15), located at the Rainbow base area.
You can also access the top of the zone from 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 take a break between runs. It’s a cozy spot popular with both skiers and young racers, offering coffee, snacks, and meals.
Even if you’re not a dog owner, Wag Village is the main base lodge for the Rainbow Zone, so you might not even notice its dog-friendly nature most of the time. However, if you like to travel with your dog, it’s a great little oasis.
At one point, sledding with dogs after the lifts closed became popular, though I believe the resort eventually stopped it.
Here’s a video that shows just how fun the Rainbow Zone base area can be:
Dragon Castle
At the top of the Rainbow Gondola, you’ll find Dragon Castle, located in the scenic Mona Park. It’s a multi-level facility offering panoramic views and is bustling with activity. Skiers and snowboarders mingle with tourists who ride the gondola just for the views.
Inside, there are two restaurants and a café with large windows, giving you stunning mountain views as you dine. Outside, you can explore Olympic-themed photo areas and scenic viewpoints that offer breathtaking vistas of Gangwon-do’s mountains.
Even if you’re not skiing, it’s worth taking the gondola up just to enjoy the views and explore Mona Park’s photo spots.
Gold Zone
If you’re an upper-intermediate to advanced skier or snowboarder, the Gold Zone is another great area to check out besides Rainbow.
It’s tucked away on the opposite corner of the mountain from Rainbow, making it relatively quiet compared to the busy chairlifts at the Dragon Plaza base area.
Gold Zone Trail Map
My go-to run here is Gold Valley. The top section has a steep, advanced pitch that eventually levels out into a long, intermediate run leading all the way down.
I didn’t break out the GoPro on the steep section, but you can watch me cruise down the intermediate part to the base area.
Stick around to the end (or skip ahead), and you’ll also see the Gold chairlift and the Gold Snack base lodge.
Gold Zone: Making Turns (Video)
Gold Fantastic and Gold Paradise are better suited for intermediate riders, with good vertical drop and great carving opportunities from top to bottom.
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.
Chairlift Access to Gold Zone
To reach the Gold Zone, take the Red chairlift (4) from Dragon Plaza, then head left down the catwalk to the Gold chairlift (1).
At the top, you’ll be at Gold Peak, where you’ll find steep, challenging runs and stunning views of the Gangwon-Do valley.
Chairlift 2 (New Gold) doesn’t reach the summit, but it provides an easy return to the main base area. Alternatively, the Bridge chairlift (3) is another way to enter or exit the Gold Zone and head back to Dragon Plaza.
Gold Zone Anifore Monorail
While boarding the Gold chairlift, you’ll notice a small monorail departing from a terminal next to the lift. It’s not for skiers or snowboarders, but it offers scenic rides through the forest, making it a fun activity for non-skiers or families.
In the summer, there’s even a petting zoo at the top, though we couldn’t visit since we had our dog with us.
If you’re looking for something different in the Gold Zone or just want a family-friendly activity, the Anifore Monorail is a great option. Tickets are 18,000 won per person.
Parking in the Gold Zone
The Gold Zone has a small parking lot that’s far less hectic than the main one at Dragon Plaza. I haven’t tried parking there in winter, but if you want a quieter start and end to your day, it’s worth considering—similar to my earlier tip about parking in the Rainbow Zone.
Finding the lot is easy; just search for Birch Hill Condo and drive 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 previously called Gold Snack.
It may have been renamed to Anifore the Gold during my summer 2024 research, but regardless of the name, it’s a cozy lodge serving drinks and standard ski area fare like donkatsu, udon, and Korean soups.
There’s also a nice outdoor deck where you can enjoy the mountain vibes with fewer crowds than Dragon Plaza, especially on a good weather day.
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 serve wide, gentle slopes, making this zone ideal for those new to skiing or snowboarding. The proximity to the resort’s primary amenities makes it popular with families and first-time skiers.
As shown on the trail map below, these chairlifts access the main beginner area and the beginner lesson zones.
Chairlift Access & Trail Map in the Red Zone
Chairlifts 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 operate in the Red Zone, offering a mix of beginner and advanced runs. While it caters primarily to novices, more experienced skiers can also enjoy two expert runs descending from Red Peak. These steeper trails, served by chairlifts 4, 5, and 6, allow for a quick transition from easy slopes to more challenging terrain.
The variety of trails in the Red Zone offers something for everyone, from complete novices to seasoned skiers looking for a warm-up before hitting the tougher slopes in the Gold or Rainbow Zones.
Snow Sledge Park
The Snow Sledge Park, located within the Red Zone, provides a fun, family-friendly activity for visitors of all ages. It’s perfect for those who want to experience the winter slopes without needing any skiing or snowboarding skills.
Although I mostly come to the resort for skiing, the park looks like a blast, especially for families or friends in your group who aren’t into winter sports.
The designated sledding area features a gentle slope where visitors can rent a sled for ₩18,000 (around $13 USD) and enjoy multiple runs down the hill.
Base Lodge & Dining in the Red Zone
Dragon Plaza
Dragon Plaza is a central hub at Yongpyong Resort, located right in the heart of the base area. It’s a hive of activity for lift tickets, rentals, and other essential resort services. With its large, modern structure, it feels more like the base area of a Western ski resort compared to other Korean resorts.
Inside, you’ll find rental shops, guest service counters, and various dining options catering to different tastes and budgets. From quick snacks like kimbap or ramen to heartier meals like donkatsu or pizza, there’s something for everyone. Some of the restaurants even have seating with views of the slopes, allowing you to relax and watch the action while enjoying your meal.
The large outdoor deck is another great feature, offering a place to bring your food and take in the mountain views on nicer days.
For gear rentals, Dragon Plaza houses one of the biggest shops at the resort. It’s a one-stop-shop for everything from helmets and boots to any items you might have forgotten. There’s even a retail store where you can grab souvenirs to remember your trip.
Red Zone and Dragon Plaza Parking
On the map, you’ll notice Dragon Plaza and the ticket office centrally located in the base area, with the Greenpia Condo to the right. The large parking lot between these two landmarks is free for skiers and snowboarders but can get busy, especially on weekends.
For quieter parking alternatives, check out my tips about the parking lots in the Rainbow and Gold Zones, which offer a more peaceful start and end to your day.
Silver Zone
Among all the zones at Yongpyong Resort, the Silver Zone is the one I have the least experience with. That doesn’t mean it won’t be perfect for you, but as an old ski racer, the trend of terrain parks never quite caught my interest.
While the Silver Zone offers one expert trail, it doesn’t compare to the terrain you’ll find in the Rainbow or Gold zones—but to each their own!
Chairlift Access & Trail Map in the Silver Zone
The Silver Zone is known for its relaxed and accessible terrain, making it a great spot for beginners and intermediate skiers looking to build their confidence.
The Maga Green trail, served by the Maga Chairlift (Lift 11), is a gentle, easy slope perfect for learning. (And no, American politics haven’t found their way into Korean ski culture—’Mega’ in Korean is written the same as ‘Maga’).
Two seasons ago, my wife braved the Silver Zone on only her second day skiing, and she did great!
The Silver Chairlift (Lift 10) takes you to the top of Silver Peak, where a few short expert trails lead back down to the resort base.
But perhaps the main draw of the Silver Zone is Dragon Park Terrain Park, a favorite among freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
Dragon Park Terrain Park
While the Silver Zone has something for all ability levels, Dragon Park is its true highlight. This popular terrain park is designed for snowboarders and freestyle skiers who want to hit jumps, rails, and boxes.
You won’t catch this 40+ skier hitting the rails, but I do appreciate the K-Pop tunes blasting as I ski by!
Dragon Park is well-maintained and offers features for all skill levels, whether you’re a beginner looking to try out some smaller jumps or a more advanced freestyler honing your tricks.
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 appears to be getting a name update for 2025. It’s a cozy spot to warm up, relax, and grab a quick bite.
While I haven’t visited Green Snack personally, it seems to offer the same convenient, simple food options as Gold Snack, like soups, Korean and Japanese-style dishes, and a variety of beverages.
Parking in the Silver Zone
Parking for the Silver Zone is shared with the Dragon Plaza lot, which also serves the Red Zone. This centrally located lot makes it easy to access both zones, and after parking, it’s just a short walk to the Silver Zone base and chairlifts. The convenience of this parking area means you can move between the Silver and Red Zones with ease.
Mona Yongyong Resort: Lift Tickets
If you’re familiar with North American ski resorts, you likely know the standard ticket options like full-day, half-day, and multi-day passes.
In South Korea, however, lift tickets are a bit more flexible to match different skiing or snowboarding schedules, including options for night skiing.
Below are the operating hours and lift ticket prices for Mona Yongpyong Resort during the 2023-24 season (as of the time of writing). I will update this information as needed.
In the next section, I’ll discuss ski and snowboard rental shops outside the resort. These shops often offer discounted lift tickets, so it’s worth considering purchasing through them for better deals.
Yongpyong Resort: Gear Rentals & Shopping
Mona Yongpyong Resort offers a wide range of rental services to ensure you’re fully equipped for your ski or snowboard adventure. Whether you need skis, snowboards, boots, or even a full set of ski clothes, the rental shops have you covered.
Helmets are available for rent, though unlike High 1 Resort, helmets aren’t mandatory at Yongpyong.
All rental shops are conveniently located in Dragon Plaza, the main hub of the resort, making it easy to pick up or return your gear without any hassle. Lockers are also available, providing a secure place to store your shoes, bags, and other belongings while you’re on the slopes.
If you’re looking to buy gear or clothing, Dragon Plaza also features shops that sell a variety of ski wear and accessories.
Pyeongchang Rental Shops
If you have your own transportation or don’t mind taking 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 often provide higher-quality gear. It’s been a game-changer for me.
Many of these shops not only offer better gear but also sell lift tickets at discounted prices, and some even provide ski lessons at reduced rates. To access these deals, you usually need to pay via bank transfer, and the shop will give you a voucher that you can exchange for your lift ticket at the resort’s ticket window.
For example, while a regular daytime ticket costs ₩84,000, I bought one for ₩56,000 last season through an outside rental shop. Prices fluctuate, but these are legitimate deals arranged between the shops and the resort.
My wife also scored discounted ski lessons from one of these shops, so it’s definitely worth asking about any special offers while you’re there.
Off-resort rental shops often have a better selection of premium gear, making them a solid option if you’re looking for higher-quality rentals than what the resort provides.
Ski and Snowboarding Lessons at Yongpyong Resort
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 in and around Yongpyong Resort
You’ll find a wide range of hotels, condos, pensions, and other accommodations at the base of Mona Yongpyong Resort and in nearby Pyeongchang. From luxury hotels at Yongpyong Resort to cozy pensions in Pyeongchang, there’s something for every type of traveler.
As you may have gathered from my previous sections and videos, all our South Korean ski adventures include our border collie, Winnie.
Our Preferred Dog-Friendly Hotel
Because of this, we usually stay at the Ramada Hotel & Suites Gangwon Pyeongchang, one of the few hotels in the area that accommodates dogs of Winnie’s size. In addition to being dog-friendly, the Ramada offers all the amenities you’d expect from an American chain, including a swimming pool, fitness center, multiple restaurants, game rooms, and on-site convenience stores.
For those concerned about pets, rest assured—dogs are only allowed on one floor in a designated wing of the hotel. If you don’t have a dog, you may never even notice that it’s pet-friendly.
What you may notice is that the Ramada is a popular lodging choice for large groups and athletes competing in sporting events. Don’t be surprised to see athletes from various countries in their gear walking the halls, as Pyeongchang is a major hub for winter sports in South Korea.
The Pyeongchang Ramada is also conveniently located next to Pure Sheep Ranch, where I stood to capture the above photo of the hotel last winter. The ranch features a scenic café, trekking paths, and opportunities to feed lambs and llamas.
The picture on the right was taken after we walked up to the Pure Sheep Ranch café for a morning coffee during our most recent fall visit. While my wife took our dog on the trekking course, I headed back to the room to pack and catch up on some American football games.
Additional Lodging Options
If you’re looking for a more authentic Korean resort experience, the Ramada may feel a bit too much like an American chain. In that case, you might prefer staying directly at the resort or choosing a smaller pension in Pyeongchang for a more local vibe.
A glance at the Yongpyong Resort map reveals a range of ski-in/ski-out condominiums around the base area. While I haven’t personally stayed in one yet, I always admire them as I ski by or when I park, 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, across from Dragon Plaza.
By clicking and booking through the lodging links below, you can support my blog at no extra cost, and I truly appreciate it!
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Summer Season at Yongpyong Resort
While Yongpyong Resort is best known for its winter sports, it turns into a summer adventure hub once the snow melts. The resort offers a variety of outdoor activities, making it a great year-round destination for all ages.
One of the main summer highlights is mountain biking. Yongpyong’s ski trails convert into bike paths, catering to both beginners and advanced riders. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual ride or a thrilling downhill challenge, the resort’s bike rentals and diverse trails provide something for everyone.
Mount Balwangsan Cable Car
For those who prefer stunning mountain views without the adrenaline rush, Yongpyong’s gondola rides are a must-do.
The same gondola used by skiers in winter offers scenic trips up to Dragon Peak, where you’ll be greeted with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lush forests. During summer, chairlifts also operate, giving visitors easy access to hiking trails and other scenic spots.
Anifore Monorail Summer Season
Located in the Gold Zone, the Anifore Monorail is especially popular with families during the summer. As shown in the map below, the monorail takes passengers on a scenic route through 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 has a wide range of family-friendly activities. You can enjoy the beautiful hiking paths, visit nearby golf courses, or attend the summer festivals and events held at the resort. For a more laid-back experience, the resort offers recreational options like water parks, swimming pools, and 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, Yongpyong Resort is my top choice.
Questions?
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Colorado Saram Swag
If you enjoyed the content from this site and you feel like a kindred spirit, I invite you to check out my online store where I sell hats, hoodies, t-shirts and more. Though I reside in South Korea, I try to design swag that resonates with people who share the “Colorado” spirit.
Click on the pictures to check out the various color and size options available.
