For Australian families accustomed to the beach and sunshine at Christmas, the Korean experience of a white Christmas and fun on the snowfields can be a memorable one.

The ski season in Korea begins early December and runs until mid-March and snow usually falls in Seoul from Christmas onwards. Overnight temperatures drop to as low as minus ten degrees celcius, and daytime levels hover around zero to two degrees, so visitors require warm winter clothes. Korean winters can be much colder than those in Europe, especially in the mountain areas, so you should be well prepared for very cold temperatures.

At this time of year Seoul is beautiful, with its spectacular Christmas light decorations and stunning displays, such as the one outside the Lotte Hotel and various department stores around the city. It’s magical during the festive season, especially for families with children.  A massive outdoor skating rink in City Hall Plaza is a great attraction, where families can enjoy winter ice-skating under the stars, right in the middle of the city!

Two of the big theme parks, Everland and Lotte World in Seoul, are also fun places to visit at this time of year. They usually have Christmas parades, magic shows and special Christmas concerts with heaps of entertainment for young and old.

But if skiing is more to your liking, then you’ll love Korea, because there’s no shortage of great resorts all around the country. There are fourteen ski resorts in Korea, all within three to four hours of Seoul. In particular, the east coast province of Gangwondo has several resorts very popular with western skiers.

Yongpyeong Ski Resort, known as Dragon Valley, as well as Phoenix Park Resort, are both very popular with Australians.  Another great thing is that compared to the Australian ski-fields, skiing in Korea is relatively cheap, and many resorts have night skiing as well as excellent accommodation.

If you’re not looking for and extended stay in the ski fields and would like to enjoy just a day in the snow, there are several resorts within an hour or two from Seoul city.  Bears Town and Yangji Pine Resort are in the province of Gyeonggido right on the doorstep of the big smoke.

Korean’s love their celebrations and throughout the winter months there are loads of events.

The Fun Ski and Snow Festival will be held at Yongpyeong, Muju and High1 Ski Resorts from December to March, 2010. Here you can enjoy free ski lessons and special discounts for children up to 12-years-old. January has some interesting events as well, like the Inje Ice Fishing Festival and the Hwacheon Trout Festival. At these family-oriented events they have all kinds of unique ice related activities, like ice-fishing, sledding, sleigh rides and more. Both festivals take place in mid to late January.

Then there’s the Daegwallyeong Snow Festival, at a location that boasts the highest snowfalls in Korea. This colourful celebration includes traditional Korean winter games and modern winter sports. It’s great fun for young and old!

Another popular attraction is the Taebaeksan Snow Festival, which is famous for snow themed events such as the snow sculpture competition. It also provides plenty of hands-on activities for visitors to participate in, plus Siberian husky dog sledding, ice sledding and traditional kite-flying.

If you’re onto more passive pursuits or are looking to relax after some time on the slopes, then pay a visit to the famous hot springs around the country. Seorak Waterpia and hot springs are located against the backdrop of the majestic Seoraksan National Park. They use 100% natural hot spring water, and also have a wave pool, flow pool, jacuzzi and various other pools and facilities, so it’s a great place for family fun.

So why not combine some skiing and fun in Korea over the festive season and enjoy a traditional white Christmas at the same time!

 

For more information on Korea’s ski resorts and snow fun get your free ‘Winter in Korea’ guide book today. Order by email:  visitkorea@knto.org.au or phone:  (02) 9252- 1717.

For more information on Korea in general check out www.visitkorea.or.kr