High1 was developed by the public corporation Kangwon Land and opened in December 2006 as part of efforts to revitalise the former mining towns of Gohan and Sabuk. It is one of South Korea’s larger ski resorts alongside Yongpyong and Muju, and was built to attract year-round visitors to the area.
The resort sits on the flank of Baegun Mountain in the eastern highlands and includes three named summits: High1 Top, Valley Top and Mountain Hub. Valley Top is the highest resort point at 1,376 metres and lies just below the Baegun Mountain summit.
High1 Top and Mountain Hub are served by gondolas, giving easy access to upper slopes and viewpoints. Visitors will find ski pistes and mountain scenery rather than a dense urban centre; the resort also uses a white hound mascot called Hihou. Rail access to the area is available via nearby Gohan and Sabuk stations.
- Valley Top panorama: Valley Top sits at the resort’s highest point and offers expansive mountain and valley views just below Baegun Mountain’s summit.
- Gondola rides: Gondolas link High1 Top and Mountain Hub, providing scenic lifts that are useful even for non-skiing visitors.
- Groomed ski slopes: The resort offers a range of groomed runs across its summits suitable for different abilities and regular winter route maintenance.
- Resort village and facilities: The compact resort village clusters services and accommodation close to lifts, with dining and rental options typical of a purpose-built ski area.
- Train approach and mountain setting: Arriving by train to the local stations gives a scenic approach through the Taebaek Mountains and the surrounding highland landscape.
Best Time to Visit High1 Resort#
High1 is primarily a winter destination for snow sports, with a distinct wet summer season and milder shoulder seasons.
Weather & Climate near High1 Resort#
High1 Resort's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -12°C to 26°C. Abundant rainfall (1333 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -12° - -1° | -11° | 40 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.1 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.8h |
| February | Poor | -10° - 1° | -9° | 48 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.1 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.7h |
| March | Acceptable | -4° - 7° | -2° | 65 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 3.0 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Acceptable | 2° - 15° | 7° | 88 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 3.1 m/s | 1.1 high | 13.0h |
| May | Good | 7° - 20° | 14° | 91 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 2.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.0h |
| June | Good | 13° - 23° | 18° | 143 mm | overcast | 74% | 2.1 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.5h |
| July | Good | 17° - 25° | 21° | 269 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.3h |
| August | Good | 17° - 26° | 21° | 265 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.1 m/s | 1.4 high | 13.4h |
| September | Acceptable | 11° - 21° | 16° | 164 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.3 m/s | 1.1 high | 12.3h |
| October | Very Good | 4° - 16° | 9° | 68 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.3 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 11.1h |
| November | Acceptable | -3° - 9° | 0° | 57 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.7 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.0h |
| December | Poor | -9° - 2° | -7° | 35 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.5h |
How to Get to High1 Resort#
High1 is in Jeongseon county and is served by Gohan Station and Sabuk Station on the regional rail network; these are the most convenient rail access points for the resort.
International travellers normally fly to Seoul (Incheon or Gimpo) and continue by intercity train, bus or car into the Gangwon region; the final stretch to the resort is usually by taxi, local bus or a resort shuttle where available, so check schedules locally.
Tips for Visiting High1 Resort#
- Winters are cold at altitude and conditions can be much colder at Valley Top than in the valleys, so bring warm layering and wind protection.
- Summer and late summer have heavy rainfall during the regional monsoon, so plan outdoor activities outside July and August if you want drier weather.
- Gondolas provide access for non-skiers, but check operating days and times with the resort before planning a visit.
- If travelling by train, verify timetables to Gohan or Sabuk stations and allow for a taxi or shuttle for the last few kilometres to the resort.
