Yongpyong ResortYongpyong Resort sits in the highlands of Daegwallyeong and is a landmark winter-sports complex in Pyeongchang County, Gangwon Province. The site occupies mountain terrain with a wide range of groomed runs and long mountain views, making it Korea’s largest ski and snowboard resort.
The resort has 31 named slopes and about 15 lift facilities, including a long gondola of roughly 3.7 km that climbs toward the Dragon Zone; the base area sits around 770 m while lift-served high points reach about 1,458 m. The complex includes Dragon Plaza, promoted as one of Korea’s largest ski houses, and a substantial ski infrastructure aimed at both recreational skiers and racers.
Owned through the Tongil Group, Yongpyong has hosted international events and was a venue for the technical alpine events at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Outside the ski season it offers summer activities such as golf and has indoor attractions including an on-site water park; the resort is also familiar to many visitors from Korean TV dramas filmed there.
- Dragon Zone summit: The lift-served summit area in the Dragon Zone offers panoramic mountain views and access to the resort’s higher, steeper terrain.
- Rainbow slopes (Rainbow 1 and 3): These technical slopes have been used for World Cup slalom and giant-slalom events and are among the resort’s most famous runs.
- Dragon Plaza: A large central ski house with facilities for dining, rental and après-ski services that functions as the resort’s main base hub.
- 3.7 km gondola ride: The long gondola provides a gradual ascent with scenic views and easy access between base and high-elevation zones.
- Yongpyong Water Park: An indoor water-park complex on site that provides a warm-weather alternative to skiing for families and non-skiers.
Nearby Attractions to Yongpyong Resort#
Best Time to Visit Yongpyong Resort#
Yongpyong is primarily a winter destination but operates year-round with different appeals by season.
Weather & Climate near Yongpyong Resort#
Yongpyong 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 25°C. Abundant rainfall (1336 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -12° - -2° | -12° | 37 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 3.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.8h |
| February | Poor | -10° - 0° | -10° | 45 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.6 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.7h |
| March | Acceptable | -4° - 6° | -3° | 61 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 3.2 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Acceptable | 2° - 14° | 6° | 85 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 3.2 m/s | 1.1 high | 13.0h |
| May | Good | 7° - 19° | 13° | 92 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 2.9 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.0h |
| June | Good | 12° - 22° | 17° | 136 mm | overcast | 75% | 2.4 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.5h |
| July | Good | 16° - 24° | 20° | 277 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.3 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.3h |
| August | Good | 16° - 25° | 21° | 275 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.3 m/s | 1.4 high | 13.4h |
| September | Acceptable | 11° - 21° | 16° | 169 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.5 m/s | 1.1 high | 12.3h |
| October | Very Good | 4° - 15° | 8° | 68 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.6 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 11.1h |
| November | Acceptable | -2° - 8° | 0° | 56 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.0 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.0h |
| December | Poor | -9° - 1° | -8° | 35 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 3.0 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.5h |
How to Get to Yongpyong Resort#
The resort is in the highlands of Pyeongchang County; the nearest rail access on the Gangneung Line includes Jinbu Station and Pyeongchang Station, which connect with regional and KTX services from Seoul and other cities.
Most international visitors arrive via Incheon International Airport (Seoul) and continue by train or bus toward the Gangneung/Pyeongchang area, then cover the last stretch to Yongpyong by taxi, local bus or the resort’s seasonal shuttle services; check train and bus schedules and shuttle availability locally before you travel.
Tips for Visiting Yongpyong Resort#
- The mountain weather changes quickly - pack warm layers and a windproof outer layer even on sunny days.
- Winter is the busy season and public transport and lodging book up for holidays, so arrange travel and accommodation in advance for peak dates.
- If you plan non-ski activities, check opening days for summer golf and the indoor water park, which run on different seasonal schedules.
- Expect heavier rain and humidity in July and August due to the regional summer monsoon; summer is best for golf rather than alpine activities.
- For race or event history (including 2018 Olympic technical events) and special slope closures, consult the resort’s official notices rather than relying on third-party schedules.