If you want to see the beauty of autumn in Korea, you must check out Asan Gingko Tree Road. It is easily one of Korea’s most photogenic walking roads and is located in the Asan-si countryside. About Asan-si Asan-si is located in the Chungcheongnam-do province of South Korea. The administrative district hosts a vibrant city and extensive rural areas. Situated approximately 90 kilometers south of Seoul, Asan-s is known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly its role in Korea’s history during the Joseon Dynasty. Asan-si contains various historical sites, such as the renowned Oeam Village, where visitors can experience traditional Korean architecture and lifestyles. Its proximity to natural landmarks like the Asan Spavis hot springs further enhances its appeal as a destination for relaxation and cultural exploration. In recent years, Asan has seen significant urban growth, driven by its thriving industrial sector, especially in the fields of technology and manufacturing. The city is part of the wider Asan Bay Industrial Complex, which attracts both local and international investment. Additionally, the region is a key player in South Korea’s transportation network, with the KTX high-speed rail connecting it to major cities like Seoul and Busan. Asan also offers a blend of modern amenities, including shopping centers, restaurants, and recreational facilities, making it an attractive location for both residents and visitors. One of Asan’s most scenic and unique attractions is its famous Ginkgo Road, a tree-lined path that stretches through the city and is renowned for its breathtaking display of golden ginkgo leaves in autumn. This picturesque area provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban charm, making it a favorite for both locals and tourists seeking tranquility and a connection to nature. Asan Gingko Tree Road (은행나무길) Eunhaeng namu-gil 은행나무길 is also known as Asan Gingko Tree Road. This is probably one of the most popular Autumn walks, especially if you’re anywhere near Pyeongtaek. While it’s a beautiful walk at any time of year, you won’t want to miss it during the Autumn Season. This area is great for a walk or run, alone or accompanied. And for movers of any age, it is also stroller-friendly, dog-friendly, and bicycle-friendly. There’s even a spot to rent bikes. However, please note that the pedestrian walk and bike trails are separate. This walk is lined with a few cafes, such as Eunhaengnamu-gil Cafe (Gingko Road Cafe), which also has tarot card readings. Also, Underhill or Eondeohil, has lunch options and a rooftop level. However, Gallery Cafe Monet has the best view of Gingko Tree Road and also has its own, albeit small, parking area. Parking for Asan Gingko Tree Road You’ll likely see a few parking lots along the path which fill up quickly and may be difficult to get in and out of during peak season. While I tend to prefer finding street parking nearby and walk to Asan Gingko Tree Road, here are a couple of recommendations since parking becomes quite competitive during the Autumn season. Visit Hyeongchungsa Shrine (현충사) While in the area, make sure to also visit the Hyeonchungsa Shrine (현충사) nearby, which is my favorite Autumn experience. Hyeonchungsa Shrine is free and in walking distance to Asan Gingko Road, so you can visit both and not have to search for parking twice. Explore Asan Beyond the Ginkgo Trees When most people think of Asan, the golden ginkgo tree road comes to mind—but there’s so much more to discover. From folk villages and mountain trails to markets and family-friendly attractions, Asan offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and outdoor adventure. Check out United on the RoK Magazine’s full guide here: Asan: Beyond the Ginkgo Trees. How to Source Additional Information About Locations If you have questions about things like business hours regarding the Asan Gingko Tree cafes and restaurants, you can use the free foreigner support app/phone number 1330. Join the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly Pyeongtaek international residents makes moving to Pyeongtaek easier. We enjoy seeing the posts for Pyeongtaek and the immediate areas: Osan, Yongin, Anseong, Cheonan, Asan, Hwaseong, and Suwon. Volunteer with South of Seoul Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. LeaDan Yee, M.EdLeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech. As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers.  She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors. Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.

The post Autumn Leaves at Asan Gingko Tree Road appeared first on South of Seoul.

For those who love lake walks, here’s an introduction to a developing area with many cafes and restaurants surrounding Eopseong area on the edge of Seongseong Lake in Cheonan. About Seongseong Lake This lake can be quite confusing to find due to the fact Naver Maps calls it Eopseong (업성) in English and Seongseong Lake (성성호) in Korean. This can cause confusion between English-speaking and Korean-speaking communities so it’s important to know both names may be used for the same area. Seongseong Lake is located in a more northing part of Cheonan, South Korea. The lake offers beautiful walking paths with access to cafes and restaurants. You can use the list below to help plan your day out at Eopseong Lake. Cafes around Eopseong Lake The Lake Story is an epic cafe with its own parking. Thougha lmost always busy, it has some truly beautiful interior design. On the South West Side of the cafe, you’ll find Urban Lake Coffee Lab and Pascucci Cafe on the corner. Another epic cafe building with lake views, there is a small selection of bakery items, indoor and outdoor seating. Also, the area has its own parking. Just after you pass it Cafe Pascucci and Urban Lake Coffee Lab, you’ll find a narrow road which will lead you to the parking for 9 Block, Fluffy, Cabana, Olive Young, Kakyu, and Chadolzip. 9 Block (epic cafe) & Alice’s Garden (small cafe with lunch and brunch options) Fluffy Coffee is a small, cute cafe with coffee, including decaf coffee, and refreshing, colorful juice drinks. In addition, the rooftop has a dog area. Gravity Cafe – Just above Fluffy Coffee, with its own parking area is one of our favorite Korean chain cafes. Dasi Yeogi  – 3-floor cafe with rooftop lake views Twosome Place shares parking with the golf club and there’s a Starbucks and Fisherman’s Story on that side of the lake. If you are looking for a spot of tea, stop in and visit at Manchester Granny’s Scones and Tea. Restaurants around Eopseong Lake Cheonan Eopseong Hosu Town houses Cabana, Olive Young, Kakyu, Chadolzip and various restaurants in this 5-story building. It shares a parking area with 9 Block. Fisherman’s Story, next to Starbucks and Twosome Place. How to Source Additional Information About Locations If you have questions about things like business hours regarding the Eopseong Lake cafes and restaurants, you can use the free foreigner support app/phone number 1330. Join the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly Pyeongtaek international residents makes moving to Pyeongtaek easier. We enjoy seeing the posts for Pyeongtaek and the immediate areas: Osan, Yongin, Anseong, Cheonan, Asan, Hwaseong and Suwon. Volunteer with South of Seoul Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. LeaDan Yee, M.EdLeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech. As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers.  She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors. Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.

The post Seongseong Lake Cafes and Restaurants (Cheonan) appeared first on South of Seoul.

Korea has a plethora of folk villages where you can learn about Korean history during different eras. Take a day for this Yongin Korean Folk Village itinerary and enjoy all the expansive, family-friendly park has to offer. Also, this particularly itinerary happens all in one place! About Folk Villages In South Korea Korea has many different types of folk villages across the country. Folk villages provide a way for Korean citizens, residents, and tourists to learn more about Korean culture. Each folk village may focus on one particular historical time period or may have different areas of the village dedicated to a variety of historical time periods. Korean folk villages focus on Korean history from a Korean education standpoint. This means that the villages are designed for those who live and travel in South Korea. They aren’t designed specifically for foreign visitors. This means most information may be in Korean. Arrive at Folk Village Early It’s a great idea to arrive around 10 am – 11 am so that you can enjoy 5-8 hours since tickets aren’t cheap. There is more about ticket costs later. As I mention later in the blog, we spent 5 hours and wished we had more time. Additionally, arriving early means cooler weather during the hot months. Our Experience at Yongin Folk Village While you may find a number of folk villages across the peninsula, which we encourage you to visit, the Korean Folk Village in Yongin offers the most immersive, traditional cultural experience.  This folk village stands out against the rest. While MOST of the folk village is stroller-friendly, you may find the folk village dirt path bumpy at times. Thankfully, the markets and amusement parks are paved. Just keep in mind that there may be easy areas and more difficult areas. We recommend blocking out your day for this trip. When my toddler and I visited, we arrived when the Korean Folk Village opened and stayed for almost 5 hours.  I felt unfulfilled because there were SO many things that we did not experience but such is the life of a toddler mom.  The folk village is wonderful day and night. The evening experience looks like a beautiful moonlit walk, including shadow performances in traditional houses and a haunted house, which you can also experience during the day.  Things to Do The Yongin Korean Folk Village offers many things to do. Experience includes traditional food, performances, educational classes on traditional craftwork, Korean architecture, horseback riding, riverboat rides, and an amusement park. Overall Experiences Stroll through the houses of a traditional Korean village, from farmers and tradesmen to scholars and nobility.  Participate in crafts, such as pottery, woodshop, silk-thread making, mask painting, straw shoe making, traditional fan making, and bamboo flute making, located in different houses.  Peruse exhibits and demonstrations in the museums.  Horseback riding, swings, and ferryboats are also in this part of the village.  Enjoy a breathtaking walk to Keum Ryeon Sa (Buddhist Temple).  * The temple walk is not stroller-friendly. Lots of stone steps. Performances Performances begin at 10:00 and run every hour with the last performance at 14:00.  Each performance showcases a different traditional instrument or dance so you may want to circle back to the stage to catch each one.  The schedule may change due to weather conditions. Amusement Park Park rides for children and adults of various sizes.  My toddler was limited to 4 rides – the Merry-Go-Round, Mini-Viking, Magic Tea Cup, and Bounce Spin because of the height requirement but there are 11 other rides for those less vertically challenged.  You’ll also find toys, arcades, a photo area, a folk museum, a shooting range, western-style food options, and a haunted house.  Definitely go through the haunted house, which includes recreations of ghosts that have been seen in Korea. Lunch or Dinner Breaks Hungry?  You’ll find a variety of Korean dishes, street food, desserts, and cafes at the Yongin Korean Folks Village.  For the cafe experience, stop at Darakbang, in the Market Village, near the entrance to the folk village.  Otherwise, you will find coffee and street food at the kiosks in the Market Village.  If you have more of an appetite, the Market Village and the Marketplace, at the opposite end of the folk village, offer touchscreen ordering with a cafeteria-like experience.  The kid’s plate includes orange juice, soup, rice, a hamburger patty, and sotteok (rice cakes and sausage).  If you require something more Western-inspired, visit the Amusement Village.  Lockers are available at a price. Seasonal Attractions The pool opens during the Summer and a snow sled field during the Winter.  The folk village also hosts seasonal festivals, such as the Romantic Fall by Joseon during the Autumn, rice cake on New Year’s, Jeongwol Daeboreum (First Full Moon), Dano (hair washing in flower water), Chuseok Farmers’ Performance, Dongji (Winter Solstice) red bean soup. Accessibility Stroller, wheelchair, and audio guide rentals are available at the entrance. The availability of mobility support means that Korean Folk Village in Yongin may be perfect for multi-generational travel. Yongin Korean Folk Village is family-friendly. You’ll find nursing stations throughout the park.  If your toddler is potty-training, like me, the restrooms include toddler-sized toilets. Yongin Folk Village Listing and Location Additional Information for Yongin Folk Village Remember that all Yongin Folk Village policies, prices, and opening hours may change over time or during different seasons and holidays. You may want to confirm details via their website or by contacting 1330. Hours of Operation Open from 10:00 to 19:00 on weekdays (Monday to Thursday) and 10:00 to 21:30 on the weekend (Friday to Sunday) Shuttle Service The Korean Folk Village offers a free shuttle service 3 times a day, to Suwon Station and back, on a first come-first served basis. The shuttle leaves Suwon Station Exit No. 4 at 10:30, 12:30, and 14:30; Korean Folk Village at 13:50 and 16:00. Please remember that times may change due to traffic. Parking If you have a Hi-Pass, there’s a fast parking option that will charge your Hi-Pass card.  Just keep an eye out for the usual Hi-Pass blue lane and sign. Otherwise, don’t forget to cover your parking fees before you leave. Ticket Prices Adults & Youth (14yo to 64yo) admission costs W32,000; Children (36 months to 13yo), W26,000; and Over 65, W22,000.  Under 36 months are free. The price was a bit more than I wanted to pay but if you stay for the day, then you’ll discover that it’s worth it.  You may purchase annual memberships, ranging from W90,000 to 190,000.  The Amusement Village, museum, and exhibition halls are included in the cost of admission. Pet Policy Pets are not allowed.  Bikes, Scooters, Etc Policy While strollers and wheelchairs are permitted, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, etc are not.  Drone Policy Drones are not permitted. Join a Facebook Group I hope you enjoyed the Yongin Korean Folk Village Itinerary. Looking for more travel itineraries or ideas for families? Join some Facebook groups. Explore More Korean Travel Itineraries South of Seoul has over 52 travel itineraries that extend across Korea. That’s one trip every week for a year! Many itineraries range from 1 to 3-day plans which can be combined to create extended trips across the country. LeaDan Yee, M.EdLeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech. As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers.  She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors. Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.

The post Yongin Korean Folk Village Itinerary appeared first on South of Seoul.

You may find cycling cross-country in South Korea surprisingly doable with the proximity of towns, regular services, and extensive river bike paths. I personally think that South Korea may be one of the best places to do extended cycling trips since you can carry next to nothing and still ride for days easily. Let’s take a quick look at what riding in Korea may look like for you based on my experiences. Listen to the BlogCast Don’t want to read? Listen to the South of Seoul BlogCast which provides accessible content through the use of AI technology. We don’t have time to read each article but we do our best to make more of our content accessible. If you would like to join our Accessibility Team apply to volunteer with South of Seoul. About Cycling in South Korea South Korea loves cycling and it has its own cycling culture with many winding trails that follow the rivers all over the country. On the trails you will be riding with people on old bikes just getting from one place to another, families with kids, folks on rental bikes for the day, people on a walk, and serious cyclists. This means you always need to be looking out for others and use your bell or voice often. Off the bike trails and on the roads, you may find it rare to see another cyclist. Many cyclists in Korea prefer to keep things on the trails and close to home. This means you may be on your own if you aren’t riding from Seoul to Busan. Be prepared to navigate language and cultural differences as you ride through the Korean countryside. My Relationship with Cycling Everyone has their own relationship with physical activity. It’s important to understand how I relate to cycling and doing long trips so that you can better know how your relationship with physical activity and cycling and mine may differ. For example, I feel I just do biking and not cycling. To me, cycling implies paying money for bike-related gear and being very serious about going fast while wearing very expensive tight pants. Instead, I’m just a lady on an old bike going pretty slow, while goofing off in very cheap, tight pants. I don’t use fancy gear because I don’t have fancy gear money. I just ride my cheap bike in inappropriate shoes, the ‘wrong’ clothes, and at very slow speeds. I do this near my house and across the country whenever I get a bee in my bonnet. All this to say if you do have fancy cycling gear and you train on your bike, cycling in Korea will likely be even easier for you than for me. On the other hand, cycling in Korea may also feel more stressful to a serious cyclist than it does to me since I don’t care if my bike gets shoved into the bottom of the bus and I’m not frustrated if I can’t go super fast. My History With Cycling/Biking You should also know that I can do physically painful and emotionally complicated things happily for extended periods of time. You should know this when reading my thoughts on any grueling activity that I like to do. Growing up, in the summers I usually rode 15-25 miles a day as a form of transportation in rural Alaska. I also lived in extremely rural areas where spending 6-12 hours in a day walking, biking, hiking, or doing heavy labor was necessary for survival. Being pushed beyond my mental and physical limits is my happy place. Of course, that was decades ago and now I’m pushing 50 with a cornucopia of injuries from living that extreme lifestyle. Nowadays, I mostly lay in bed and watch Netflix or research what I’m going to eat next on Instagram except for when I decide to cycle across the country on my holiday. Also, when I put on pants I dramatically complain about it each time because they make life hard. On the other hand, if you put me into a physically impossible situation I’m going to show up and never give up (like riding my old bike across South Korea on a busted ankle). Such a dichotomy often confuses people and you should know this about me before taking any of my advice about what’s easy and what’s hard. So let’s review: Putting on pants, HARD! Riding my bike across South Korea, EASY! Now that you know what lens I have when talking about cycling, let’s get into my personal insight into cycling trips in South Korea. Smart Phone Apps for Cycling Korea First, we need to talk about the apps you may want to use cycling cross-country in South Korea. We are starting with these because each app will be talked about in different parts of this blog. If you know about them now it makes it easier to follow along. Smartphone apps that I use the most Naver Maps – I’ve always used the Naver Maps biking route feature for my trips. It’s accurate enough. However, you will still need to be ready for changes in your route based on weather, construction, etc. Additionally, Naver Maps helps you find hotels, restaurants, pharmacies, bike repair shops, and other services you need along the way. *There is an English language interface.* Baedalminja – For me, food delivery on cycling trips is life. I have no desire to leave my hotel at night or carry food with me. As soon as I hit the hotel I order enough pizza and chicken for the night and breakfast in the morning. *You will need a Korean credit or debit card and the ability to manage a Korean app in order to leverage this system.* Papago – The best translation app for Korean is Naver-developed Papago. You may need a translation app for food menus, signs, etc. This can be a huge help when trying to navigate Baedalminja. Air matters – If you are traveling during bad air days make sure you are tracking the air quality and using masks to avoid breathing bad air. Now, let’s talk about what I ‘consider’ when ‘planning’ my biking trips. Honestly, though, I personally don’t consider much. On the last trip, I went on I packed the night before and just bought things I needed along the way. However, I feel like other people like to do planning so here we go. Selecting Your Cycling Trip Itinerary You can pretty much make any sort of cycling trip you want around Korea. You can use Naver Maps to route a bike trip from one place to another. Naver gives you the route and then off you go on your adventure. However, here are two ideas to get you started. Seoul to Busan Cycling Trip The most famous 5-7 day ride in South Korea is Seoul to Busan. The length of time depends on your commitment and your fitness level. The 633-kilometer ride has a dedicated bike trail that runs through the country’s mountainous center to the southeast Korean coast. If you track your trip you can even get a medal from the South Korean government. Everyone thinks you are cool for doing this. Incheon to Sokcho You can ride coast to coast in 3-5 days from Incheon to Sokcho. The length of time depends on your commitment and your fitness level. This cycling trip is a hybrid ride that combines trail cycling with road cycling. This trip includes some epic mountain climbs that vary depending on your route. Not many people do this. Make Your Own Adventure When researching cycling cross-country in South Korea online in English it might seem like Seoul to Busan is the only extensive cycling trip possible. However, you have plenty of options and you can usually start your cycling trips from wherever you want. For example, I will just leave my house and go ride somewhere. Just get out Naver Maps and route yourself somewhere. Below you will see two examples of random trips using Naver Maps cycling route option. What Bike I Ride The best bike choice for cycling trips in Korea is one that meets your comfort requirements and price range. I personally do my cross-country cycling on a 195,000-won multi-use bike I bought from the corner bike store five years ago. Factory gears, breaks, etc. Nothing fancy at all. It works just fine but obviously isn’t fast or sexy. However, I do start every trip with a fresh set of tires. Road Conditions You can experience pretty much everything on a long-haul cycling trip in Korea. Don’t expect perfect riding every moment of the trip. Sometimes things get hectic and the roads or paths get messy. You may be on perfect bike paths one moment and riding in the streets the next. Expect the unexpected. The lines painted on the roads can be a death trap when wet. Watch out for the paint on roads in the rain, it’s squirly at best and your worst nightmare at its worst. Don’t hit your brakes hard while on that rain-drenched paint. Crosswalks can be hectic. Not every bit of paint is a nightmare but when it gets bad, it’s bad. Weather Conditions As they infamously say, Korea has four seasons. When you choose to ride will depend on your vacation time and preferences. Nobody can promise what the weather will be like. Just remember that July and August can be Jangma which means it may be both hot AF and cold AF. Most folks might say to do long rides in the spring and fall but I just do them when I have time in whatever weather happens to exist at the time. Air Quality Don’t mess around with air quality and wear masks on bad air days. Air quality changes throughout the day so having a solid air quality app with regular updates based on time and locations will be very important. You can find masks at corner marts and pharmacies. If the air is extremely bad just take the day off. What to Pack Pack as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. Personally, I’m old and tired so I want to carry as little as possible on my bike. My bags contain: Sun Protection: 1 waterproof sunblock for face 50+, waterproof sunblock for body 50+, cooling U/V protection arm covers, cooling U/V protection neck and face cover Wet neck towel to help regulate body temp. *Sun management may be the most important part of your ride during the hot season* Daily Wear: 3 days of riding gear (including the one outfit I wear on day 1) and 1 day of “city clothes” for grabbing food at night or laundry day. Nothing fancy. (Normal outdoor clothes I get for 10,000 won or less off the street vendors or hardware stores in South Korea.) Physical Health: Kinesiology tape, magnesium oil, anti-inflammatories, allergy meds, ball for working out muscle knots, an emergency kit with bandaids and whatnot Sustenance: 3 bottled waters, 1 energy drink, 6 protein bars, 2 packets of gummies (I replenish daily) Communication: Phone, charger, backup battery Tools: Pocket knife, wheel removal tools, tire pump Toiletries: Small toothbrush and a small toothpaste (hotels and motels have pretty much everything we need or we can get it at the CU mart) Bike Gear: Loud bell, insulated water bottle, water bottle mount, smartphone mount, highly waterproof and quick-release panniers (this is where I spend my money), bike lock, bike rack, bike lights for all the things. You may notice that I carry almost nothing. No extra tires (and I have gotten a flat once) or sort of extra special gear. This is not for everyone. If I have issues with my bike I grab a ride to the nearest bike shop or ask someone for help. It’s smart to carry your own tire change kits. My bike tires happen to be hell to change and I’d rather not. With the proximity of most towns in Korea allows...

The post Intro to Cross-Country Cycling in South Korea appeared first on South of Seoul.

Visiting the best Little Prince-themed locations in Korea can be fun for adults and toddlers. Kids can enjoy the fun illustrations while parents can connect with the themes of the book as it relates to living lives abroad. Here are The Little Prince places I go with my little one. Antoine de Saint-Exupery Antoine de Saint-Exupery was the French writer, poet, journalist, and aviator, who gifted us, the dreamers and the adventures, the story of “The Little Prince”. This young prince traverses a galaxy and gains invaluable wisdom as he interacts with other characters on distant planets. And, in doing so, his story captivates audiences of any age. I’m not going to ruin this story for those who have not yet read it because, much like the quest for the holy grail, the actual treasure hides in the journey. His lessons will resonate with world travelers and expatriates, especially during a pandemic, to remind us of what is most important, our relationships with others and our imagination.  About ‘The Little Prince’ Book The Little Prince has sold millions of copies, translated into many languages, adapted to screen and theater, it’s no wonder that Korea has also fallen in love with the story. The Little Prince is filled with beautiful esoteric writing that allows the reader to reflect on their priorities, perceptions, loves, and losses. Reading ‘The Little Prince’ While Living in South Korea In fact, The Little Prince may be the perfect story for those of us who live abroad and struggle to balance our priorities. The story brings up many themes such as love we have left behind, how confirmation bias forms our perceptions of a place, and how the words of others may influence our journeys. Additionally, reading a book on Korean history written by a Korean historian and then following it up by reading “The Little Prince” with an understanding that Korea loves The Little Prince can be an incredible tool for gaining deeper insight into the heart and the soul of the culture. While you may find many locations, such as pensions and hotels, named “The Little Prince”, don’t be misled. For current and future generations of Little Prince fans, I’ve highlighted a few obvious and not so obvious places to find him.  Where to look for the Little Prince Travel Notes: For beautifully illustrated murals, pick up a coffee and treat at Cafe Hangout. This cafe isn’t 100% dedicated to The Little Prince but they do feature the character and their drinks and baked goods are fantastic so you get theme and substance. Travel Notes: For a day of feeling as though you’ve traveled into another world, visit this Little Prince theme park. This is a VERY popular Instagram spot in South Korea. Travel Notes: In the National Sejong Arboretum garden and gift shop. You’ll find beautiful, woodcrafted nightlights with the Little Prince inside. Perfect gift for Little Prince fans of any age. Travel Notes: A trip for the senses, this flower park includes a maze, a petting zoo, a tea and spa house, a cafe, and a Little Prince-inspired garden and pension. Rather than traversing the galaxy, this garden is organized by chapters so you’ll watch our main character meet characters on distant planets. If you visit during the Spring and Summer, you’ll even meet his rose. Travel Notes: Sculpture Park at St. John’s Hotel in Gangneung has a statue of the Little Prince. If you love the beach, seafood, and coffee, this is a beautiful location any time of year. Off-peak season, such as the Fall, is also much more affordable. Travel Notes: Stay in a pension that will leave you feeling relaxed and transported into the world of the Little Prince.  Travel Notes: A chromatophile’s dream adventure to a half-moon island in South Jeolla. As you walk along the bridge, you’ll meet a familiar face. Travel Notes: Take a walk along Gwangjucheon Stream in Gwangju and find a Little Prince statue. You’ll also find Little Prince murals around the city. Travel Notes: The most popular and Instagram-able location for Little Prince sightings,  Gamcheon Village in Busan.  Travel Notes: Le Petit Prince has a few cameos, as one should expect, in Fairytale Village, Incheon. Travel Notes: The Byeolmadang Kids Library in Anseong Starfield Mall – As a blend of literature, art, and technology, kids may practice coding while watching the story of The Little Prince. Travel Notes: With one of the largest collections of The Little Prince books, art, memorabilia on display, this beautiful 3-floor cafe is a must-see-destination for all Little Prince fans. There’s also a small golf putting area on the first floor and a walking trail along the side with lovely, white butterflies. As you travel around Korea, remember The Little Prince says, “Well, I must endure the presence of a few caterpillars if I wish to become acquainted with the butterflies” and allow yourselves to be transformed by his story. More family friendly trips in South Korea Join the Pyeongtaek Travelers Group You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Travelers. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly travelers (most who live in Pyeongtaek, South Korea) sharing their adventure across the country. Volunteer with South of Seoul Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. LeaDan Yee, M.EdLeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech. As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers.  She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors. Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.

The post The Best and Most Endearing Le Petit Prince Spots in South Korea appeared first on South of Seoul.

Do you live in Pyeongtaek and want a fun day outside with your kids? Here is a great hiking day with the kids on the Buraksan hiking trail. About Mr. Burak Near Osan Air Base Mt. Burak is a great place for people, of any age, who are just looking to spend some time outdoors at any time of year, though I would recommend waiting a couple of days after heavy rain. We visited in the winter, but there’s lots of shade for hot days, too. This trail is very popular, especially during the weekends and in the Autumn months. If you’re not really into hiking, there’s also a playground, with a nearby restroom at the first parking lot. And ziplines, splash pad, and rope adventure course at the second parking lot, next to the ticket office. The hike and park are free but there is a fee for the rope adventure course, but you need to be at least 8 years old for the rope course. First 1: Visit A Cafe I always start my adventures at a cafe. This one is my top recommendation in the area. It even has a signature drink named after Buraksan. In fact, this cafe has some of the most unique and tastiest coffee drinks that I’ve had in Korea, easily one of my favorite cafes here. There’s indoor seating and outdoor rooftop seating, as well as a parking lot. Second 2: Go for a Hike The Buraksan hiking trail is not stroller friendly, though dogs are also welcome, as long as they stay on a leash. It’s very well maintained area with bathrooms and trail markers. The hike is about 13.5 kilometers long, mostly flat. The Buraksan trail connects to the Deogamsan (or Mt. Deogam) trail, if you want a longer hike. Be careful as mountain biking is also allowed on these trails. Third 3: Grab Dinner After your play / hike day on the mountain, you may have worked up an appetite. If you’re able to dine out, then consider continuing through this Buraksan-themed day by visiting Buraksan Restaurant. You can also find many more restaurant recommendations for the area in the South of Seoul app. Fourth 4: Run Some Errands If you need to pick up groceries or house items on the way home, the nearby Daiso has fresh produce and meat to choose from. Finally 5: Cafe stop for the drive home Just 2-minutes from Daiso is this cute, pink cafe called 오잉카페 or Oing Cafe. Perfect dessert stop. Cherry blossoms near Buraksan Springtime is cherry blossom season in South Korea and the road leading to Buraksan is lined with them. Grab a coffee at Boaz Mansion and walk up and down the sidewalk enjoying the blooms. Should I spend the day at M. Burak today? Check out the following air quality and weather information to help you make the choice. Current Air Quality in Pyeongtaek Air quality and weather change throughout the day. However, having an idea of what the air quality is right now can help make decisions easier. You can download the Air Matters App for your phone to keep current on changing air quality conditions throughout the day. You can even set up alerts. Godeok, Pyeongtaek Air Quality https://widget.iqair.com/script/widget_v3.0.js Bijeondong, Pyeongtaek Air Quality https://widget.iqair.com/script/widget_v3.0.js Current Pyeongtaek Weather Want More? Check Out the Ultimate Hiking in South Korea Guide If today’s blog has you ready to lace up your boots, don’t stop here! We’ve partnered with United on the RoK Magazine to bring you a full resource on hiking across Korea — from beginner trails and Dulle-gil walks to epic mountain climbs and seasonal tips. Check out the Hiking in South Korea Guide Whether you’re an expat, military family, or traveler, this guide will help you plan your next adventure and discover the trails that make Korea a hiker’s paradise. LeaDan Yee, M.EdLeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech. As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers.  She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors. Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.

The post Buraksan (Mountain) Hike itinerary appeared first on South of Seoul.

Looking for an easy hiking day trip as a family or a relaxing hike for a date? With plenty of parking and very little traffic, you will find this day trip to Yeonginsan Natural Recreational Forest a relaxing way to escape from your routine. About Yeonginsan Natural Recreational Forest Yeonginsan Natural Recreational Forest is a great location for outdoor exercise at any time of year. Perfect for times when you need to socially distance and avoid indoor locations. The hikes are also family-friendly, as is often the case in Korea. If our toddler can do this, so can you! We love this spot because we’re both from places with beautiful mountains. Depending on the time of year, Yeonginsan Natural Recreational Forest hosts a number of outdoor activities such as water facilities (July & August, from 1000 to 1700, you MUST wear swimming suits and swimming caps), athletic facilities, ziplines (April to November, from 0930 to 1700) and, if you prefer to stay on location, campsites. You can learn more on the Korean language website. Where Your Day: 2 Cafes Near Yeonginsan Natural Recreational Forest I prefer to start my adventures at a cafe for a coffee if it’s before noon, a warm drink if it’s autumn or winter, or something refreshing if it’s any other time. Here’s where I would start the Mt. Yeongin daytrip adventure. These two cafes get you in the mood to have a relaxing hike. Sanirang has lovely flower decor and is next to the lower level parking lot before you begin your ascent up the mountain. Amerik Hanok is just two minutes away and has more traditional Korean architecture. Options for Starting the Mt. Yeongin Hike Option 1 (moderate): While there’s a wooden walkway that begins at the lower parking lot area, I don’t recommend starting the hike from here unless you’re really planning on making this a full day’s adventure. Either way, make sure you have your usual hiking needs, including snacks and water because you’ll have quite a few hike/walk options, including scenic and photo opportunities, the arboretum, a fortress, mountain top pagoda, and waterfalls. Option 2 (easy): Drive up the mountain until you reach the parking attendant, who will collect your entry fee. We paid W6,000 for our family admission and parking. We also parked at this point, next to a lodge, cabins, basketball courts, and a playground below. If you drive further up, then you’ll find another parking lot next to restrooms and a foot/shoe cleaning area.  After this point, the road seems to be reserved for service vehicles. This is where I would recommend starting your hike. After the first photo zone, you’ll see a little sculpture garden and waterfall. This will be the first of many opportunities to choose your next path. Pagoda Observatory “Yeonginsanseong 956 stairs. The pagoda was built to commemorate the re-illumination of the historical and cultural values of the Korean people through trials and tribulations (the Sino-Japanese War) and the construction of an international trading port in the Asan Bay area. Standing at the top of the mountain, you can see the West Sea, Sapgyocheon Stream, Asan Bay Embankment, and Asan City at a glance. • Gitdaebong · Sinseonbong Asan’s Jinsan Yeonginsan Mountain (ub) is 363.6m above sea level and its name has the meaning of ‘there is a miraculous adventure that follows people’s origins’. Since there is a well, it is a mountain where rain rituals were held when there was a drought. By bypassing the 956 stairway of Yeonginsanseong Fortress, it was designed to prevent damage to the castle ruins and to safely approach and view the castle ruins. Yeonginsanseong Fortress is a stone fortress built during the Baekje period, and the circumference of the fortress is 1,000 m. The best part of the fortress wall is the east wall, which is currently about 3m high and the section between 300m and 400m is relatively well preserved.” Brazilian Restaurant and Cafe Nearby For Dinner Begonia Restaurant and Cafe is 20-minutes away and if you’re heading towards Camp Humphreys or Pyeongtaek, then it’s on the way. You must have worked out an appetite so I’d recommend grabbing a full course meal. The property is a photo opportunity that you shouldn’t miss and, if you’re a carnivore, then you won’t be disappointed. Go for the garlic beef, but stay for the grilled pineapple! If you brought the kids, there’s also a salad and pasta bar. Discover more hikes Join the Pyeongtaek Travelers Group You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Travelers. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly travelers (most of who live in Pyeongtaek, South Korea) sharing their adventures across the country. Volunteer with South of Seoul Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. LeaDan Yee, M.EdLeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech. As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers.  She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors. Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.

The post Yeongingsan (Mountain) Arboretum Itinerary appeared first on South of Seoul.

To clarify, we are the lazy people in question. Hopefully, our laziness helps others follow in our footsteps. Here is our favorite Yongpong ski resort itinerary. About this Weekend Itinerary Recently we took a ‘housemates trip’ to Gangwon-do in order to get back into snowboarding after two of us had to take a few years off due to injuries. That means this ski trip itinerary was tested by intermediate snowboarders of varying levels of physical functionality. We were terrified the trip would end in disaster (more injuries) but nothing like that happened. We were all able to comfortably snowboard within our abilities and the trip was perfect. We HIGHLY recommend that anyone thinking about hitting the slopes in Korea takes this as the sign to give it a try. Trip Plan by Winter Friend Sometimes our house doesn’t have the energy to plan things for our group. During such times, Winter Friend and the associated travel planners save our butts. We do a bank transfer and they send us the plan for the day or a weekend. If you are like us, we recommend using a company like Winter Friend as they have connections with the right places. We gave them money and they made the magic happen. Plus, they also have some pre-planned trips with leaders that you can join. Seriously though, they have some great deals including a bus that goes from Seoul to Yongpyong if you don’t have a car. For us, we usually mix and match the Winter Friend plan with our own journey. That means we will let them organize the hotel, lift tickets, tell us where to rent gear, etc. Then we coordinate our own transportation and meals. That’s because we need the flexibility to research the area for our South of Seoul community. Here is what our mix and match Winter Friend snowboard weekend looked like. DAY 1: Departure + McDonalds or Starbucks Since this trip was about being lazy, we didn’t make breakfast. Instead, we went to the drive-through on the way out of town. Both McDonald’s and Starbucks offer breakfast sandwiches and coffee. You are about to spend all day on the slopes so you don’t need to be cutting calories today. DAY 1: Grab a Hearty Lunch Gangwondo is filled with great places to grab lunch. We usually go with Korean food since our favorite meals come from Gangwondo, on this trip we didn’t break with tradition. We also didn’t plan ahead. Instead, we took the back roads through the mountains and found a place along the way. Not the fastest way to the resort, but certainly the most beautiful. All I wanted was a handmade tofu meal on a cold winter’s day. Tofu in Korea is not seen as a vegetarian dish. It’s simply delicious food. That means most tofu meals will also include meat. In this case, it was elements of seafood. As soon as I saw this spot I was like, “Stop the car and go back. That place is going to be unique and delicious. ” As always, I was right. I have a six-sense for fabulous Korean food. However, if you aren’t obsessed with Korean food like we are, Gangwondo also has many wonders such as White Crow Brewing. This is a perfect spot for beers and lunch. DAY 1: Arrive Near YongPong Ski Resort and Rent Gear Before going to the resort we needed to get your snowboard pants, jacket, goggles, etc. (Assuming you don’t have any) We had Winter Friend set this up for us so that we didn’t need to spend time choosing a gear shop. The costs for our outfits included 15,000 won for pants and jacket, googles 15,000 won, and helmet around 4,000 won. We also didn’t have gloves right for snow and ended up buying some at the shop for 18,000 won. The great all worked great. Quite happy. In the future, we will also rent our boards here because they have 24hr rentals (on this trip we rented from Yongpyong Ski Resort) which means you can keep the gear all night for morning skiing. Also, the gear rental shop gave all of us bags to hold the gear which made the whole day MUCH easier. This thoughtful addition to the experience was a welcome surprise. DAY 1: Check-in at Dragon Valley Hotel Keep in mind, actual room check-in isn’t until 3:00pm. However, Dragon Valley Hotel will let you check in early and then text you when the room is ready. That way you can get on the slopes as soon as you arrive and go straight to your room after you finish. We like Dragon Valley Hotel because you exit right out into the lifts, they have an affordable breakfast buffet (19,00 won), and comfortable beds. We like things to be simple and easy. DAY 1: Get Your Lift Tickets The ticket office is only a one-minute walk out the door of Dragon Valley Hotel. You can purchase lift tickets from either an automated ticketing kiosk or a human-assisted one. The automated ticketing kiosk is in English. DAY 1: Get Your Board and Boots If you decide to rent boards at the ski resort, you can also pick these up before or after you lift tickets. Give yourself about 1 hour to go through this whole process. You will need to store your shoes and adjust your gear. Also, the resort boards and boots were in surprisingly good shape. The guards on the snowboard tips were a little annoying while riding. You will need to write your Korean shoe size on a piece of paper in order to get your boots. Thankfully they have a nice easy way to measure your shoe size. You also need to know your height in cm. Don’t judge my socks. All of the shoe lockers were full when we arrived so we put our boots on top of the lockers. Nobody stole them. You can also put them in your car. DAY 1: Hit the Slopes Two of us are recovering from injuries so we stuck to the easier hills while another went to explore more lifts and routes. We loved the flexibility to play on the bunny hill and work on our skills after our lift tickets and finished for the day. All we could keep saying was, “This is the best day ever” while we struggled through the pain of getting back into slopes shape. The lifts at the bottom of the hill had longer waiting times than the lifts further up the slopes. That said, we never had to wait very long to catch a ride. DAY 1: Dinner in Town The prices for dinner at Dragon Valley Hotel were out of our price range but thankfully we had a car. There is a very cute mountain town near YongPyong Ski Resort that was beautifully updated during the 2018 Winter Olympics. You can find burgers, chicken, pizza, coffee shops, BBQ, Galbi, and more. It’s also stunning during evening snow. We parked and walked around looking for the perfect spot. Since we can’t resist an alley filled with art and snow, we ended up at Donuri. This smalls, cozy Korean food restaurant offers up fabulous samgyupsal and kimchi. We ate way too many side dishes and rolled home. This restaurant will be spot we come back to in the future. Day 1: Go To Bed Early To maximize our weekend wanted to go to bed early. After dinner, we headed right back to Dragon Valley Hotel and get some rest. We regretted not bringing some games to play and will do that next time, instead, we took some time to enjoy the beautiful light display and outdoor fire pit. The Dragon Valley Hotel beds were nice and we slept like babies. Keep in mind, we have lived in South Korea for over a decade (8 years on sleeping on the floor) and have no idea what western beds feel like anymore. These seemed softer than other places we stay, so western folks might like them. Day 2: Wake up Early and Grab a Buffet Breakfast After you wake up and have your hotel coffee, head to the Dragon Valley Hotel Breakfast Buffet. This western and Korean breakfast is heavy in meat and hearty foods that will keep you running on the slopes. The main reasons to eat at the Dragon Valley Hotel breakfast buffet are convenience, price, opening early, and great selection. I actually enjoyed the buffet at YongPyong Resort. I did NOT want to eat there because I deeply dislike buffet food. However, the Dragon Valley Hotel buffet made me eat my words. They had an excellent selection that they maintained the food very well. I will absolutely go here for breakfast when I am in the area. It was 19,000 won when we went, but prices are subject to change. Day 2: Morning Ski Literally don’t sleep on skiing in the morning. You can miss many of the crowds and have some excellent snow. Day 2: Lunch at the Ski Slope Food Court Yongpong Ski Resort has a sizeable food court where you can easily take a break in the middle of the day. Remember that everyone else will also be taking a break at lunch, so allow plenty of time to eat. We chose to eat on the road but also recommend eating at the resort to keep life simple. Day 2: Head home around 12:00 or 1:00 pm to to beat traffic Traffic home on a Sunday can get quite intense if you need to return to Seoul or drive through Seoul. Leaving earlier in the day will keep the day less stressful and allow you to arrive home in time for dinner. Day 2: Grab Dinner Before Getting Back to the House Stop dinner on the way home! After a long weekend, we often go to California Roll & Sushi. Since they also LOVE snowboarding we can enjoy dinner and chat about the weekend. The perfect end to the day. We even order mountain-themed sushi roll to keep on theme. Join the Pyeongtaek Travelers Group You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Travelers. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly travelers (most who live in Pyeongtaek, South Korea) sharing their adventure across the country. Volunteer with South of Seoul Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAITLanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert. Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities. Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea. Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea. When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains. www.southofseoul.net

The post Dragon Valley Hotel and Yongpong Ski Resort Weekend Itinerary for Lazy People appeared first on South of Seoul.

About Skiing in Gangwon-do Gangwondo has a variety of resorts and offers the best skiing and snowboarding in South Korea. Gangwon-do takes up the northeastern part of South Korea. Mountains cover the vast majority of Gangwon-do. If you love skiing or snowboarding, you will love a day on the slopes of the ski resorts included in this blog post . As always, you can find such resorts in the South of Seoul app which can be downloaded from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Gangwon-do hosted the 2018 winter Olympics which means a number of ski resorts like Aplensia Ski Resort received a little extra funding to make things extra nice. The area looks like a classic western ski resort. This resort feels like you have been transported to Colorado while the neighboring Yongpyong Ski Resorts feels like classic Korea in all the best ways. Ski Season in Gangwon-do Depending on the weather, the ski season in Gangwondo runs from December through March. If you have questions about ski season you can contact 1330. Calling to check on the status of the slopes is especially important during the early and late ski season or during warm winters. Snow Conditions in Gangwon-do During the early and last season, much of the snow on the slopes may be man-made. To get the best snow, ski in the morning and evening. Additionally, soft and powdery days do exist if you get lucky but it will not be knee-deep. Managing Snow Expectations Obviously, it’s better at Whistler but don’t live anywhere near Canada. Skiing in Korea isn’t about the fact the slopes are perfect. It’s about a passion for the snow and carving your joy down a mountain. It’s about time with family and friends. It’s about pushing yourself to try new things, in a new play, in a new way. If you are a super picky snow connoisseur who can’t enjoy life if the slopes are not exactly like that one resort you visited somewhere else once on a perfect snow day, skiing in Gangwon-do might not be your thing. No one is trying to sell you Korea as the world’s best ski destination. We encourage you to stay home mad about it this weekend and miss the joyful feeling of wind in your hair, fresh mountain air, and stunning mountain views. Resort Route Maps Available on Naver Maps The Naver Maps app makes it easy to see what routes exist at each ski resort. Since Naver Maps has an English language option, you can use the app to easily navigate between ski lifts during your trip. You can use the app to answer questions you have regarding difficulty level, number of lifts, number of runs, and more. Naver Maps uses the following colors for the following difficulty levels: When you zoom in on the map, you can also see which lifts take you to each part of the run. Some runs may require two lifts and other lifts may provide access to more than one run. All of this detail can be easily accessed through Naver Maps. Tips for What to Take A few quick tips for packing for your trip to the mountains: Lift Tickets Lift tickets are available for purchase in-person at each Gangwon-do resort or online. They can be purchased for the morning, afternoon, evening, and all day, and some resorts even offer one-run passes. Additionally, annual passes can be purchased. Prices vary by resort. Online and in-person lift ticket purchases may vary. If you are determined to pre-purchase tickets, you can use a bi-lingual concierge service. Skiing in Gangwon-do for Beginners Don’t hesitate to try skiing or snowboarding in South Korea. Due to the fact gear is easy to rent and lift ticket prices are affordable, there has never been a better time fall in love with either skiing or snowboarding. If you hate the slopes, you can enjoy the surrounding lodges and mountain views. Gangwon-do ski resorts generally have ski and snowboard instructors for all ages and lessons can often be scheduled on the same day. Of course, reservations will help ensure a more smooth process. Because of the pandemic, ski and snowboard class schedules and class sizes may vary based on current local procedures. You can use a bi-lingual concierge service to help schedule your lessons. Some resorts may have a small slope where beginner ski and snowboarders can walk up the baby slope and practice their skills for free. Such access varies depending on the resort. This can make learning quite affordable. We often spend a few hours on these slopes at the beginning of each ski season getting back in the groove before taking the lift. As a beginner, no one expects you to be on the slopes all day. Plan for a few hours and then take a rest and reflect on your experience. Nobody has to be a hero on the first day. Give yourself permission to be terrible, to spend most of the day in the lodge, enjoy things at your own pace, and be happy about just showing up. Lift Ticket Discounts Korean ski resorts offer lift ticket discounts via a variety of platforms such as KLOOK, Coupang, Yanolja, GMarket, Auction, and more. Many of these apps require a Korean ID and banking information to make purchases. X3 Multi Resort Ski Passes in Korea In 2021 YongPong, Phoenix Pyeongchang, and High1 Resort began offering the X3 Season pass. The prices ranged from 400,000 – 650,000 won for the ski season depending on when and where the passes are purchased. Hopefully, more multi-pass ski resort options will become available in future years. If you are determined to get a lift ticket multi-pass, you can use a bi-lingual concierge service. Gear Rental at Gangwon-do Ski Resorts Each ski resort may have a different rental situation as they are all managed and operated under different conditions. While some may offer ski and snowboard rentals while others may need you to rent from nearby independent rental shops. We often prefer indie rental shops as they may offer 24-hour rentals which means we can ski in the evening and in the morning. Independent rental shops also offer goggles, jackets, pants, and helmet rentals (gloves and hats you usually need to bring). We have easily found clothing for women up to size 16. Such rentals are also surprisingly affordable. Around 15,000 – 45,000 for the day depending on what you need. 7 Best Gangwon-do Ski Resorts You can’t go wrong with any of the ski resorts in Gangwon-do. Want to know more about High1 Resort? Check this blog by Molly Hayden. Learn More About Resorts in Gyeonggi-do Gyeonggi-do also has a number of smaller resorts that may offer easier access. Learn More About Back Country Skiing in South Korea One company does offer backcountry skiing and you can learn more on the South of Seoul blog. South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

The post 7 Best Ski Resorts in Gangwon-do appeared first on South of Seoul.

You can ski at midnight at Jisan Forest near Seoul and Pyeongtaek. A fun spot to blow off some steam after work if you don’t mind dodging the people. About Jisan Forest Ski Resort It’s not the highest, the largest, or the best ski resort in South Korea, but Jisan Forest Resort has its perks. It boasts seven small runs suited for beginners and is perfect for those wanting to hone their skills. It’s an easy drive and with tickets sold in chunks of a few hours, and late-night offerings available, it makes for a fun trip – day or night.   Location of Jisan Forest Ski Resort Jisan Forest Resort is located in Icheon, a short 45-minute jaunt from both Pyeongtaek and Seoul (if you manage the latter without traffic). The road to enter the parking lot and resort is a bit windy and bumpy, so use caution and drive slowly. Parking is free and lots fill up on the weekends.  Runs at Jisan Forest Ski Resort Runs are numbered 1-3 (beginners) and 5-8 (intermediate/advanced), beginning on the left if you are facing the slopes. Notice run 4 is skipped, as the number 4 is a symbol of bad luck here in South Korea. The largest vertical drop of the advanced hill measures around 200 meters.   Tips for Beginners at Jisan Forest Ski Resort If you hike up the tiny beginners’ hill all the way to the left, you can ski for free. This is great for absolute beginners learning their equipment, or to practice before getting on the lift. Once you take a lift or the magic carpet, the time on your ski pass begins. They also have a sledding hill located all the way to the right.  If you are a beginner, stay on the beginner’s hills. Even as an advanced skier, I found the intermediate hills to be hazardous due to the number of inexperienced riders. So many boarders and skiers were crashing into riders below them.  Be Careful of Others and Watchout for Yourself Anytime you are on the slope, it is your responsibility to take care not to run into anyone downhill from you. Unfortunately, this was not the case at Jisan Forest and we witnessed numerous injuries. The intermediate runs also seemed to be the most crowded. If you’re advanced, stick to run 6, and if you’re a beginner, runs 1-3 are best.  Gear at Jisan Forest Ski Resort All gear is available to rent at two different shops at the resort. Make sure to rent next to the slope you intend to ski so you’re not schlepping gear unnecessarily far. Masks are required; helmets are encouraged.  Costs at Jisan Forest Ski Resort Overall Jisan Forest is priced higher than I would expect for what you get. The cost is more or comparable to larger ski resorts like High1 will have far fewer runs and altitudes, and the prices for lessons at the ski school are more than double. But since it’s closer (45 minutes drive vs. 2.5 hours drive) is maybe worth the money spent. They did offer a military discount on the lift ticket for those who have an ID, but no price cut for kids, so my 6-year-old’s ticket ended up costing more than mine. Discounts are also available at 30% off when you pay with an affiliated credit card from Shinhan, KB, NH or Hana banks.  Prices are as follows: Adult/Child *Note these are the prices listed at the resort and differ greatly from what is listed on their website.  The lift card has a 1000 won deposit. There are machines to turn them in at the end of the day to receive your deposit back.  Hours and Times for Jisan Forest Ski Resort Hours for skiing are weekdays, 9 a.m. – 2 a.m., weekend Fri-Sat, 9 a.m. – 4 a.m.  Runs are closed for grooming 5- 6:30 p.m., Sun-Thursday; and 5- 6:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. – 12 a.m. Fri-Sat.  Jisan Forest Ski School Info For more info visit https://www.jisanresort.co.kr/en/index.asp, ski school information can be found here: http://laurenkidschool.com/. Then, after class you can try to ski at midnight at Jisan Forest. Molly HaydenJournalist Molly Hayden has worked in the journalism field in Germany and the United States. In 2021 she relocated to South Korea. As a volunteer Cultural Liason and Content Creator, Ms. Hayden reports on a variety of life & style topics with a focus on families living in rural South Korea.

The post Want to ski at midnight? Head to Jisan Forest!  appeared first on South of Seoul.