Republished from Agoda Travel Guides
Make winter an even more magical time in South Korea with this year’s lineup of winter activities for Visit Korea. Soar down the slopes at the country’s top ski resorts, and warm up at a family-friendly spa in one of Seoul’s most popular shopping spots. No matter how you like to play in the snow, Visit Korea Year 2023-24 features an activity for you!
Enjoy Korea | Ski and Ocean Winter Tour
Spend three days and two nights enjoying top activities in Gangwon Province during a ski and ocean tour. Book accommodations at Vivaldi Park Ski Resort to have all-inclusive access to the park’s skiing and snowboarding activities, outdoor theme park, restaurants and 5-star facilities. Many suites and condos provide direct access to the park’s 13 slopes, which have options for all skill levels and ages.
Travelers who just want to spend just one day in the snow can opt for a one-day pass or nighttime skiing packages. Just 80 minutes from Seoul, the park is a perfect place for a daytrip and just a short drive from another can’t-miss K-Culture landmark in Gangwon Province – Juminjin Breakwater. Since appearing in the 2016 K-drama “Goblin,” the coastal attraction near Jumunjin Beach has become a hot spot for selfies and romantic photo shoots. The location is about a 30-minute ride from Vivaldi Park Ski Resort and a two-hour bus ride from Seoul.
BOOK THE SKI AND OCEAN WINTER TOUR
Aquafield Jimjilbang Spa & Sauna Experience | Goyang, Hanam & Anseong
Travelers looking for a high-end spa experience with a modern twist will want to head to Aquafield Jimjilbang Spa and Sauna in Starfield Mall. Featuring one-of-a-kind treatments in a charcoal room, as well as outdoor foot baths and rooftop infinity pool packages, this convenient experience is guaranteed to melt your stress away. And did we mention that kids are welcome, too? While children splash in multiple pools and slip down slides, parents can soak up the scent of cypress trees while relaxing in the Cypress Room or immerse themselves in a completely different galaxy in the Media Art Room. The options for fun and relaxation are almost endless and absolutely perfect for the entire family.
BOOK THE AQUAFIELD JIMJILBANG SPA & SAUNA EXPERIENCE
Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Sites and History | Full-Day Tour with Lunch
Go with a professional guide to explore UNESCO World Heritage sites in Gyeongju. This eight-hour private tour requires at least two people and includes lunch, entrance fees and round-trip transportation from your hotel.
Tour stops
- Cheomseongdae Observatory – the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia, this stone structure is renowned for its architecture as much as its view. Designated as National Treasure No. 31, the pavilion stone observatory is believed to have been used to determine directions, as the 362 stones used to build the structure may represent the 362 days in a lunar year.
- Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond – restored to its historical beauty in the 1970s, Wolji Pond originally was built between 661 and 681 AD, according to records preserved from the Silla Kingdom. Fit for royalty and located inside the present ruins of Wolseung Fortress, the pond is especially magical in winter.
- Imhaejeonji – find out why the crown prince’s palace is one of the most important buildings on the Silla royal family palace grounds.
- Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village – get a glimpse inside the infamous Choi Clan’s lifestyle at the House of the Gyeongju Choi Clan. This historic landmark is listed as Important Folklore Material No. 27 and is located in the hanok community of Gyeongju Gyochon Village. Also inside the village, guests can sample Gyeongju Gyodong Beopju Liquor, listed as the country’s Important Intangible Cultural Asset No. 86-3.
- Daereungwon Tomb Complex – spend an hour exploring the tombs and artifacts of kings and queens. View 23 tombs and thousands of ancient artifacts during this unique experience that combines culture and history.
- Seokguram – venture up Tohamsan Mountain to view National Treasure No. 24 and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Believed to have been built alongside Bulguksa Temple, the granite grotto contains a deep family history only revealed on this leg of the tour.
- Bulguksa Temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, Bulguksa Temple is one of South Korea’s most admired cultural and historical landmarks. Built in 528 AD and restored multiple times over the centuries, the temple houses numerous national treasures.
BOOK THE GYEONGJU GYOCHON TRADITIONAL VILLAGE EXPERIENCE
Busan Spa Land Centum City Ticket
Book a ticket in advance to guarantee a spot in this incredible bathhouse. Melt your cares away in Korean-style spas, hot spring baths and saunas. Guests are invited to visit the facilities and restaurant from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. any day of the week. Tickets are valid for four hours. For an even more luxurious and all-inclusive experience, book a room at Centum Premier Hotel.
BUY TICKETS TO BUSAN SPA LAND CENTUM CITY
Museum Kimchikan Discount Ticket | Seoul, Insadong
A true taste of Korean cuisine, this tour features all things kimchi! Visitors will learn about the history of this spicy staple as well as taste and take home kimchi souvenirs. The museum was selected as one of the World’s Top 11 Food Museums by CNN and explores the Joseon Dynasty Kimchi culture and current Kimchi history and culture. Visitors will even learn the regional characteristics of kimchi during this unforgettable foodie adventure.
