High1 Resort South Korea — Complete Guide 2026

Q: What are the ski pass prices at High1?

High1 lift passes are significantly cheaper than Alpine equivalents. A full-day adult pass runs approximately KRW 85,000–100,000 (around $65–75 USD). Multi-day packages and combined ski-plus-stay packages from the resort hotel offer better value. Night skiing (which High1 offers extensively) is available at reduced rates. Book online for discounts.

Q: What is the snow like at High1?

High1's snowfall is relatively modest (the Gangwon Province climate delivers decent natural snow), but the resort has extensive snowmaking that ensures coverage throughout the season. The cold Korean winter temperatures (-15°C to -5°C is typical) preserve the machine-made snow well and produce good skiing conditions even without heavy natural snowfall. The season runs from approximately late November to mid-March.

Q: Can I visit High1 as a day trip from Seoul?

Technically yes — the KTX journey of under 2.5 hours each way makes a day trip possible. However, the journey time means you'd arrive at 10am and need to leave by 4pm for a manageable day. Staying one or two nights at the resort hotel is far more rewarding and gives you a full skiing experience, especially if you want to enjoy night skiing and the resort's other facilities.

Q: What languages are spoken at High1?

Korean is the primary language, but High1 caters well to international visitors — English signage is available throughout the resort, English-speaking ski instructors are available (book in advance), and the resort hotel staff speak English. Japanese is also commonly spoken given the significant Japanese visitor contingent. Most key transactions can be completed in English.

Q: What else is there to do at High1 besides skiing?

High1 is a full resort complex — the casino at the top of the gondola is one of Korea's largest and most visited (operated by High1 Casino, open to non-Korean passport holders). The resort also has a spa, indoor swimming pool, ice rink, and various dining options. The Gangwon Province location puts you near cultural sites and the nearby coal mining history of the Gohan-Saro area is documented in local museums.

High1 Resort is South Korea’s most serious ski destination — the largest vertical drop in the country (830m), the most varied terrain, and a full resort complex in the Gangwon Province mountains that draws both domestic Korean skiers and international visitors seeking Asian skiing beyond Japan. The resort is built around a striking gondola that rises to 1,340m, a large casino complex, a well-designed ski area across several slopes, and the KTX high-speed rail connection that puts it within 2.5 hours of Seoul. For those exploring Korean ski culture, High1 is the benchmark.

Resort overview

High1 sits in the mountains of Gangwon Province, in the former coal mining district around Gohan and Sabuk. The transformation of a coal mining area into a resort is an interesting part of the story — the Kangwon Land casino complex at the heart of High1 was established specifically to bring economic development to the region, and the ski resort developed alongside it. Today the resort is a major domestic destination, particularly popular during Korean school holidays and weekends when it draws large crowds from Seoul.

The ski area covers 18 named runs with 830m of vertical — genuinely good numbers for East Asia, comparable to mid-tier European resorts. The three main skiing zones (Rainbow Slope, High Slope, and the interconnected resort area) provide variety for different ability levels. The resort operates extensive night skiing on lit runs — a popular option given the busy Korean ski culture that often sees skiers arriving in the evening after work.

Getting there

The KTX high-speed train from Seoul (Cheongnyangni station or Seoul Station) to Gohan-Saro is the recommended route — approximately 2 hours by KTX, then a free resort shuttle bus for 15 minutes. The total door-to-resort time from central Seoul is under 2.5 hours. Incheon International Airport (ICN) to the resort is approximately 3 hours by KTX connection. The train is comfortable, reliable, and avoids the highway traffic that can extend road travel times significantly, particularly on Friday evenings and holiday weekends. Book KTX tickets in advance on the Korail website (or via the Korail app in English).

Looking for flights? Search flights to High1 Resort South Korea — compare prices across airlines and find the best deal for your dates.

The skiing

Terrain and pistes

18 runs covering the 830m vertical — the breakdown is approximately 30% beginner (green), 40% intermediate (blue/red), 30% advanced (black). The Vivaldi slope and Rainbow slope areas form the main skiing zones, with the upper mountain accessed via the gondola providing the most challenging terrain. The black runs on the upper mountain are genuinely demanding by Korean standards — sustained steeps with groomed and mogul options. The beginner zones at the base are well-designed with separate lift access from the main mountain traffic. Night skiing is available on the main runs until 11pm — an experience that’s distinctly Asian in character, with illuminated slopes and a lively atmosphere.

Ski school

High1 Ski School offers instruction in Korean and English — English-speaking instructors should be booked in advance as availability can be limited during peak periods. Group lessons, private lessons, and junior programs are available. Equipment rental is well-organized at the base with a range of modern ski and snowboard gear.

Lift passes

High1 lift passes are affordable by global standards. A full-day adult pass runs approximately KRW 85,000–100,000 (around $60–75 USD). Half-day and night skiing passes offer further flexibility. Combined packages booking the resort hotel with lift passes provide significant discounts — the Kangwon Land resort package is the standard approach for overnight visitors. Weekend passes are slightly higher than weekday prices. Book online for the best rates.

Where to stay

The Kangwon Land Hotel and the High1 Grand Hotel at the resort base are the primary accommodation options — large, well-appointed properties with direct ski access, multiple restaurants, the casino, spa, and indoor pool. Hotel packages including lift passes represent good value and simplify logistics. Staying on-mountain rather than commuting from Seoul is strongly recommended for a full resort experience — the night skiing, the casino atmosphere, and the morning first tracks on fresh groomed snow are best accessed from on-site accommodation.

Browse ski lessons and activities at High1 Resort on GetYourGuide →

Ready to book your stay? Search hotels near High1 Resort South Korea on Booking.com — compare hundreds of options from budget to luxury, with free cancellation on most rooms.

Après-ski

High1’s après scene is distinctly Korean — the casino is the dominant evening attraction, and the resort complex has multiple restaurants serving both Korean cuisine and international options. The casino (Kangwon Land Casino) is one of the only casinos in South Korea open to Korean nationals (most Korean casinos are foreigner-only), and it operates round the clock with a very local atmosphere. For those not interested in gambling, the hotel restaurants, the jjimjilbang (Korean sauna) in the hotel, and the indoor pool are excellent evening options. Korean ski culture involves significant socializing over food and drink — the galbi and samgyeopsal restaurants in the resort complex are worth seeking out.

Best time to visit

January and February for peak skiing conditions — the coldest temperatures, best snow quality, and fullest mountain operation. The Korean winter is genuinely cold (overnight temperatures regularly reaching -15°C to -20°C at altitude), which preserves the snowmaking well. Avoid Korean school holiday weeks (roughly Christmas-New Year, late January around Lunar New Year/Seollal, and February school holidays) for the most relaxed experience — the resort gets very busy with domestic visitors during these periods. Weekday visits offer a dramatically different experience from weekends.

Tips and insider advice

Book KTX tickets in advance, especially for weekends — the Gohan-Saro line fills up on Friday evenings heading to the resort.
The resort provides free shuttle buses from Gohan-Saro station — no taxi needed from the train.
Night skiing at High1 is a genuine experience worth doing at least once — the illuminated slopes, the Korean après crowd, and the mountain atmosphere at night is distinctly different from daytime skiing.
The jjimjilbang (Korean sauna) in the hotel is highly recommended after a cold day on the mountain — a cultural experience as much as a practical one.
Weekdays offer dramatically shorter lift queues — if your schedule allows, avoid Friday evenings through Sunday.
English signage is available throughout, but learning a few Korean phrases is appreciated by local staff and adds to the cultural experience.

Frequently asked questions

How does High1 compare to Yongpyong and Vivaldi Park?

High1 is South Korea’s largest ski resort by vertical drop (830m) and has the most varied terrain — more challenging runs than either Yongpyong or Vivaldi Park. It’s more remote (2.5+ hours from Seoul by KTX) but rewards the journey with the best skiing in Korea. For serious skiers, High1 is the top choice.

How do I get to High1 Resort from Seoul?

The fastest option is the KTX high-speed train from Seoul to Gohan-Saro station (approximately 2 hours), followed by a free resort shuttle bus (15 minutes). Total journey under 2.5 hours. Book KTX tickets in advance on the Korail website or app.

Is High1 Resort good for beginners?

High1 has excellent beginner facilities — a well-designed beginner slope area with conveyor belt lifts, professional ski school instruction in English and Korean, and rental equipment at the base. The beginner areas are kept separate from the main slopes.

What are the ski pass prices at High1?

A full-day adult pass runs approximately KRW 85,000–100,000 (around $60–75 USD). Multi-day packages and combined ski-plus-stay packages from the resort hotel offer better value. Night skiing is available at reduced rates. Book online for discounts.

What is the snow like at High1?

High1 has extensive snowmaking that ensures coverage throughout the season. The cold Korean winter temperatures preserve machine-made snow well and produce good skiing conditions. The season runs from approximately late November to mid-March.

Can I visit High1 as a day trip from Seoul?

Technically yes, but staying one or two nights is far more rewarding — it gives you full access to night skiing, morning first tracks, and the full resort experience without rush. The 2.5-hour each-way journey is manageable for a day trip but leaves limited time on the mountain.

What languages are spoken at High1?

Korean is the primary language, but English signage is available throughout and English-speaking ski instructors can be booked in advance. Most key transactions can be completed in English. Japanese is also commonly spoken.

What else is there to do at High1 besides skiing?

High1 has a casino (Kangwon Land — one of the only ones open to Korean nationals), spa, indoor swimming pool, ice rink, and multiple dining options. The full resort complex makes it a self-contained destination even for non-skiers in your group.

More Ski Resorts in South Korea

See our guide to the best ski resorts in South Korea, or explore more resorts nearby: