In Korea, ski resorts offer the chance to experience the most dynamic side of winter. Surrounded by pure white snow, you move your body more actively than at any other time of year, taking in the physical sensations of winter. Perhaps that’s why ski resorts often appear in K-dramas at the start of a romance or when emotions start to deepen.

In Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, The Legend of the Blue Sea, and Spring of Youth, ski resorts were shown to capture winter’s unique atmosphere and romance. All of these scenes were filmed at resorts in Gangwon-do, on Korea’s eastern side. Because this region sees abundant snowfall, it has resorts that boast slopes of various difficulty levels, and each resort comes with accommodations, spas, and restaurants that make them ideal one-stop winter getaways.

Among them, Phoenix Snow Park in Pyeongchang was the main filming location for the classic romance Autumn in My Heart. Located on a pristine highland plateau, it offers beautiful scenery and is open year-round, with extensive facilities beyond skiing. Even beginners can enjoy the resort, making it popular with families. Meanwhile, the ski resort featured in Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, where Kim Shin searches for Ji Eun-tak after learning the truth about the sword, is the Mona YongPyong. With courses ranging from beginner to advanced, it’s a beloved destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

Both resorts are easily accessible via shuttle buses that leave from Seoul and the greater metropolitan area. If you’d like to experience Korea’s winter at its most exhilarating, a ski resort trip is the perfect choice!

Ice rinks are some of the most romantic places to enjoy winter in Korea. Trying not to lose your balance on the ice, holding hands, and gliding together slowly create a feeling that is unique to the season. It’s no wonder ice-rink dates appear often in Korean shows. Both the romantic outing of Na In-woo and Park Min-young in Marry My Husband and the sweet scene where Geon-hu takes Hae-yi skating in Crash Course in Romance took place at ice rinks. They’re also a popular backdrop in dating reality shows, hosting many memorable romantic moments.

Ice rinks are also beloved as winter activity spots in general. Korea has a good mix of indoor and outdoor rinks, each with a different vibe, so travelers can choose based on their preference. Many are connected to major urban landmarks, making it easy to add skating to an itinerary. Even if you don’t plan to skate, you can still take winter-themed photos or explore the nearby attractions.

One of the most iconic of these places is the Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink, an outdoor rink set up every winter in front of City Hall. Its offers the magical experience of skating against the backdrop of the city. Operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, admission is affordable at only 1,000 KRW per session. It’s also close to Deoksugung Palace and Cheonggyecheon Stream, so it’s perfect for a casual stop during a day out. Another favorite spot is the Lotte World Indoor Ice Skating Rink, which hosted the first dates in EXchange 2. As a large indoor rink, it can be enjoyed regardless of the weather and remains popular among families and couples alike. Located inside a theme park, visitors can enjoy rides, shopping, and dining all in one place.

There are many more ice rinks across Korea, each with its own unique charm. If you want to fully soak in the excitement and romance of winter, be sure to visit a Korean ice rink.

In Korea, there are winter festivals that begin only when the cold becomes truly and literally freezing. Did you happen to see scenes where people drill a hole in the middle of a frozen river to catch fish? They appear often in Korean variety shows like I Live Alone, Running Man, and The Return of Superman, and is widely known as one of Korea’s signature winter activities. Instead of hiding out at home away from the cold, Koreans like to embrace the season on the ice, which is one of the uniquely charming aspects of Korean winter culture.

These winter festivals offer much more than ice fishing, with each region adding its own personality. From ice sledding and snow slides to winter markets where you can enjoy hot local food, the lively atmosphere of a festival contrasts beautifully with the crisp winter air to create a memorable experience. Even a short visit during your trip would give you an up-close look at Korea’s winter lifestyle and local traditions.

The Pyeongchang Trout Festival offers ice fishing, sledding, snow rafting, and even the chance to taste freshly caught raw trout. The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival in Hwacheon, Gangwon-do features ice fishing, sledding, bobsledding, and a variety of activities along with delicious dishes made from cherry salmon. These winter festivals attract more visitors every year. It’s no wonder, as they offer a unique take to Korean winter travel with their combination of snowscapes and  fun activities.

If you’re visiting Korea this winter, which winter scene would you like to see first? Imagine your own perfect Korean winter trip, and experience the special moments this season has to offer.