Active vacation in South Korea - things to do, entertainment and nightlife

Mountain recreation is widespread in South Korea. It is no less popular than beach holidays. Here are some of the popular winter resorts: Yongpyong, Star Hill, Alpensia, High 1, Phoenix, Muju, and Vivaldi Park. They offer dozens of various ski runs for both beginners and professionals. Each mountain resort offers not only skiing but also other entertaining activities that are located at the resort or close to it. These can be visits to such national parks as Odaesa and Chiaksan, to the Chamsori Gramophone Museum, ethnic Korean village “Global Folk Village”, Yonin Recreation Forest, temples and monasteries, casinos, and golf courses. Most mountain resorts have luxury hotels and expensive private villas, as well as more affordable hostels and guesthouses.

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Phoenix is a well-known mountain resort that has the status of an official tourist center. It is located in the Gangwon-do province. Tourists can get to the resort directly from the Seoul airport (east terminal) by taking a bus to Bongpyeong. Phoenix has complex ski runs for skiers and snowboarders (including tabletop, halfpipe, and rails). There are separate safe areas for children. If you want to save on accommodation, choose a hostel. If you prefer comfort and luxury, there are amazing private villas at your service. If you want something in between, the 4-star Phoenix Park Hotel might be the best choice.

Vivaldi Park is the only mountain resort where visitors can ski 24 hours a day. This park is located not far from Seoul – it takes only 45 minutes by bus to reach it. The journey from the international airport that serves the capital will be somewhat longer. First, tourists need to reach Hongcheon from the east terminal and then take a bus to Vivaldi Park. Ski runs at this resort are named after different musical styles – jazz, techno, hip hop, funk, classical, reggae, etc. The slopes of Maebongsan look picturesque and attractive during the daytime. In the evening, multiple lights illuminate ski runs like Christmas garlands. All runs end at the Ento pension hotel. Besides the hotel, several guesthouses also accept tourists. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

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During more than 40 years, Yongpyong has been greeting its regular visitors who like this resort for its beautiful nature, comfortable hotels, and affordable hostels. The Rainbow Paradise ski run has made this place iconic. The trail is 5,600 meters long. There are 11 runs in total: 4 ski runs are suitable for beginners, and the remaining 7 are for advanced skiers and professionals. Visitors can rent skiing equipment, attend skiing schools for children and adults, or book individual training sessions with professional coaches. The resort is located approximately 200 kilometers from Seoul in Gangwon-do. A high-speed road connects Yongpyong to the capital, so it takes only two hours by car to reach it. There are regular buses during the skiing season.

The resort infrastructure of Yongpyong will not let you feel bored. To the service of visitors, there are bowling, billiards, a hippodrome, two private golf clubs, and Peak Island Aqua Park. High 1 is a mountain resort situated approximately 3-4 hours from Seoul by taxi or bus. This resort was established in 2006. It offers 18 ski runs including 3 runs of the international level. There are ski rentals, a school for beginners, midscale and upscale hotels, and even a casino. High 1 has several hotels and a condominium.

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Nightlife is brought to a whole new level in South Korea, especially in Seoul. It is very diverse and vibrant in the capital. Saturday night is the best time to go out. Nightclubs, streets, and even shopping centers do not close on this day. Many people enjoy night shopping on Saturday. Nightclubs can be grouped by several categories. More prestigious nightclubs are usually located in upscale districts where living is more expensive in general. Apgujeong, an elite neighborhood in Seoul, is a good example. There are many luxury cars here, and a cup of coffee in a simple café will be several times more expensive than in other districts of Seoul. The majority of expensive nightclubs are open here. For young people, a visit to such a club is a way to show that they are cool.

Air, Answer, and Circle are some of the most famous nightclubs in Apgujeong. They are located close to the central street of the neighborhood, Rodeo Street. The entrance fee is 30,000 won, and drinks start from 10,000 won. The clubs mostly play electronic music. Hongdae, a student neighborhood, is opposite to prestigious and expensive Apgujeong. The area got its name from Hongik University that is located here. There are many shops for artists, galleries, and trendy clothing shops here. As students are usually the first ones to adopt new trends, this is an interesting destination for fashionistas. Not only clubs but also coffee shops, restaurants, and street fast-food outlets are open at night.

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Nightclubs in Hongdae play music of different genres – visitors can dance, listen, or headbang to heavy metal tunes. М2, Blurr, Blue Spirit, Museum, Via, NB, and Catch are the most popular clubs. Clubs in Hongdae organize a special club day for all tourists every last Friday of the month. During the Club Day, it is possible to visit a dozen different nightclubs using one entry ticket that costs 15,000 won. Itaewon has different traditions. There American military bases close to this neighborhood, so this part of Seoul always has many foreigners. Non-Korean small pubs and bars are more widespread than nightclubs here. There are both expensive venues and venues with free entry in Itaewon.

If you visit Seoul for several days only, visit any club. You will not feel bored because local nightclubs and streets near them are always lively and full of visitors. When it comes to safety, tourists do not need to worry – local people love children, they are always respectful with elders, friendly with each other and foreign guests. Thefts are rare, the same as other crimes. If you miss sun and summer activities, visit Gisamun Beach on the East Sea, Jeju-do Island, Sealala Water Park, Seorak Waterpia, and Woongjin Playdoci.

This article about active leaisure, entertainment, recreation and attractions in South Korea is protected by the copyright law. You can re-use the content, but only under the condition of placement of an active link to www.orangesmile.com.

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Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in South Korea

Unique attractions in South Korea

Seongsan Ilchulbong

From the series “Majestic and Spectacular Craters and Crater Lakes”

One of the most striking sights of South Korea is Seongsan Ilchulbong Crater, formed after the eruption of the Hydrovulkanes. Many travelers know the huge tuffy funnel, which has formed on the sea floor more than 4,000 years ago, under the unofficial name 'the mountain of sunrise'. The funnel is located in the eastern part of Jeju Island. The height of the crater above sea level is 182 meters.

The shell-shaped Seongsan Ilchulbong crater is of great geological value. The minerals found therein have brought to a number of the most important discoveries in the history of volcanic activity. The hike through the crater, hidden for centuries under the water, is also recommended for nature lovers. The crater of the once mighty volcano is today covered with the luxuriant scrub. Under the … Read all

Everland Park

From the series “The Most Fantastic Amusement Parks in the World”

In South Korea, the popular spa park Everlend is located, where you can find the best attractions in the country. The Park Territorium is divided into five thematic zones, which will appeal to the followers of the extreme sports, the history lovers and the shopping fans. In the park there is a real trade district with the attractive name 'The World Fair', where the numerous souvenir shops and the nice restaurants are located.

Another remarkable feature of Everland is the small zoo situated on its territory. Among its inhabitants, there are penguins and polar bears, sea lions and tigers, with whom the interesting performances are regularly performed. The park is home to one of the country's best known and most breathtaking attractions - the 'T Express' roller coaster, which has the … Read all

All unique sightseeing South Korea

Active vacation in South Korea - things to do, entertainment and nightlife

Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in South Korea

Unique attractions in South Korea

Seongsan Ilchulbong

Everland Park

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