Winter in Korea means one thing – time to hit the slopes! Bears Town Ski Resort is one of the many ski parks in Korea conveniently located just outside the capital city, Seoul. I had already spent my winter weekends skiing at Vivaldi Ski Park, Oak Valley and the most famous of all, High1 Ski Resort. And now it was time to try my hand at snowboarding at Bears Town Ski Resort.
Bears Town Ski Resort is one of the best ski parks near Seoul
About Bears Town Ski Resort
Bears Town Ski Resort is located in Naechon-myeon, Gyeonggi-do province, just over an hours drive north-east of Seoul. It’s the closest ski park to the capital city and is easily accessible by public or private transport.
The park isn’t as popular as the likes of Vivaldi and High 1, and this is what made it so attractive for me as the slopes aren’t as crowded. The entire resort has a more authentic ski resort feel, with wooden cabins used for the ticket office and eating areas.
When I say less crowded, I mean by Korean standards! As you will soon come to realize, all tourist hotspots are full during weekends in Korea. This is something I’ve become accustomed to having taught English in the country for over a year.
The more advanced slope at Bears Town Ski Resort
Ski Slopes at Bears Town
Bears Town Ski Resort has 11 slopes with a total slope length of 15 300m.
The slope difficulties vary from beginners to intermediate and expert, with small park section for those advanced skiers and snowboarders.
The advanced slopes range from 1 000m to 2 500m, which is a pretty decent length when compared to other ski parks in Korea.
If you’re learning to ski or snowboard, Bears Town Ski Resort is the best place to do so. The beginner slope is long, wide and not too steep, giving you more space to practice – and fall without crashing into others!
It was my first time snowboarding, so I spent most of the day at the beginner slope. I snowboarded alongside 4-year-olds whose skills put me to shame!
Ski and snowboard lessons are available and there is also a snow sleigh park for the little ones.
Beginner slope at Bears Town Ski Resort
Bear Town Ski Resort Prices
Booking a day trip to the ski park is easiest done through a tour group, especially if you can’t speak Korean.
With only one day on the slopes, the last thing you want to be doing is figuring out which bus stop to get off at and how to pay for your lift tickets. The convenience of booking through a tour group justifies the cost. They are also able to negotiate lower prices with the ski resorts.
If you book a tour through a company such as Trazy or Koreal Trip, the price is around $76 for everything including the shuttle from Seoul to Bears Town Ski Resort, lift pass, and all ski gear.
The bus leaves from Myeongdong Station at 08:00 and returns by 18:00 the same day.
Looking onto Bears Town Ski Resort from the lift
Book Directly Through The Resort
If you choose to book directly through Bears Town Ski Resort, the price advertised on their website is 76 000 won ($65) for a full day lift pass (09:00-17:00).
If you don’t have ski/snowboard gear, you can rent at a cost of 31 000 won ($25) and ski clothing costs 20 000 won ($15). This makes a total of 127 000 won ($105) for a full day on the slopes.
There are usually discounts for foreigners so make sure you enquire about this at the ticket office.
About to hit the slopes
How to get to Bears Town Ski Resort
Whilst you’re able to get to Bears Town via public transport, I recommend that you use the shuttle available as it’s a direct route.
Your tour group will provide transport for you but you can also book a shuttle directly through the resort. The schedule and costs can be found here – be sure to check out the discount on offer for the shuttle and lift pass package.
All smiles after a few bails in the snow
Day trip vs A Weekend Trip
To save costs, it’s best to do a day trip from Seoul as it’s so close. There are accommodation options at the resort, but in my experience, a full day on the slopes is all you need, and you can head back another weekend if you’re left wanting more.
View from the top
Final thoughts on Bears Town Ski Resort
Comparing Bears Town Ski Resort to the 3 others I visited in Korea, I enjoyed it the most. The relaxed atmosphere and less crowded slopes made it one of my highlights of things to do in Korea.
Practical Information about visiting Bears Town
- Costs: $70 – $100
- Distance from Seoul: 1 hour drive
- Time needed: Full day
- Best time to go: During the week when it’s less busy
Looking for more Korea travel information? Check out my other posts:
- A Guide to Oak Valley Ski Resort in Korea
- Vivaldi Ski Park in Korea: A Day on The Slopes
- High1 Ski Resort: A Complete Guide
- Nami Island (And The Garden of Morning Calm)
- 24 Strange Things About Life in Korea
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