Last updated on September 16th, 2020
Daemyung Vivaldi Ski Park is one of the most popular ski resorts in Korea. What’s not to love – each slope has it’s own theme with funky music to accompany it and it’s the perfect place to learn how to ski!
But, it can get crowded. So, as soon as the cold weather started approaching, I booked my tickets and went skiing at Vivaldi Ski Resort to avoid the crowds that would flock there over the next few months.
The verdict? It’s well worth the hype but plan your trip in advance so that you avoid the long queues. Here’s the best way to visit Vivaldi Ski Park, including what ski packages to go for and other things to do in the area!
Quick Navigation
About Vivaldi Ski Resort in Korea
90km from Seoul, with a 1.5-hour drive east of the capital city, lies Daemyung Vivaldi Ski Park, Korea. Notably a crowd favorite, it has been voted the most visited ski resort in Korea for 7 consecutive years.
Together with its easy accessibility from Seoul and the world-class ski facilities, Vivaldi Ski Resort continues to grow in its popularity, often seen as a bucket list destination on South Korea winter itineraries.
There are constant upgrades to all facilities and amenities to cater to the needs of the ever-growing number of visitors, which can reach 20 000 people per day!
Cafes, restaurants, and food stalls are dotted all over the ski park, offering both Korean and westernized food at reasonable prices.
However, with this title comes thousands of tourists and avid skiers in search of the best places to go skiing in Korea. This means crowds, queues for the ski lifts, and busy slopes.
The Ski Park at Vivaldi Resort
Vivaldi Ski Park is home to 12 slopes: 2 beginner, 5 intermediate, 4 advanced and 1 expert. There are 10 ski lifts, which also include a gondola.
With a total slope length of 6.7km, it may be a smaller ski park than what you’re used to in Europe or America, but overall it makes for a fun day out.
Pro tip: If you’re looking for a bigger ski park in Korea, I suggest you visit High1 Ski Resort. Although it’s further from Seoul, the park has the longest slopes, with the best skiing in the country.
What makes Vivaldi Park Ski Resort Unique
If there’s one thing that Vivaldi Ski Resort has that the others lack, it’s the energy and the vibe!
The slopes are named after different music genres with speakers blaring the music that accompanies each slope name. If you’re looking for a more relaxed and easy slope, then “Blues” is just right for you. “Reggae” is stepping it up a notch, whilst “Techno” is one of the more advanced slopes.
Rule of thumb, the faster the beat, the more advanced the slope is.
My favorite slope was “Hip-Hop”. It is a steep slope (from my point of view) and wider than the other slopes. I also enjoyed “Jazz” as it is a nice wide slope, but tends to get a bit busy as it caters to intermediate/beginner skiers.
Book your Vivaldi Ski Tour here!
The Ski Slopes at Vivaldi Resort: How Buzy Are They?
As I hadn’t skied in over a decade, I thought I’d warm up on the beginner slope. This was an extremely popular slope with mostly young children and first-timers waiting in the 15-minute queue for the lift.
The waiting time for the other ski lifts varied from 2-15 minutes, depending on which one you wanted to go on. The more challenging slope had a shorter queue (so I headed straight for this one, obviously overestimating my ability).
The gondola is another way to reach the top of the highest slope and the waiting time is the same, if not quicker, than the ski lifts.
One thing to remember is that I visited Vivaldi Ski Resort in Korea at the beginning of December which is generally a quieter time, so I can’t imagine how busy it would be during peak periods!
I highly advise you do the same as I did and book your Vivaldi tickets for outside of the December and January peak times.
Vivaldi Park Snowy Land
Vivaldi Park Snowy Land is a perfect alternative for the kids or adults who would rather spend their day doing other snow activities instead of skiing.
Snowy Land is truly a fairytale winter experience with candlelit streets, sledding, and so much more!
This is one of the best Snowy Land packages which includes transport and entrance to the fun park.
Navigating Your Way Around Vivaldi Ski Park, Korea
Being a tourist hotspot, Vivaldi Ski Resort caters to foreigners and all their information and signage is in both Korean and English.
If you chose to visit the ski park independently, it is easy to navigate your way around and you’ll find a staff member who will be able to assist you.
How To Get To Vivaldi Ski Park From Seoul
There are two ways to plan your trip to Vivaldi Ski Resort. You can either go independently or purchase a ski package through a tour operator. I chose the latter option. Here’s why!
Vivaldi Ski Park: The DIY Option
Vivaldi Ski Park offers a free shuttle service from Seoul for all foreigners. This bus leaves from Seoul at 08:00 and arrives back around 20:00.
Once at Daemyung Vivaldi Ski Resort, you will need to purchase a lift pass for 75 000 won ($60) and equipment rental (ski/snowboard) will cost you 36 000 won ($30).
Additionally, you’ll need to hire your ski jacket and pants for 24 000 won ($20). A total of 135 000 won ($110) for a day on the slopes.
Most ski parks in Korea offer discounts for foreigners so be sure to inquire about this when booking.
Read More: The Best Day Trips From Seoul
Vivaldi Park Ski: Package (All-Inclusive)
My initial plan was to book directly with Vivaldi and make use of their free shuttle, but then I found a deal with Klook, which worked out cheaper and hassle-free.
For $69, Klook offers this 1 Day Ski Package which includes transport from Seoul, a lift pass as well as ski equipment and clothing rental.
All of this is arranged by the Klook team which saves you the stress of having to find your way around the ski park in search of the various ticket offices or gear outlets.
Vivaldi Ski Resort: Equipment And Gear Rental
Vivaldi Ski Park offers great gear and equipment for rent. It is all good quality, clean and mostly new.
You will need to bring your own ski gloves, scarf/buff, and beanie. If you don’t have these then you can buy at the ski park.
Good quality waterproof ski gloves, scarves, and beanies are on sale from $18 each. They also sell ski goggles, jackets, sweaters, pants – basically anything and everything you need. Their selection is also very big with many different styles and designs.
Key Information When Planning Your Visit To Vivaldi Ski Resort
- There are lockers available where you can keep your bags but I’d suggest you take some money with you on the slopes so that you can stop and have lunch or coffee at the high point.
- Wear sunscreen and reapply often! I made the mistake of only putting on in the morning and after a full day of skiing, I arrived home with a bright red nose and face.
- For those first-timers, ensure you wear thick socks and thermal layers under your ski jacket and pants.
- Vivaldi Park offers ski and snowboard lessons at an additional cost which you are able to pre-book.
- If you’re questioning whether it’s worth traveling all the way to Vivaldi Ski Park, or any ski park, for only one day, well yes, it is! You will be exhausted afterward, but if you arrive at the park by 10:00, you will have at least 6 hours of skiing ahead of you. And in my opinion, that’s just the right amount of time.
Read More: The Ultimate Nami Island Itinerary
My Vivaldi Ski Resort Review
Vivaldi Ski Resort is a well-managed ski park and operates extremely smoothly. The queues weren’t as bad as I thought they would be but this could be because I visited Vivaldi before peak season.
My advice, if you don’t like crowds and waiting in long lines, avoid Vivaldi on a Saturday afternoon in January and February. But this also applies to other parks such as Oak Valley which are also extremely popular destinations during winter in Korea.
There must have been around 4 000 people at the ski park on the day I visited, and the lines were only just bearable. I can’t even imagine how busy it must be when they are at full capacity of 20 000 people!
Practical Information
- Costs: $70 for a day trip with an organized tour
- Distance from Seoul: 1.5-hour drive
- Time needed: Full day
- Best time to go: During the week when it’s less busy or the beginning of December
- Recommended tour: 1 Day Ski Package
Looking for more Korea travel information? Check out my other posts!
- A Day At Bears Town Ski Resort In Korea
- 24 Strange Things About Life In Korea
- Why Gangchon Rail Bike Is A Must Do
- The Ultimate 7 Day Seoul Itinerary
Pin this!
There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, views are my own!
Looks fantastic.A cold Christmas for you