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Spending winter in Korea? Here are 8 places to visit

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Tarra Quismundo, ABS-CBN News

<p>SEOUL -- Winter is becoming a popular season for Filipinos to travel here. </p><p>With many Filipinos fascinated with Korean pop culture, more affordable travel packages, the excitement of seeing snow, and the country’s relative proximity to the East Asian destination, there has been an uptrend in Philippine tourists coming here. </p><p>The Korean Tourism Organization (KTO) this month brought Philippine travel agents on a winter tour to give them a taste of what Filipino tourists may experience during Korea&#x27;s snow season. </p><p>Here are some places to visit if you’re coming here for winter:</p><div><strong>1. BRAVE THE SKI SLOPES</strong></div><div class="media-content"><div class="slider-for"><div><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/12/16/20181216-korea-1.jpg?ext=.jpg"/></div><div><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/12/16/20181216-korea-2.jpg?ext=.jpg"/></div></div><div class="media-content slider-desc"><div class="item-desc"><p>Skiers of different ages, nationalities and skill levels enjoy the slope at YongPyong, South Korea’s largest ski resort located in Pyeongchang. YongPyong has served as a venue for international alpine sports competitions, including events during the 2018 Winter Olympics. <cite>Tarra Quismundo, ABS-CBN News</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Skiers of different ages, nationalities and skill levels enjoy the slope at YongPyong, South Korea’s largest ski resort located in Pyeongchang. YongPyong has served as a venue for international alpine sports competitions, including events during the 2018 Winter Olympics. <cite>Tarra Quismundo, ABS-CBN News</cite></p></div></div></div><p>As host of this year’s Winter Olympics, South Korea has top-caliber resorts where tourists could try skiing. The <a href="https://www.koreaskicamptour.com">Korea International Ski Camp</a> offers day-long lessons and long-term programs for those who would like to give skiing a try. Winter gear rentals are available. </p><div><strong>2. WATCH THE SUNSET AT DRAGON’S PEAK</strong></div><div class="media-content"><div class="slider-for"><div><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/12/16/20181216-korea-3.jpg?ext=.jpg"/></div><div><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/12/16/20181216-korea-4.jpg?ext=.jpg"/></div></div><div class="media-content slider-desc"><div class="item-desc"><p>At 1,450 meters above sea level, Dragon’s Peak, the summit of Mt. Balwangsan in Pyeongchang, South Korea, offers a spectacular view of the sunset in any season. <cite>Tarra Quismundo, ABS-CBN News</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>At 1,450 meters above sea level, Dragon’s Peak, the summit of Mt. Balwangsan in Pyeongchang, South Korea, offers a spectacular view of the sunset in any season. <cite>Tarra Quismundo, ABS-CBN News</cite></p></div></div></div><p>Take a 3.2-km gondola ride up the peak of Mt. Balwangsan, known as Pyeongchang’s “grave of 8 kings,” and find one of the country’s best spots to watch the sunset. Dragon’s Peak, the summit found in YongPyong Resort, has served as a filming location for popular Korean dramas including “Goblin.”</p><p>Bundle up though, as sunset during winter at such height means braving temperatures of as low as -18 degrees, not to mention the blast-freezer windchill. </p><div><strong>3. CHECK OUT WINTER OLYMPICS VENUES</strong></div><div class="media-content"><div class="slider-for"><div><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/12/15/korea7.jpg"/></div><div><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/12/15/korea8.jpg"/></div><div><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/12/15/korea9.jpg"/></div><div><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/12/15/korea10.jpg"/></div></div><div class="slider-desc"><div class="item-desc"><p>The Olympic skating rink in Gangneung is abuzz with skaters on a Sunday morning.<cite> Tarra Quismundo, ABS-CBN News</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>A father takes photos of his sons with Olympic mascots Soohorang and Bandabi in front of the Gangneung Olympic Museum.<cite> Tarra Quismundo, ABS-CBN News</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>The public may view mementos from the 2018 Winter Olympics at the Gangneung Olympic Museum, including Olympic medals, torches, and the South Korean team’s winter gear.<cite> Tarra Quismundo, ABS-CBN News</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>The Olympic ski jump facility in Pyeongchang.<cite> Tarra Quismundo, ABS-CBN News</cite></p></div></div></div><p>The new winter season has revived the Olympic spirit in Pyeongchang county and its neighboring coastal city of Gangneung, which hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics and 2018 Paralympics in February and March this year. </p><p>Olympic venues are open to the public to view and use, including the ski jump, skating and curling facilities. At the Gangneung Olympic Museum, visitors may experience a simulation of the ski jump, bobsleigh and snowboard rides in 4D. </p><div><strong>4. ENJOY SUMMER DURING WINTER AT AN INDOOR WATER PARK</strong></div><div class="media-content"><div class="slider-for"><div><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/12/16/20181216-korea-11.jpg?ext=.jpg"/></div><div><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/12/16/20181216-korea-12.jpg?ext=.jpg"/></div></div><div class="media-content slider-desc"><div class="item-desc"><p>The Jumunjin beach in Gangneung City was the site of an iconic scene in “Goblin” where Ji Eun Tak accidentally summoned Kim Shin for the first time when she blew candles on her birthday cake. <cite>Tarra Quismundo, ABS-CBN News </cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Peak Island water park in YongPyong resort offers a respite from the biting winter cold. <cite>Tarra Quismundo, ABS-CBN News </cite></p></div></div></div><p>If you need a break from the cold, Peak Island water park in YongPyong Resort will make Filipinos feel right at home. The heated indoor facility has a wave pool, slides, saunas and spas that let visitors experience summer all year.</p><div><strong>5. CHECK OUT GOBLIN SHOOTING LOCATIONS </strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/12/15/korea13.jpg"/><figcaption>The Dragon’s Peak, the summit of Mt. Balwangsan in Pyeongchang county some 1,450 meters above sea level, was among the locations of the popular Korean drama “Goblin.” <em>Tarra Quismundo, ABS-CBN News </em></figcaption></figure></div><p>Apart from Olympic fame, Pyeongchang and Gangneung are known for shooting locations of the popular Korean drama “Goblin.”</p><p>In Pyeongchang, visitors may take a cable car to reach the Dragon’s Peak in Mt. Balwangsan, a summit 1,450 meters above sea level, and find the place where Ji Eun Tak took a part-time job.</p><div class="media-content"><div class="slider-for"><div><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/12/16/20181216-korea-14.jpg?ext=.jpg"/></div><div><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/12/16/20181216-korea-15.jpg?ext=.jpg"/></div></div><div class="media-content slider-desc"><div class="item-desc"><p>The Jumunjin beach in Gangneung City was the site of an iconic scene in “Goblin” where Ji Eun Tak accidentally summoned Kim Shin for the first time when she blew candles on her birthday cake. <cite>Tarra Quismundo, ABS-CBN News </cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>The Jumunjin beach in Gangneung City was the site of an iconic scene in “Goblin” where Ji Eun Tak accidentally summoned Kim Shin for the first time when she blew candles on her birthday cake. <cite>Tarra Quismundo, ABS-CBN News </cite></p></div></div></div><p>In Gangneung City, be prepared to line up at a breakwater in Jumunjin beach where a pivotal scene in the Korean drama was shot: when Ji Eun Tak summoned Kim Shin for the first time -- inadvertently -- when she blew candles on her birthday cake. </p><p>It could be even colder by the windy seaside during winter so be ready with warm gear if you wish to recreate the scene. </p><div><strong>6. BIKE BY THE GYEONGPO LAKE</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/12/15/korea16.jpg"/><figcaption>The Gyeongpo Lake in Gangneung offers a relaxing view all year long.<em> Tarra Quismundo, ABS-CBN News </em></figcaption></figure></div><p>A peaceful spot in the middle of Gangneung City, Gyeongpo Lake is a picturesque site for a stroll or, better yet, a bike ride. Bike rentals are available across the street, and visitors may choose among solo, two-seat, or four-seat cycles. Visitors may take a break from pedalling and pause for photos at a heart-shaped boardwalk that looks out to the still waters. </p><div><strong>7. Visit traditional Korean houses in Gangneung</strong></div><div class="media-content"><div class="slider-for"><div><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/12/15/korea17.jpg"/></div><div><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/12/15/korea18.jpg"/></div><div><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/12/15/korea19.jpg"/></div></div><div class="slider-desc"><div class="item-desc"><p>Visitors may take a peek at traditional Korean houses called the hanok in this heritage village in Gangneung.<cite> Tarra Quismundo, ABS-CBN News</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Visitors may take a peek at traditional Korean houses called the hanok in this heritage village in Gangneung.<cite> Tarra Quismundo, ABS-CBN News</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Visitors may take a peek at traditional Korean houses called the hanok in this heritage village in Gangneung.<cite> Tarra Quismundo, ABS-CBN News</cite></p></div></div></div><p>See how Koreans of old lived at the Gangneung Seongyojang National Folklore Cultural Heritage No. 5 in Gangneung City, where a well-preserved village of the hanok or traditional Korean houses is located. </p><div><strong>8. STROLL ALONG ANMOK COFFEE STREET</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/12/15/korea20.jpg"/><figcaption>The Anmok Coffee Street in Gangneung draws lovers of the beach, good quality coffee, and choice eats.<em> Tarra Quismundo, ABS-CBN News</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>The Anmok Coffee Street is another one of Gangneung’s crowd-drawers, inviting visitors to sample the wide selection of coffee offered by its restaurants while enjoying a beautiful view of the beach. </p>

<p>With Filipinos’ fascination with Korean pop culture, more affordable travel packages, the excitement for snow, and the country’s relative proximity to the east Asian destination, there has been an uptrend in Philippine tourists coming to South Korea during winter.</p>

With Filipinos’ fascination with Korean pop culture, more affordable travel packages, the excitement for snow, and the country’s relative proximity to the east Asian destination, there has been an uptrend in Philippine tourists coming to South Korea during winter.

Spending winter in Korea? Here are 8 places to visit

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Spending winter in Korea? Here are 8 places to visit

Tarra Quismundo,

ABS-CBN News

Published Dec 15, 2018 12:29 PM PHT

|

Updated Dec 16, 2018 04:31 PM PHT

Read More:

South Korea

winter

Pyeongchang

Gangneung

YongPyong Resort

Goblin

Korea International Ski Camp

KISC

Korean Tourism Organization

Winter Olympics

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