Korea Winter Fiesta in Singapore: Things to Do in Winter in South Korea

Interested in a winter “vacation”: to get away from the hot weather in Singapore? You’re in for a treat, because the Korea Winter Fiesta is happening here in Singapore from now till 30 June 2024! Head down to Plaza Singapura between 11am to 9pm to enjoy this enchanting event, where you can experience an immersive taste of the Korean winter season — picture ice sculptures, snowfall, a variety of activities, and more. Plus, take the opportunity to grab some attractive travel promotions! 

In this article, we’ve covered the best things to look forward to at the Korea Winter Fiesta, as well as some amazing things to do during winter in South Korea.  

Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization

Things to look out for at this year’s Korea Winter Fiesta in Singapore

The Snowhouse

Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization

The highlight of this year’s Korea Winter Fiesta is definitely the Snowhouse, a frosty haven created by renowned ice sculptors from Snow City Singapore. Here, get a taste of the exciting Korean winter atmosphere and enjoy the chilly air! Fun fact: the Snowhouse has been crowned as the largest country-theme snow sculpture display by the Singapore Book of Records! 

Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization

Inside the Snowhouse, look out for beautiful sparkling ice sculptures to take pictures with! There’s even a slide that children can play on! You can also enjoy complimentary Korean beverages in the Snowhouse.

Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization

Entry to the Snowhouse is complimentary! You’ll simply need to like the social media pages of both Korea Tourism Organization and Plaza Singapura, and be a member of the CapitaStar app. The Snowhouse is located at the Front Plaza of Plaza Singapura, and pre-booking to enter the Snowhouse can be made online. 

Travel promotions, attractive prizes, and more

Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization 

On top of the Snowhouse, there are many attractive goodies to look out for at the Korea Winter Fiesta at Plaza Singapura! Head to The Alley in Plaza Singapura, and keep an eye out for wallet-friendly winter travel packages to South Korea and lucky draws. 

Here’s something cool: you’ll get to redeem freebies when you book tour packages with the Korea Tourism Organization’s travel partners! Additionally, three lucky people will win a S$500 dining voucher at SEORAE, a premium Korean BBQ brand. 

Also, make sure to enjoy the photo booths and mascot appearances! There are also a few exciting AR games to try out while you find out more about travelling to South Korea during the winter season. 

Recommendations: winter travel in South Korea

Need more inspiration for winter travel in South Korea? Look no further than Gangwon State, one of South Korea’s premier winter destinations, known for its outstanding snowy landscapes, natural beauty, and ski resorts. Here are some of the best activities to do during winter in Gangwon, South Korea!

Things to do during winter in Gangwon, South Korea

1. Enjoy a romantic stroll through the wintry landscapes of Wondae-ri Birch Forest

Image credit: sueuy song via Canva Pro

Romance is always in the air during winter, and one of the best things to do is to enjoy a romantic stroll through the Wondae-ri Birch Forest! Also known as the Inje Whispering Birch Forest, this place is beautiful all year round but truly comes alive during winter, when it transforms into a whimsical, fairytale-like landscape. This is thanks to its abundance of white snow and towering white birch trees.

Wondae-ri Birch Forest is a popular spot for couples to take an unhurried stroll through the beautiful snowy landscape and enjoy the chilly air. Plus, the mesmerising view of the birch trees lining the pathways make for incredible photos!

Location: 763-4, Wondae-ri, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 인제군 원대리 763-4)

2. Chase mesmerising frozen waterfalls in Gangwon

Image credit: Gangwon State | Official Facebook

One of the most unique things to do during winter in South Korea, specifically in Gangwon is to check out frozen waterfalls, an enchanting sight that looks right out of a fairytale book!

When in Gangwon, make sure to visit the Inje Maebawi Artificial Waterfall, also known as the Yondaeri Maebawi Artificial Waterfall. Stretching over 80 metres tall, this waterfall is a popular sightseeing spot in winter, when it freezes into a gorgeous ice wall. 

Image credit: Gangwon State | Official Facebook

Another of Gangwon’s most beautiful ice walls is the Gugokpokpo Falls, also known as the Chuncheon Gugok Falls. Fun fact: adventurous visitors can even try ice climbing at both of these ice walls!

Location:

Inje Maebawi Artificial Waterfall: 1719 Yongdae-ri, Buk-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do

Gugokpokpo Falls: 254, Gangchongugok-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do

3. Enjoy glamping in the chilly air with a spectacular view

Image credit: Gangwon State | Official Instagram 

Nowadays, ‘glamping’ (‘glamorous camping’) is a popular activity amongst families, couples and friends. Glamping refers to a kind of camping that’s more luxurious and comfortable than traditional camping. In Singapore, the tropical weather can feel a bit too hot for outdoor glamping, but outdoor glamping in winter weather is a completely different experience! And so, one of the coolest things to do during winter in South Korea is glamping in the chilly winter air. 

One of the best glamping spots in South Korea is Pyeongchang Lappland (라피-라플란드), a Nordic-style outdoor resort cum glamping site. Located in Gangwon, Pyeongchang Lappland offers nomadic-style glamping accommodations that boast cosy interiors and ample cooking amenities. Because this glamping site is inside a white birch forest, the surrounding scenery is extra beautiful and romantic in winter. 

Best of all, there are tents with beautiful transparent domes, in which you can lie down and admire the dazzling starry night sky above! Try leaving your tent slightly open so that you can feel the winter breeze, too!

Location: 376 Heungjeong-ri, Bongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do

4. Relax in a hot spring while surrounded by winter scenery

Image credit: Pillye Hot Spring | Official Instagram 

Imagine soaking in the warmth of a hot spring while enjoying a stunning view of the sparkling winter scenery around you! If this sounds like your cup of tea, try visiting Pillye Hot Spring during winter in Gangwon, South Korea!

This hot spring is the perfect place for you to simply relax in the serenity of nature. Because Pillye Hot Spring is located near Seoraksan Mountain and Wondae-ri Birch Forest, the surrounding winter landscape is really beautiful, and the air is extra fresh. Listen out for the sound of the winter wind and the falling snow while you enjoy the hot spring!

Location: Pillyeksu-gil 72, Inje-eup, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do

5. For thrill seekers of all ages: skiing at Yong Pyong Resort and High1 Resort

Image credit: Yong Pyong Resort | Official Instagram

Interested in thrilling winter activities that you can enjoy with the whole family? Since ‘winter’ is pretty much synonymous with ‘snow’, one of the best things to do during winter in South Korea is skiing in the snow! And where skiing is concerned, Gangwon is one of the best places in the country to head to, thanks to its abundant snowfall and amazing ski resorts. 

One of Gangwon’s most well-loved ski resorts is Yong Pyong Resort, also known as Mona Yong Pyong Resort. Fun fact: this is South Korea’s very first ski resort! Yong Pyong Resort is a perfect ski spot for both beginner and advanced skiers as it experiences high snowfall and has many ski slopes of different difficulty levels. 

Image credit: Yong Pyong Resort | Official Instagram

And if you get tired of skiing, simply take a ride in the Balwangsan Cable Car, which will quickly carry you to the summit of Balwang Mountain! Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the winter scenery around you!

Image credit (L–R): High1 Resort | Official Instagram, High1 Resort | Official Instagram

Another highly popular ski resort to check out in Gangwon is High1 Resort. Fun fact: this resort is located on Baekwoon Mountain, with a peak that’s 1,340 metres above sea level! Make sure to try skiing on the resort’s 18 different slopes. Also, you can enjoy stunning views of the mountain range and the sparkling white snow! Just hop aboard the gondola, which will take you to the top of Baekwoon Mountain! High1 Resort is also friendly for families and guests with disabilities.

Location: 

Yong Pyong Resort: 715 Olympic-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 평창군 대관령면 올림픽로 715)

High1 Resort: 500 High1-gil, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 정선군 고한읍 하이원길 500)

Tip: Shoppers who spend S$100 and above in a single receipt at Plaza Singapura stand to win a Winter Ski Holiday at the Korea Winter Fiesta lucky draw, which includes a pair of return economy air tickets and stay and experiences at either Yong Pyong Resort or High1 Resort! 

Feeling inspired by any of these amazing winter attractions in Gangwon, South Korea? These are just some of the many wonderful things to do during winter in South Korea. Consider adding them to your itinerary for your next winter getaway! And remember to drop by Plaza Singapura between 10 to 30 June 2024 for more information and attractive goodies at the Korea Winter Fiesta Singapore!

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