Alicia Chong“Let it go, let it go”. Do you remember this iconic song from Frozen?
With its sequel Frozen 2 coming out in the cinemas, you may be inspired to do more than just sing-along. Besides her legendary magical powers to freeze things, Elsa is also highly skilled at ice skating. So, if you are interested in learning about where you can strap on a pair of boots and skate away, here are the most festive and beautiful ice skating rinks in Japan and Korea to check out this holiday season!
Japan
1. Fuji Q Highland
Have an endless day of thrills as you hop from rollercoasters and a Ferris wheel and onto the ice. With three skating rinks and lights which adorn the park everywhere as you skate, it promises to be a magical festive night.
Image credit: Japan Travel
Address: 5-6-1 Shin-Nishihara. Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi
Dates: Nov–Mar
Website: fujiq.jp
2. Art Rink Yokohama
Get this: this rink features a Christmas market and a gigantic pine tree that lights up within the rink (picture below). If you’re looking for piping hot gingerbread and other Christmas assortments on top of a festive skating experience, Art Rink Yokohama is your best bet!
Image credit: @yokohamaredbrick
Address: 1 Chome-1 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001, Japan
Dates: 1 Dec 2019–17 Feb 2020
Website: https://akarenga.yafjp.org/event/artlink_2017/
3. Tokyo Midtown Ice Rink
Located right in the heart of Tokyo, this is the city’s largest outdoor rink of the capital. With illuminated trees lining its borders, it’s definitely hard to miss it. For 2000 yen, you can rent skates and even get a hot chocolate (or any other drink) from the cafe next to the rink.
Image credit: @toeitransportation_official
Address: 9 Chome-7-1 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
Dates: Jan–Mar
Korea
4. One Mount Snow Park
This sweet spot looks like something out of a festive postcard in Europe. With quaint ‘cottages’ as your backdrop, you can even try sledding and riding sleighs pulled by huskies here!
Image credit: @3pansy
Address: 1050-64 Daehwa-dong, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Operating hours: 9am–7pm Daily
Website: http://en.onemount.co.kr/
5. Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink
Image Credits: Korean Tourism Organization
While all the rinks we have seen so far are certainly beautiful, trying to skate like Elsa requires a little more than skating in a pretty location. This rink actually provides skating lessons for both beginners and advanced skaters.
Address: 110 Sejong-daero, Euljiro 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Dates: End Dec–Feb
Website: http://seoulskate.or.kr/eng/
6. Grand Hyatt Seoul Ice Skating Rink
Arguably the most dreamy of all, this ice skating rink has unsurprisingly been featured on many Korean dramas. Bring your ‘bae’ along and hold on tightly to each other as you try to balance on the slippery ice. Located right at Grand Hyatt Seoul, you can book a staycation right after an intense day of skating!
Image Credits: Korea Tourism Organization
Address: 322 Sowol-ro, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Dates: Mid Dec–Feb
Website: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/south-korea/grand-hyatt-seoul/selrs/area-attractions
Also read: 12 Things You Must Try for Your First Seoul Winter
Tips for Ice Skating
Whether you are skating outdoors or indoors, remember to always put safety first! Wear gloves and long covered clothing to protect yourself from getting ice burns. Also, ensure you’re drinking plenty of water as the cold air can get dry.
When learning to skate, take it one step at a time. There’s nothing wrong if your skill-level is more like Anna when you start; keep going and you might just discover that you can be as graceful as Elsa on the ice!
