Decipher Encipher with Yuuki Sakai

Phoenix Park is perhaps one of the more well-known resorts in Korea as it was the host hill for the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics and skiing and snowboarding. Located in Pyeongchang, Gwangwon province, Phoenix boasts with the title of best freestyle hill in Korea.

Even though Korean mountains might be smaller than their European and American counterparts, they are absolutely no less fun. The quality of the snow at Phoneix is some of the best in Korea due to higher snowfall records, so riders can rest assured that it will be quality riding on soft cushy snow, throughout the entire winter season. The Phoenix team did an excellent job keeping the snow in pristine riding condition during the Olympics. Actually 12 out of the 22 slopes are of international standard.

The Park has both a gondola 8 chairlifts that all depart from the base area. Five chairs go up all or part way to the peak which is names Mount Blanc, the available gondola also goes up all the way to the peak. The remaining thee chairs go up to the smaller peak, Bulaemaru, on the side of the mountain.
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The new Seoul – Gangneung route can get you there in 90 minutes on the high speed train and then a short 25 minute bus ride from the station to the resort. A train ticket will cost you about 20,000 won or so. Alternatively one can take a bus from Samseong or Jamsil straight to the resort and it takes about 2 hours.
 

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Vivaldi’s state of the art facilities and ease of access makes it understandable why it is the most visited resort in Korea, 8 years in a row! Daemyung Resort Vivaldi Park is located in neighboring Gangwon-do province, right across the border line so do not fret, still only a 60 minute trip. Vivaldi can host up to 20,000 visitors so you know they run a smooth operation.
Vivaldi boasts one of the trendiest resorts in Korea and that makes it quite the hotspot amongst the younger crowds, that and its close proximity to Seoul. Vivaldi is equipped with the biggest resort in the country making it an easy choice destination for many tourists.
As mentioned earlier, Vivaldi is high-tech, it has the first express 8-seater chair lift in Asia and what makes it even better is that is open until 5am. So for those hip night owls who love to shred the night time gnar, you know where to go.
Vivaldi offers 12 slopes with 10 lifts at varying times and prices. So it’s pretty simple to select something that suits your needs. Free shuttle buses that are specifically arranged for tourists go straight to the resort. These buses depart from various locations in Seoul and they also return to the same places they departed from.
Vivaldi offers all varieties of slopes, from beginner to advanced, making it a good destination for groups with mixed levels.
Due to the high volume capacity this place can get packed so it’s better to go on the weekdays or at night. Otherwise be prepared to wait in 30min -1hour lines.
 

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Situated in Icheon, Jisan resort is definitely a top choice amongst the local ski resorts due to its close proximity to Seoul. Just an hour and a half away, Jisan resort is perfect for day trips. So if you’re pressed for time, Jisan will definitely satisfy your snow craving. For those that have the luxury of time the resort offers a multitude of beautiful condos.
Jisan might not be renowned for its natural snow due to its warmer geographical location, but one would hardly notice as the artificial snow and snow grooming at the resort is top notch. Jisan offers 7-8 beginner to intermediate slopes, making it the perfect destination for a family outing regardless of ski proficiency. The ski resort usually gets packed on the weekend so it might be better to go during the weekdays. Advanced riders might consider one of our other resorts as they might find these slopes a bit too easy.
For those who are not so interested in skiing/snowboarding you can always try the snow-sledding which is heaps of fun. If you get tired or hungry, a cafeteria is located at the base of the slopes. Sit outside and enjoy some snacks while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Free shuttle buses operate from various destinations in order to provide convenient access so don’t worry about renting a car.  How to get there:
Express Bus at Seoul Nambu Express Bus Terminal OR Dongseoul Express Bus Terminal → Icheon IntercityBus Terminal → Local bus No. 12 → Jisan Mart Entrance → Jisan Ski Resort
 

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A fixture on the Seoul jazz scene for over 30 years, top local musicians regularly perform here. Besides beer, you can order frozen cocktails, wines and even dinner......

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Boogie Woogie is one of the most amazing hidden gems of Seoul. A fantastic jazz bar that plays live music, every night of the week. You can expect this place to be packed

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Seoul’s best-known jazz bar is situated in upmarket Apkujong and has live music nightly ranging from original jazz to modern variants. Food and cocktails named after fa

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The BERMUDA is a two part venue with a cocktail bar upstairs and a wonderful restaurant downstairs. Regardless of the floor you are on, The BERMUDA’s atmosphere will leave you in awe with its weird and wonderful décor, making you feel lost, almost as if you were in the… BERMUDA.
 

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Perched nicely on the hill by Noksapyeong station in Itaewon, 3 Section is one of Itaewon’s best cocktail bars with a view to boot. A beautifully styled venue with a ro

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After the tremendous success of Mix and Malt, ambitious owner Wendell Louie embarked on an even bigger project in 2017 by launching arguably Korea’s best cocktail bar – Pussyfoot saloon. 

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