High1 Resort Family Guide 2026: Mountain Retreat with Kids Year-Round
High1 Resort is Korea's highest-altitude family resort — a mountain retreat where you can ski in winter, ride gondolas through wildflower meadows in summer, and visit an alpine animal farm in any season. Located in Jeongseon, Gangwon-do (2.5 hours from Seoul), it's the antithesis of Seoul's urban theme parks. Clean mountain air, panoramic views from 1,340 meters, and a pace of life that actually lets families relax.
While Everland and Lotte World dominate Korea's theme park scene, High1 fills a completely different niche: a nature-based family escape that works year-round. The resort bundles accommodation with activities — cable car rides, a mountain coaster, skiing, water parks, and animal encounters — into packages that make planning easy.
Book High1 Resort
Mountain resort with year-round family activities:
What to Do by Season
| Season | Activities | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Skiing, snowboarding, snow sledding, ice fishing | Families with kids 5+ who want snow activities |
| Spring (Mar–May) | Wildflower gondola rides, mountain hiking, animal farm | Families wanting outdoor nature without crowds |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Water park, mountain coaster, gondola, forest trails | Escaping Seoul's heat (10°C cooler at altitude) |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Fall foliage gondola, hiking, harvest festivals | Photographers, nature lovers |
Accommodation Options
1. High1 Grand Hotel
- Price: ₩150,000–300,000/night
- Type: Full-service hotel with restaurants, spa
- Best for: Families wanting hotel comfort with mountain views
2. High1 Condominium
- Price: ₩100,000–200,000/night
- Type: Apartment-style with kitchen, living room
- Best for: Families wanting to self-cater and save on meals
- Advantage: More space for kids to play. Kitchen means easy breakfasts and snacks.
3. Hill Condo (Budget)
- Price: ₩80,000–150,000/night
- Type: Basic but clean units further from the slopes
- Best for: Budget-conscious families. Free shuttle to main resort area.
Family Packages
High1 offers seasonal packages that bundle accommodation with activities:
Typical Package Includes
- 1-night accommodation (Grand Hotel or Condo)
- Cable car round-trip tickets (2 adults + 2 children)
- Animal farm entry
- Discounts on additional activities (water park, mountain coaster)
- Price: From ₩200,000–350,000 for a family of 4
Winter Ski Package (Dec–Feb)
- Accommodation + ski lift pass + equipment rental
- Ski lessons available for beginners (₩30,000-50,000 extra)
- Night skiing available on weekends
Family Activities
High1 Sky Cable Car (하이원 스카이 곤돌라)
7.8 km gondola ride from the resort base to the 1,340m summit of Baekunsan Mountain. Panoramic views of the Taebaek mountain range. Takes 20 minutes each way. At the summit: an observation deck, cafe, and easy walking trails.
High1 Animal Farm (동물농장)
Alpine animal farm with sheep, goats, rabbits, alpacas, and ponies. Kids can feed and pet animals. Pony rides available. Located near the gondola base station.
Mountain Coaster (Summer)
A gravity-powered roller coaster that winds down the mountain through forest. Riders control their own speed. Minimum age: 5 years (with parent). One of the most exciting activities for kids.
High1 Water Park (Summer)
Indoor/outdoor water park with slides, wave pool, and kids' splash zone. Indoor section operates year-round.
Ski Slopes (Winter)
18 runs from beginner to advanced. Separate kids' ski area with gentle slopes and instructors. Korea's highest ski resort = best snow quality.
Getting There from Seoul
| Option | Route | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTX + Shuttle | Seoul → Jinbu Station (KTX) → High1 shuttle | ~2.5 hours | ₩30,000–40,000 |
| Express Bus | Seoul Dong Seoul → Gohan → High1 shuttle | ~3 hours | ₩18,000–22,000 |
| Car | Seoul → Yeongdong Expressway → Jeongseon | ~2.5 hours | Toll ~₩12,000 |
Resort shuttle: Free shuttle buses run between Jinbu KTX station and High1 Resort multiple times daily. Also available from Gohan bus terminal.
Insider Tips
- Weekdays are dramatically cheaper — Hotel rates drop 30-50% on weekdays. Ski slopes are empty.
- Pack layers — Mountain altitude means 8-10°C cooler than Seoul, even in summer. Mornings can be chilly.
- Combine with Jeongseon Rail Bike — A pedal-powered rail bike along an abandoned train track through mountain tunnels. 20 minutes from High1. One of Gangwon's most popular family activities.
- Stargazing — At 1,340m with minimal light pollution, High1 has some of Korea's best stargazing. Bring binoculars.
- Korea's only legal casino resort — High1 has a casino for adults. Korean nationals can enter (unlike most Korean casinos). Not family-relevant, but worth knowing.
Combine with Nearby Attractions
- Jeongseon Rail Bike — Pedal-powered rail bike through mountain tunnels (20 min drive)
- Jeongseon 5-Day Market — Traditional Korean market, open on dates ending in 2 and 7
- Hwaam Cave — Former gold mine turned underground tourist attraction with LED lights (30 min)
- Things to Do in Gangwon Province
- Korea with Kids — Complete Family Guide
FAQ
Is High1 worth the trip from Seoul?
For a weekend escape — absolutely. The mountain scenery, clean air, and activities are a complete change of pace from Seoul. For a single day trip — too far (2.5 hours each way).
What age is High1 best for?
All ages. Toddlers love the animal farm. Ages 5+ can do the mountain coaster and beginner ski slopes. Teens enjoy skiing and the water park. Adults appreciate the gondola views and spa.
Is skiing at High1 good for beginners?
Yes — the kids' ski area is gentle and well-equipped with instructors. Equipment rental is available at the resort. Lessons in English can be arranged with advance booking.
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