Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sundizz]

I am trying to sesh out how to cheaply head over to Yongpyong for some snowboarding.

We'll be going on a weekday(s). From what I can tell it is 11,000 for a bunk bed at the Youth Hostel (should book ahead?), and 15,000 each way from Gangbyeon bus terminal in Seoul.

My main question, is there a good (English friendly) spot to rent a board, helmet, and clothing for boarding near the resort?

Also, how much do lift tickets cost? I am having trouble deciphering it. Are there discounts for using a specific card (e.g., KEB) and if so, could I buy multiple tickets (in case a friend doesn't have that card)? Is it possible to prepurchase lift tickets online?

Thanks for any words of advice. Hopefully there is some awesome snow happening soon!

[ippy]

I cant read korean, but for them that can, heres the links to make it easier:

http://www.yongpyong.co.kr/guide/event_discount_02.asp

And heres the slope information. Im actually off there tomorrow to pick up my season pass, so will be able to tell you at least about conditions a little.

http://www.yongpyong.co.kr/leisure/ski_slope_02.asp (currently running slopes - restricted to mainly the base area youll note). Dont know how good you are, but if youre half decent but dont ride park, you might find yourself a little... bored at the moment. If you just want to clear the cobwebs... then no problem. They do have the Gold valley/Gold Paradise open though (paradise opens first time tomorrow by looks of it) so things are on the up

Sounds about right on price for bus. I think thats what im paying on trips to seoul.

No idea about rentals. Have own gear, but lots of rental places. Indeed, part of teh price list seems to include 'expert' rental or 'normal' rental. So possibly easy enough.

As for costs etc during peak season. Another alternative might be to crash in Gangneung. Join the gangneung peeps on facebook. Theres a few snowboarders. Get to know them, maybe theyll let you crash at their house, then grab the free shuttle bus there and back.

PPS. Resort is in a town called Hoenggye. Maybe theres a direct bus. In fact, there seemed to be plenty of direct buses from yongpyong on the way back to seoul last time i was there. Not sure if this youth hostel place is in gangneung, but gangneung is still an hour out from the resort itself so seems odd heading here unless you have to.