Yong Pyong Ice-ski Wonderland.

During the Christmas holidays recently (2015), some may know from my instagram update that I visited South Korea. This 5 days short trip was a family getaway and bonding time. I have always dreamed about a White Christmas, even though England is always cold in the winter times, London just never get quite cold enough for snow during Christmas. In 2015, I was determined to experience snow for Christmas and also learn to ski again. The last time (also the first time) I went skiing was about a decade ago (oh my, that makes me sound old!) when I was a child. My memory of learning how to ski for the first time was in some really cold snowy mountains in Australia. During my university days, I’ve always wanted to go on a ski trip, but it is always pricey because I was in Europe and countries with ski resorts such as Switzerland and France were always beyond my budget.  So this time for Christmas, it was my chance to learn how to ski again and yay I am so happy to have done it. South Korea was exceptionally cheap for skiing; it cost around 600-700 hkd (£55-65) for the equipment for the day. The tour that we went on took us to a place called Yong Pyong Ski Resort. Later I found out that this resort would be one of the main venues for the 2018 Winter Olympics! (Scroll down for more pictures of skiing and my ski experience) 

My sister (left) and I Ski ready, ready to learn

The path towards the ski slopes in YongPyong Ski Resort

My sister (left) and I in matching outfits and had a fab time skiing.

My skiing experience- I was exhausted in the morning on the day. Mostly because I didn't have enough adequate sleep the night before. I was staying at the Yong Pyong Resort and the sleeping arrangement isn't what I am used to. In Korea, it is common to sleep on a heated floor with cotton stuffed mats underneath you as mattress. The name of this sleeping arrangement is called Ondol (correct me if I'm wrong). Because of not being used to sleeping on a super heated floor and hard mattress, I had a not so pleasant sleep. This aside, I had a big breakfast and was excited for my skiing day ahead. Despite having inadequate sleep, I was fully awake and excited to learn once I got to the ski slopes and I actually had a fantastic time. (picture of my sister and I above). Perhaps growing up I have done sports like ice skating and ballet, I didn't find skiing to be as hard as some have told me. It requires a lot of body coordination and balance, but I find it to be a little similar to ice skating except the ski is heavier and longer in size. I would say each person has a different learning speed and my encouragement to you first timer is that do no be afraid to fall and just have the confidence that you will conquer it. 

Side note: I do think Ondol is an experience that one should try when visiting Korea, I would suggest that you give that a try after or a few days before you go for a ski if you are a light sleeper like me. 

(Keep scrolling for more pictures of wintery scenes and find out about the dreamy snowy land)

The view of one of the ski slope. (This is the beginner's level slope if I remember correctly)

Apart from skiing, the resort also has a cable car that goes up to the one of the highest mountains in the region, PyeongChang. On top of the mountains, we were able to see a nice view of mountains, trees and snow around us. The sight was magical, it seems as though it was a scene I have always dreamed of when thinking of a White Christmas. I thought I would share some images I took with you all.  Enjoy!

The white wonderland on top of the mountain

The view from the cable car

This tower is the exit/ entrance of the cable car to the top of the mountain. It has a coffee shop and restaurant inside for guests to keep warm.

It is as if I were in a dream

Sister playing with snow

The view from the top of the snowy mountain.

Happy that my dream of having a White Christmas was fulfilled. I feel so blessed to have my loved ones around me to celebrate this season with a grateful heart. The core of Christmas to me is Jesus but being able to celebrate Him in such a beautiful environment is a massive blessing to me. Thank you once again.