Winter in Seoul can be unpredictable. While some years bring heaps of snow, transforming the city into a magical wonderland, other years leave us longing for even a single snowflake. In 2020, Seoul experienced one of those snowless winters. By February, there was still no sign of the heavy snowfall I had been hoping for. Frustrated, I found myself endlessly scrolling through Instagram, searching for the hashtag #겨울여행 (winter trip in Korean) to see where Koreans were finding their winter magic. That’s when I stumbled upon a photo that took my breath away: Deogyusan Mountain (덕유산), blanketed in pristine, powdery snow. In that moment, I knew I had to see it for myself.
And just like that, I impulsively decided to pack my bags and head to Deogyusan that very weekend.
Discovering Deogyusan: A Winter Wonderland
Deogyusan is the crown jewel of Deogyusan National Park, located in Muju County, Jeollabuk-do. A roughly three-hour drive from Seoul (depending on traffic) will take you to the main parking lot of the Muju Deogyusan Resort, which sits right at the foot of the mountain. What makes this resort unique is that it’s the only ski resort in Korea located within a national park. This makes it an ideal destination for groups or families with diverse interests—whether you’re into skiing, snowboarding, or simply soaking in the serene beauty of a snow-covered landscape.
For avid hikers, Deogyusan offers five stunning peaks to conquer. But if you’re like me and prefer a more leisurely way to enjoy the views, the Gondola cable car at the ski resort is your best bet. The ride itself is an experience, offering panoramic views of the snow-drenched forest below. The gondola takes you to Seolcheon-bong Peak, one of the mountain’s most accessible peaks, where a massive octagonal pavilion serves as a rest stop and photo op spot.
The Hike to Hyangjeonbong Peak: A Visual Feast
From Seolcheon-bong Peak, you can continue your journey to Hyangjeonbong Peak, the highest point of Deogyusan Mountain. The trail is relatively short—just 200 meters from the pavilion—but don’t let the distance fool you. This hike was one of the most time-consuming I’ve ever done, not because it was particularly challenging (though it was moderately steep and slippery), but because I couldn’t stop taking in the views.
Every step offered a new perspective of the snow-covered landscape. The trees glistened with frost, and the air was crisp and refreshing. I found myself constantly stopping to take photos or simply marvel at the beauty around me. Even as someone who doesn’t consider themselves a hiker, I was completely captivated. The reward of reaching the summit and taking in the sweeping views made every step worth it.
How to Get There: A Quick Guide
If you’re inspired to visit Deogyusan but don’t have a car, don’t worry—it’s still easily accessible via public transport. Here’s how you can get there from Seoul:
- Take Seoul Subway Line 3 and get off at Nambu Bus Terminal Station (남부터미널역).
- Exit through gate 5 and head to Seoul Nambu Terminal (서울남부터미널) to catch an intercity bus.
- Purchase a bus ticket to Muju Bus Terminal (무주공용버스터미널) for approximately 15,200 KRW.
- Once you arrive at Muju Bus Terminal, take a taxi to Deogyusan Resort (무주덕유산리조트), which will cost around 22,500 KRW.
The entire journey takes about four hours, but trust me, the destination is worth every minute.
Final Thoughts
Deogyusan turned out to be the perfect winter escape I didn’t know I needed. From the thrill of riding the gondola to the awe-inspiring views from the summit, every moment felt like a scene from a winter fairy tale. Even if you’re not an avid hiker or skier, the sheer beauty of the landscape is enough to make the trip unforgettable.
So, if you ever find yourself in Seoul during a snowless winter, don’t despair. Pack your bags, grab your camera, and head to Deogyusan. Who knows? You might just discover your new favorite winter destination.
Have you ever visited Deogyusan or another snowy mountain in Korea? Share your experiences in the comments below! And if you’re planning a trip, don’t forget to tag your photos with #겨울여행 to inspire others to explore Korea’s winter wonders.
Gallery: Shots Taken from Winter Muju Deogyusan
Access Map
A Brief Info about Muju Deogyusan Resort
Address: 전북 무주군 설천면 만선로 185
Telephone: +82-63-322-9000
Website: https://www.mdysresort.com/index.asp (Korean)
Naver map: Link
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