High1 Mountain Resort & Wildflowers

Sprawling across the sub-alpine heights of Mount Baegunsan at elevations between 700 and 1,340 meters, High1 Mountain Resort is an internationally acclaimed all-season highland recreation empire in Jeongseon. Originally developed as part of Gangwon's regional economic revitalization following the nationwide coal mine rationalization policy, High1 transformed abandoned mining territory into a luxury alpine playground. Today, it stands alongside Pyeongchang as one of Korea's most sophisticated mountain lifestyle centers.

The resort's crowning focal point is High1 Top, perched at an altitude of 1,340 meters and accessible via the 2.8-kilometer Sky1340 Gondola. At the summit sits a 360-degree slow-revolving glass observatory restaurant, framed by the High1 Top Bell of Hope and the scenic 'Sky Forest Trail' boardwalk. The mountain features 18 FIS-certified ski slopes descending over 21 kilometers of pure powder snow, the exhilarating 2.2-kilometer downhill Alpine Coaster, and the Roman-themed High1 Water World.

Spring brings refreshing alpine air, the greening of mountain fairways, and guided trekking along the historic 'Ungot-gil' (Cloud Trail), an ancient miners' coal transport road. Summer (June to August) is famously mild, with temperatures rarely exceeding 25°C, drawing thousands to explore vibrant alpine poppy, chamomile, and daisy meadows during the High1 Wildflower Cart Tour. Autumn bursts into a fiery mosaic of scarlet maple and birch leaves across the ridges. Winter transforms the mountain into Korea's ski mecca, boasting the nation's longest continuous beginner run and pristine natural snow conditions.

The resort complex and hotels operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Sky1340 Mountain Gondola operates daily from 09:00 to 17:00 (last boarding 16:30; seasonal maintenance occurs in April and November). High1 Water World is open from 10:00 to 18:00. The quintessential visiting timeframe is mid-afternoon (14:30 to 17:00), allowing travelers to ride the gondola, explore summit wildflower gardens, and witness the sun sink behind the layered peaks of the Baekdudaegan mountain range.

Entry to the resort grounds, hotels, and walking promenades is free. The Sky1340 Gondola round-trip costs 18,000 KRW for adults and 14,000 KRW for children (concessions available for resort guests and regional cardholders). The Alpine Coaster costs 18,000 KRW per ride. The Wildflower Electric Cart Guided Tour costs 50,000 KRW per cart (up to 5 passengers, 50-minute tour). Resort parking across all hotel and ski village lots is complimentary.

From Seoul Cheongnyangni Station, board the ITX-Maum, Mugunghwa, or Jeongseon Arirang A-Train directly to Gohan Station or Sabuk Station (approx. 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes). Free High1 resort shuttle buses connect Gohan Station, Sabuk Station, High1 Grand Hotel, Mountain Ski House, and Water World every 30 to 60 minutes throughout the day. Taxis from Gohan Station reach the resort in just 5 to 7 minutes for approximately 6,000 KRW.

High1 was comprehensively engineered to meet international barrier-free standards. Sky1340 Gondola cabins feature level walk-in platforms accommodating wheelchairs and strollers step-free. High1 Top features flat timber boardwalks, barrier-free elevators to the revolving restaurant, and ADA-compliant restrooms. Complimentary wheelchair rentals are available at the Mountain Ski House and Grand Hotel concierge desks.

Recommended 3-Hour Alpine Luxury Circuit: Arrive at Mountain Ski House → Board the Sky1340 Mountain Gondola for a 20-minute panoramic ascent over mountain valleys → Arrive at High1 Top (1,340m) → Ring the Bell of Hope and stroll the wooden Sky Meadow Boardwalk → Savor artisan cloud coffee at the 360-degree Revolving Panorama Restaurant → Descend via the thrilling Alpine Coaster or return gondola → Stroll through the glass greenhouses and herb gardens of the Grand Hotel.

Jeongseon's rustic mountain terroir produces Korea's most iconic alpine comfort foods. Savor Kotdeungchigi Guksu ('nose-hitting noodles'), thick hand-cut buckwheat noodles in a piping hot anchovy broth that literally slap the bridge of your nose as you slurp them. Enjoy fragrant Gondre Bap (steamed rice with mountain thistle), seasoned with toasted wild perilla oil and aged soy sauce, accompanied by grilled Deodeok roots, potato jeon, and hearty Hanwoo beef stews.

Vegetarian and plant-based diners are richly accommodated across the resort and nearby Sabuk village. Gondre Bap is inherently vegan and naturally packed with dietary fiber and antioxidants. Mountain diners serve rich wild herb banchan spreads, fresh tofu hot pots, and acorn jelly salads (Dotorimuk). Resort hotel restaurants offer dedicated vegetarian pasta, organic salads, and plant-based breakfast buffets.

Premier photo spots include: the giant red wooden 'High1 Top 1,340m' summit monument framing infinite mountain ridges, standing beside the brass Bell of Hope under sweeping cloud formations, colorful self-driving electric wildflower carts traversing endless blooming chamomile meadows, and the panoramic sunset view captured through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows of the Revolving Observatory.

High1 Top is a fragile alpine ecological reserve; please stay on designated timber boardwalks and do not step into protected wildflower beds. When riding the Alpine Coaster, follow all distance guidelines and never stop mid-track. Note that Kangwon Land Casino enforces strict legal domestic regulations: entry requires a valid national ID (or foreign passport), and photography is strictly prohibited inside the casino gaming halls.

Mountain winds at 1,340 meters can be brisk even during peak summer; bringing a lightweight windbreaker or cardigan is recommended. In winter, thermal ski wear is essential. In case of medical assistance or operational questions, contact the High1 Central Call Center at 1588-7789 or dial 1330 for 24/7 multilingual tourism hotline support.

High1 connects seamlessly to the historic Samtan Art Mine (a transformed coal-mine art center, 10 minutes away), the millennium-old Silla shrine Jeongamsa Temple featuring the Water-purifying Stone Pagoda (National Treasure No. 332), and the bustling Jeongseon 5-Day Traditional Market.

Q: Is the Sky1340 Gondola open during rainy weather? A: The gondola operates during regular rain and fog, but service will pause during severe thunderstorms, high winds exceeding 15 m/s, or mandatory safety maintenance. Q: What is the best month to see the wildflowers? A: Peak alpine blooms occur from late June through mid-August, with blooming hydrangeas, rudbeckia, and daisies blanketing the slopes.

Jeongseon Alpine & Heritage Day Tour: Morning train from Seoul to Gohan Station → Free resort shuttle to High1 Mountain Ski House → Sky1340 Gondola ride to High1 Top at 1,340m → Wildflower meadow stroll and panoramic lunch at the revolving restaurant → afternoon visit to historic Jeongamsa Temple and Sumano Pagoda → authentic Gondre Bap dinner in Gohan village → evening train return to Seoul.