Daemyung Vivaldi Park Ski Resort, Strawberry Picking, and Yangpyeong Railbike Day Tour from Seoul

My excitement for this winter trip was at its peak when it was finally time for me to ski at Vivaldi Ski Park Resort. I have been looking forward to do this since who knows when.

We booked a very good deal from Trazy for a package that includes roundtrip transportation from Seoul, Strawberry Picking, Yangpyeong Railbike, and a Ski Package with basic lessons and complete gear at Vivaldi Ski Park at USD174 for 2 persons already. This was a 1+1 promo and we were 2 persons availing the package for the price of 1. (Check their tour packages here)

Myeongdong to Lotte Hotel Seoul

Our meeting location for the tour package is right in front of Lotte Hotel Seoul in Myeongdong which is also the bus stop for the return shuttle bus to Vivaldi Ski Park booked by reservation. 

Take the train from Myeongdong station to Chungmuro station (Blue line, 1 stop). Transfer to Orange line for Euljiro 3(sam)-ga station (1 stop). Transfer to Green line for Euljiro 1(il)-ga station (1 stop). Travel time: 14 minutes, Fare: KRW1250 ~ Php57. Take Exit 8 and walk a few meters to Lotte Hotel Seoul. Too many people were hustling in the area for the tour packages you won’t get lost.

We were surprised when we found out that we were the only ones availing the package for this day when we arrived at Lotte Hotel Seoul and got introduced to our tour guide/driver.

It was as if we have an exclusive ride with our own tour guide and driver, James.

Our first stop was at a strawberry farm where we were served with very good strawberries before we picked strawberries on our own and fill up a container that we can bring home. This was a first for me and I could still remember how good those strawberries were.

Our tour guide then let us try snow sledding at the backyard and oh we had so much fun going around the ice with the improvised wooden sleds! 

Our second stop was at the Yangpyeong Railbike station where we were the only ones waiting to do the railbike at that timeslot. Haha It was winter and the wind was cold I honestly thought it was kind of crazy railbiking at this climate but why not do it when we were already there as part of the package, right? 

Our last stop was at Daemyung Vivaldi Park Ski Resort where the vibe was very sporty and hype with so many beginner and expert skiers around on their ski gears. 

We did basic ski lessons before we made our way to queue for the lift to the starting point of the easiest beginner slope.

The first time I stepped on the top of the slope, I wasn’t able to control my body with complete gear and the next time I blinked I was already skiing down backwards unable to stop that I had to resort to what we were taught was the next safe way to stop if all trying hard posture attempts fail, fall sideways. Haha

It was crazy how skiing looks so easy but it is actually very hard to do especially for us beginners who never did anything of the like. Aside from balancing, you need to have the correct body posture to control your speed, to stop anytime you want, and to move around to avoid hitting others. 

My good friend, April, even gave up after falling and trying many times but still struggling to ski smoothly to the end of the slope.

I was skiing alone as I did the easiest slope several times smoothly that I thought I was already ready to do the intermediate slope. 

Too much confidence took a toll on me though. 

I had to force myself to fall on my side to avoid hitting others as I skied down too fast on the intermediate level slope. I tried to go down on my own but the slope was too steep for my level that I can barely control my speed and movement I had to force myself to roll a couple of times with the more experienced skiers having to offer a hand to help me stand up before I had to admit I really can’t do it. 

So off I went down riding on a sled connected to a snowmobile. Hahaha Such a humbling experience but one I enjoyed so much I could still laugh so hard just remembering all these. 

Oh I just loved to ski… I cannot help but feel happy as I go down the slopes with the wind against my face. If I ever get to visit South Korea again, it will be on winter again with one whole day alloted for skiing. 🙂

We returned our ski gear past 4 pm as we had to catch the free shuttle bus to Myeongdong by 5pm. 

We were shrieking with happiness as we got outside the resort when we were greeted by snowflakes falling from the sky. A real snowflake can make a tropical girl the happiest. 🙂

This sight at Lotte Hotel Seoul (Myeongdong Branch) made me shriek in amazement. Pardon the first-timer! 🙂

When we arrived in Myeongdong at around 8pm, we were even more amazed at the snow-covered plants and trees at the front of Lotte Hotel Seoul Myeongdong where we alighted.

Lotte Hotel Seoul to Myeongdong Station

Take the train from Euljiro 1(il)-ga station to Euljiro 3(sam)-ga station (1 stop). Transfer to the Orange line for Chungmuro station (1 stop). Transfer to Blue line for Myeongdong station (1 stop). Travel time: 14 minutes, Fare: KRW1250 ~ Php57. 

We just enjoyed our walk to back to Namsan Hostel including a stop at a Daiso store near Myeongdong station Exit 3 and 4 where we bought discounted food and stuff for our dear ones back home.

The snowflakes falling on our faces after we went skiing at Vivaldi Park Ski Resort already had us smiling with pure happiness. Our trip to Suwon to try Korean archery  on our third day awaits!