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South Korea's major ski resorts offer compelling property investment opportunities with ski-in/ski-out condos, chalets, and villas priced between 100 million KRW and 600 million KRW. These properties deliver annual rental yields of 3-6% while benefiting from strong transport links to Seoul and expanding year-round resort infrastructure that attracts both winter sports enthusiasts and summer activity seekers.
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South Korea's ski resort property market offers accessible investment opportunities with properties ranging from 100-600 million KRW near major resorts like Yongpyong and Alpensia.
These properties generate consistent rental yields of 3-6% annually and benefit from strong transport links to Seoul plus expanding year-round amenities.
| Resort | Property Price Range (KRW) | Distance from Seoul | Rental Yield | Operating Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yongpyong | 180M-1.2B+ | 2.5 hours | 4-6% | Nov-March |
| Alpensia | 130M-1.1B | 2.5 hours | 3-5% | Nov-March |
| High1 | 160M-1B | 3 hours | 4-6% | Nov-April |
| Phoenix Park | 140M-1.08B | 1.5 hours | 3-5% | Dec-March |
| Vivaldi Park | 120M-980M | 1 hour | 3-6% | Dec-March |
Which ski resorts in South Korea currently have properties for sale?
As of September 2025, five major South Korean ski resorts actively have properties available for purchase.
Yongpyong, Alpensia, High1, Phoenix Park, and Vivaldi Park all maintain active real estate listings with available condos, chalets, and villas. Current inventory includes over 6 chalets through SunSkiResorts, 23+ apartments and chalets via J2Ski, and dozens of condos and villas either on-site or adjacent to the slopes.
The inventory fluctuates seasonally, with high-demand periods seeing increased competition for prime slope-side locations. Some resorts manage their real estate directly through on-site sales offices, while others work with third-party platforms like SunSki, Airbnb, and J2Ski to aggregate public listings.
Smaller resorts like Jisan and Konjiam also have limited property offerings, though their inventory tends to be more restricted compared to the major destination resorts.
What are the current price ranges for different property types?
Ski resort property prices in South Korea vary significantly based on resort prestige, proximity to slopes, and property type.
Condos and apartments near major resorts typically range from 120 million KRW to 500 million KRW, while chalets and villas command prices between 470 million KRW and 1.2 billion KRW. Yongpyong leads in premium pricing with luxury properties exceeding 1.2 billion KRW, followed closely by High1 and Alpensia in the 1+ billion KRW range.
Phoenix Park and Vivaldi Park offer more accessible entry points, with condos starting around 120-140 million KRW and chalets beginning at 470-540 million KRW. Ski-in/ski-out properties, newly renovated units, and luxury amenities drive prices to the higher end of these ranges.
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How close are these properties to ski facilities and amenities?
Most ski resort properties in South Korea offer excellent proximity to slopes and resort amenities.
Ski condos and chalets are typically located within 2-8 minutes walking distance (120-500 meters) from main lifts, restaurants, equipment rental shops, and other essential facilities. Apartment-style accommodations and hotel suites are generally positioned in buildings directly at the base of slopes, providing immediate or minimal walking access to skiing.
Premium ski-in/ski-out properties allow residents to literally step out their door onto the slopes, while standard slope-adjacent properties require no more than a 5-minute walk to reach lift lines. Resort shuttles also operate regularly between accommodation areas and main facilities during peak season.
The convenience factor significantly impacts property values, with each minute of additional walking time to lifts typically reducing property prices by 3-5%.
What are the ongoing costs for ski resort property ownership?
Annual ownership costs for South Korean ski resort properties include several mandatory components that buyers must factor into their investment calculations.
| Cost Type | Annual Amount (KRW) | Percentage of Property Value |
|---|---|---|
| Property Taxes | 70,000-500,000+ | 0.07%-0.5% |
| Maintenance Fees | 200,000-600,000 | 0.1%-0.3% |
| Resort Association Costs | 100,000-300,000 | 0.05%-0.15% |
| Acquisition Costs (one-time) | 1-8% of purchase price | 1%-8% |
| Registration & Legal Fees | Varies by transaction | 0.5%-2% |
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What rental yields can investors expect from ski resort properties?
South Korean ski resort properties deliver consistent annual rental yields between 3% and 6%, with performance varying by resort location and seasonal demand patterns.
Peak winter season (December through February) generates the highest occupancy rates at 85-95%, while off-season periods can drop to 20-40% depending on the resort's year-round amenities. Resorts offering golf, spas, hiking, and other summer activities maintain steadier year-round bookings and higher overall yields.
Yongpyong and High1 typically achieve the highest rental yields at 4-6% annually due to their international recognition and extensive facilities. Alpensia, Phoenix Park, and Vivaldi Park generally produce yields in the 3-5% range, though properties with premium locations or luxury amenities can exceed these averages.
Net returns depend significantly on resort popularity, property management quality, and seasonal marketing effectiveness. Professional property management services charge 15-25% of gross rental income but often justify this cost through higher occupancy rates and premium pricing.
How do South Korean ski property values compare internationally?
South Korean ski resort properties offer compelling value compared to similar destinations in Japan and China, though each market has distinct characteristics.
Japanese ski resorts like Hakuba and Niseko command significantly higher entry prices but also deliver superior occupancy rates and stronger price appreciation over time. Chinese ski resort properties lag behind both South Korea and Japan in rental demand and infrastructure development, resulting in lower property values and yields.
South Korea positions itself as the middle ground, offering more accessible purchase prices than Japan while providing better infrastructure and rental demand than China. The upcoming 2025 infrastructure investments and government tourism promotion campaigns are expected to close the gap with Japanese resort values over the next 3-5 years.
Currency stability and foreign ownership regulations also favor South Korea over China for international investors, while Japan's higher prices often exclude mid-tier investors from the market entirely.
What are the transportation options to reach these ski resorts?
South Korean ski resorts benefit from excellent transportation links to major cities, particularly Seoul, making them accessible for both residents and tourists.
Yongpyong and Alpensia are located approximately 2.5 hours by car from Seoul, or 90 minutes via KTX high-speed train to Jinbu Station followed by a 20-minute shuttle service. High1 Resort requires about 3 hours from Seoul by car or public transport, with 4.5 hours from Busan via multi-leg train and bus connections.
The closest resorts to Seoul include Vivaldi Park (1 hour), Jisan (just over 1 hour), and Konjiam (45 minutes), all offering frequent shuttle services during ski season. These proximity advantages translate directly into higher property values and rental demand due to easy weekend access for Seoul residents.
Direct shuttle buses operate from Seoul's main terminals to all major resorts during peak season, typically costing 20,000-40,000 KRW round trip per person.
Which resorts have upcoming development projects that could impact property values?
Several major infrastructure and development projects scheduled for 2025-2027 are expected to significantly impact property values at South Korean ski resorts.
Yongpyong and Alpensia both have substantial property renovations underway in 2025, including new hotels, enhanced spa facilities, and improved dining options. Government-backed tourism infrastructure expansion includes road and rail improvements plus international promotion campaigns designed to attract more foreign visitors.
Summer facility expansions represent the most significant value drivers, with golf course upgrades, spa renovations, and new hiking park developments boosting year-round attractiveness. These improvements directly translate to higher rental yields and property appreciation potential.
High1 Resort is implementing a major master plan expansion that includes additional lodging, conference facilities, and recreational amenities. The South Korean government's commitment to developing winter sports tourism infrastructure following the 2018 Olympics continues to benefit all major resort areas.
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We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in South Korea versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
What are the typical property sizes available at each resort?
Property sizes at South Korean ski resorts vary considerably based on accommodation type and target market, with clear patterns emerging across different resort tiers.
Standard ski condos and apartments range from 40-56 square meters, while chalets and villas typically span 80-110 square meters. Yongpyong offers the largest average units at 56-110 square meters, reflecting its premium positioning and luxury focus.
Alpensia properties average 45-95 square meters, High1 ranges from 52-97 square meters, Phoenix Park spans 44-88 square meters, and Vivaldi Park offers the most compact units at 40-85 square meters. These size differences directly correlate with pricing tiers and target demographics.
Luxury ski-in/ski-out properties and newly constructed units tend toward the larger end of these ranges, while older or more budget-focused accommodations cluster around the minimum sizes. Family-oriented chalets consistently exceed 80 square meters to accommodate multiple bedrooms and living areas.
What are the foreign ownership rules and purchase procedures?
Foreign ownership of ski resort properties in South Korea is generally permitted without residency requirements, though recent regulatory changes have introduced additional compliance steps.
As of 2025, new rules require foreign buyers to move into their purchased property within 4 months and maintain residency for 2 years in certain designated areas. Notification to local authorities must occur within 60 days of purchase, and ongoing reporting requirements apply to foreign-owned properties.
The standard purchase process involves finding a qualified agent, negotiating terms, signing a contract with 10% deposit, notifying the local district office, transferring payment, registering ownership, and receiving the official title certificate. Remote purchase via legal representative or power of attorney is possible for international buyers.
Ownership rights for foreigners are comparable to local buyers except in restricted military, cultural, or environmentally protected zones. Legal fees, translation costs, and currency transfer expenses typically add 1-3% to the total transaction cost.
How long do ski seasons last and what is the snow reliability?
South Korean ski resorts typically operate for 4-5 months annually, from mid-November through early March or April, depending on elevation and weather patterns.
- Yongpyong: Mid-November to early April (4.5 months), enhanced by extensive snowmaking systems
- High1: Late November to mid-April (4+ months), highest elevation provides longest season
- Alpensia: Early December to mid-March (3.5 months), reliable artificial snow supplementation
- Phoenix Park: Early December to early March (3 months), compact but consistent season
- Vivaldi Park: Mid-December to early March (2.5-3 months), shortest natural season
Natural snowfall typically provides 30-40 days of quality skiing conditions, with larger and higher elevation resorts managing approximately 50 days through comprehensive snowmaking operations. All major resorts invest heavily in artificial snow production to ensure consistent conditions throughout their operating seasons.
Which resorts offer year-round activities beyond skiing?
Year-round amenities significantly impact property values and rental potential, with several South Korean ski resorts excelling in multi-season offerings.
Yongpyong provides golf courses, hiking trails, spa facilities, and ecological tours throughout spring and summer months. Alpensia offers similar amenities plus water parks and conference facilities that maintain steady visitor traffic. High1 features extensive golf facilities, casino gaming, and outdoor recreation programs year-round.
Phoenix Park and Konjiam include golf courses, spas, and family-oriented activities, while Vivaldi Park combines water parks, golf, and hiking amenities. These year-round operations make property ownership more attractive to buyers seeking both rental income and lifestyle benefits outside winter season.
Resorts with strong summer programming typically achieve 40-60% higher annual rental yields compared to winter-only operations. Golf courses, in particular, drive significant premium pricing during South Korea's extended golf season from April through November.
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Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
South Korean ski resort properties represent an accessible investment opportunity with solid fundamentals, competitive pricing compared to Japan, and expanding infrastructure that supports both winter sports and year-round recreation.
The combination of reasonable entry prices, consistent rental yields, strong transport links to Seoul, and new regulatory clarity for foreign buyers creates a compelling case for investment consideration in this growing market.
Sources
- J2Ski South Korea Chalets
- J2Ski South Korea Apartments
- BambooRoutes South Korea House Prices
- KKday Jisan Ski Resort Guide
- Omnia Capital Ski Property Investment Report
- BambooRoutes Japan Real Estate Forecasts
- Sun Ski South Korea Chalets
- Airbnb South Korea Ski Properties
- Visit Korea Ski Resort Information
- Global Property Guide South Korea Taxes