Exploring Korea: Midnight in the Mountains – A Winter Tale from Muju

By Neha Bisht

Waiting for the Slopes to Open

Jeollanam-do and Jeollabuk-do are two of South Korea’s most vibrant provinces – home to serene mountains, dense forests, snowy valleys, and more adventurous attractions than one could explore in a lifetime. As someone who loves discovering every hidden corner of these regions, I wanted my New Year’s Eve to be special this time – something thrilling, memorable, and far from the usual celebrations. That’s how my friend and I decided to welcome the New Year not under fireworks, but on the snowy slopes of Muju Deogyu-san Ski Resort, one of Korea’s most scenic winter destinations.

We bought our ski passes with excitement, only to learn that the slopes were closed for afternoon maintenance. At Muju, the ski runs operate in two sessions – morning and evening – with a break in between for grooming and repairs. So, we had no choice but to wait for the evening session.

But waiting in Muju is hardly boring. We wandered around the snowy landscape, took countless photos, played in the snow like kids, and admired the view of Deogyu-san’s vast, peaceful mountains. The time passed surprisingly quickly.

The Road to Muju

It was a bitterly cold winter morning. We left early from Gwangju and drove through the winding winter roads, watching the world turn whiter with every passing kilometer.

Since it was New Year’s Eve, the traffic thickened near Muju, and the snowfall slowed us down. By the time we reached the resort, it was already afternoon. The entire place buzzed with holiday energy. Our first challenge? The biting cold that stung our faces the moment we opened the door.

The Gondola to the Top

When the slopes finally reopened, we rented our ski clothes and equipment and headed toward the gondola. The ride up was magical – gliding slowly above the snow-covered trees, watching the lights of the resort shine below us like tiny stars. For all of us, it was our first skiing experience, so nerves and excitement mixed in equal parts.

And then came the moment of truth: jumping off the gondola onto the snow platform. Of course, we slipped immediately – one after another. It was clumsy, hilarious, and absolutely unforgettable.

Learning to Ski – The Hard Way

The top platform was filled with beginners practicing and experts gracefully gliding past them. We joined the beginners’ area, taking turns falling, getting up, and cheering for one another. Every fall hurt, but every attempt brought more laughter.

Then came our biggest mistake – we accidentally entered a medium-level slope instead of the beginner one. Within minutes, we were separated. I found myself alone, sliding, falling, standing, and falling again. Whenever I struggled to get up, kind strangers and skilled skiers stopped to help me. Their small acts of kindness kept me going.

Two of my friends gave up even before making it halfway and called the pick-up service. One friend miraculously completed the full course.

And me? I somehow managed to make it halfway down but eventually became too exhausted to continue. The cold, the tumbles, and the endless attempts drained all my energy. I couldn’t even figure out where I was on the mountain.

My friends called me, then requested the resort staff to send a rescue ride. One of them even came along to locate me. Finally, they found me half-frozen, half-determined, and took me safely down to the base. We reunited, laughed over our endless falling stories, and replayed each moment as if it were a comedy movie.

A New Year Under the Snowy Sky

By the time we changed out of our ski gear, it was already around 10 p.m. The slopes were still alive with skiers sliding elegantly under bright golden lights. We warmed ourselves with hot coffee and steaming ramyeon, sitting outside in the cold, chatting, and enjoying the crisp, peaceful air.

As midnight approached, small fireworks sparkled from nearby resorts, lighting up the snowy mountains. We watched them in quiet joy, welcoming the New Year under the cold winter sky, feeling both adventurous and strangely calm.

The Journey Back to Gwangju

The midnight drive back was an adventure in itself. The road wound through silent villages, dark forests, and a river that glimmered faintly in the moonlight. The world felt still, peaceful, almost dreamlike. We reached Gwangju in the early hours, ate a warm meal, and finally headed home – tired, bruised, and incredibly happy.

A New Year to Remember

My Muju skiing adventure was far from perfect. I fell more times than I can count, got lost on the slope, and ended the night with sore muscles. But it was magical – a mix of challenge, laughter, friendship, and winter beauty that I will remember forever.

There are many ways to welcome a New Year, but sliding down a snowy mountain – laughing, struggling, learning – felt like the perfect one.

Quick Tips for Muju Ski Resort

• Go early if you want to join the morning skiing session – it fills up fast!
• Bring your own gloves, cap, and socks – rentals don’t include them and buying them there is expensive.
• Rent only the essentials: jacket, pants, boots, skis/poles. Bring the rest to save money.
• Pack your own food and snacks for mid-day breaks – resort meals are pricey and crowded.
• Carry heating pads (hot packs) to stay warm during evening sessions.
• Layer your clothes for better warmth and comfort.
• Check timings and updates on the official site: mdysresort.com/English
• Start early to avoid traffic, especially on holidays or snowy days.

Cover Photo: Muju ski slopes wrapped in winter calm just before the evening rush. (Neha Bisht)