Where Are Korea's Top Snow Flower Destinations? Gyeongbuk Culture and Tourism Organization Recommends Travel Spots and Local Foods

Gyeongbuk Culture and Tourism Organization (President Kim Namil) announced on January 11 that the January theme for its monthly publication, "Gyeongbuk Travel MVTI," is "World of Snow Flowers, Silver Winter Descends," capturing the beautiful winter landscapes of Gyeongbuk Province.

The January issue focuses on "hoarfrost," a natural winter phenomenon that can only be seen in the coldest months, presenting Gyeongbuk’s winter scenery as emotional, time-based content. Hoarfrost forms when cold air meets water vapor, creating a delicate beauty distinct from snow. The landscapes shaped by hoarfrost leave a deep impression, going beyond simple snowy scenes to resemble works of art crafted by the season itself.

Gyeongbuk Travel MVTI January Issue Poster

Gyeongbuk is especially renowned for its many hoarfrost destinations, thanks to its inland mountains and pristine natural environment. The province’s mountains, valleys, ancient roads, and villages blend with hoarfrost to create a multidimensional and majestic winter landscape. The silver scenery unfolding amid calm hues and clear air offers visitors a chance to escape their busy routines, inviting reflection and relaxation.

Recommended travel destinations and themed highlights include Bonghwa Taebaeksan, where hoarfrost awakens first under the sky; Yecheon Myeongbongsa Munjong Taesil, where royal winter descends deep in the forest; and Yeongju Sobaeksan Yeonhwabong, where endless stretches of hoarfrost resemble pure white coral reefs. Uljin Baegamsan and Bulyeongsa boast silver winters in the forest, shaped by winds from the East Sea.

In addition, on Gimcheon Sudosan, snow flowers bloom, frost flowers accumulate, and ice flowers add to the scene, creating a special winter stage with a magical atmosphere. Sangju Cheonghwasan is known as the "Snow Queen" who lingers atop the green, radiant pine trees.

Recommended local foods include enjoying a warm cup of waterfall coffee beneath the silver ice wall at the Cheongsong Ice Wall View Caf?, and Ulleungdo squid nurunchang jjigae, a traditional dish famous for warming up winter mornings on Ulleungdo Island.

Other unforgettable experiences include savoring a rich cup of tea in the snowy bamboo grove at a Sangju caf?, enjoying steaming Chinese dumplings at a Gimcheon Chinese dumpling shop during the cold season, and tasting thread-shaped shaved ice at Pohang Songdo Dessert Caf?, where the texture of winter is captured just like hoarfrost.

President Kim Namil stated, "This January MVTI aims to express the tranquility and delicate beauty of winter through hoarfrost. I hope travelers will begin the new year calmly, surrounded by the snow-covered landscapes of Gyeongbuk."

"Gyeongbuk Travel MVTI" stands for Monthly Visit Theme Item, a project that analyzes trends and applies strategic ideas to creatively and emotionally reimagine Gyeongbuk’s diverse resources, publishing new content every month.