A Winter Ranch More Beautiful with Snow

A winter ranch offers a landscape that is completely different from green meadows. The snow-covered ridges, wooden fences, and shadows created by the low sunlight can make the view itself a destination, but high-altitude ranches experience stronger winds and prolonged freezing compared to urban areas. This list focuses on areas like Daegwallyeong, Pyeongchang, Taebaek, Hongcheon, and Gapyeong, where you can expect beautiful winter scenery, while in the southern regions and Jeju, you can enjoy the clear meadows unique to winter.

Just because there is a snow forecast doesn't guarantee that you'll see winter scenery, and snowfall can lead to closures of access roads and shuttle services, gondolas, and activities. Make sure to check for road closures, announcements of temporary closures, and last entry timings the day before your visit and on the day itself. If your vehicle isn’t equipped with snow tires or chains, it’s better not to push yourself to depart. Packing waterproof shoes, gloves, a hat that covers your ears, and extra socks will make even a short walk much more comfortable. Warm beverages and a portable charger are also useful.

At a winter ranch, it’s more important to safely return within open areas than to reach the summit or the furthest viewpoint. Even when the sun is shining, shaded decks and dirt paths can be icy, so it's wise to shorten your strides and hold onto the railings. Children may not feel the drop in body temperature until later if they are focused on playing in the snow, so it's good to frequently check if their gloves and socks are wet and to schedule warm indoor breaks.

While snowy scenery photos may appear dark because of the white snow, avoid stopping in the middle of pathways just to adjust camera settings. Animals might be resting in indoor barns or protected areas during winter, so encounters could be limited. Adjust your expectations to focus more on scenic walks rather than feeding experiences, and embrace the journey as one that discovers other seasonal aspects, such as silver grass, coniferous trees, and clear ridges, even when there’s no snow. Before heading home, thoroughly remove snow from your vehicle's windows and roof and store wet equipment separately.