Winter – Travel with KKday

This Winter is Your Best Chance to See the Northern Lights

When it comes to the Northern Lights, photos just don’t do them justice.

Also known as the Aurora Borealis, this celestial spectacle constantly makes its way onto every traveler’s Bucket List. This natural phenomenon occurs when gaseous particles in the Earth’s atmosphere collide with charged particles from the sun. The result? Grand aural displays of rippling curtains, shooting rays, and scattered clouds in all sorts of brilliant colors.

Why you should see them now

Scientists and explorers have been enchanted by the northern lights for centuries. Contrary to popular belief, they aren’t disappearing. But scientists have discovered that auroral activity comes in cycles, peaking roughly every 11 years. And with every passing year until 2025, we’ll be seeing less lights and more dark, empty skies.

As the name implies, the Northern Lights are best seen close to the north pole in the Arctic Circle. And the best season to catch them is between the months of September and March, where the skies are dark and cloudless. Of course, the light show can vary from day to day, even within this season so it’s best to check out the auroral forecast.

If you’re ready to tick this experience off your lifetime bucket list, here are the best places to see the lights.

Fairbanks, Alaska

The main draw of Alaska is its accessibility, especially if you’re coming from America. But compared to the other places on our list, Fairbanks suffers from more light pollution—not ideal for catching the lights.

Fortunately, clearer skies are just a short drive away. Book a hotel or Airbnb in Fairbanks, and drive out to the Chena Hot Springs, a world renowned resort that’s also great viewing spot for the northern lights.

Reykjavik, Iceland

If you’re worried about the frigid cold, then head to Iceland. Yes, it sounds oxymoronic, but the warm waters of the Gulf Stream make for pleasantly mild climate.

Apart from the Aurora Borealis, Iceland is full of untapped natural wonders, from its numerous active volcanoes, underground lava formations, and geysers.

Tromsø, Norway

If you’re looking for a festival experience, then head to Tromsø, Norway: Aurora Borealis, Norway. Thanks to the tourist boom of the Aurora Borealis, this small city has developed a lively nightlife and is a friendly place for tourists.

Just outside the city are the majestic arctic fjords, which make for a truly great Aurora Lights experience. Enjoy a traditional Norwegian dinner on the deck of a historic ship as you see the colorful lights shoot from the glassy-ice cliffs.

Abisko, Sweden

Last but not least, there’s the small and secluded Abisko town in Sweden. With its unique micro-climate and low urbanization, Abisko is the best place to see the Northern Lights in all their celestial grandeur.

There are a number of ways to see the lights here. You can rent a private car and go Aurora chasing on your own, or take ride a snowmobile. But for a truly intimate viewing experience, head to the Aurora Sky take a chairlift up to mountaintop. Up this high, you’ll feel like you can catch the light with your bare hands.

There’s so much to see and do when you head up north. Be sure to check out our website for more Aurora Borealis Tours, and keep reading our blog for more exciting guides!

Beat the Heat and Escape to Asia’s Best Ski Slopes

Here in the Singapore, the climate is hot and humid year-round. That’s why KKday is here to show you some of the best ski slopes in Asia! Here are our top 4 picks for the snow season.

Seoul, Korea: Ski Lessons at Vivaldi Park

If you’ve only lived in tropical climates and humid weather, winter sports can be both exciting and terrifying. But fear shouldn’t stop you from the thrill of the mountain slopes. At Daemyung Resort Vivaldi Park, there are classes for beginners of all ages eager to go skiing or snowboarding on Mt. Daemyung. Guests can conveniently rent all the equipment they need and spend as much time as they’d like conquering the slopes.

Hokkaido, Japan: The Asahidake Ropeway

Hokkaido is known to feel the first brush of winter in Japan, and becomes a scenic winter wonderland once the season kicks in. For the skilled and the serious skiers, head to the Asahidake Ropeway, which has some of the lightest and driest snowfall in the country–perfect for the seasonal athletes who like a challenge.

To get to the ski area, you have to take a single gondola lift—the Asahidake Ropeway—where skiers can jump from more than 400 meters. The resort has an expansive terrain that goes deep and steep; it’s advisable to ski with a guide, because the terrain can get very dangerous on low visibility days. And while the Asahidake Ropeway isn’t the ideal family activity (especially if you’re traveling with small children or elderly), it’s located at the Daisetsuzan National Park, which is full of other scenic sights worth exploring.

Gangwon, Korea: Sledding at Nami Island

Nami Island is one of Korea’s year-round, natural attractions and is an easy getaway from Seoul City. At this half moon-shaped island, tourists can try their hand at ice fishing over the solid frozen river.

Winter Season: Sledding at Nami Island, Korea — Winter Season: Nami Island, Korea

Set out for the half moon-shaped Nami Island, only an hour away from Seoul. Warm up over a classic Korean BBQ before hitting the slopes. Race down the snow topped hills on a fun sledding experience. In the afternoon, you can try your hand at ice fishing. Stand over a solid frozen river and place bait in one of the many man-made holes. Cast a line and try to catch as many mountain trout as you can! After a successful haul, you can either release your fish or grill and eat them on the spot for an additional fee.

Numata City, Japan: Skiing, Strawberry Picking, and More

If winter means playing in the snow, head to the Tambara Ski Park. Just two hours away from Tokyo, this family friendly ski park is full of great outdoor activities. You can take ski and snowboard lessons and trail the beginner friendly slopes, while the kids (or you) can head over to the Tambara Snow Land’s moving snow escalator.

Afterwards, warm up over an all-you-can-eat snow crab and deep-water shrimp buffet. And for dessert? Pick it out yourself at the Harada Farmlang where you can enjoy fresh, succulent strawberries with sweet condensed milk!

Make the Most of Your Trip to Korea: 6 Winter Adventures

Korea is a year-round natural beauty, and we’ve written a lot about all its incredible sights, and budget guides (READ: 1 Week in Seoul in Under S$1000). With Korea set to host the 2018 Winter Olympics, we’ve come up with a list of great things to do to make the most of the season!

1. Go Ice Fishing

Gangwon, Korea: Pyeongchang Trout Festival

Had enough the usual activities like skiing and sledding? Then maybe you should try ice fishing at Korea’s Pyeongchang Trout Festival! This three-week festival is held every January by the Odaecheon River in the Gangwon Province. Participants drill a hole through 16 inches of the frozen river, cast their fishing lines, and try to catch as much mountain trout as they can. And while this may seem easy, you’d be surprised at how competitive the festival can get! Afterwards, many choose to grill and eat their catch of the day for dinner.

2. Sledding at Everland

Everland, Korea’s largest and most popular theme park, is a year-round must-see with lots of seasonal rides and attractions. And every winter, children and adults alike head to Everland to go sledding. The star attraction is the Snow Buster, a huge sledding hill with a ‘tube lift’ that lets park-goes ride back up to the top for another round of sledding. If you’re looking for more kid-friendly slopes, you can also go on Everland’s Jungfrau Sledge or Monch Kid’s Sledge.

3. See the Herb Island Lights Festival

Pocheon Herb Island, Korea: Lights and Fairy Tale Festival

Find yourself going snow blind from all the white? Add some light and color to your holiday (and your Instagram feed!) and check out the Herb Island Lights Festival. Every year, the Light & Fairy Tale Festival stuns audiences with millions of LED lights decorating the Santa’s Village. Feel the Christmas spirit when you come here with your family!

4. Catch a K-Pop Show at Seoul Lotte World

If you’d rather stay indoors, but don’t want to out on winter, then head to Lotte World. This huge indoor amusement center complex is full of games and rides, with a skating rink at the very center. And if you’re a huge K-Pop fan, you’re in luck; many groups and idols hold special performances and fan meet-ups here during the holiday season!

5. Conquer the Slopes at the Vivaldi Park Ski World

Almost 80% of Korea’s landscape is pure mountain. In the summer, people spend their weekends on hikes and camping trips, but come winter time, skiing is sport of choice. For the finest ski slopes in the country, head to Vivaldi Park Ski World. Visitors get to enjoy a scenic cable ride that overlooks Palbong Mountain before choosing from thirteen different terrains. Beginners can take guided lessons along easy slopes, while more advanced skiers can opt for the more extreme courses. Whatever your ski level, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the park.

6. Detox with a Hot Spring Bath

The cold weather can get pretty old, pretty quick and there’s nothing more soothing in the winter than a nice, hot spring bath. Apart from incredible ski slopes, Korea’s mountains are also home to mineral-rich hot springs that will revive and rejuvenate you after a long day of snow sports.

Other great winter destinations are Japan and Australia.Or if you aren’t into the cold weather, check out our Spring Time Guides for Taiwan and Japan!