Not Your Usual Holiday: 5 Sports & Outdoor Adventures M’sians Must Try In South Korea

We Malaysians know South Korea is great for shopping, skincare hauls, cafe-hopping, and eating your way through the streets. But what if your next Korean getaway were a little more adrenaline-fuelled?

From exploring Jeju on a bicycle to balancing on a surfboard in Busan, South Korea has plenty to keep you on your toes. Here are 5 sports and outdoor adventures to add to your South Korea itinerary:

1. Discover Jeju Island on two wheels

Gimnyeong Seongsegi Beach, Jeju Fantasy Bicycle Path

What’s better than exploring a beautiful island on two wheels, with the sea breeze in your hair and gorgeous ocean views waiting around every turn? The Jeju Fantasy Bicycle Path takes you around Jeju Island, passing beaches, coastal villages, and scenic spots along the way.

You could ride along the stretch connecting the black and white sands of Gimnyeong Seongsegi Beach, volcanic Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), and picture-perfect Pyoseon Beach for an intimate look at Jeju’s beautiful coastline.

For a deeper dive into Jeju on two wheels, multi-day cycling routes can take you beyond the popular sights, from coastal beaches and volcanic landscapes to scenic cafés and local attractions along the way.

2. Take the Ulsanbawi Rock challenge

Ulsanbawi Rock

If you’re the kind of traveller who doesn’t mind a little leg day for a view worth bragging about, this one’s for you. The hike to the awe-inspiring Ulsanbawi Rock in Seoraksan National Park takes you past otherworldly forest trails, Sinheungsa Temple, and Heundeulbawi Rock before you tackle the final climb up the titular rock.

Sinheungsa Temple

It’s about 7.6km in total and takes around four hours to complete. It’s a bit of a workout, but the incredible mountain scenery makes it well worth the effort. Word to the wise: Wear proper hiking shoes, check the trail conditions beforehand, and save some energy for that final climb.

3. Add a surfing session to your Busan trip

Songjeong Beach

If you’ve always wanted to try surfing but never really got around to it, make your way to Songjeong Beach, a popular surfing spot in Busan where you can find surf schools offering lessons for beginners and experienced surfers.

Surfing at Songjeong Beach

Even if the closest you’ve come to surfing is watching people do it on TikTok, places like Surf Holic offer beginner lessons and provide the board and wetsuit, so you don’t have to worry about getting your own gear. Just a little FYI: Check the weather and sea conditions with your chosen surf school before making plans.

4. Live your K-drama snowy dreams

MONA YongPyong

Since we don’t get snow in Malaysia, why not make the most of your winter getaway and try skiing or snowboarding in South Korea? MONA YongPyong in Pyeongchang has 28 ski slopes for different skill levels, so whether you’re a first-timer or already know your way around the slopes, there’s something to try. And if you’d rather take it easy, hop on the cable car up Balwangsan Mountain for a view of the snow-covered mountains.

Balwangsan Mountain

You can rent your equipment on-site, and there are accommodation options too, so there’s no need to squeeze all the fun into a single day. Just make sure you plan around the ski season, which generally runs from mid-November to late March.

Sidenote: Opening dates and slope availability can change depending on the weather and snow conditions, so check ahead before making your plans.

5. Make your Seoul trip a running retreat

For Malaysians who love running, why not make your next South Korea trip a little more memorable by running through the heart of Seoul? The Seoul Marathon 2027 is happening on 21 March, with both a full marathon and a 10km race to choose from.

And the trip doesn’t have to end at the finish line. Give yourself a few days to explore Seoul at a more leisurely pace, from strolling along the Cheonggyecheon Stream to checking out Gyeongbokgung Palace, shopping in Myeongdong, or simply discovering the city’s cafés and food scene.

If you’d rather have the trip arranged for you, check out CIT’s 5D4N Seoul Marathon Experience packages that start from RM5,888!

The race trip will include:

• Return Malaysia Airlines flights
• Four nights at a 4-star hotel
• Daily breakfast and airport transfers

This way, you can focus on the run while still having time to enjoy Seoul. For groups of five or more, MHsports offers additional benefits for sports travellers, including an extra 10kg baggage allowance and flexible travel options, subject to eligibility and terms.

Explore Korea at your own pace

One day, you could be cycling along Jeju’s coastline, hiking up a mountain, catching waves by the beach or putting your running shoes on for a race in Seoul. The next, you could be taking your time over a good meal, wandering through the city or simply enjoying a slower pace.

That’s the beauty of Korea — you don’t have to stick to one kind of holiday. You can chase new experiences, revisit familiar favourites, or find your own balance between adventure and leisure.

With 40+ years of travel industry experience, Corporate Information Travel (CIT) offers professional expertise and travel options to bring your plans to life!

Whether you’re planning a holiday with your partner, a family adventure, or a getaway with friends, CIT can help you explore options suited to your interests and travel style.

Ready to discover South Korea beyond the usual itinerary? Start exploring your options with CIT and plan a trip around the experiences you want to have.

For more information, visit CIT’s website and Facebook!