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Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival - A meeting between ice and people.
Every January, when the Bukhangang River in Hwacheon County (Gangwon Province) freezes over 30 cm thick, locals and tourists flock to attend the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival – one of the most anticipated winter festivals in South Korea.
Thousands of ice holes are drilled, tiny fishing rods are placed along the edges of the circular openings, and hundreds of people sit waiting for the moment the first mountain trout bites. For many, this is not just entertainment but an experience of challenging themselves amidst harsh nature – when the biting wind chills the skin, yet their hearts race with the joy of catching a haul.
The highlight of the festival is the "fishing with bare hands" segment, where visitors, dressed in traditional attire or swimwear, plunge into the icy water to find and catch the nimble salmon. Laughter, cheers, and splashes of water in the cold air create a vibrant picture of a Korean winter. After catching a fish, you can take it to the riverside food court to enjoy fresh salmon sashimi or grilled fish right there, a warm and delicious treat in the freezing weather.
Pyeongchang Salmon Festival - A glimmer of warmth amidst the snow.
Also located in Gangwon Province – famous for its snow-capped mountains year-round – the Pyeongchang Salmon Festival is a must-see during the cold season. While Hwacheon offers a lively atmosphere, Pyeongchang is more peaceful and relaxing, making it ideal for families or couples.
Besides ice fishing, visitors can enjoy ice skating, mini-skiing, tug-of-war, and building snowmen, or simply stroll around the frozen lake, watching the snow fall silently on the wooden roofs. Warmth emanates from the small, smoky eateries, where the aroma of grilled salmon and hot rice wine blends in the breeze.
The local cuisine is a highlight not to be missed: charcoal-grilled salmon, smoked salmon, and spicy salmon hot pot – flavorful dishes that allow you to truly experience the taste of winter in Gangwon.
Sanjeong Lake Ice Skating Festival - A Winter Melody Near Seoul
Located just about two hours from Seoul, the Pocheon Sanjeong Lake Ice Skating Festival in Gyeonggi-do Province is the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy a festive atmosphere without traveling far.
Tourists participate in an ice skating festival on Lake Sanjeong, Pocheon County, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea.
In winter, Lake Sanjeong freezes over, transforming into a giant playground in nature. Under the soft sunlight, visitors can go ice skating, sledding, mini ice racing, or simply take relaxing photos amidst the pristine white landscape of the forest and lake.
In particular, the surrounding area also has many small cafes overlooking the lake, where you can sip a hot cup of coffee, admire the sparkling ice, and listen to the laughter of children echoing throughout the space - a very "Korean" peaceful moment.
Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival - Art in the Cold
If you appreciate the beauty of ice and snow in a more refined and artistic way, head to the Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival in Chungcheongnam-do province. When water喷射 from the outdoor fountains meets the cold wind, it instantly freezes, creating giant ice columns with fantastical shapes. Under the colorful lights at night, the entire space transforms into a crystal kingdom.
In addition, visitors can participate in activities such as ice skating, sledding, building snowmen, or visiting the ice sculpture park – where fairy tale characters are recreated using transparent ice.
More than just a place for fun, Chilgapsan offers a sense of contemplation: amidst the biting cold, you can still see the wondrous beauty of nature – something that makes humans feel small yet full of emotion.
From Gangwon to Chungcheong, from icy cold surfaces to dazzling lights, each festival is a different piece of the Korean winter. They are not only places where people enjoy themselves, but also ways they preserve and spread traditional culture through generations. For tourists, this is an opportunity to fully experience a true winter – cold, beautiful, and vibrant.
