The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is one of the most beloved winter festivals in South Korea, held every January in the mountainous town of Hwacheon, Gangwon-do. Drawing over a million visitors annually, this event transforms the frozen Hwacheoncheon Stream into a sprawling festival ground filled with excitement, color, and unique experiences. What began in 2003 as a local initiative to promote the region has now grown into an internationally recognized celebration, even listed by CNN as one of the "7 Wonders of Winter." The centerpiece of the festival is the iconic ice fishing for sancheoneo, or mountain trout—a cold-water fish native to the Korean peninsula. However, the charm of the festival lies not only in the fishing itself but also in its stunning mountain scenery, joyful family activities, and strong community spirit. This immersive festival offers an excellent opportunity to embrace Korean winter culture, taste fresh grilled fish, and create unforgettable memories with friends and family. As you'll discover in the sections below, there’s far more to do than just fishing.
Ice Fishing Experience: Catching Sancheoneo Like a Local
The most iconic activity at the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is undoubtedly ice fishing. Hundreds of rectangular holes are drilled into the 40 cm-thick ice of the frozen stream, where participants line up with rented rods in hopes of catching the elusive sancheoneo trout. For many visitors, the joy lies in the challenge—these freshwater fish are quick and slippery, making each successful catch a true victory. Those who prefer more action can try the festival’s famous “barehand fishing” zone. Here, brave participants in short sleeves leap into icy pools to catch live trout with their hands, cheered on by energetic crowds. After catching their fish, visitors can grill it immediately at nearby fire pits or have it sashimi-style at designated preparation stations. The experience is more than a sport—it’s a celebration of nature, survival, and tradition. Local staff guide first-timers with patience and enthusiasm, while multilingual signage helps international guests feel included. The festival emphasizes sustainability: the sancheoneo are bred in nearby clean-water farms and released under strict ecological monitoring. This ensures that both the environment and experience remain pristine year after year. In short, whether you're a seasoned angler or just want to try something new, the ice fishing experience is at the heart of this winter wonderland.
Winter Fun & Cultural Programs for All Ages
Beyond fishing, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival is packed with exciting winter activities and cultural content that appeal to all age groups. There’s snow sledding, ice skating, snow sculpture galleries, and even a massive ice maze for kids and adults to enjoy. Families can take part in the “Sancheoneo Stamp Tour,” collecting stamps by completing mini challenges across the festival grounds. Traditional Korean games like tuho (arrow tossing) and yunnori are available in the folk village zone, where visitors can also try on hanbok and watch performances of pungmul (folk drumming). Nighttime brings its own charm: the entire area is lit up with LED installations, and firework shows are often held on weekends. Food stalls serve everything from steaming hot fish cakes to grilled trout wraps and local rice wine. Warming stations and indoor rest areas are strategically placed throughout the venue for comfort. For international visitors, a travel center provides translation services and festival guides in English, Chinese, and Japanese. Because of these well-thought-out programs, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival has become one of the top winter family festivals in Korea. Whether you're there for cultural immersion or just winter fun, you'll find yourself delightfully surprised at every corner.
Summary & Travel Info: Plan Your Winter Getaway
The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is more than a seasonal event—it's a full-fledged winter adventure that blends tradition, fun, and nature. With its stunning location in Gangwon-do, rich program variety, and welcoming atmosphere, it stands as a shining example of Korea’s winter tourism potential. If you’re planning a trip, aim for mid-January to early February when the ice is thickest and all programs are in full swing. Hwacheon is reachable by bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal in around 2.5 hours. Wear waterproof snow gear, gloves, and warm boots, especially if you’re joining the barehand fishing. Most activities are affordable, and entrance to the ice fishing zone includes basic gear rental. Festival updates are available on the official website and mobile app, which offers real-time scheduling, maps, and translations. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with children, this festival delivers heartwarming joy and icy thrills in equal measure. And remember—the keyword here is “experience,” not just sightseeing. This is one winter trip where you don’t just watch; you dive in, literally and figuratively.