Pyeongchang Trout Festival
Festival Highlights
About the Pyeongchang Trout Festival Exciting Winter Activities and Trout Adventures Visitor Guide and 2026 Festival Info❄️ Next Festival: January 2026 (exact dates TBA)
🎣 Main Attractions: Ice fishing, trout catching, snow sledding, winter sports, local food stalls
About the Pyeongchang Trout Festival
Every winter, the peaceful town of **Pyeongchang**, famous for hosting the 2018 Winter Olympics, transforms into a lively festival ground covered in snow and ice. The **Pyeongchang Trout Festival** celebrates the region’s pure waters and thriving trout population, offering visitors a unique chance to catch and taste trout in Korea’s crisp mountain air. The festival, first held in 2007, has become one of Korea’s premier winter events, attracting families, fishing enthusiasts, and tourists from around the world. The frozen rivers and purpose-built ice ponds provide the perfect setting for **ice fishing**, a traditional winter pastime that brings people together despite the cold. Beyond fishing, the festival creates a **village of winter joy**, with snowy playgrounds, sledding hills, and steaming food stalls. Whether you're an expert angler or a first-time visitor, the Pyeongchang Trout Festival promises laughter, challenge, and unforgettable winter memories in one of Korea’s most scenic areas.
Exciting Winter Activities and Trout Adventures
The Pyeongchang Trout Festival is packed with winter thrills for all ages. Here are the top activities to enjoy during your visit:
1. Ice Fishing:
- Drill your own fishing hole in the ice sheet and try your luck with live bait - Rental rods, bait, and warm tents are available on-site - The excitement builds as you pull a wriggling trout from the icy water 2
. Bare-Handed Trout Catching:
- A festival favorite! Brave souls step into a shallow, icy pool and try to catch trout with their bare hands - Wetsuits and gloves provided, but be prepared to laugh and splash around
3. Trout BBQ & Cooking Zones:
- Grill your freshly caught trout at the festival’s cooking stations - Try it grilled, sashimi-style, or in a warm soup (maeuntang)
4. Snow & Ice Playground:
- Snow sledding, bumper cars, and mini ice slides for kids - Ice bike rides and snowball fight zones add to the winter fun 5. Cultural Programs & Performances:
- Folk performances, ice carving shows, and Korean winter craft workshops - Nighttime LED light displays turn the snowy landscape into a wonderland
6. Local Food Market:
- Taste winter delicacies like hotteok (sweet pancakes), grilled skewers, corn tea, and Korean hot pot - Buy regional specialties like Pyeongchang honey, trout jerky, and hand-knitted winter gear Whether you’re casting a fishing rod or rolling down a snow hill, the Pyeongchang Trout Festival delivers joyful moments for outdoor lovers and curious travelers alike.
Visitor Guide and 2026 Festival Info
Planning to visit in 2026? Here’s what you need to know:
📅 Festival Dates:
- Tentatively January 2026 (usually runs from late December to early February) - Check the official website [festival700.or.kr](https://www.festival700.or.kr/) for updates
🚗 How to Get There:
- By Train: KTX to Jinbu Station, then local shuttle or taxi (15–20 minutes) - By Bus: Intercity bus to Jinbu Terminal from Seoul Express Bus Terminal, then local transit
🎟 Tickets:
- Ice fishing & activities: ₩15,000–₩30,000 depending on the package - Equipment rental and fish cooking services available on-site - Some activities require advance booking during peak weekends
🧥 What to Wear:
- Thick winter jacket, waterproof gloves, thermal layers, insulated boots - Sunglasses recommended to protect against snow glare
🌟 Tips:
- Arrive early in the morning for the best fishing spots - Use heated rest zones to warm up between activities - Don’t miss the night light-up events and fireworks on opening weekend
🏠 Nearby Attractions:
- Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm - Woljeongsa Temple - Odaesan National Park’s winter hiking trails In Pyeongchang, winter is not a season to endure—it’s a season to celebrate. The Trout Festival invites you to play, laugh, and taste the magic of Korea’s snowy highlands.