Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival — Korea’s Iconic Winter Adventure

Every January, the quiet town of Hwacheon in Gangwon Province transforms into a magical frozen wonderland. The Sancheoneo Ice Festival attracts visitors from around the world, all eager to try ice fishing, sledding, and snow sculptures on a vast frozen river. It’s not just a winter event — it’s a celebration of Korean culture, community, and joy under the snow.

1️⃣ What Makes Hwacheon Special

The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival is one of Korea’s most famous winter celebrations. Named after the local mountain trout, “sancheoneo,” the festival offers a unique chance to catch fish through ice holes, grill them fresh on-site, and enjoy them as part of a traditional feast. Every year, more than a million visitors come to experience this icy adventure surrounded by mountains and clear skies. It’s the ultimate mix of nature, fun, and Korean winter spirit.

2️⃣ Festival Highlights

🎣 Ice Fishing — Catch sancheoneo trout through ice holes and cook them fresh on grills.
⛸️ Snow Activities — Try ice sledding, skating, and ice soccer on the frozen river.
🎨 Snow & Ice Sculptures — Giant snow castles and frozen art displays line the festival grounds.
🍢 Local Food Market — Taste hot fish soup, grilled skewers, sweet potatoes, and makgeolli.
🏠 Family Zones — Safe areas for kids, mini-sled hills, and heated rest tents for families.
🌌 Night Lighting Show — The river glows with colorful illuminations after sunset.

3️⃣ How to Join the Ice Fishing Experience

Visitors rent fishing gear at the festival entrance — a small fishing rod, bait, and a bucket. Once you find a good spot, carve your own ice hole and drop the line. If you’re lucky, you’ll pull out a wriggling sancheoneo! For the full experience, head to the nearby grill tents where chefs prepare your fish with salt or chili sauce. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime winter adventure that combines skill, patience, and delicious reward. 🐟

4️⃣ Beyond Fishing — Winter Fun for Everyone

Activity	Description
Snow Sledding	Exciting rides for kids and adults on snowy slopes
Ice Soccer	Friendly matches played on frozen fields — a local favorite
Ice Slides	Giant frozen slides built from real river ice
Photo Zone	Massive snow sculptures and ice tunnels perfect for selfies
Night Illumination	LED light displays over the ice create a magical evening view

5️⃣ Cultural & Local Experiences

The festival also highlights Korean winter traditions and Gangwon culture. Visitors can enjoy folk games, watch ice carving shows, and explore traditional craft booths. Local farmers sell regional specialties like honey rice cakes, gochujang paste, and handmade crafts. It’s a perfect mix of adventure and cultural discovery — something that makes Hwacheon more than just a tourist stop.

6️⃣ Travel Information

📅 Dates: Mid-January to early February (weather-dependent)
📍 Location: Hwacheon County, Gangwon Province
🚆 How to Get There: Take ITX train from Seoul → Chuncheon → Hwacheon shuttle bus
🎟️ Admission: Around ₩12,000 (includes fishing area access and rental discounts)
🏨 Nearby Stays: Chuncheon or local hanok-style guesthouses
🍲 Must-Try Food: Grilled trout, potato pancakes, hot rice wine (makgeolli)

7️⃣ Why You Should Visit

The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival captures the heart of a Korean winter — community warmth in the cold, laughter echoing over frozen rivers, and families making unforgettable memories together. It’s a celebration of life, nature, and tradition, inviting travelers to experience winter not as something to endure, but something to enjoy. ❄️ If you’re visiting Korea in winter, this festival is an absolute must.

📍 Official Links

🎯 Expert Insight

This festival perfectly combines eco-tourism, local heritage, and family fun. For foreign travelers, it’s one of the few places where you can truly live like a local during Korea’s snowy season. Whether you go for the ice fishing, the snow art, or the food, you’ll find that Hwacheon offers something even more meaningful — a sense of connection to Korea’s winter soul.