#South Korea #Hwacheon Festival #Sancheoneo Fishing #Winter Events #Hwacheon

The 2025 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

The 2025 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival kicked off last Saturday, marking the return of one of South Korea's beloved winter celebrations in the stunning Gangwon Province. Lasting until February 2, this year's festival invites visitors to partake in a variety of winter activities focused around the icy waters of the Hwacheon stream. The festival, renowned for its engaging atmosphere and annual draw, has become a true winter wonderland since its launch in 2003.

Located just 25 kilometers south of the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea and approximately 90 kilometers northeast of Seoul, the festival site offers a picturesque backdrop for enthusiasts eager to embrace the cold. Each year, the event welcomes a diverse crowd, with more than a million attendees typically joining in the fun.

Experience the Thrills of Ice Fishing

This year's festival features numerous activities, the highlight being the opportunity to catch the local mountain trout known as “sancheoneo.” Festival-goers can experience the thrill of bare-handed fishing, where participants immerse their hands into ice holes in hopes of catching these slippery fish. Families and friends clamor around the frozen river, donning winter clothing while they fish, share laughs, and create memories.

Among the eager participants was Mr. Kim, who shared, "I came early this morning from Seoul to celebrate my child's birthday! This is a yearly tradition for us, and this year, I also plan to attend the nighttime concert at Seon Deung Street." Events and attractions have been set up to enhance the experience further, including outdoor grilling stations where visitors can barbecue their fresh catch. The lively atmosphere resonates with cheers as happy anglers proudly display their catches.

A Global Attraction

The festival has gained international acclaim, having drawn attention for its unique offering of winter sports and events. Since its inception, the festival has consistently attracted around 100,000 international visitors every year, significantly impacting the local economy of Hwacheon, which has a population of merely 23,000. This small town has effectively transformed into a sprawling winter festival city, showcasing South Korea's winter charm.

The Hwacheon festival was once featured among the "Seven Wonders of Winter" by a leading global news outlet in 2011 and recently caught the eyes of major publications like The New York Times, which listed it as one of Asia's five must-see winter festivals.

With each passing year, the festival expands its offerings. Besides ice fishing and barbecuing, attendees can enjoy sledding and numerous other activities designed to thrill the senses. Moreover, the festival promotes local culture through various events that display the region's traditions and culinary delights.

In essence, the 2025 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is not just an event; it's an experience that captivates the hearts of its attendees. As the festival continues through early February, it promises to offer ample excitement, joy, and community spirit, making it a key highlight of South Korea's winter culture.

Final Thoughts

As the steeds of winter plunge into the icy depths of the Norwegian waters, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival stands firm as a beacon of joy for all those longing for adventure and camaraderie. This year's celebration is shaping up to be one for the books, ensuring that visitors depart with cherished memories and a longing to return in the years to come.