Experience the Thrill of Winter at the Hwacheon Ice Fishing Festival in South Korea
The renowned Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival has officially begun, captivating visitors from all corners of South Korea and beyond. This annual event is hosted in the picturesque mountain town of Hwacheon, located in Gangwon province, a region famous for its clean waters and breathtaking landscapes. The festival commenced on January 11, 2026, and will continue until February 1, promising an array of thrilling activities centered around ice fishing and winter sports.
Covering an impressive 300,000 square meters, the festival venue is roughly equivalent to 40 football fields, presenting ample space for families and friends to enjoy diverse recreational activities. The vibrant event has drawn a substantial crowd, including many international visitors, and expects to attract over 100,000 foreign tourists this year.
Governor Choi Moon-soon expressed optimism about the festival's success during the opening ceremony, emphasizing the commitment to ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants. Since its inception in 2003, the festival has gained acclaim and was awarded the title of the best festival in South Korea by the culture ministry in 2010. Remarkably, last year's event saw attendance figures soaring past 1.86 million, surpassing the previous record.
The festival is particularly famous for ice fishing for 'sancheoneo,' a unique species of trout indigenous to the area, known for inhabiting only the purest of waters. Visitors can engage in traditional fishing methods, drilling holes into the frozen river and experiencing the excitement of catching these prized fish. Additionally, the event offers numerous ice sports and activities, such as bare-hand fishing, sledding, and ice soccer, captivating attendees seeking winter adventure.
This year's festival boasts a multitude of new experiences, including sledding on a thrilling 40-meter slope and a 60-meter stretch of frozen river, as well as riding the innovative, family-friendly 'ice bobsleigh.' There are also plans for curling and figure skating events, providing an all-encompassing experience for winter sports enthusiasts.
Among the festival highlights is the Seohwasan Multipurpose Indoor Plaza, which will host a miniature replica of the renowned Harbin Ice and Snow World, featuring exquisite ice art and sculptures brought in by expert ice lantern makers from Harbin. Visitors can marvel at the intricate designs and craftsmanship at the Indoor Ice Sculpture Plaza, further enhancing their experience.
This winter festival not only promotes the beauty of ice fishing and winter sports but also portrays Hwacheon as a thriving winter tourism hub. With its stunning natural environment, engaging activities, and the distinct opportunity to catch sancheoneo fish, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is eagerly welcomed by locals and tourists alike, embodying a true winter wonderland that fosters cherished memories for all participants.
As the festival progresses through January, it promises excitement and joy in the heart of South Korea's spectacular winter scenery, allowing everyone from seasoned anglers to curious families to bask in the delights of winter festivities. Don’t miss the chance to discover the enchanting ambiance of the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, where fun and adventure await around every icy corner.
Covering an impressive 300,000 square meters, the festival venue is roughly equivalent to 40 football fields, presenting ample space for families and friends to enjoy diverse recreational activities. The vibrant event has drawn a substantial crowd, including many international visitors, and expects to attract over 100,000 foreign tourists this year.
Governor Choi Moon-soon expressed optimism about the festival's success during the opening ceremony, emphasizing the commitment to ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants. Since its inception in 2003, the festival has gained acclaim and was awarded the title of the best festival in South Korea by the culture ministry in 2010. Remarkably, last year's event saw attendance figures soaring past 1.86 million, surpassing the previous record.
The festival is particularly famous for ice fishing for 'sancheoneo,' a unique species of trout indigenous to the area, known for inhabiting only the purest of waters. Visitors can engage in traditional fishing methods, drilling holes into the frozen river and experiencing the excitement of catching these prized fish. Additionally, the event offers numerous ice sports and activities, such as bare-hand fishing, sledding, and ice soccer, captivating attendees seeking winter adventure.
This year's festival boasts a multitude of new experiences, including sledding on a thrilling 40-meter slope and a 60-meter stretch of frozen river, as well as riding the innovative, family-friendly 'ice bobsleigh.' There are also plans for curling and figure skating events, providing an all-encompassing experience for winter sports enthusiasts.
Among the festival highlights is the Seohwasan Multipurpose Indoor Plaza, which will host a miniature replica of the renowned Harbin Ice and Snow World, featuring exquisite ice art and sculptures brought in by expert ice lantern makers from Harbin. Visitors can marvel at the intricate designs and craftsmanship at the Indoor Ice Sculpture Plaza, further enhancing their experience.
This winter festival not only promotes the beauty of ice fishing and winter sports but also portrays Hwacheon as a thriving winter tourism hub. With its stunning natural environment, engaging activities, and the distinct opportunity to catch sancheoneo fish, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is eagerly welcomed by locals and tourists alike, embodying a true winter wonderland that fosters cherished memories for all participants.
As the festival progresses through January, it promises excitement and joy in the heart of South Korea's spectacular winter scenery, allowing everyone from seasoned anglers to curious families to bask in the delights of winter festivities. Don’t miss the chance to discover the enchanting ambiance of the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, where fun and adventure await around every icy corner.
Topics Travel）
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