How to Enjoy the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

Every winter, the Hwacheoncheon Stream in Gangwon, Korea, transforms into a magical wonderland for the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival. As the stream freezes, it becomes a hub for winter activities, attracting locals and tourists alike for ice fishing, snow sledding, and more.

With over 1 million visitors, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is one of Korea's most popular winter events. Held every January, it offers more than 60 programs, from sports and games to cultural experiences, giving visitors a chance to catch sanctioned trout with their bare hands or admire stunning ice sculptures.

The ice remains safe to walk and slide on, even with numerous fishing holes, making it a family-friendly experience for everyone. If you're planning a visit, learn about the best time to go, the exact location, and how to book shuttle bus packages from Seoul here.

Origins and Korean War Influence

The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival traces its origins to the aftermath of the Korean War when the town of Hwacheon, near the North Korean border, was heavily affected. Created to unite the community, the festival became a symbol of peace and solidarity in a region marked by conflict.

Hwacheon’s strategic location made it a key area for national security, but the festival helped transform it from a tense region into a place of celebration and reflection. By focusing on peace and tradition, the event fosters unity among attendees, creating a peaceful atmosphere within its historical context.

Cultural Impact and Recognition

The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival has gained cultural recognition both in Korea and internationally, earning a spot on CNN’s list of the "World's Seven Wonders of Winter." This distinction showcases Korea’s unique winter traditions and has boosted the festival’s profile, drawing tourists from around the world.

The festival’s cultural activities include traditional fishing methods, such as cutting holes in the ice to catch sancheoneo (Mountain Trout), along with ice-based games and cultural performances. More than just entertainment, these activities celebrate Korean heritage while educating visitors about local customs and traditions.

Economic and Social Contributions

Economically, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is a major boon for the local economy, drawing over a million visitors each year and generating significant revenue for small businesses. The influx of tourists supports local hotels, restaurants, and shops, providing a crucial economic boost during the winter months.

Socially, the festival fosters a strong sense of community by bringing residents and visitors together through fun and meaningful activities. Its transformation of Hwacheon from a quiet town into a lively winter destination highlights its positive social impact, creating lasting connections through shared experiences.

Geographical Setting

Nestled in the mountainous region of Gangwon-do, Hwacheon is known for its cold winters and stunning natural beauty. The festival takes place on the frozen Hwacheoncheon Stream, where the ice, often over 40 cm thick, safely supports various activities. With snow-covered landscapes and convenient access to local accommodations and transport, the area provides a serene and picturesque backdrop for the festivities.

Annual Schedule

Held every January during the coldest part of winter, the festival runs from January 6th to January 28th in 2024. Visitors can enjoy winter activities like ice fishing, snowmobiling, sledding, and skating. For a more pleasant experience, families and tourists may consider visiting early or toward the end of the month to avoid peak crowds.

Visitor Statistics

The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival attracts over 1 million visitors annually, drawing both local and international tourists. Despite the cold, its unique ice fishing and winter adventure activities keep crowds coming back. After a two-year break, the festival’s 2023 return saw a surge in attendance, reaffirming its status as a major winter event in South Korea.

Ice Fishing Competitions

Ice fishing is one of the festival’s main attractions, with visitors trying their luck at catching sancheoneo (mountain trout) through holes drilled into the thick ice. For safety, the ice typically needs to be at least two meters thick.

Participants can choose between regular ice fishing or the more challenging bare-handed fishing, where they attempt to catch trout using only their hands in icy water. A favorite among thrill-seekers, this unique experience creates unforgettable family memories. The fee is typically around ₩15,000 for those aged 11 and older.

Ice Sculpture Plaza

The ice sculpture plaza is a festival highlight, featuring intricate ice carvings by artists from Korea and beyond. Showcasing famous landmarks, mythical creatures, and creative designs, these stunning sculptures captivate visitors, making the plaza a perfect spot for photography and leisurely exploration.

These sparkling ice creations add a magical touch to the festival, allowing visitors to walk among them, take photos, and admire the craftsmanship. The plaza becomes even more enchanting at night when the sculptures are illuminated, creating a breathtaking winter spectacle.

Cultural Performances and Activities

Cultural performances and activities provide visitors with a glimpse into Korean heritage, featuring traditional music, dance, folk plays, and drumming throughout the festival.

The festival also offers family-friendly activities like crafting workshops, traditional Korean games, and food stalls serving local specialties and hot drinks. These experiences create a well-rounded event, ensuring entertainment and warmth for visitors of all ages.

By joining these cultural events, attendees enjoy a more immersive festival experience that deepens their appreciation for Korean traditions. This blend of education and entertainment makes the festival engaging for both kids and adults.

Fishing Techniques and Challenges

One of the festival's main attractions is ice fishing for sancheoneo, a type of trout. Visitors cut a hole in the ice and drop a line to catch these freshwater fish, making for a fun and authentic winter experience.

For a more thrilling challenge, participants can try bare-hand fishing, plunging their hands into icy water to catch fish directly. Both methods test patience and skill, with the cold environment and unpredictable fish adding to the excitement, making each catch a rewarding victory.

Snow and Ice Adventures

Beyond fishing, the festival offers a variety of snow and ice activities, including sledding and ice soccer, where participants glide across the ice in modified shoes for a unique twist on the game.

Families can enjoy building snowmen, having snowball fights, or racing down icy slopes on thrilling ice slides. With activities for all ages, the festival offers more than just ice fishing, creating a lively and festive winter experience for everyone.

Cultural Experience Zones

The festival also includes zones dedicated to Korean cultural experiences, where visitors can enjoy traditional folk games like yutnori, a classic board game played with wooden sticks.

Traditional music and dance performances enhance the festival’s cultural richness, allowing visitors to watch or even participate for a deeper connection to Korean heritage.

Local food stalls also offer a taste of Korean cuisine, featuring dishes like hotteok, a sweet pancake, and hearty traditional stews to warm up from the cold. This culinary experience enhances cultural immersion, creating a deeper connection to the region and its traditions.

Rentals and Amenities

The festival offers various rentals and amenities for a comfortable visit, including fishing rod rentals for those eager to catch Sancheoneo trout. Available for a small fee, these rods make the ice fishing experience more accessible and convenient. Sleds and skates can also be rented for those interested in other winter activities like sledding and skating.

Rest areas and heated tents are scattered throughout the festival grounds, providing visitors with a cozy spot to warm up and recharge before returning to the winter fun.

Food and Dining Options

For food lovers, the festival offers a variety of dining options, with sancheoneo as the star attraction. Visitors can enjoy the trout prepared in different ways, with grilled fish being the most popular—freshly cooked and ready to eat right after catching it.

Several restaurants and food stalls offer a variety of Korean snacks and meals, making dining a key part of the festival experience. Catching your own fish and then enjoying it freshly prepared adds a unique and rewarding touch to the adventure.

Visitors can also find food trucks, which offer quick bites and warm drinks to keep you comfortable throughout the day.

Special Zones for Visitors

The festival features special visitor zones to enhance the experience, including a kid-friendly area with safe and exciting activities tailored for younger attendees.

The festival’s ice sculpture plazas showcase stunning ice artwork, adding to the festive atmosphere. Another special zone features a cooking area where professional chefs prepare dishes using freshly caught sancheoneo, offering visitors a delicious and immersive experience.

Additionally, designated areas for international visitors offer services in English and Chinese, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable festival experience. These zones may include staffed booths to assist with questions and provide helpful information.

Getting There

Traveling to Hwacheon from Seoul is easy, with regular intercity buses departing from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal. The journey takes approximately 3 hours, making it a convenient option for visitors.

For added convenience, many tourists opt for round-trip shuttle services departing from popular spots like Myeongdong. These packages often include festival entrance tickets and other perks, making the trip hassle-free and more enjoyable.

Driving from Seoul to Hwacheon is a convenient option, with the journey taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by car. The route offers beautiful winter scenery, enhancing the travel experience.

Accommodations Nearby

Staying near the festival grounds enhances the experience, with Hwacheon offering a range of accommodations, including hotels and guesthouses. Visitors can choose from options that suit different budgets and preferences, ensuring a comfortable stay.

For a more immersive experience, consider staying in nearby cities within Gangwon Province, known for their scenic beauty. Booking platforms like Klook and other hotel sites make it easy to find and secure accommodations that fit your needs.

If you're planning a day tour, staying in Seoul and traveling to Hwacheon in the morning is a convenient option. This allows you to enjoy the city's amenities while still experiencing the festival’s activities.

Tour Services

Booking a tour can make your visit hassle-free, with several companies offering day trips and full packages. These typically include round-trip transportation, festival entrance fees, and equipment rentals for ice fishing and other activities, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Services from Trazy or Klook often include added perks like guided tours and meal vouchers, enhancing the experience. With departures from well-known locations in Seoul, these tours offer a convenient and stress-free way for tourists to enjoy the festival.

By choosing a tour package, you can skip the hassle of navigating public transport or arranging equipment, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the festival experience.

Weather Considerations

January in Hwacheon is extremely cold, with temperatures often dipping below freezing, so dressing in layers is essential. Thermal clothing, a heavy coat, gloves, a hat, and a scarf will help keep you warm. If you're planning to participate in ice fishing, consider renting an ice sled for easier movement on the frozen lake.

Participants in the T-shirt and shorts event should brace for an extreme cold experience, as this daring festival activity draws many thrill-seekers. Bringing extra warm clothes to change into afterward is essential to staying comfortable and avoiding potential health issues.

While many COVID-19 restrictions have eased, it's still wise to carry a mask for crowded areas and indoor activities. Keeping a small bottle of hand sanitizer on hand can also help maintain hygiene throughout the festival.

Festival Currency and Vouchers

Purchasing a festival voucher is a convenient way to enjoy the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, covering ice fishing gear rentals, food stalls, and other activities. Available at the festival entrance and designated spots, these vouchers simplify payments and enhance the experience.

For foreign tourists, exchanging some local currency before arriving is recommended, as not all vendors accept credit cards. Carrying small bills is especially useful for quick and hassle-free transactions.

Managing your vouchers wisely can enhance your festival experience, as they can be used for various activities like ice soccer and sledding, which may require a small fee. Keeping track of them ensures you make the most of your visit.

Local Support Services

Local support services at the festival ensure a smooth experience for visitors, with bilingual helpers available to answer questions and provide directions. They assist with activities like ice fishing, ice sledding, and snow sculpture viewing, making the event more accessible and enjoyable.

Emergency services and first aid stations are readily available, staffed with trained medical professionals to assist with any health concerns or urgent needs, ensuring visitor safety throughout the festival.

For additional assistance, visitors can use the "Contact Us" feature on the festival's official website or the Live Chat service, monitored by festival staff, ensuring quick and reliable support throughout the event.

Tourist Information

Tourist information centers at the festival provide maps, schedules, and multilingual guides, including English, offering valuable insights into local attractions, dining, and accommodations. These resources help visitors navigate the festival and enhance their overall experience.

Staff members are friendly and ready to assist, whether you need directions, activity recommendations, or general festival guidance. Don’t hesitate to ask—they’re there to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

For tech-savvy visitors, the festival offers support through popular local apps like Kakao, providing real-time information and assistance on the go. This ensures a seamless and convenient experience for tourists.