Visit the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, one of the best festivals for ice fishing in Korea.
January is approaching, and with it comes the exciting Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, one of Korea’s most beloved winter festivals held annually in Hwacheon County, Gangwon Province, about a 3-hour drive from Seoul. Known for its iconic ice fishing experience and vibrant cultural activities, this festival attracts over a million visitors each year.
The 2026 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival will run from January 10th to February 1st. Recognized by CNN as one of the “7 Winter Wonders of the World”, this festival is more than just ice fishing—it’s a celebration of Korean winter culture. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.
▷Book 2026 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival Shuttle Package Here!◁
1. About the Festival
The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival celebrates the natural beauty of winter and the region’s pristine rivers, teeming with sancheoneo (mountain trout). Visitors flock to the frozen Hwacheoncheon River to enjoy unique activities such as ice fishing, cultural performances, and winter sports. The festival has earned its reputation as one of Korea’s top seasonal events.
1) When: January 10 – February 1, 2026
2) Where: Hwacheon County, Gangwon-do
3) Operation Hours: 9AM – 6PM (Weekdays) / 8:30AM – 6PM (Weekends)
4) Things to do:
- Fishing: Sancheoneo Ice Fishing, Sancheoneo Lure Fishing, Bare Hand Fishing, Night Fishing & more
- Snow/Ice Activities: Snow Sleigh, Eolgomi Castle (Ice Sculpture), Eolgomi Figure Skating, Ice Bobsleigh, World Ice Sled Zone, Bubble Suit Game on the Ice, Winter Sports Zone, Sancheoneo Games & more
- Culture/Event: Festival Opening Ceremony, Winter Culture Village, Santa Village Photo Zone, Closing Ceremony & more
- Food/Shopping: Sancheoneo Restaurant, Local Snack Food Court, Snacheoneo Grill Center, Sashimi-Grilled Fish & Cafeteria, Farmers Market, Cafeteria & Fishing Store, Souvenir Shop, Sancheoneo Street Foods, Meat Grill Center & more
2. Top Activities to Try
1) Sancheoneo Ice Fishing
The highlight of the festival! Drill a hole in the thick ice and fish for sancheoneo, a freshwater trout native to the area. Successful anglers can have their catch grilled on-site or enjoy it raw as sashimi.
*Tips on how to fish:
Step 1. Use this particular rod to fish
Step 2. Put the float inside the water and unwind the fishing lines until they reach the bottom. When you think the float is at the bottom, rewind the rod three or four times, and wait.
Step 3. Keep pulling the rod consistently up and down (snap your wrist strongly and make a float and make big movements).
Step 4. When you feel the rod is heavy, wait for like 3 seconds and quickly pull the rod and the fishing line!
If you follow these steps well, you’ll be able to catch them!
While struggling with the fish, a staff member will come and help take out the fishing float (it’s very sharp, so don’t try to take it out with your own hands!)
There’s a booth with tables where you can sit down to enjoy your meal. After receiving your bag of fish, the staff will serve you the grilled fish along with chopsticks. If grilled fish isn’t your favorite, don’t worry, you’ll also get a delicious kimchijeon (Korean-style pancake) to enjoy with your meal!
2) Bare-Hand Fishing
For the brave and adventurous, try catching fish with your bare hands in an icy pool. Participants are provided with waterproof clothing, but be prepared for a chilly yet exhilarating experience!
3) Ice Sledding & Snow Sledding
Glide across the ice or snowy slopes on traditional Korean sleds, perfect for families and kids.
4) Ice Sculpture Plaza
Marvel at intricate ice sculptures crafted by artists from around the world. These stunning artworks range from mythical creatures to cultural landmarks.
5) Santa Village Photo Zone
Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기
Don’t miss the Santa Village Photo Zone located in front of the Winter Culture Village! Here, you can snap fun photos with Santa’s sled, Rudolph, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, and more. Best of all, participation is completely free for all visitors during the festival!
3. How to Get to the Festival Venue
The most hassle-free option for international travelers is to book round-trip shuttle bus services from Seoul to Hwacheon via Trazy! Our Ice Fishing + Shuttle Bus Package features round-trip transportation from Seoul, an English- and Chinese-speaking guide, an entrance ticket for ice fishing, a fishing rod rental, one grilled Sancheoneo fish to savor, rentals for both snow and ice sleds, access to the Ice Sculpture Plaza, and a Sancheoneo Festival voucher. It’s everything you need for an unforgettable winter adventure.
▷▷ 2026 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival: Shuttle Bus Package ◁◁
Last but not least, if you’re looking to make the most of your winter getaway, consider joining our 1-day tour from Seoul that combines the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival with other popular winter destinations like Eobi Ice Valley or Gugok Ice Valley. This tour package includes transportation, an English/Chinese-speaking guide, and all admission fees, making it a hassle-free way to experience these stunning attractions!
- Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival (+ Eobi Ice Valley) 1 Day Tour – from Seoul
- Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival (+ Gugok Ice Valley) 1 Day Tour – from Seoul
4. Tips & Checklist for First-Time Visitors
- Dress Warmly: Temperatures can drop significantly, so wear thermal clothing, gloves, and waterproof boots.
- Book Tickets in Advance: Festival packages, especially those including ice fishing, sell out quickly. Book at least 2 days in advance.
- Try Local Delicacies: Don’t miss out on Hwacheon’s regional specialties, including trout dishes and traditional Korean street food.
To sum up…
This winter festival is more than just a cultural event; it’s a celebration of Korea’s natural beauty, traditions, and community spirit. Whether you’re fishing on the ice, marveling at ice sculptures, or savoring freshly grilled sancheoneo, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival offers unforgettable experiences for everyone. Don’t miss this opportunity to create lasting memories in one of Korea’s most picturesque winter destinations!
- [21% OFF] 2026 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival: Shuttle Bus Package (Jan 10~Feb 1)
- Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival (+ Eobi Ice Valley) 1 Day Tour – from Seoul
- Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival (+ Gugok Ice Valley) 1 Day Tour – from Seoul
Last but not least, don’t forget to visit Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop, for a whole lot more awesome deals on tour packages in South Korea!
Looks like a great day out, do you have any recommendations for accommodation nearby to the festival?
Hi, I’m planning for 2020 festival. Is there any special clothing we need to wear ( particularly shoes ) to the festival? or just normal sneakers with warm socks will do? Thanks
Hi Felicity!
Hope this answers your question. Here is the information from Korea Tourism Organization: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_ENG_2_11_1.jsp
You can also find interesting winter activities on Trazy here!: https://www.trazy.com/campaign/korea-ski-finder
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We are AWC in Seoul. We are interested in Hwacheon-sancheoneo-ice-festival as a group.
Would you please assist us with the group registration for this event?
Michelle
Hello, please send your inquiry to inquiry@trazy.com. Thank you!