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Korea in January Guide 2026: Best Winter Activities & Festivals

Jane Moon

January in Korea is a magical time, marked by vibrant festivals and seasonal celebrations that showcase the beauty of winter. From colorful light displays to traditional cultural events, the country transforms into a wonderland of activities that captivate locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re exploring bustling city streets or serene snowy landscapes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the top festivities to experience in Korea this January, ensuring your trip is both memorable and exciting!

▷Check out winter exclusive festivals & tours in Korea!◁

1. Seoul Lantern Festival

Address: 1 Dadong, Jung-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)

Opening Hours: Daily 18:00-22:00

Festival Period: December 12 (Fri) – January 4 (Sun) 18:00-23:00

 

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The Seoul Lantern Festival is one of Korea’s most enchanting winter events, held annually in the heart of the city. Traditionally hosted along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, the festival features an array of intricately crafted lanterns that light up the crisp winter evenings. These lanterns come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from traditional Korean designs, such as hanbok-clad figures and historical scenes, to modern depictions of global cultures and iconic landmarks. The festival creates a mesmerizing blend of art and light, drawing both locals and tourists to admire its beauty.

Each year, the festival embraces a unique theme, offering fresh and creative designs that keep visitors returning. The combination of artistry, culture, and the scenic backdrop of the illuminated stream makes the Seoul Lantern Festival a must-see for anyone visiting Korea in January!

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2. Haeundae Lighting Festival

Address: Udong, Haeundae-gu, Busan (Kakao Maps)

Opening Hours: Daily 18:00-24:00

Festival Period: November 29 (Sat) – January 18 (Sun) 18:00-23:00

The Haeundae Lighting Festival is a dazzling annual event that transforms Busan’s iconic Haeundae Beach area into a magical winter wonderland. Known for its grand light installations and enchanting atmosphere, the festival typically features illuminated tunnels, large-scale sculptures, and festive displays that stretch along the beach and surrounding streets. It’s a favorite destination for couples, families, and photographers looking to capture the beauty of the season.

In 2026, the festival returns with renewed vibrancy under the theme “Light of Hope and Harmony.” Visitors can look forward to shimmering light tunnels, themed photo zones, and interactive installations that illuminate both Haeundae Beach and Gunam-ro Street. The event also features musical performances, local food stalls, and community art displays that bring warmth and celebration to the cold winter nights.

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3. Hwacheon Sancheono Ice Festival

Address: 137 Sancheoneo-gil, Hwacheon-eup, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do (Kakao Maps)

Festival Period: January 10 (Sat) – February 1 (Sun) 

 

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The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is one of Korea’s most celebrated winter events, drawing visitors from across the country and beyond. Held annually in Hwacheon County, Gangwon Province, the festival takes place on a frozen river and is centered around the sancheoneo, or mountain trout. The festival’s highlight is ice fishing, where participants drill holes into the thick ice and try their hand at catching trout using simple fishing rods. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, there’s even a bare-hand fishing challenge where participants wade into icy waters to catch fish with their hands.

Beyond fishing, the festival offers a wide range of winter activities that cater to all ages. Visitors can enjoy ice sledding, ice skating, snow sculptures, and traditional cultural performances. Food stalls serve up delicious trout dishes, providing a fresh and tasty reward after a day of outdoor fun. The festival’s picturesque mountain setting, combined with its lively atmosphere, makes it a must-visit for anyone looking to embrace the joys of a Korean winter.

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4. Pyeongchang Trout Festival

Address: 1289-80, Hajinburi, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (Kakao Maps)

Opening Hours: Daily 09:00-17:00

Festival Period: January 9 (Fri) – February 9 (Mon) 

 

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The Pyeongchang Trout Festival is a wintertime favorite in Gangwon Province, offering visitors a chance to enjoy Korea’s beautiful snowy landscapes while partaking in fun and festive activities. Held on the frozen Odaecheon River in Pyeongchang, the festival centers around trout fishing, where participants can catch the region’s famed freshwater trout through holes drilled in the ice. For the more daring, the bare-hand fishing challenge invites participants to plunge into icy waters to catch trout, adding an extra thrill to the experience.

Visitors can also sample fresh trout prepared on-site, with options like grilled, sashimi, or fried trout that highlight the fish’s exceptional flavor. The festival’s lively atmosphere and stunning natural setting make it a perfect destination for both locals and tourists seeking a quintessential Korean winter experience.

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5. Pocheon Baegungyegok Valley Dongjanggun Festival

Address: Baegun Valley Tourist Complex, 259 Pohwa-ro, Idong-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do (Kakao Maps)

Opening Hours: Daily 09:00-17:00

Festival Period: December 20 (Sat) – February 22 (Sun) 

 

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The Pocheon Baegungyegok Valley Dongjangkun Festival is a charming winter event that showcases the beauty of Korea’s traditional culture and snowy landscapes. Held annually in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, the festival takes place in the picturesque Baegungyegok Valley, known for its serene frozen streams and snow-covered scenery. The event celebrates winter with a variety of activities, such as ice fishing, sledding, and building snowmen, making it a family-friendly destination that appeals to visitors of all ages.

One of the festival’s highlights is its cultural experiences, which include traditional games, folk performances, and the opportunity to make crafts like rice cakes and pottery. These activities offer a glimpse into Korea’s rich heritage while creating memorable moments in a festive winter setting.

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6. Sanjeongho Lake Sledding Festival

Address: 108, Sanjeonghosu-ro 411beon-gil, Yeongbuk-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do (Kakao Maps)

Opening Hours: Daily 09:00-17:00

Festival Period: December 27 (Sat) – February 8 (Sun) 

 

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The Sanjeongho Lake Sledding Festival, held annually in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, is a popular winter event for families and thrill-seekers alike. Visitors can enjoy sledding down the snowy slopes around the picturesque Sanjeongho Lake, surrounded by scenic mountain views and a serene winter landscape. Plus, the festival features other exciting winter activities such as snow tubing, ice fishing, and traditional Korean winter games, making it a perfect destination for both children and adults to enjoy the winter weather.

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7. Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival

Address: 226-35, Cheonjang-ri, Jeongsan-myeon, Cheongyang-gun, Chungcheongnam-do (Kakao Maps)

Opening Hours: Daily 09:00-18:00

Festival Period: December 24 (Wed) – February 22 (Sun) 


The Chipgalsan Ice Fountain Festival is a unique winter event that draws visitors to experience stunning ice formations and a variety of fun outdoor activities. It’s centered around the creation of beautiful, naturally formed ice fountains, which occur when water is sprayed onto the slopes of the mountain and freezes in mid-air, creating delicate ice sculptures and hanging icicles. These ice formations and the surrounding winter landscape offer a breathtaking sight for visitors.

In addition, the festival offers a range of winter activities, including sledding, ice fishing, and hiking through the snow-covered trails of Chipgalsan Mountain. Visitors can also enjoy warm food and drinks from local vendors, perfect for refueling after a day of winter adventure. The Chipgalsan Ice Fountain Festival is an ideal way to enjoy Korea’s winter beauty while engaging in traditional winter pastimes.

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8. Daegwallyeong Snow Festival

Address: 224-2 Saburang-gil, Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (Kakao Maps)

Opening Hours: Daily 10:00-18:00

Festival Period: January 24 (Sat) – February 2 (Mon) 

 

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The Daegwallyeong Snow Festival is a winter event known for its spectacular snowy landscapes, celebrating the beauty of winter with a wide range of activities. Visitors can enjoy snow sledding, snow rafting, and snowball fights, making it a perfect destination for families and thrill-seekers. The festival also features snow sculpture exhibits, where talented artists create stunning frozen masterpieces, adding an artistic touch to the natural winter scenery.

Set in the heart of Pyeongchang, a region renowned for its winter sports, the festival combines the thrill of winter activities with cultural experiences, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of Korea’s snowy season.

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9. Cheorwon Hantan River Ice Trekking

Address: 208 Hantangang-gil, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do (Kakao Maps)

Opening Hours: Daily 09:00-17:00

Trekking Period: January 17 (Sat) – January 25 (Sun) 

 

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The Cheorwon Hantan River Ice Trekking is a thrilling winter activity held annually along the frozen Hantan River in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province. Known for its picturesque landscapes and serene winter atmosphere, the event allows visitors to walk or trek across the thick ice of the river, providing a unique and adventurous way to explore the region’s natural beauty. Furthermore, participants can enjoy the beauty of the frozen river, surrounded by snow-covered mountains and scenic vistas, while taking part in various winter activities such as ice fishing and snowshoeing. This experience offers a perfect combination of outdoor adventure and the charm of Korea’s winter landscapes.

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10. Hongcheon River Trout Festival

Address: 59-1, Neobnae-gil, Hongcheon-eup, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do (Kakao Maps)

Opening Hours: 09:00-17:30

Festival Period: January 9 (Fri) – January 25 (Sun) 

Held each winter in the scenic town of Hongcheon, Gangwon Province, the Hongcheon River Trout Festival is one of Korea’s most beloved seasonal events. From late December to January, the frozen river transforms into an icy playground, where visitors can experience traditional ice fishing for trout, participate in snow and ice activities, and savor freshly caught fish prepared on-site. Families and travelers alike flock here for the lively atmosphere, from sledding and skating to nighttime illuminations that light up the riverside. The 2026 festival continues its tradition of blending outdoor fun with local culture, offering a quintessential Korean winter experience set against the backdrop of mountain beauty and festive cheer.

11. Winter Wonderland Nami Island

Address: 1 Namiseom-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (Kakao Maps)

Opening Hours: Daily 07:30-21:00

Festival Period: December 1 (Mon) – February 28 (Sat) 


Winter Wonderland Nami Island is a magical destination that transforms into a winter paradise during the colder months. Located just outside of Seoul in Chuncheon, Nami Island is renowned for its beautiful tree-lined paths, which are particularly enchanting when blanketed in snow. Visitors can stroll along the iconic Metasequoia trees or explore the island’s various themed areas, all of which take on a serene and ethereal quality in winter. The island’s picturesque landscapes, combined with its charming art installations and sculptures, create the perfect atmosphere for a peaceful winter retreat, making it an ideal spot for photography and nature lovers.

Not only does Nami Island offer a variety of activities, including sledding, snowman building, but it also hosts seasonal events, such as ice skating and snow sculptures, adding extra excitement to the experience.

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12. Garden of Morning Calm Light Festival

Address: 432 Sumokwon-ro, Sangmyeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do (Kakao Maps)

Opening Hours: Daily 17:00-21:00

Festival Period: December 5 (Fri) – March 15 (Mon) 

 

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The Garden of Morning Calm Light Festival is a spectacular winter event held annually at the Garden of Morning Calm in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province. Known for its stunning natural beauty, the garden is transformed into a winter wonderland, with millions of twinkling lights illuminating the landscape. The festival features intricate light displays set amidst the garden’s picturesque landscapes, including beautifully lit-up trees, flower-shaped lights, and whimsical installations that create a magical atmosphere. Visitors can stroll through the illuminated paths, take in the vibrant displays, and enjoy the serene beauty of the garden covered in winter’s embrace.

Moreover, the festival offers various cultural performances and festive activities, making it a perfect spot for families, couples, and photographers alike. The Garden of Morning Calm Light Festival provides an unforgettable experience, where visitors can immerse themselves in the stunning combination of nature and artistry.

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Check out more of these winter-related blogs for things to enjoy in Korea!

Whether you’re looking to embrace the magic of winter festivals, explore beautiful snowy landscapes, or experience traditional Korean culture, January in Korea offers a variety of unforgettable experiences. Be sure to plan ahead and check out all the exciting events happening across the country. For hassle-free bookings and the best travel tips, visit Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop, and start planning your perfect winter getaway today!

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