The Intrigue of Korean Ice Festivals

Winter in South Korea is cold and dry. From late in November, temps get into the minuses at night and subzero during the day in January and February. In these two months, you can count on snowfalls, but you may still see snow on either side in December and March. It’s not all snow all the time, but when it does snow, it can fall for up to a week. Pack winter-savvy – bring a load of cold climate gear: padded jacket, gloves, beanie – you know the drill. Slip in some skin cream too because the dry air can take its toll. Once you’re inside or in transit, lots of indoor spaces are heated, so you’ll be cosy and warm most of the time. If you’re visiting in winter, make the most of the wintery wonder and gorgeous snowscapes this country has to offer. Get yourself to an ice festival. 

Ice festivals are a huge part of Korean culture. So big, they attract more than a million visitors to its northern regions each year. When life gives you ice and snow, make a festival and celebrate all things winter. Ice and snow festivals are held all over the country, but the biggest one is Hwacheon Sancheoneo (a trout species) Ice Festival.

While every ice festival has it’s unique charm and activities; most people attend them for ice fishing. Visitors can go ice fishing on a frozen stream, lure fishing in flowing water and bare-hand fishing in a pool. If you’re not up for ice fishing in any form, there are loads of other winter activities the entire family can have fun doing. 

This winter festival is a favourite in Korea and famed as one of the world’s top four winter celebrations. In the northern city of Hwacheon, you’ll find lakes and mountains, as well as the clean water fish. Here over three weeks in the deep cold of January, visitors can brave the sub-zero temperatures to experience an ice fishing festival in Korea. On the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival Tour from Seoul, try lure-fishing and bare-hand fishing. With your rod, catch your lunch in the big freeze through a drilled hole in the ice; drop your fishing lines then wait for your reward. Now comes the weird bit: as the custom goes, when you hook a fish, the celebratory tradition is to bite into its head. Yep, you read that right. Take your catch to the cooking area where it’ll be grilled to perfection. 

If you’re not keen to fish, there’s plenty more to this festival. Get a look at the winter lights, try some skiing or sledding, check out the wow snow and ice sculptures, ice soccer, curling, bobsleigh and a zipline over frozen waters to name a few more things to do. This is one of Korea’s standout winter festivals. Klook your way to the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival Tour from Seoul. This activity is available Jan-Feb annually, with the bookings opening from about Nov-Dec. Oh – and don’t forget your gloves! 

When: January 4th – 26th

Where: Hwacheon City

How Much: AUD 19.00

From Seoul: 2.5 hours

If you’re looking for other ways to have wintery fun, here are some cool things to do in the cold months. 

 The Gapyeong Singsing Winter Festival is famous for trout ice fishing. But there’s ice sledding and snowy bumper car rides as well as more traditional experiences. If you’re feeling peckish, you can taste the spoils of your skills – feast on your fresh trout catch, raw or grilled. 

When: 4-26 January

Where: Areas of Gapyeongcheon Stream in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

How Much: AUD 16.00

From Seoul: less than an hour 

This is winter fun embodied, and with the subzero temps to boot, this is the real freezing deal. In this small mountain town, at the Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival, see performances and snow and ice sculptures with incredible detail, then hit the slopes for some snow sledding. Behind you is the gorgeous, Taebaeksan Mountain, covered in snow. When you need to be warmed up, go to the snow cafe where the tables and chairs are made from blocks of ice. Sip on a coffee or hot chocolate and soak up the unique atmosphere. This is family-friendly fun in the snow. 

When: Annually end January to start February

Where: Taebaeksan National Park, Hwangji Pond

How Much: Free

From Seoul: 3 hours

 On a dark day in the middle of winter, what better remedy than to illuminate the season with colourful lights. This place is fab at any time of year, but in winter, the crisp air and snow make the lights even more pronounced. When the sun goes down, this magical world is a winter spectacle. Wander around the themed zones: animals, plants and love. It’s pretty romantic here too as you walk under the electric forests.  

When: December 15th 2019 – March 5th 

Where: The Garden of Morning Calm near Cheongpyeong

How Much: AUD 12.00

From Seoul: 2 hours

This is another brilliant lighting festival. Situated in the beautiful mountainous area of Pocheon, the natural beauty of the surroundings make this festival even more special. Becoming an electric spectacle of lights, illuminations and displays, the entire family will have an enchanting experience. There’s also an area dedicated to Santa’s Village, so there’s plenty of Mr Clauses photo ops! Colourful lights abound – leave the big smoke behind as you get caught up in the glowing moment. 

 When: November 2019 – April

Where: Herb Island, Pocheon City area

How Much: AUD 12.00

From Seoul: 2-3 hours 

In the province of Gangwon, this place was where the 2018 Winter Olympics were held. So it’s no surprise it’s the best spot for a wonderful winter festival. What a chance to catch your lunch in the icy river, it’s the most beautiful experience, and at the end, you’ve got fresher than fresh seafood! And the chilly fun keeps on coming – brave the bare-handed fishing challenge, get sledding, snow rafting and sleigh trains. For the adventurers, rent an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and dart about the snowscape with the exhilarating air in your face. 

When: December 21st 2019 – February 2nd 

Where: Jinbu Town in Pyeongchang

How Much: Various depending on the program

From Seoul: 2.25 hours

This festival has been going for more than two decades. With a whole host of things to do, there’s an Ice Playground and Snow Playground. Sold already? There’s more – winter snow and ice sports like skiing, sledding, slides and snowman building. For an insight into how the locals get through the cold winter, visit the mountain village which has a display of cultural exhibitions and activities. Oh – and of course, there’s ice fishing too!

When: January 18th – 27th 

Where: Bingeoho Lake, Nam-myeon – near Inje

How Much: Free

From Seoul: 2 hours

Every year, join thousands at the frozen Hongcheon River for a unique opportunity to catch the one-of-a-kind ‘ginseng trout’ which are named after the six-year-old Hongcheon Ginseng they’re fed. This plant root is valued for its medicinal properties. You can also give bare-handed trout fishing a go, but you’ll quickly find out what cold hands feel like! While you’re there, check out other attractions such as the Snow World and the great views of thatched cottages. You can also taste some delish food at the many traditional Korean restaurants.

When: January 4th – 20th 

Where: Hongcheongang River, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do

How Much: Free

From Seoul: 1.5 hours

Reading about the Ice Festivals in Korea sure makes us want to spend winter there... Korea is known to have unique festivals like this one and they sure are interesting to see! Read more on their other festivals here.