Hwacheon Ice Festival, Hwacheon: Winter Ice Festival
The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is a unique and exhilarating winter festival held annually in Hwacheon, a scenic town located in Gangwon Province, South Korea. Famous for its ice-related activities, the festival celebrates winter through a variety of exciting events, many of which are centered around sancheoneo (mountain trout), the region's signature fish. Visitors flock to this festival to enjoy ice fishing, ice sledding, snow sculptures, and more, making it one of the most popular winter festivals in South Korea.
Visitor Fee
- The festival's main activities, such as ice fishing, snow sledding, and other events, typically have fees ranging from KRW 5,000 to KRW 15,000 (USD 4 to 12) per activity.
- Ice Fishing: Usually, there’s a separate fee for renting fishing gear or for participating in organized fishing activities. Expect to pay around KRW 10,000 to KRW 20,000 (USD 8 to 16) for fishing experience packages.
- Snow Sculpture Viewing: Free admission for snow sculpture exhibitions and viewing.
Transportation
- By Train: From Seoul, take the KTX or Mugunghwa to Cheongnyangni Station or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal. From there, you can take an intercity bus or a local bus directly to Hwacheon (approximately 2.5 to 3 hours).
- By Bus: Several buses run from Seoul's Gangnam Express Bus Terminal or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Hwacheon, taking approximately 2 to 3 hours.
- By Car: From Seoul, take the Yeongdong Expressway or Gyeongwon Expressway. The drive takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Things to Do
- Ice Fishing: One of the main attractions of the festival is ice fishing. Visitors can drill holes in the ice and fish for sancheoneo (mountain trout). It’s a fun activity for families, friends, and solo travelers.
- Sledding: The festival also offers snow sledding on specially prepared ice slides, perfect for both kids and adults.
- Snow Sculpture Exhibition: Admire the intricate and creative snow sculptures created by artists from all over the world. The sculptures are one of the major highlights of the festival and provide excellent photo opportunities.
- Traditional Korean Ice Activities: Experience traditional Korean winter pastimes such as ice skating, ice soccer, and even sled races.
- Ice Sledging: Glide down the ice on sledges, an exciting activity that visitors of all ages enjoy.
- Ice Fishing Contests: Test your fishing skills in organized contests with prizes for those who catch the biggest fish.
- Trout Feast: After catching your fish, you can grill it and enjoy freshly prepared sancheoneo fish at one of the festival’s many food stalls, where the fish is often served grilled or in hot pot dishes.
Why People Enjoy Coming Here
- Unique Winter Experience: The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival provides a one-of-a-kind winter experience that combines thrilling activities like ice fishing and sledding with a cozy, festive atmosphere.
- Family-Friendly: With a wide variety of activities for all ages, the festival is perfect for families looking for a fun winter vacation. Children especially enjoy the sledding and ice fishing experiences.
- Scenic Winter Setting: The festival is held in a picturesque mountain region, providing visitors with a stunning winter landscape that is both serene and magical, making it a beautiful backdrop for photos and relaxation.
- Trout Fishing Tradition: Fishing enthusiasts and beginners alike can participate in ice fishing, a rare and memorable experience. It's also a great opportunity to try your hand at catching sancheoneo, a prized local fish.
- Cultural Events: In addition to the main activities, the festival includes traditional Korean performances, music, and folk dancing, providing insight into local culture.
How Old is This Place
The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival was first held in 2003. Since then, it has grown significantly in size and popularity, becoming one of South Korea’s premier winter festivals. The festival was created to promote the town of Hwacheon and its fishing heritage, particularly the unique sancheoneo fish, and has since become a must-visit winter destination for both locals and international tourists.
List of Activities
- Ice Fishing: Drill a hole in the ice and catch mountain trout (sancheoneo).
- Snow Sculpture Exhibition: Explore creative and impressive snow sculptures.
- Snow Sledding: Glide down ice slides with family and friends.
- Trout Cooking: Catch your own fish and enjoy grilling it at food stalls.
- Ice Skating and Ice Soccer: Participate in winter sports activities on frozen surfaces.
- Ice Sled Racing: Race with other festival-goers on ice sledges.
- Traditional Korean Performances: Enjoy folk dances and musical performances that celebrate Korean winter traditions.
Additional Nearby Attractions
- Hwacheon County: Explore the beautiful town of Hwacheon, located in the Bukhansan Mountain Range, where visitors can enjoy stunning natural landscapes, hiking trails, and serene lakes.
- Bongpyeonghwa (Peach Blossom Festival): If visiting in spring, you can also explore Hwacheon’s peach blossoms during the Peach Blossom Festival, another major event in the region.
- Hwacheon River: The Hwacheon River offers beautiful views, hiking opportunities, and access to water-related activities when the weather is warmer.
- Bukhansan Mountain: A nearby mountain range that is popular for hiking and enjoying breathtaking views.
- Chilbo Mountain: Known for its scenic beauty, the mountain offers hiking and tranquil landscapes ideal for nature lovers.
The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is an ideal winter getaway for anyone looking for a fun, active, and memorable experience in the Korean winter. Whether you're ice fishing, sledding, or simply enjoying the winter scenery, the festival offers something for everyone to enjoy.