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| Ice Fishing Korea. Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival(사진=공공누리@화천군) |
Welcome to 'A Local's Korea and Seoul'!
South Korea is currently in the heart of winter, transforming into a snowy wonderland. If you are planning a trip to Korea right now, you are in for a treat. From world-famous ice fishing to romantic light displays, Korean winter festivals offer a unique blend of tradition and excitement.
Here is your ultimate guide to the best winter festivals in Korea for early 2026.
1. Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival (Gangwon-do)
The Ultimate Korean Winter Experience
Selected as one of the "Seven Winter Wonders of the World," this is Korea's most iconic winter festival.
What is Sancheoneo? It is a Mountain Trout that lives only in the cleanest, Grade 1 fresh water. It’s rich in vitamins and known for its firm, delicious texture.
Key Activities: Ice fishing, lure fishing, and the famous bare-hand fishing in icy water! You can catch up to 3 fish per person and have them grilled or sliced into sashimi immediately at the nearby cooking stations.
Dates: January 10 – February 1, 2026
Admission: ₩15,000 (~$11.50). Bonus: You receive a ₩5,000 (~$3.80) voucher for local agricultural products, making the effective cost only ₩10,000 (~$7.70).
Pro Tip: If you stay overnight in Hwacheon, many local accommodations provide free ice fishing tickets—keep your receipts!
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| Ice Fishing Korea. Pyeongchang Trout Festival. |
2. Pyeongchang Trout Festival (Gangwon-do)
Winter Fun in the Olympic City
Pyeongchang, the host of the 2018 Winter Olympics, is the birthplace of trout farming in Korea. This festival is perfect for families and fishing enthusiasts.
Key Activities: Tent fishing (stay warm while you fish!), ice fishing, and indoor fishing for kids.
Dates: January 9 – February 9, 2026
Admission:
Tent Fishing: ₩39,000 (~$30)
Ice Fishing: ₩25,000 (~$19)
Bare-hand Fishing: ₩20,000 (~$15)
Note: Fishing rods can be purchased on-site. Schedules may change depending on ice thickness, so check the official website before visiting!
3. Yangpyeong Ice & Trout Festival (Gyeonggi-do)
The Best Quick Trip from Seoul
If Gangwon-do feels too far, Yangpyeong is just a short drive or train ride from Seoul. It offers a cozy, local atmosphere with plenty of variety.
Key Activities: Smelt fishing (using nets), trout fishing, and bare-hand catching.
Extra Fun: Beyond fishing, you can enjoy ATV riding, pizza making, and strawberry jam making.
Admission (Online Discount):
Trout/Smelt Fishing (with gear): ₩36,000 (~$27.50)
Smelt Fishing only: ₩13,000 (~$10)
Bare-hand Fishing: ₩19,000 (~$14.50)
4. Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival (Chungcheongnam-do)
A Real-Life 'Frozen' Kingdom
Located in Alps Village, this festival is famous for its massive, breathtaking ice fountains and snow sculptures. It is a photographer's paradise and a hit with children.
Highlights: Snow sledding, ice bobsleigh, zip-lining, and horse riding.
Must-Eat: Roast your own chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and corn over an open fire.
Nearby Attraction: Don't miss the Cheonjangho Suspension Bridge, the longest in Korea (207m), offering stunning winter lake views.
Dates: Early January – Mid-February 2026
5. Seoul Lantern Festival (Gwanghwamun & Cheonggyecheon)
Magical Nights in the Heart of the City
Celebrating its 17th year, this festival illuminates the nights of Seoul. The 2026 theme is "My Light, Our Dream, the Magic of Seoul."
What to see: Traditional Hanji (paper) lanterns, LED kinetic art, and media art displays along the Cheonggyecheon Stream. It creates a romantic and dreamlike atmosphere perfect for a night walk.
Dates: Now through January 18, 2026
Location: Cheonggyecheon Stream / Gwanghwamun Square area.
Wrap Up
Korea's winter is cold, but these festivals make it incredibly warm and vibrant. For more official information on travel and festivals, visit the
Which festival are you most excited to visit? Let us know in the comments!
❄️ The Ultimate 4-Day Korea Winter Magic Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Magical Nights in Seoul
Afternoon: Arrive in Seoul and check into your hotel (Myeongdong or Hongdae areas are recommended for easy transport).
Evening: Head to Cheonggyecheon Stream for the Seoul Lantern Festival.
Experience: Walk along the stream to see the "Magic of Seoul" light displays. It’s the perfect, low-effort introduction to Korea's winter charm.
Dinner: Enjoy a warm bowl of Kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) or Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) to brave the cold.
Day 2: The "Seven Wonders" Experience (Hwacheon)
Morning: Take a shuttle bus or train (ITX-Cheongchun) to the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival.
Lunch: Catch your own Sancheoneo (Mountain Trout)! Take your catch to the grilling center to have it prepared for lunch (around ₩3,000 / $2.30 for preparation).
Afternoon: Try bare-hand fishing if you're feeling brave, or enjoy the world's largest indoor ice sculpture plaza nearby.
Evening: Return to Seoul and warm up with some Korean BBQ.
Day 3: Adventure & "Frozen" Landscapes (Chillyapsan)
Morning: Head to the Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival in Cheongyang (Alps Village).
Tip: Many K-travel agencies offer day-trip packages from Seoul that include both the Ice Fountain and the Suspension Bridge.
Afternoon: * Take photos with the giant ice walls (they look like Elsa's castle!).
Walk across the Cheonjangho Suspension Bridge for a thrilling winter view.
Snack on roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes by the fire.
Evening: Return to Seoul and explore the street food stalls in Myeongdong.
Day 4: Olympic Spirit & Snow Activities (Pyeongchang)
Morning: Take the KTX high-speed train to Jinbu Station (Pyeongchang) for the Pyeongchang Trout Festival.
Afternoon: * Try Tent Fishing—it’s a more relaxed and warmer way to experience ice fishing.
If you have extra time, visit Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm nearby to see the "Switzerland of Korea" covered in deep snow.
Evening: Head back to Seoul for some last-minute shopping at Lotte Mart or Olive Young before your departure.
🎒 Quick Travel Tips for Winter
Dress in Layers: "Long-padding" (long puffer coats) is the unofficial winter uniform in Korea. Thermal underwear (like Heattech) is a must!
Stay Connected: Download Naver Maps or KakaoMaps. Google Maps is not very accurate for walking directions in Korea.
Warmth on the Go: Pick up Hot-packs (disposable hand warmers) at any 7-Eleven or CU convenience store for about ₩1,000 ($0.75).
How to Get There: Transportation Guide for Travelers
Navigating to these festivals from Seoul is easy if you know which station to head to. Here are the specific routes using public transportation:
1. Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival
Route: Seoul → Hwacheon
Step-by-step:
Go to Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (Gangbyeon Station, Line 2).
Take an intercity bus bound for Hwacheon (approx. 2 hours 40 mins).
From Hwacheon Bus Terminal, the festival grounds are just a 10-15 minute walk.
Alternative: Take the ITX-Cheongchun train from Yongsan Station to Chuncheon Station, then transfer to a local bus bound for Hwacheon.
2. Pyeongchang Trout Festival
Route: Seoul → Jinbu (Pyeongchang)
Step-by-step:
Take the KTX-Eum train from Seoul Station or Cheongnyangni Station to Jinbu Station (approx. 1 hour 30 mins).
The festival grounds are about a 10-minute walk or a very short taxi ride from Jinbu Station.
Total Travel Time: Approx. 3 hours from central Seoul.
3. Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival
Route: Seoul → Cheongyang
Step-by-step:
Go to the Central City Terminal (Honam Line) at Express Bus Terminal Station (Lines 3, 7, 9).
Take an express bus to Jeongsan or Cheongyang.
From the terminal, take a local bus or taxi to Alps Village (Alps Maeul).
Note: Public transport can be infrequent in this rural area, so checking the latest bus schedule or booking a dedicated day-tour shuttle from Seoul is highly recommended for this location.
4. Yangpyeong Ice & Trout Festival
Route: Seoul → Yangpyeong
Step-by-step:
Take the Gyeongui-Jungang Line (Subway) to Yangpyeong Station or Yongmun Station.
From the station, a short taxi ride will take you to the festival site.
Travel Time: Approx. 1 hour 30 mins from Seoul.
5. Seoul Lantern Festival
Location: Cheonggyecheon Stream (Gwanghwamun Area)
Step-by-step:
Take Subway Line 1, 2, or 5.
Get off at Gwanghwamun Station (Exit 5) or City Hall Station (Exit 4). The festival starts right at the Cheonggye Plaza.
Traveler’s Tip: Use the 'T-money' card for all subways and local buses. For KTX and intercity buses, it is better to book tickets in advance on the KORAIL website or the Intercity Bus (T-money Go) app during the peak festival season!
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