❄️ Korea’s Iconic Winter Festival Returns: 2026 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival ❄️🐟 One of Korea’s most famous winter festivals has officially begun. The 2026 Ice Country Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival opened on January 10, welcoming visitors from Korea and around the world to experience a true winter wonderland. Held until February 1, the festival runs for 23 days in Hwacheon Stream, located in Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon Province—the northernmost border region of South Korea. The festival site spans nearly 300,000 square meters, equivalent to more than 40 soccer fields, all transformed into a massive frozen playground. 🧊 A Winter Experience You Can Only Have in Korea https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/001/0015839363 The highlight of the festival is ice fishing for sancheoneo (mountain trout), often called the “queen of valley fish.” Visitors drill holes into the thick ice and try their luck fishing directly from the frozen river. For those seeking something more adventurous, there’s also a bare-hand fishing experience, where participants step into icy water to catch trout with their own hands—an unforgettable winter challenge. Families and children can enjoy a wide range of snow and ice activities as well. Popular attractions include a 140-meter-long snow sledding course, ice bobsleigh rides, skating rinks, ice park golf, and dedicated ice play zones. In the evening, night fishing areas open, offering a completely different atmosphere under colorful lights. 🌍 A Festival Inspired by the World’s Best Winter Events https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20260109067700062?input=1195m Walking around the festival feels like traveling through the world’s top winter celebrations. The indoor Ice Sculpture Plaza, created by expert ice artists from Harbin, China, showcases impressive ice artworks reminiscent of the Harbin Ice Festival. Giant snow sculptures evoke the scale of Japan’s Sapporo Snow Festival, while the illuminated Lantern Street Night Festival, inspired by Canada’s Quebec Winter Carnival, lights up the night with music and glowing installations. 🌐 Ice Fishing for Foreign Visitors & Tour Groups https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20260109067700062?input=1195m The festival also operates a dedicated Ice Fishing Zone for Foreign Visitors and Fam Tour Guests, making it especially friendly for international travelers. 📍 Location: Downstream of the suspension bridge within the festival area 🕘 Hours: 09:00–18:00 (ticket sales until 17:00) 👥 Capacity: Up to 1,300 people at a time 🕌 Facilities: Foreigners’ lounge, Muslim prayer room, grilling area 🎣 Catch Limit: Up to 3 trout per person This area is designed specifically for overseas visitors, FIT travelers, and international tour groups, ensuring a comfortable and accessible experience. 🎣 On-Site Ice Fishing (Same-Day Registration) https://search.pstatic.net/common/?src=http%3A%2F%2Fblogfiles.naver.net%2FMjAyNTEyMDJfMjY5%2FMDAxNzY0NjQ1OTQzMTc3.YH8ep9QuTYtMWHDfkp16VXnUJ6BegbP6dNuxiI8hzLwg.bHomFXogHV0XbBrItdXyikM2SAjfVF7W_4z5EkT3z9cg.PNG%2FChatGPT_Image_2025%25B3%25E2_12%25BF%25F9_2%25C0%25CF_%25BF%25C0%25C8%25C4_12_25_18.png&type=sc960_832 For those who prefer spontaneous plans, same-day registration ice fishing is also available. Weekdays: 09:00–18:00 (registration from 08:30) Weekends: 08:30–18:00 (registration from 07:00) Capacity: Up to 8,000 people (subject to ice conditions) Method: First-come, first-served (often sells out early on weekends) Visitors are advised to arrive early, especially on weekends, as morning slots fill up quickly. ⚠️ Important Ice Fishing Rules https://search.pstatic.net/common/?src=http%3A%2F%2Fblogfiles.naver.net%2FMjAyNTExMjdfMTYg%2FMDAxNzY0MjI4ODY4NjQy.DKok22OZYgRUwLSnBd9tFyFyBEsrlSdOtWi_vCj73m4g.qz-AyqvGvZ2C9YagkgspF1ER_eXw1wRjR5SndRt3THQg.PNG%2Fimage.png&type=l340_165 To ensure safety and a clean environment: No food allowed inside fishing zones Coolers, ice boxes, styrofoam containers, and personal storage boxes are prohibited Each paid visitor may take home up to 3 fish Tents, windbreaks, heaters, and open flames are not allowed Dress warmly and prepare for extreme cold Smoking and pets are not permitted in fishing areas Fishing tools such as small rods, artificial bait (live bait is not allowed), chairs, and ice scoops can be brought, with some equipment available on-site. 🐟 What Is Sancheoneo Ice Fishing? Every winter, Hwacheon Stream freezes over 30 cm thick, creating the perfect environment for ice fishing. Sancheoneo live only in clean, first-grade water, making them a symbol of Hwacheon’s pristine nature. Once caught, the fish can be enjoyed as fresh sashimi, grilled fish, or steamed dishes right at the festival. 🛡️ Safety Comes First Hwacheon-gun places strong emphasis on visitor safety. Water flow is carefully controlled upstream to ensure thick, stable ice. CCTV monitoring runs around the clock, and daily underwater inspections are conducted to double-check ice conditions. These efforts allow visitors to enjoy the festival with peace of mind. ✨ Why You Should Go The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival is not just Korea’s largest winter festival—it’s also considered a must-visit winter experience for anyone traveling to Korea. Combining thrilling activities, global-scale ice art, and carefully managed safety systems, this festival offers a unique way to experience Korea’s winter culture at its best. If you’re visiting Korea in winter, this is one festival you won’t want to miss. ❄️🐟 #HwacheonSancheoneoFestival #IceFishingKorea #KoreaWinterFestival #GangwonTravel #VisitKorea #WinterInKorea #KoreanFestivals #Sancheoneo #IceFestival #KoreaTravelGuide #ThingsToDoInKorea #KoreaWinterTrip #FrozenRiver #IceFishingExperience #FamilyTravelKorea #KoreaWithKids #UniqueKorea #WinterWonderland #KoreaBucketList #FestivalInKorea #Hwacheon #KoreaNature #KoreaAdventure #TravelKoreaWinter #CulturalExperienceKorea #KoreaEvents #ForeignersInKorea #KoreaTourism #WinterActivities #KoreaTrip
