Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival: Korea's Frozen Playground

Festival Period: January 10 – February 1, 2026 | Location: Hwacheon, Gangwon-do | Best For: Families, thrill-seekers, winter photography

Each January, the Hwacheon River in Gangwon-do freezes thick enough to hold over a million visitors. They come to drill holes in the ice, catch mountain trout with their bare hands, and grill their catch on the spot. The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival ranks among CNN's "Seven Wonders of Winter" and draws roughly 1.5 million visitors across three weeks (Hwacheon County, 2024). Here's what to expect and how to plan your visit.

At a Glance

Why Mountain Trout on Ice?

Sancheoneo—mountain trout—thrive only in clean, cold water below 20°C. Hwacheon's pristine rivers made it a natural habitat. Local fishing traditions eventually merged with winter tourism in 2003, when the first organized festival launched. Within a decade, it became Korea's signature winter event.

Ice Fishing: The Main Draw

The festival carves out designated zones on the frozen Hwacheon River. You rent a small fishing rod (₩12,000 includes bait), find your spot among hundreds of others, and wait. The trout are stocked daily, so catches happen—though patience helps.

Most people catch 1–3 fish over 2–3 hours. Morning sessions (9:00–11:00 AM) tend to yield better results before the crowds peak.

Bare-Hand Fishing: The Cold Plunge

This is the festival's wildest activity. A circular pool—built from ice blocks and filled with frigid water—holds hundreds of trout. You strip down, pull on the provided orange shorts, and wade in. The fish are fast. Your hands go numb quickly. Crowds cheer from the edges.

Sessions run throughout the day with limited spots. Arrive early to register. Hot showers and changing facilities sit adjacent to the pool.

From River to Grill

Catch something? Take it to the on-site grill stations (산천어 구이터). Staff clean and cook your fish for around ₩3,000. The trout comes out crispy-skinned, tender inside. Sashimi preparation is also available for the freshest option.

Beyond the Fish: Winter Activities

The festival grounds stretch well beyond fishing. Ice sleds (얼음썰매) let you push yourself across the frozen expanse using metal picks—a traditional Korean winter pastime. Snow sculpture zones display elaborate frozen creations. Younger visitors gravitate toward the ice slides and bobsled runs.

Food stalls line the pathways. The dalgona-making stations draw steady crowds; the sweet caramel smell cuts through the cold air.

Getting There

From Seoul:

• Bus: East Seoul Terminal (Dong Seoul) → Hwacheon Intercity Bus Terminal. Approximately 2 hours, ₩15,000–18,000. Buses depart every 30–40 minutes.
• Shuttle: Festival shuttle buses run from major Seoul locations during peak weekends. Check the official site for schedules.

By Car: Expect heavy traffic on weekends. Parking available on-site (₩5,000).

Taxi phrase: "화천 산천어축제장" (Hwacheon Sancheoneo Chukjejang)

Planning Your Visit

Dress for -10°C or colder. Layered thermal wear, waterproof boots, and hand warmers are essential. Bare-hand fishing participants get wet—bring a full change of clothes.

Weekdays vs. Weekends: Weekend crowds can exceed 100,000 daily. Weekday visits mean shorter lines and better fishing odds.

Book Ice Fishing Spots: Online reservations open roughly one month before the festival. Reserved spots guarantee access during peak times.

Cash Preferred: Some vendors and activity booths don't accept cards. ATMs are available but lines build up.

Language: Staff at major activity zones speak basic English. Signage includes English, Chinese, and Japanese.

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