The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival (화천산천어축제) is one of South Korea’s most iconic winter festivals and a must-visit event for travelers seeking an authentic Korean winter experience. Held every January on a frozen river in Hwacheon, Gangwon Province, this world-famous festival attracts over a million visitors each year with its unique ice fishing activities, snow attractions, and magical winter scenery.
 |
| Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival 2026 Night Street |
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival 2026, including dates, location, main activities, travel tips, and why it deserves a spot on your Korea winter itinerary.
Festival Dates, Time, and Location
Dates: January 10 – February 1, 2026 (23 days)Hwacheon is located in the mountainous region of Gangwon Province, about 2.5–3 hours from Seoul. Thanks to its colder climate, the river freezes thick enough each winter to safely host large-scale ice fishing and winter sports.
 |
| Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival 2026 Official Flyer |
What Is the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival?
The festival celebrates the sancheoneo, a native mountain trout that thrives in Hwacheon’s clean, icy waters. During the festival, the frozen river transforms into a massive winter playground where visitors can catch live fish through the ice, enjoy snow activities, and explore impressive ice art installations.
Recognized internationally and once listed by global media as one of the world’s top winter festivals, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival showcases Korea’s creativity, resilience, and love for seasonal traditions.
Top Things to Do at the Festival
Ice Fishing on a Frozen River
The signature experience of the festival is sancheoneo ice fishing. Visitors drill holes in the thick ice and fish for live trout using simple rods. It’s beginner-friendly and suitable for both adults and children.
Barehand Fish Catching
For a more adventurous challenge, try barehand trout catching in icy pools. This activity is especially popular with international visitors looking for a memorable and fun winter story.
 |
| Ice Fishing in Hwascheon Ice Fishing Festival |
Snow and Ice Activities
Beyond fishing, the festival offers a wide range of winter attractions, including:
- Snow sledding and tubing
- Ice bobsleigh and ice soccer
- Skating and winter playgrounds for families
 |
| Snow sledding at the festival |
Ice Sculptures and Night Illuminations
Indoor and outdoor ice sculpture zones display stunning frozen artworks created by international artists. At night, illuminated streets and festival lights create a magical winter atmosphere perfect for photography.
⏰ Best Street Light viewing time: 6:00–10:00 PM
 |
| Hwacheon Ice Sculpture Square |
Food and Local Experiences
Freshly caught trout can be prepared on-site as sashimi or grilled fish, giving visitors a taste of Hwacheon’s local flavors. Street food stalls and nearby restaurants also serve warm Korean winter dishes, making it easy to stay energized in the cold.
How to Get to Hwacheon from Seoul
- By Bus: Take an intercity bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Hwacheon (approx. 2.5–3 hours).
- Festival Shuttle: Special shuttle buses often operate during peak festival days.
- By Car: Driving from Seoul takes around 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Dress in layers and wear waterproof winter boots.
- Arrive early on weekends to avoid crowds.
- Bring gloves suitable for fishing and cold weather.
- Check official announcements for weather-related schedule changes.
If you’re visiting Korea in winter, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival 2026 offers a rare opportunity to experience Korean winter culture beyond the cities. From ice fishing on a frozen river to vibrant night illuminations, this festival combines tradition, adventure, and unforgettable scenery in one destination.
SEO Keywords
Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival 2026, Hwacheon Ice Fishing Festival, Korea winter festival, winter festivals in Korea, ice fishing Korea, Gangwon winter travel, Hwacheon travel guide, Korea January festivals