Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival
JanuaryGangwon
This winter festival takes place every January in Hwacheon, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, on the frozen Hwacheoncheon stream. You can catch sancheoneo (mountain trout) by ice fishing or by bare hands, then enjoy it freshly served as sashimi or grilled. Snow sledding, ice sledding and bobsled rides add even more winter fun.
When is it held?
Every year around early January. The exact dates change every year.
This year’s dates
Next edition: Jan 9 ~ Jan 31
Before you go, check this year’s dates and fees on the official website.
What can you do there?
- Try ice fishing for mountain trout through a hole in the ice
- Catch a trout with your bare hands
- Ride snow sleds, ice sleds and the bobsled
- Taste trout as sashimi or grilled at the food areas
- Stroll the Sunhdeung Street lantern festival nearby
Tips for visitors from abroad
Getting there
From Seoul you can reach the Gangwon area by KTX, express bus or intercity bus. Once there, check public transit to the venue in a map app (Naver Map and KakaoMap are the most accurate in Korea).
Naver Map ↗ KakaoMap ↗ Google Maps ↗
What to wear and bring
Winter festivals are often below freezing. Bring a thick coat, gloves, a hat and non-slip shoes.
This is general guidance. Check the official website for what to bring and how to enter each event.
Photos
Source: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI. Dates may change. · Photo: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type3 · Shown unaltered.
Other festivals in the same month
Frequently asked questions
When is Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival held?
Every year around early January. The exact dates change every year. This year it runs Jan 9 ~ Jan 31.
How do I get to Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival?
From Seoul, take KTX, an express bus or an intercity bus toward Gangwon, then check public transit to the venue in a map app.
Is Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival free?
The official overview does not list admission. Please check the official website.
Places to visit near this festival in Gangwon
Top attractions elsewhere in Gangwon. Combine them with this event in one trip.
Source: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI. Dates may change.