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Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival (얼음나라화천 산천어축제)

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival (얼음나라화천 산천어축제) · © KTO · KOGL Type 3

Gangwon

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is a seasonal festival in Korea — check official dates and program before you visit.

FESTSTAGELimited-time festival — plan around the datesMountains + east coast — Korea's outdoor heartEnglish-friendly
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Why go

Held each January in Hwacheon County, Gangwon Province, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival draws visitors to the frozen Hwacheon River to fish for mountain trout through holes drilled in the ice. The festival is one of the most attended winter events in South Korea, combining hands-on ice fishing with sledding, ice sculpture exhibitions, and other cold-weather activities. Participants can catch sancheoneo (mountain trout) by hand or by rod, and the fish can be prepared and eaten on-site. The surrounding snow-covered landscape makes Hwacheon a notable winter destination in the Gangwon region.

Quick highlights

  • Ice fishing for mountain trout directly on the frozen Hwacheon River
  • Catch fish by hand or rod through drilled ice holes
  • Fresh-caught sancheoneo can be prepared and eaten on-site
  • Sledding runs and ice sculptures offer additional winter activities
  • One of South Korea's most attended annual winter festivals

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FAQ

When does Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival take place?

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival runs January 9, 2027 – January 31, 2027 at Areas around Hwacheoncheon Stream.

Who hosts Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival?

Hosted by Hwacheon-gun, Nara Foundation · +82-1688-3005.

Is Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival free to attend?

Paid event (Refer to the official for more info)

Where can I find more information about Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival?

Visit the official website: http://www.narafestival.com/01_icenara/

Where is Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival located?

137, Sancheoneo-gil, Hwacheon-eup, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do