Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival: The Best Way to Enjoy Winter
Every winter, Korea’s representative winter festival takes place. It’s the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival held in Hwacheon, Gangwon Province. From thrilling sancheoneo (mountain trout) fishing on the frozen Hwacheon Stream to diverse cultural events and experience activities, everyone of all ages can have an enjoyable time. If you’re wondering where to go this winter, come to the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival. We’ll create unforgettable winter memories for you.
The Festival’s Attractive Points: Why Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival?
Why does the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival captivate countless tourists every year? Because you can experience both winter romance and enjoyment beyond simply catching mountain trout.
Thrilling Fishing Experience: This is the highlight of the festival. When you drill through ice holes and drop your fishing line, you’ll naturally exclaim at the thrill of catching the mountain trout that soon comes up. The caught mountain trout can be tasted on the spot as sashimi or grilled, making it even more special.
Diverse Experience Programs: There’s plenty to enjoy besides fishing. From exciting winter playgrounds like snow sledding, ice bobsleigh, and skating, to participatory events such as bare-hand mountain trout catching and creative children’s song contests.
Spectacular Sights: When night falls, the festival shows another charm. Beautiful ice sculpture exhibitions and night views blending with colorful lights make winter nights romantic. Especially, the fireworks heighten the festival atmosphere.
Local Specialties and Food: At the festival site, you can taste Hwacheon’s fresh agricultural products and various foods. Enjoy winter delicacies like not only mountain trout dishes but also hot fish cakes, tteokbokki, skewers, etc., to warm up from the cold.
2024 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival Information (Expected)
Since the exact festival schedule may vary slightly each year, it’s best to check the official website before visiting. However, it’s generally held during the following period.
Festival Period: Typically starts in early January and runs for about 3 weeks. (Example: Expected January 6 ~ January 28, 2024)
Location: 137 Sancheoneo-gil, Hwacheon-eup, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon Province (Hwacheon Stream area)
Main Programs:
- Ice Fishing: The most popular program, with reservations and on-site registration available. (Separate purchase of fishing area admission ticket)
- Illumination Street Festival: Streets decorated with splendid lighting and ice sculptures.
- Ice Country Snow Sculptures: You can appreciate works by world-class artists.
- Winter Play Experiences: Snow sledding, ice bobsleigh, skating, etc.
- Cultural Events: Performances, exhibitions, experience booths, etc.
Tip: Visit on weekdays rather than weekends when the most people gather to enjoy the festival more leisurely.
What to Bring and Tips for Properly Enjoying the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival
Here are some items to bring and a few tips to enjoy the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival more fully and comfortably.
1. Warmth Is the Top Priority! Clothing Preparation
Since it’s an outdoor winter festival, warm clothing is most important.
Layering: Wearing several thin layers of clothing is effective for insulation. Utilize thermal underwear, long-sleeved t-shirts, sweaters, lightweight padding, etc.
Cold Weather Gear: Hats, scarves, and gloves are essential. Since hands and feet get particularly cold, wear thick socks and shoes with anti-slip features. Hand warmers can also be useful.
Pants: Thick pants with waterproof features are recommended. Useful when sitting to fish or being active on snow.
2. Fishing Preparations
If you’re planning mountain trout fishing, it’s good to prepare the following items.
Fishing Tools: Ice fishing sets (fishing rod, ice auger, bait, etc.) can be rented or purchased on-site. It’s convenient if you prepare them in advance.
Ice Fishing Chair/Mat: Since you’ll be sitting on ice for long periods, it’s good to have a comfortable chair or thick mat.
Thermos: Preparing warm beverages helps warm your body in cold weather.
3. Useful Tips at the Festival Site
Transportation: If using your own vehicle, you must use parking lots around the festival site. Parking can be very congested on weekends, so using public transportation or shuttle buses is also a good method. Hwacheon County operates shuttle buses from Seoul and the metropolitan area during the festival period. (Must check the festival website for accurate operation information)
Accommodation: Accommodation reservations are essential during the festival period. It’s good to look into not only accommodations in downtown Hwacheon but also surrounding areas in advance. If you’re planning camping or glamping, you should hurry even more.
Meals: Although there are various foods around the festival site, waiting times can be long when crowded. Preparing simple snacks in advance is also good.
Cash and Cards: Most vendors accept card payments, but some small booths or experience activities may require cash.
Photography: Prepare a camera or smartphone to capture beautiful winter scenery and enjoyable moments. Since batteries can drain quickly in cold weather, bringing a portable charger is good.
How to Properly Enjoy Mountain Trout: From Fishing to Cooking
The main character of the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is the mountain trout! How to deliciously enjoy it is as important as catching it.
1. Mountain Trout Fishing, Increasing Success Rate
Bait Selection: Earthworms or dough bait are mainly used for mountain trout fishing. You can use bait sold on-site or prepare it in advance.
Fishing Time: Early morning or sunset is when mountain trout move actively. However, during the festival period, since many people fish, it’s good to keep trying regardless of the time.
Patience: Fishing is the aesthetics of waiting. It’s important to enjoy it with a relaxed mind without being impatient.
2. How to Enjoy Caught Mountain Trout?
At the festival site, there are corners where you can cook and taste caught mountain trout right away.
Mountain Trout Sashimi: Thinly sliced fresh mountain trout sashimi is the best way to feel the original taste of mountain trout.
Grilled Mountain Trout: Mountain trout grilled golden brown on charcoal has an excellent light and savory taste.
Mountain Trout Tempura/Braised: You can also enjoy it as tempura that children like or sweet and spicy braised dishes.
Note: Taking caught mountain trout outside the festival site may be restricted. It’s better to use the dining services provided on-site.
3. Other Foods in Hwacheon
Besides mountain trout, Hwacheon has various foods.
Hwacheon Native Chicken: Baeksuk (chicken soup) or steamed dishes made with local specialty Hwacheon native chicken are good for a hearty meal.
Wild Vegetable Bibimbap: Bibimbap mixed with fresh wild vegetables is a healthy and delicious choice.
Local Makgeolli: Add to the festival excitement by tasting Hwacheon’s distinctive makgeolli.
Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, Must Remember This! (Common Mistakes and Precautions)
Please remember a few precautions for an enjoyable festival experience.
Safety First: Be careful not to slip on ice. Children should always be supervised by guardians during activities.
Trash Disposal: For a clean festival environment, please dispose of all trash in designated places.
Fishing Area Etiquette: A considerate attitude toward others is necessary within the fishing area to avoid causing inconvenience.
Weather Changes: Winter weather is difficult to predict. Prepare for sudden temperature changes, snow, wind, etc., by adjusting your clothing.
Check Festival Information in Advance: Before visiting, it’s important to check the latest information (schedule, programs, transportation, admission fees, etc.) through the official Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival website.
Conclusion: Make the Best Memories at Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival This Winter!
The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival offers special experiences that the whole family can enjoy together, beyond a simple winter festival. From the thrilling sensation of mountain trout fishing to exciting winter activities and beautiful winter scenery, it will make your winter richer and happier.
Plan Right Now!
Check Festival Schedule: Check exact dates, times, and programs on the official website.
Book Transportation and Accommodation: Make reservations in advance to prepare for a comfortable and leisurely trip.
Prepare Warm Clothing: Layer up and thoroughly pack cold weather gear.
We hope you create unforgettable winter memories in Hwacheon this winter!
EXTERNAL_LINKS: Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival Official Website
