Imagine walking on a frozen river with thousands of people, fishing for mountain trout through a hole in the ice. This is the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, selected by CNN as one of the “7 Winter Wonders of the World.”
Scheduled to return in January 2026, this festival is the highlight of winter in Korea. This guide covers everything from transportation from Seoul to the exclusive foreigner fishing zones.
Read also: Best Ski Resorts Near Seoul for 2025-2026 Winter
What is the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival?
Held in Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do, the coldest area in South Korea, this festival attracts over a million visitors annually. The main attraction is catching “Sancheoneo” (mountain trout), a fish that lives only in pristine, fresh water.
Top 3 Must-Do Activities
1. Ice Fishing (Foreigner Zone Recommended)
While the general fishing area is crowded, there is a designated “Foreigner Only Zone”. It is less crowded, and rumor has it that the staff release more fish here to ensure international visitors catch at least one!
2. Bare-Handed Fishing
Are you brave enough? Change into a t-shirt and shorts and jump into the icy pool to catch trout with your bare hands. It is an adrenaline-pumping experience you will never forget.
3. Ice Sledding & Snow Sculptures
If fishing is not your style, enjoy traditional Korean ice sledding or explore the massive indoor ice sculpture plaza featuring world-famous landmarks carved from ice.
How to Get to Hwacheon from Seoul (2026 Update)
Hwacheon is about 2.5 hours away from Seoul. Here are your best options:
- Official Shuttle Bus (Best for Tourists): During the festival period, shuttle bus packages (often included with entrance tickets) depart from Hongdae, Myeongdong, and Dongdaemun. This is the most stress-free option.
- ITX Train + Bus: Take the ITX-Cheongchun train from Yongsan Station to Namchuncheon Station or Chuncheon Station. Then, take an intercity bus to Hwacheon Terminal (approx. 50 mins).
2026 Festival Tips
- Dress Code: It is freezing. Wear thermal underwear (Heattech), waterproof boots, and hot packs (kailo).
- Cooking Your Catch: You can take your caught fish to the nearby “Grill Center.” For a small fee (approx. 3,000 KRW), they will grill it fresh for you to eat right there.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the bare-handed fishing event too cold?
Yes, it is intensely cold! However, the event is short (about 3-5 minutes), and there is a warm foot bath and warm clothes changing area prepared immediately after the event to help you recover.
Is there a specific fishing zone for foreigners?
Yes. The Foreigner Only Fishing Zone is located near the upstream area. You usually need to show your passport or ARC (Alien Registration Card) to purchase tickets for this zone.
When is the best time to visit?
Weekdays are highly recommended. Weekends (Saturday/Sunday) are extremely crowded with local tourists. If you must go on a weekend, aim to arrive by 9:00 AM.
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