Ice Fishing & Snow Fun in Korea | Complete Guide to Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival
Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival – Winter Trout Fishing & Snow Fun in Korea
The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is one of Korea’s most famous winter events. On the frozen river in Hwacheon, you can try ice fishing for trout, snow and ice activities, winter food streets and colorful night lights. This guide explains how to get there, where to stay, what to eat and how to enjoy the festival like a local.
❄ Why Visit the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival?
Hwacheon is a small town in Gangwon Province, known for cold winters, clear water and beautiful mountain scenery. Each winter, the frozen river transforms into a huge outdoor festival site where you can:
- Drill a hole in the ice and fish for freshwater trout (sancheoneo)
- Try snow tubing, ice sleds, skating and other winter activities
- Walk through ice sculptures, light tunnels and art zones
- Warm up with grilled trout, hot soups, Korean street food and snacks
For many visitors, it feels like a mix of traditional winter culture, local festival and outdoor adventure all in one place.
🎣 What Happens at the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival?
Ice Fishing for Trout (Sancheoneo)
The highlight of the festival is ice fishing. Visitors are given (or can rent) a simple rod, bait and a drilled hole in the thick ice. If you catch a sancheoneo trout, you can have it prepared at nearby cooking zones or take it home.
There are separate areas for general visitors and sometimes special zones for children or groups. Check local rules and signs when you arrive.
Snow & Ice Zones
- Snow sledding and tubing slopes
- Simple ice rinks or skating areas (varies by year)
- Snow playgrounds for younger kids
- Ice slides and small snow hills
These zones are especially fun for families and anyone who wants to enjoy the snow without hiking.
Ice Sculptures & Night Lights
Many editions of the festival include ice sculpture displays, light tunnels and illuminated photo spots. At night, the frozen river and surrounding streets glow with colorful lights, creating a very different atmosphere than in the daytime.
Culture & Events
Depending on the year, you may find:
- Opening ceremonies and performances
- Local cultural shows and live music
- Traditional games or competitions
- Shops selling regional products and souvenirs
🚆 How to Get to Hwacheon from Seoul
| From | Transport | Time (one way) | Approx. Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul (Dong Seoul / Sangbong) | Intercity bus → Hwacheon Bus Terminal | ~2–3 hours | ₩10,000–₩20,000 | Most common option; may be crowded on weekends and holidays. |
| Seoul → Chuncheon | ITX-Cheongchun train or bus → transfer to Hwacheon bus | ~2.5–3.5 hours total | Varies | Good if you also want to visit Chuncheon (Dakgalbi, Nami Island route). |
| Seoul (Tour Packages) | Festival day tour bus (round trip) | Depends on package | Package price | Some agencies offer guided tours including ice fishing and transport. |
| Own Car | Drive from Seoul to Hwacheon | ~2–3 hours depending on traffic | Tolls + fuel | Check parking info; winter road conditions can be icy or snowy. |
From Hwacheon Bus Terminal it is usually a short walk or shuttle ride to the main festival area along the frozen river. Look for festival signs and staff in bright jackets.
🏨 Where to Stay for the Hwacheon Festival
Stay in Hwacheon Town
In Hwacheon itself you’ll find motels, small hotels, pensions and guesthouses. Staying close to the festival site is convenient, especially if you want to enjoy both daytime activities and night lights without worrying about last buses.
During peak weekends and holidays, rooms can sell out quickly, so booking in advance is recommended.
Stay in Chuncheon & Day Trip
Nearby Chuncheon has more accommodation choices, from business hotels to guesthouses and lake-view pensions. You can stay there and visit Hwacheon as a day trip by bus or car.
Types of Accommodation
- Budget motels and small hotels
- Pensions (family or group rooms)
- Guesthouses or simple lodges
Price Range (Rough Guide)
Expect around ₩60,000–₩130,000 per night for a typical room near the festival, depending on size, date and facilities. Prices can be higher on Saturdays and peak festival days.
🍲 What to Eat at the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival
Winter in Korea means hot food, grilled fish and plenty of street snacks. The festival area usually has long rows of stalls and tents where you can warm up and eat.
Grilled & Fried Trout (Sancheoneo)
The signature dish is grilled or fried trout caught from the ice fishing zone or prepared by vendors. It’s usually served with simple sides and sauces. Some places can cook your own catch for an extra fee.
Korean Winter Street Food
You’ll find classic winter snacks like:
- Hotteok (sweet-filled pancakes)
- Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)
- Fish cake skewers with hot broth
- Roasted sweet potatoes and chestnuts
Hearty Soups & Meals
Nearby restaurants serve warming dishes such as kimchi stew, beef or pork soups and other Korean home-style meals—perfect after a cold day on the ice.
Cafés & Hot Drinks
Look for cafés or tents selling coffee, hot chocolate, tea and simple desserts. These are great places to warm up your hands and charge your phone.
⛸ Winter Activities & Things to Do
1. Ice Fishing Experience
Choose a fishing hole, drop your line and wait patiently. This is a relaxing yet exciting activity, especially if it’s your first time. Staff are usually on hand to help beginners.
2. Snow Sledding & Tubing
Sleds or tubes slide down snow slopes, offering a simple thrill for both kids and adults. Height and speed can vary by course, so choose according to your comfort level.
3. Ice Sculptures & Photo Spots
Walk through areas with carved ice figures, light decorations and themed installations. These zones are especially beautiful in the evening when illuminated.
4. Night Lights & Festival Atmosphere
After dark, the festival feels completely different: colored lights, music, warm food smells and people strolling along the frozen river. It’s worth staying into the evening if your schedule allows.
🚍 Nearby Places & Linked Winter Courses
Chuncheon
Combine Hwacheon with Chuncheon for a 2-day trip: enjoy the festival one day, then eat dakgalbi, visit Uiam Lake or walk around Chuncheon city the next day.
Nami Island & Gapyeong
Many foreign visitors already plan to see Nami Island and nearby Gapyeong attractions. In winter, you can add Hwacheon as a special ice festival day in the same region.
Other Gangwon Winter Destinations
If you have more time, think about adding Ski resorts, Sokcho or other Gangwon coastal cities for a longer Korea winter itinerary.
Multi-Day Winter Route Idea
- Day 1: Nami Island & Gapyeong
- Day 2: Hwacheon Ice Festival
- Day 3: Chuncheon city & lake views
🗓 Suggested Hwacheon Festival Itineraries
1-Day Ice Festival Trip from Seoul
- Morning: Take an early bus from Seoul to Hwacheon.
- Late morning: Arrive, rent gear and start ice fishing.
- Lunch: Eat grilled trout and Korean winter street food at the festival.
- Afternoon: Enjoy snow sledding, tubing or ice zones.
- Evening: Walk through ice sculptures and night lights.
- Night: Return to Seoul or stay in Hwacheon/Chuncheon.
2-Day Hwacheon + Chuncheon Winter Course
- Day 1: Travel to Hwacheon → full day at the Sancheoneo Ice Festival.
- Evening: Stay overnight in Hwacheon or Chuncheon.
- Day 2 Morning: Enjoy a slow brunch and lake walk in Chuncheon.
- Day 2 Afternoon: Explore Chuncheon streets or head toward Nami Island.
- Return to Seoul in the evening.
🧤 Winter Packing & Safety Tips
What to Wear
- Warm layers (thermal innerwear, sweater, winter jacket)
- Waterproof or water-resistant pants if possible
- Thick socks and insulated shoes or boots
- Gloves, scarf, hat or ear warmers
What to Bring
- Hand warmers and heat packs
- Spare socks and gloves in case they get wet
- Power bank (battery drains faster in cold)
- Small towel and tissues
- Waterproof pouch or bag for phone and valuables
Safety Tips
- Follow festival staff instructions and stay in designated zones.
- Watch your step on ice; it can be very slippery.
- Take breaks indoors to warm up if you feel too cold.
- Keep children close, especially near fishing holes and crowded areas.
Photography Tips
- Use a phone or camera strap so you don’t drop it in the snow or ice holes.
- Bring a small cloth to wipe lenses (snow and moisture can stick).
- Evening lights look great—don’t leave too early if you love photos.
🗺 Map Keywords (for Naver & Kakao Map)
Search these Korean names in local map apps to find the main festival area and transport:
- 화천 산천어 축제 (Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival)
- 화천읍 (Hwacheon-eup, town center)
- 화천터미널 (Hwacheon Bus Terminal)
- 춘천역 (Chuncheon Station, for linked trips)
❓ Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival FAQ
Is the Hwacheon festival suitable for children?
Yes. Many families visit with children. There are kid-friendly areas like shallow sledding slopes and gentle snow playgrounds, but parents should supervise kids closely on the ice.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Some activities (like certain ice fishing zones or packages) may require tickets or reservations, especially on weekends and holidays. It’s a good idea to check the official site in advance or join a tour package if you prefer something simple.
How cold is it at the festival?
Temperatures can be well below freezing, especially in the morning and evening. Dress warmly with proper winter gear and plan regular warm-up breaks indoors or in heated tents.
More Korea Winter Travel Guides
If you liked this Hwacheon guide, you might also enjoy: Nami Island Winter Travel Guide · Gangwon Ski Resort Guide · Seoul Winter Itinerary & Snow Spots
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