Yangpyeong Smelt Ice Festival

🗓️ January 17, 2025 – February 9, 2025

The Yangpyeong Smelt Festival takes place at the Baektong Reservoir, nestled deep in the mountains of Yangpyeong. Since 1992, smelt resources have been steadily cultivated at this location, establishing it as a renowned spot for smelt fishing, in addition to its beautiful scenery. The festival offers not only the opportunity to enjoy smelt fishing but also a variety of winter activities suitable for the whole family, all set against the backdrop of a vast, frozen landscape.

Activities

The festival provides a range of activities, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The main attraction is, of course, the smelt fishing. Visitors can try their hand at ice fishing for smelt, or opt for the easier method of catching them with a dip net.

Beyond fishing, the festival grounds offer a plethora of traditional winter games and activities. These include ice sledding, ice biking, and ice karting, providing ample entertainment for those who prefer to stay active on the ice.

Culinary Delights

No festival is complete without a selection of food to enjoy, and the Yangpyeong Smelt Festival is no exception. Attendees can savor the taste of freshly caught smelt, prepared in various ways. Options include fried smelt and spicy seasoned smelt salad. Additionally, traditional Korean winter fare such as Oden (fish cake stew) is available to warm visitors from the inside out.

Location and Accommodation

The festival is held at the Baektong Reservoir, with the precise address being 269-19, Baekdong-gil, Danwol-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do.

For those planning to extend their visit and explore the surrounding area, a variety of accommodation options are available nearby. You can find and book accommodations through this link: 🛏️ Accommodation near the event.

Admission Fees

The festival’s admission fees are structured to accommodate different age groups. For general admission, the fee is 15,000 won. Preschool children can enter for a reduced fee of 10,000 won.

Contact Information

For any inquiries regarding the festival, you can reach out to the organizers at 031-771-7750.

Additional information, including updates and detailed schedules, can be found on the official festival website: www.lakefestival.co.kr.

Image

What is Smelt Fishing?

Smelt fishing is a winter activity focused on catching smelt, a small fish found in cold freshwater and coastal areas. In regions where lakes and rivers freeze, anglers drill holes in the ice and use small rods and light lines to catch these fish. Common bait includes maggots, worms, or small jigs, which attract smelt due to their schooling nature, allowing for potentially large catches. Beyond the fishing itself, the activity offers an opportunity to enjoy the winter landscape, making it suitable for families. Smelt are valued for their delicate flavor and are often cooked fresh, providing a satisfying conclusion to a day spent outdoors.