Pyeongchang Trout Festival
🗓️ 2027.01.01 ~ 2027.01.31
*The following festival details are from the 2026 festival; details for the 2027 festival are currently being updated*
The Pyeongchang Trout Festival is an annual winter celebration that transforms the hardships of ancestral survival into a curated cultural experience. In previous eras, winter in this region was characterized by snowfall so intense that residents were forced to tie ropes between neighboring houses, carving snow tunnels along those lines simply to maintain mobility. When the frigid river winds caused the shallow rapids to freeze prematurely, ancestors would strike large rocks in the river with hammers—a grueling method used to hunt winter fish for a single meal. This historical struggle is the foundation of the modern event, which takes place from late December to late January under the theme of “A Winter Story with Snow, Ice, and Trout.”
Visitors to the festival can observe fish swimming in the Odaecheon stream through the clear ice, providing a visual prelude to the thrill of the catch. The event distinguishes itself through a diverse array of winter activities that cater to different skill levels and ages, ranging from the patience required for ice fishing to the high energy of bare-hand catching.
Activities and Experiences
The festival offers several ways to engage with the frozen landscape:
- Fishing Experiences: Guests may choose between ice fishing, tent fishing, and a dedicated children’s fishing area. For those seeking a more visceral challenge, the golden trout bare-hand catching event provides a unique opportunity to pursue fish without the aid of equipment.
- Ice Square Activities: Beyond fishing, the Ice Square hosts a variety of winter sports and rides, including snow sledding, snow rafting, ice bicycles, skating, and the Argo ride experience.
Pricing and Usage Fees
Fees are structured based on the type of activity and the age of the participant. The following rates were applicable during the 2026 event:
| Activity | Adult Rate | Elementary Student Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Tent Fishing (Comprehensive Ticket) | 49,000 KRW | 43,000 KRW |
| Tent Fishing (Standard) | 39,000 KRW | 30,000 KRW |
| Ice Fishing (Comprehensive Ticket) | 43,000 KRW | 35,000 KRW |
| Ice Fishing (Standard) | 25,000 KRW | 20,000 KRW |
Additional Fees:
- Indoor Fishing: 20,000 KRW
- Bare-hand Catching: 20,000 KRW
- Amusement Facilities (Comprehensive Ticket): 30,000 KRW
- Mountain Trout: 20,000 KRW
Visitor Information
📍 Address: 3562 Gyeonggang-ro, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
🛏️ Accommodation near the event
💰 Fee: Paid
📞 Inquiry: 033-336-4000
🖥️ Website: www.festival700.or.kr
What is ice fishing?
Ice fishing is a method of angling practiced on frozen lakes and rivers. The fisherman cuts a hole through the ice, drops a baited line into the water below, and waits for a fish to bite. In northern regions where lakes freeze solid for months, it has long been a practical way of catching food through the winter. In recent decades it has also become a recreational activity, often organized into festivals and public events designed for beginners.
At the Pyeongchang Trout Festival, ice fishing is adapted into a managed, family-friendly outing. A designated area of the frozen water is checked and maintained for safety, then divided into fishing spots. Visitors receive a simple rod, line, and lure, and are shown to a hole in the ice. The process is straightforward: lower the line, watch the float, and wait. When the float dips, a quick and steady pull usually brings up a mountain trout. Staff nearby can clean and grill the catch, or visitors can take it to one of the food tents serving trout stew and other hot meals.
The festival’s fishing ponds are stocked, so catching a fish does not depend on experience or refined technique. Many first-time anglers get a bite within minutes. This changes the character of the activity: it is less a test of patience than a social event on the ice. People stand together, talk, and react to the small movements of their rods. The surrounding festival adds food, games, and mountain views, which gives non-anglers reasons to join as well.
Ice fishing here is neither a survival skill nor a serious competition. It is a seasonal form of entertainment, built around a traditional winter practice and made accessible through organization and equipment. Its appeal is straightforward: it gives visitors a way to spend time outdoors in winter, with a good chance of catching something.
