Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival
ποΈ 2025.01.11 ~ 2025.02.02
The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, held annually in Hwacheon, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, is a unique winter event that was recognized as one of the "7 Wonders of Winter" by CNN in 2011. This festival takes place every January, transforming the frozen Hwacheoncheon Stream, renowned for its pristine waters, into a vibrant hub of winter activities. Visitors have the opportunity to engage in the exhilarating sport of catching sancheoneo, a fish known as the "queen of the valley," through both ice fishing and bare-hand fishing. The festival’s appeal extends beyond fishing, offering a variety of winter activities such as ice sledding, snow sledding, and bobsleighing, which collectively attract over one million visitors each year.
The festival provides a comprehensive range of activities, broadly categorized for visitor convenience. The Sancheoneo Experience includes ice fishing, with options for both on-site participation and advance reservations, alongside bare-hand and lure fishing. For those inclined towards snow and ice activities, the festival offers snow sledding, ice sledding, sky walking, the Eolgomi Slide, ice soccer, curling, figure skating, and ice bubble suit experiences.
Cultural and event highlights feature the festival’s opening ceremony, the Hwacheon Lucky Draw Event, the Ice Country Broadcasting Station, the Hoguk-i Experience Zone, and the Hwacheon Tourism Promotion Hall. To ensure a comfortable and safe experience, the festival is equipped with a general information center, fishing guides, warming and infant rest areas, mobility assistance services, a medical center, a rescue team, and support from the Hwacheon Fire Station.
Culinary and shopping options are plentiful, with the Sancheoneo Restaurant and the Sancheoneo Sashimi Center/Grill offering fresh catches. A local snack street caters to diverse tastes, while the agricultural and specialty products store and souvenir shop provide opportunities to purchase local goods and mementos.
In addition to the main festival activities, visitors can explore related events and attractions, including the Lighting Street Festival, the World’s Largest Indoor Ice Sculpture Plaza, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Park Golf Course, the Santa Post Office Korea Branch, and the Baegamsan Cable Car.
π Address: 137 Sancheoneogil, Hwacheon-eup, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
ποΈ Accommodation near the event
π° Fee: Paid (See website for details.)
π Contact: 1688-3005
βοΈ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eolgomi/
π₯οΈ Homepage: www.narafestival.com
What is Sancheoneo?
Sancheoneo, or mountain trout, is a freshwater fish found in the cold streams of Korea. Known for its subtle flavor and firm texture, it is a favorite among anglers. The fish thrives in the clean waters of Korea’s mountainous regions, where the conditions are ideal for its development. Beyond its culinary appeal, sancheoneo holds cultural importance in Korea, representing the purity and natural beauty of the country’s landscapes. The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival highlights this fish, allowing visitors to engage in traditional ice fishing and enjoy freshly prepared sancheoneo in various dishes.
