Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival 2025 in South Korea

Held every January in Hwacheon, Gangwon Province—a region renowned for its pristine waters, sancheoneo (mountain trout), and otters—the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival embraces the theme "Never Freezing Warm-heartedness, Never Melting Memories." Recognized as one of the world's top four winter festivals, it offers visitors the chance to try unique activities like ice sledding, ice soccer, and ice fishing. The festival also features themed contests, including barehanded fishing in freezing water and ice racing competitions, making it a must-visit event during the heart of winter.

Fishing

The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival offers an exciting lineup of activities for visitors of all ages, starting with the Main Program. The Trout Experience includes a variety of fishing options, such as on-site registration for ice fishing, reserved ice fishing slots, lure fishing, and exclusive options for foreigners and family tourists. For the adventurous, there’s barehanded trout fishing and night fishing under the stars.

Winter Activities

The Snow and Ice Experience adds to the fun with activities like snow sledding, ice bobsleigh, Eolgomi Castle attractions (including slides and snow sculptures), and unique experiences like trout course skydiving, ice soccer, and ice bubble suits. Families can explore Santa Village or snap memorable photos at the Trout Tree photo zone.

Cultural Events

The festival also features a rich array of Cultural Events, including the grand opening and closing ceremonies, a Winter Culture Village, the Santa Post Office Mobile Branch, and themed days like Angel's Day and Hoguk-ee's Day. Visitors can participate in unique activities like the Night Fishing Biggest Fish contest, an SNS Trout Live Broadcast, and even science experiments at the Hwacheon High School classroom.

Attractions

Beyond the main grounds, linked events extend the excitement with attractions like the world’s largest indoor ice sculpture square, the Trout Coffee Museum, and the Santa Claus Post Office Korea Main Branch. Evening festivities shine with the Seondeunggeori Festival, where visitors can enjoy the Seondeunggeori Lighting Ceremony, Memory Graffiti Road, and breathtaking night views of Hwacheon.