Korea Winter Festivals 2026–27: Hwacheon, Pyeongchang Trout, Taebaek Snow and Seoul

Korea’s winter festivals turn the coldest months into some of the most fun. From December to February, frozen rivers in Gangwon Province host ice-fishing festivals, mountain towns build giant snow sculptures, and Seoul lights up its centre with lanterns and light shows. This guide lists the main winter festivals for the 2026–27 season with the dates organisers have listed so far, how to reach them from Seoul and which suit your trip.

Last checked: 31 October 2026. Several 2027 dates are listed as provisional by organisers; always confirm on the official site before travelling, especially because ice conditions can change plans. Dollar figures use about 1,330 KRW = 1 USD (October 2026).

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What are the main winter festivals in Korea?

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

Korea’s best-known winter festival takes place on the frozen stream in Hwacheon, near the northern border. Visitors fish through holes in the ice for mountain trout and have them grilled on site; there’s also bare-hand fishing, sledding and ice play. It attracts more than a million people in a good year. See our full Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival guide.

Pyeongchang Trout Festival

Held on the frozen Odaecheon stream in Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang — the county that hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics — this festival offers ice fishing for trout, snow sledding, ice bikes and food tents. The 2026 edition ran for 32 days from 9 January to 9 February, and the festival was selected as a government-supported culture and tourism festival for 2026–27. Listings show 9 January – 9 February 2027, though organisers hadn’t confirmed final dates by late October. It’s easy to combine with a ski day at a nearby resort; see ski resorts near Seoul.

Taebaeksan Snow Festival

In the high mountain town of Taebaek, this festival features large snow and ice sculptures, snow slides and guided snow hikes on Taebaeksan, a sacred mountain. In 2026 it ran from 31 January to 8 February. The 2027 dates hadn’t been announced by late October; it usually falls in late January or early February. Taebaek is farther from Seoul than Hwacheon or Pyeongchang, so it suits an overnight trip.

Winter festivals in Seoul

If you’d rather stay in the city, Seoul Winter Festa brings together light installations at Gwanghwamun, the Seoul Lantern Festival on Cheonggyecheon Stream, the Seoul Plaza ice rink and New Year’s Eve events at Bosingak and DDP. See Seoul Winter Festival 2026 and Seoul New Year’s Eve.

How do I get to the Gangwon festivals?

Intercity buses run from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (for Hwacheon) and from Seoul’s express bus terminals (for Pyeongchang and Taebaek), and KTX trains run on the Gangneung Line to Jinbu (Odaesan) station for Pyeongchang. Many tour operators sell round-trip shuttle packages from central Seoul that include festival entry or ice-fishing tickets, which are convenient for non-Korean speakers. Weekend buses fill up, so book ahead.

How do I prepare?

• Dress for −10°C or lower on the ice: thermals, padded coat, insulated waterproof boots, hat and gloves.
• Carry hot packs and a small cushion for sitting on the ice.
• Check the official site the day before: warm spells can delay openings or close ice areas.
• Bring cash and a card; some stalls prefer cash.
• See what to wear in Korea in winter for a full packing list.

Notes for families and travellers with reduced mobility

Ice festivals are great for children who are dressed warmly, with sledding and slides as well as fishing. Ice and snow are slippery and uneven, so pushchairs and wheelchairs are difficult on the festival grounds; heated tents and rest areas help. Seoul’s city festivals are much easier for travellers with reduced mobility.

FAQ

What is the most famous winter festival in Korea?
The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, held every January.

When is the Pyeongchang Trout Festival 2027?
It’s listed for 9 January – 9 February 2027; confirm on the official site.

Are Korean winter festivals worth visiting?
Yes, if you dress warmly; they’re lively, local and great for families.

Can I visit a winter festival as a day trip from Seoul?
Yes: Hwacheon and Pyeongchang work as day trips; Taebaek is better overnight.

Sources: Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival – official site · Seoul Start – Pyeongchang Trout Festival · Visit Korea – festival listings · Seoul Festival portal – Winter Festa
Photos: photos from Wikimedia Commons, credited in each caption