Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival 2027: Dates, Ice Fishing and How to Get There From Seoul

The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival (화천산천어축제) is Korea’s most famous winter festival: thousands of people drill holes in a frozen river in Gangwon Province and try to catch mountain trout (sancheoneo), then have them grilled on the spot. There’s also bare-handed fishing in icy water, sledding and ice games. For 2027, the festival is listed for 9–31 January 2027 in Hwacheon, about two hours from Seoul. This guide covers dates, activities, getting there, what to wear and how to visit as a foreign tourist.

Last checked: 31 October 2026. The 2027 dates come from Korea Tourism Organization and festival listings; the organisers note that dates and operations can change, so confirm before you go. Dollar figures use about 1,330 KRW = 1 USD (October 2026).

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What is the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival?

Every January, the small county of Hwacheon, near the border in northern Gangwon Province, turns its frozen stream into a giant ice-fishing ground. The festival has been held since 2003 and now attracts well over a million visitors a year, making it one of the best-known winter festivals in Asia. The star is the sancheoneo, a mountain trout released into the river for the festival. Whatever you catch, you can take to grilling stations or restaurants on site.

What can you do there?

How much does it cost?

Admission to the festival grounds is generally free, while ice fishing and other experiences need tickets. In recent years, part of the ticket price has been returned as local gift vouchers you can spend at Hwacheon shops and restaurants. Local news in October 2026 reported that the county is reviewing a fee change for 2027 — a higher ice-fishing fee with a larger voucher refund — so check the final 2027 prices on the official site before you go. Fishing gear (short rods, bait) is sold or rented on site.

How do I get to Hwacheon from Seoul?

Buses get busy on festival weekends, so buy return tickets in advance or travel on a weekday. Combining Hwacheon with Chuncheon or Nami Island makes a good two-day winter trip.

What should I wear?

Hwacheon is one of the coldest places in South Korea, and you’ll be sitting still on the ice. Temperatures in January are often well below freezing, especially in the morning. Wear thermal underwear, a down jacket, waterproof insulated boots, a hat, gloves (plus thin gloves for handling the line) and carry heat packs. Bring a small mat or cushion to sit on. See our Korea packing list for winter extras.

Tips for a good day

• Go on a weekday if you can; weekends are packed.
• Arrive in the morning — the fish are said to bite better early, and the ice areas are less crowded.
• Bring cash and a card; some food stalls prefer cash.
• Keep your phone warm in an inside pocket; batteries drain quickly in the cold.
• If the ice isn’t safe, the organisers may change or postpone events — check the official site the day before.

Notes for families and travellers with reduced mobility

Children love the sleds and ice slides, and smaller kids can enjoy fishing with a parent. The ice can be slippery and uneven, so boots with good grip matter. Some areas are reached by stairs or slopes and pushchairs are hard to use on the ice; a baby carrier works better. Heated rest areas and food tents give you somewhere to warm up.

FAQ

When is the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival 2027?
It’s listed for 9–31 January 2027; confirm on the official festival site before travelling.

How do I get to the Hwacheon ice festival from Seoul?
Take an intercity bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (about 2 hours) or book a tour shuttle package.

Can foreigners join the ice fishing?
Yes. Tour packages from Seoul include fishing entry, and you can also buy tickets on site or online.

Is the festival worth it?
If you enjoy snow, cold and a lively local crowd, yes; it’s a classic Korean winter experience.

Sources: Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival – official site · Visit Korea – festival listing · Seoul Start – Hwacheon festival guide · MTN News – 2027 festival changes (October 2026)
Photos: photos from Wikimedia Commons, credited in each caption