A Guide to Winter Festivals in Korea – Must-Try Winter Destinations & Activities for Foreigners

Winter in Korea is full of charming snowy landscapes, various festivals, and warm traditional food. There are many ways to enjoy winter uniquely, such as skiing on snow-covered mountains, enjoying ice fishing at ice festivals, and relaxing in warm hot springs. This guide introduces winter destinations and activities that foreigners should definitely experience in Korea.

1. Must-Visit Winter Festivals in Korea

1) Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival – A Mecca for Winter Ice Fishing

The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is one of the most famous winter festivals in Korea, held annually in Hwacheon, Gangwon-do, in January. You can experience the unique activity of catching sancheoneo (landlocked salmon) on a river with thousands of ice holes drilled into it.

✅ Recommended Activities
• Ice fishing – Experience drilling a hole and catching sancheoneo yourself
• Barehand fish catching – The thrilling experience of catching fish directly with your hands in icy water
• On-the-spot sancheoneo dishes – Enjoy your catch as sashimi or grilled fish immediately

Local Tip:
• Gloves and warm clothing are essential for ice fishing!
• Visiting on weekdays is recommended instead of weekends when it gets crowded!

2) Taebaek Mountain Snow Flower Festival – A Fantastic Snow Flower Trip in the Middle of Winter

Taebaek Mountain boasts the most beautiful winter scenery in Korea, and a snow flower festival is held every January. The pristine snow landscape and ice sculptures create a spectacular view.

✅ Recommended Activities
• Climbing Taebaek Mountain in the snow – Enjoy hiking in the snowy landscape
• Viewing the ice sculpture exhibition – An exhibition of ice sculptures with various themes
• Enjoying the winter night view – A breathtaking view from the top of Taebaek Mountain at sunset

Local Tip:
• Prepare warm clothes and ice grips (anti-slip spikes)!
• Be sure to try Gangwon-do style potato pancakes and Hanwoo Bulgogi (Korean beef bulgogi) available in Taebaek during the festival.

3) Pyeongchang Trout Festival – A Meeting of Winter Sports and Fishing

Pyeongchang, host of the 2018 Winter Olympics, is a region rich in winter activities. The Pyeongchang Trout Festival allows you to enjoy ice fishing and various snow activities together.

✅ Recommended Activities
• Trout fishing – You can try fishing for trout in the clear waters of Pyeongchang
• Ice sledding – A fun experience on the ice with traditional wooden sleds
• Snow tubing – A thrilling winter sport experience on a snow tubing slope

Local Tip:
• Be sure to try the on-the-spot trout sashimi and fried trout at the festival!
• It gets very cold in winter, so bring hand warmers and warm gear.

2. Top 4 Korean Winter Activities

1) Gangwon-do Ski Resorts – The Best Winter Sports Experience

Gangwon-do is home to Korea's largest ski resorts, offering fun for everyone from beginners to experts.

✅ Recommended Ski Resorts
• Yongpyong Resort – Winter Olympics venue, offering various slopes
• Phoenix Pyeongchang – A popular ski resort for families
• High1 Resort – A famous ski destination surrounded by beautiful mountains

Local Tip:
• If you are a beginner skier, it's a good idea to sign up for lessons!
• After skiing, relieve your fatigue at the hot springs and sauna within the resort.

2) Hot Springs & Jjimjilbang – Warm Healing in Winter

One way to make your Korean winter warmer is to visit a hot spring or jjimjilbang (Korean sauna).

✅ Recommended Hot Spring Destinations
• Deoksan Spa Castle – Luxurious hot springs and spa facilities
• Seorak Waterpia – A place where you can enjoy a water park along with hot springs
• Asan Paradise Spa – A leading hot spring resort in Korea

Local Tip:
• Relax with eggs and sikhye (sweet rice drink) at the jjimjilbang!
• Enjoying the snowy scenery from an open-air bath is also a special experience.

3) Seoul Ice Rinks – Outdoor Skating Filled with Winter Charm

Various outdoor ice rinks operate in Seoul during winter. You can enjoy the winter atmosphere by skating under sparkling lights.

✅ Recommended Ice Rink Destinations
• Seoul Plaza Ice Rink – A representative winter destination operating in front of City Hall
• Lotte World Ice Rink – A large indoor skating rink
• Olympic Park Ice Rink – You can enjoy skating leisurely in a quiet atmosphere

Local Tip:
• Ice rink fees are inexpensive, so booking in advance allows you to avoid queuing!
• Taking pictures against the backdrop of the night view will create amazing shots!

4) Gangwon-do Kaemalgogwon Snow Trekking – Hiking in the Snow-Covered Wilderness

In the Gangwon-do Kaemalgogwon area during winter, you can enjoy hiking along snow-covered mountains. Enjoy the beautiful winter scenery of Korea while trekking.

✅ Recommended Snow Trekking Courses
• Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm Trekking – A course where you can walk through a white snowfield with sheep
• Seoraksan Ulsanbawi Course – Enjoy the majestic scenery of Seoraksan Mountain and the winter landscape
• Odaesan National Park Trekking – A famous spot where you can enjoy the snowy landscape in a quiet atmosphere

Local Tip:
• Ice grips (anti-slip equipment) and warm hiking clothes are essential for winter mountain climbing!
• After trekking, we also recommend trying Gangwon-do style potato Ongsimi (thick potato noodle soup) at a nearby restaurant!

3. Delicious Foods to Try in Korea During Winter

✅ Recommended Winter Seasonal Foods
• Eomuk (fish cake) soup – Street food enjoyed with warm broth on cold days
• Bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastry) & Hotteok (sweet pancake) – Sweet street snacks you must eat in winter
• Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) & Seolleongtang (ox bone soup) – Nourishing foods that warm the body
• Jjinppang (steamed buns) & Gun-goguma (roasted sweet potato) – Korean winter snacks easily found at markets
• Kimchijeon (kimchi pancake) & Gamjajeon (potato pancake) – Pancakes paired with Makgeolli (Korean rice wine) are the best!

Local Tip:
• Many places in Myeongdong and Namdaemun Market offer free warm Eomuk soup in winter!
• We also recommend enjoying the winter atmosphere by buying roasted sweet potatoes from traditional markets.

Which Korean winter festival are you most interested in visiting? Share in the comments!