After eight years in Korea, I’ve explored countless places, yet I still crave more scenic winter adventures. Every year, I’d see the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival pop up as a must-try winter activity, but I always skipped it. Ice fishing? It sounded boring. Standing still on frozen water, waiting for a fish to bite? Not exactly my idea of fun. Winter, for me, has always been about moving fast to generate heat and keep the cold at bay. Wouldn’t sitting there in the freezing cold just make it worse?
This year, though, I finally took the bait—literally. For our two-day itinerary, we decided on Hantangang River trekking and the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival. But I went in with backup destinations just in case it wasn’t my thing. That’s the beauty of a flexible itinerary! Luckily, these locations are close enough that we even considered extending the trip to three days if the festival turned out to be underwhelming (spoiler alert: it wasn’t).
If this is your first time experiencing a South Korean winter, preparation is key. During our visit to the festival, temperatures ranged from -4°C to below -10°C, with harsh winds that could easily make you want to retreat indoors. Below are some helpful tips to stay warm and enjoy outdoor activities during winter.
Winter Preparation List for South Korea
- Winter Long Padding Coat
- A good winter coat is essential to protect you from freezing temperatures and harsh winds. While any insulated winter coat will work, a long padded coat (commonly known as 롱패딩 in Korea) is highly recommended as it provides maximum warmth and coverage, especially for extended outdoor activities.
- Gloves with Touchscreen Functionality
- Regular gloves are great for warmth, but touchscreen-compatible gloves are a game-changer. They allow you to take photos or use your phone without exposing your hands to the freezing air.
- Tumbler for Hot Water and Snacks
- Bring a tumbler filled with hot water or tea to keep yourself warm from the inside. It’s also handy for warming up during breaks. Pack easy-to-carry snacks like energy bars or nuts to refuel during your adventures. Please note some areas prohibit food.
- Winter Accessories
- Beanie: Keeps your head and ears warm, as a significant amount of heat escapes from your head.
- Scarf or Mask: Protects your mouth and nose from the biting wind. A scarf can double as extra insulation for your neck.
- Thermal Face Mask: Particularly useful if you’re trekking or exposed to strong winds for extended periods. I found that regular masks work fine too.
- Winter Boots with Anti-Slip Soles
- Snow-covered or icy paths can be slippery, so sturdy winter boots with good traction are a must. Look for boots with anti-slip soles or add detachable ice grips if necessary.
- Heat Packs (핫팩)
- Disposable heat packs are widely available in Korea and can be lifesavers. Stick them into your gloves, pockets, or even shoes to keep warm throughout the day.
- Layered Clothing
- Dress in layers so you can adjust based on the activity or temperature:Base layer: Thermal underwear or heat-tech clothing.Middle layer: Fleece or wool sweater for insulation.Outer layer: Waterproof and windproof jacket (or long padding coat).
- Moisturizer and Lip Balm
- The cold, dry air can take a toll on your skin. Keep a small moisturizer and lip balm handy to prevent dryness and cracking.
Additional Tips
- Check the weather forecast before heading out so you can dress appropriately.
- If you’ll be walking or trekking for long periods (like at Hantangang), consider carrying an extra pair of socks in case your feet get wet.
- Don’t underestimate the wind chill factor—it often makes temperatures feel much colder than they actually are.
By packing these essentials, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy South Korea’s winter wonders without letting the cold ruin your adventure!
Day 1 – Hantangang River: Winter Trekking On The River
Picture this: a scene straight out of a historical K-drama, where characters walk gracefully across a frozen river surrounded by breathtaking winter scenery. That’s exactly what it felt like as we made our way along the Hantangang River in Cheorwon, Gangwon-do—a hidden gem located just two hours from Seoul.
While its popularity among tourists is overshadowed by nearby attractions like Nami Island or ski resorts, I highly recommend this spot for anyone exploring Gangwon-do.
How to Get There
- By Car: Renting a car is the easiest option. Use Naver Map (not Google Maps) for accurate directions; search for “Hantangang River Columnar Joint Road.”
- By Public Transport: Take an intercity bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Sincheorwon Public Bus Terminal (buses 3000/3001-1). From there:
- Take another bus (e.g., 1/1-1/3-4) to Guntan Saguri.
- From Guntan Saguri, take a taxi directly to Hantangang River Columnar Joint Road.
Alternatively, take a taxi directly from Sincheorwon Terminal.
We drove straight there from Incheon using Naver Map—but not without making a mistake that cost us extra ticket fees! How did that happen, you might ask?
Our Ticket Mishap
We accidentally entered the wrong trail at 주상절리길 (Columnar Joint Path), which features suspended paths high above the river—not ideal if you’re afraid of heights! After walking about 200 meters and confirming that this path didn’t connect with the riverside trail, we exited and bought tickets again for the correct trail: Hantangang River Walk.
After the Ticket Mishap: Exploring the Hantangang River Walk
From the parking lot, head right and then down to the river. You’ll see the ticket booth just before the floating rubber pathways. We paid KRW 10,000 per person and received KRW 5,000 vouchers each. These vouchers can be used for food or other purchases, like taxis along the route. Since we mistakenly entered the wrong path earlier, we ended up paying a total of KRW 40,000 but received KRW 20,000 in vouchers.
At the entrance, staff will give you an entry tag, usually tied around your wrist or bag for visibility. This tag is important as it allows you to exit and re-enter the course at designated points along the way. The Hantangang River Walk stretches over 8 kilometers, so having this flexibility is helpful if you need a break or want to explore nearby attractions.
Finally entering the correct path, we couldn’t resist snapping countless photos of the stunning winter scenery. Most parts of the river were frozen solid, and with temperatures dipping below -10°C, even the rubber pathways felt stable and unmoving underfoot—a small blessing given how cold it was! Dressing warmly is absolutely essential for this trek.
As you can see in the photos, this walk truly lives up to its name: a serene journey on floating rubber pathways carefully placed for visitors’ safety. While some sections required walking alongside the riverbank, most of our route was spent on these pathways. We weren’t able to complete the entire course but covered a significant portion before deciding to call it a day.
Winter is undoubtedly the best time to visit. The snow blankets the rocks and mountainsides, creating a striking contrast against the rugged terrain and dark river. In areas where strong currents kept parts of the river unfrozen, the sound of rushing water combined with pristine snowcaps on nearby rocks made for an enchanting experience. No matter how many photos I took, they couldn’t fully capture the magic of being there in person.
Ending Our Trek at Goseokjeong (고석정)
Looking at our leaflet, we realized there were several other highlights along the trail, such as the famous Sky Bridge featured in What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim. However, being unseasoned trekkers and facing harsh winter weather, we decided to end our journey at Goseokjeong after about two hours of walking from our entry point.
To be honest, it should have taken less than an hour to reach Goseokjeong from where we started. But we stopped frequently to admire the views, take photos and videos, and simply soak in the beauty of our surroundings. Goseokjeong is one of the main entry and exit points for this course and offers stunning views of both the river and its surroundings.
Hantangang: A Filming Location for Korean Dramas and Movies
Hantangang River and Goseokjeong are iconic spots that have served as backdrops for numerous K-dramas and movies. Popular productions like Kingdom, That Winter, The Wind Blows, Queen Seondeok, and more were filmed here. A short hike from the river up to Goseokjeong Pavilion reveals breathtaking views of the river below. Along this path, you’ll also find posters showcasing scenes from these dramas—perfect photo opportunities for K-drama fans!
After wrapping up our trek at Goseokjeong Pavilion, we enjoyed a late lunch just a few minutes away. We used all our vouchers at a local restaurant where we got a discount on our meal—KRW 22,000 reduced by KRW 20,000 worth of vouchers!
Who Would Enjoy Hantangang River Walk?
This trek is ideal for expats in Korea looking for hidden gems or tourists with itineraries longer than a week. It’s about two hours from Seoul by car and offers a unique experience far from crowded tourist hotspots like Nami Island or ski resorts.
If possible, I recommend renting a car to make your trip more convenient and allow you to explore other nearby winter destinations, or book tours online with transportation included.
Bonus: Watch this video made with videos and photos from Hantangang.
Day 2: Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival – Korea’s Iconic Winter Celebration
Upon arriving in Hwacheon, we were greeted by endless rows of cars parked along the roadside. We arrived late—around 11 a.m.—and had to circle around several times to find a parking spot. Since it was the opening day of the festival (January 11, 2025), crowds were expected. Still, after the previous day’s long trek in freezing temperatures, braving the cold again felt like a challenge.
The festival for 2025 runs until February 2, but if you plan to visit in future years, be sure to double-check the official website here for updated dates. The festival is held during Korea’s coldest time of the year when the Hwacheon River freezes, so exact dates may vary depending on weather conditions.
How To Get There
If you’re coming directly from Seoul, take an intercity bus from Dong Seoul Terminal to Hwacheon Public Bus Terminal. From there, it’s just a short walk to the festival venue. As always, Naver Map is your best friend for accurate navigation in Korea. Note that this journey takes over three hours by public transport.
Since we were coming from Chuncheon after our previous day’s trip, it only took us about an hour to drive to Hwacheon—though finding parking added extra time.
First Impressions of the Festival
As we approached the river, I could feel the excitement building. Thousands of people were already ice fishing on the frozen river, creating a bustling yet magical atmosphere. At that moment, I finally understood why this festival is considered one of the “Seven Wonders of Winter.” According to their website, it attracts millions of visitors annually.
Despite being distracted by other activities along the way—like snow sledding, ice sculptures, traditional games, and food stalls—we headed straight for the ice fishing area since it was our main goal for the day.
How To Get Your Entrance Ticket and Prepare for Ice Fishing
Navigating the festival is easy thanks to signs with English translations below Korean text. If you’re a foreigner unfamiliar with Korean, look for the “MOU” section on the map—it’s designated specifically for foreign visitors. However, since I was with a Korean companion, we opted for tickets at the unreserved fishing booth (현장접수). There’s also a separate area for those who reserved tickets online.
- Entrance Fee: KRW 15,000 per person (includes a KRW 5,000 gift certificate. I also received a KRW 5,000 discount because I am a foreigner)
- Gift Certificates: These can be used at select vendors during the festival. Look for booths displaying signs that accept them.
Rules for Ice Fishing:
- No food or large containers (e.g., ice boxes) are allowed.
- Personal tents are prohibited (though folding chairs are fine).
- Live bait is not permitted.
- Each person is limited to catching and taking home three fish.
Fishing rods, bait, and other essentials are conveniently available for purchase at booths just outside the ice fishing area. They even sell folding chairs if you don’t bring your own! After buying our tickets, staff attached entrance tags to our coats—these tags are important for re-entry if you leave the fishing area (e.g., to use restrooms). Transparent plastic bags were also provided for storing fish.
Enjoying Ice Fishing and Grilled Sancheoneo
Once inside the ice fishing area, we quickly found an open fishing hole and set up our gear. You can claim any unoccupied hole as long as no one has placed items like a rod or chair near it. Within minutes of starting, someone nearby caught a fish! Their excitement was contagious and fueled my determination to catch one myself.
Despite temperatures hovering around -4°C midday, I didn’t feel as cold as I expected—perhaps because of my excitement or all my winter layers! At one point, I even dropped to my knees to peer into the hole and watch sancheoneo swim by… only to see them ignore my bait entirely.
After about 30 minutes without any luck, I moved to another spot but faced similar results. It might have been my lack of technique as a first-time ice fisher—or maybe it just wasn’t my day! Frustrated but still hopeful, we decided to take a break and explore other parts of the festival before returning later.
Pro Tip: Free Sancheoneo!
At the entrance area, there’s often a drum containing extra sancheoneo for visitors who didn’t catch any fish (subject to availability). Remember that each person is allowed to take out 3 fish. This is where they keep the extra fish from those people. Fortunately for us, staff members kindly offered us two fish for free! We immediately took them to be grilled at nearby stalls (KRW 3,000 per fish). Grilling takes some time; after paying, you’ll receive a receipt with an estimated pickup time.
Though simple—just seasoned with salt—the grilled sancheoneo was unbelievably delicious. Perhaps it was hunger or just the cold weather enhancing every bite!
Ice Sculpture Experience At Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival
After lunch, we headed toward our next activity: exploring sculptures at the Ice Illumination Plaza. Located near Sancheoneo Cinema (about a 20-minute walk from most fishing areas), this section features stunning ice carvings illuminated by colorful lights.
- Entrance Fee: KRW 5,000 per person (includes a KRW 3,000 gift certificate).
While I enjoyed admiring the intricate sculptures and even tried ice sledding inside the plaza, taking photos proved challenging due to low lighting conditions indoors. Honestly, I was a bit disappointed with not being able to take good photos as I was really looking forward to good photos with the sculptures.
Other Activities in the Festival
By mid-afternoon, we returned to explore more activities along the riverbank. While barehanded fishing and lure fishing looked exciting (and perfect Instagram moments), I wasn’t brave enough to try them myself—my hands would’ve frozen instantly! Instead, I enjoyed watching others participate while snapping photos of traditional games like those seen in Squid Game.
We ended our visit by spending our remaining gift certificates at food stalls before heading back home.
South Korea Winter Attractions Near Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival
If you’re planning an extended trip near Hwacheon, there are several nearby destinations that offer equally magical winter experiences. Here are some must-visit spots to consider. While we skipped these spots this time because we wanted a relaxed itinerary, they remain excellent options if you have more time.
Nami Island
Known for its iconic Metasequoia Lane, Nami Island transforms into a serene winter wonderland during this season. Snow-covered trees line the pathways, creating picture-perfect scenes straight out of a fairy tale. Visitors can enjoy activities like sledding, ice skating, and even ziplining over the frozen river. For fans of the K-drama Winter Sonata, this is a nostalgic and romantic destination not to be missed.
The Garden of Morning Calm
Famous for its Winter Light Festival, the Garden of Morning Calm becomes a dazzling spectacle of LED lights illuminating the snow-covered gardens. Stroll through themed sections like glowing archways, illuminated sculptures, and vibrant displays that feel like stepping into a fantasy world. This destination is perfect for photography enthusiasts or those looking for a peaceful yet enchanting evening.
Eobi Ice Valley
Located not far from Hwacheon, Eobi Ice Valley features stunning frozen waterfalls and ice walls that create a breathtaking natural spectacle. This hidden gem is ideal for nature lovers and offers unique photo opportunities amidst the icy formations.
Gapyeong Rail Park
For a unique winter adventure, head to Gapyeong Rail Park and pedal along old railway tracks surrounded by snowy landscapes. The route includes tunnels and bridges, making it an exciting activity for families or groups of friends.
Alpaca World
For animal lovers, Alpaca World is a delightful stop where you can interact with adorable alpacas amidst scenic snowy fields. It’s a fun and family-friendly destination that pairs well with other nearby attractions like Nami Island or Eobi Ice Valley.
Pyeongchang Trout Festival
If you enjoyed ice fishing at Hwacheon, consider visiting the Pyeongchang Trout Festival for another chance to catch fish through icy holes or try barehanded fishing in freezing water. This festival also offers sledding, snow rafting, and other winter activities.
Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival
Located further east in Gangwon-do, this festival showcases massive snow sculptures, ice slides, and beautiful hiking trails through Taebaeksan National Park. It’s perfect for those who want to combine outdoor exploration with cultural festivities.
Final Thoughts
Both trekking along Hantangang River and experiencing Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival were unforgettable adventures that showcased Korea’s winter magic in unique ways. And, with so many incredible attractions near Hwacheon, you can easily turn your visit to the Sancheoneo Ice Festival into a multi-day winter adventure! Whether you’re drawn to dazzling light displays, serene snowy landscapes, or thrilling outdoor activities, these destinations offer something for everyone.
Have you tried ice fishing or winter trekking before? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! If there’s anything I missed or additional information you’d like about these destinations, feel free to ask!
Also, feel free to pin this for later using the images below.
