Gangwon Embraces Winter

Geographical Characteristics of Gangwon Province

Gangwon Province, one of the coldest regions in South Korea, is shaped by the Taebaek Mountains running north to south and numerous basins surrounded by high terrain. These conditions trap cold air near the ground, allowing thick, solid ice to form each winter. The pristine upper streams of the Bukhan River and Odaecheon also maintain excellent water quality, providing an ideal environment for cold-water fish.

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

(https://www.khan.co.kr/article/202401281334001)

Named one of the "Seven Wonders of Winter" by CNN in 2011, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is held every January when the Hwacheon Stream completely freezes over. The 2026 festival will take place for 23 days, from January 10th to February 1st, in Hwacheon-eup, Hwacheon-gun. A winter sports zone is also available, featuring ice fishing, lure fishing, bare-handed fishing, ice bobsledding, sledding, ice soccer, and figure skating. Ice fishing costs 15,000 won, with a maximum of three fish per person allowed.

Daegwallyeong Snow Festival

(https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/421/0008044535)

The Daegwallyeong Snow Festival, with more than 30 years of history, is another major highlight of Gangwon’s winter. The 2026 festival will be held from February 13 to 22 at the Daegwallyeong Snow Festival Grounds. Attractions include a snow sculpture zone, snow playground, ice café, sledding hill, and an ice activity zone featuring ice slides, spinning tops, and human bowling. One of the most distinctive landmarks is Korea’s first 6-meter-high ice wall. General admission costs 10,000 won, with various discounts available through receipts or partner resorts.

Pyeongchang Trout Festival

(https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/018/0005644926)

The Pyeongchang Trout Festival began in 2007 to promote Pyeongchang, the first region in Korea to successfully farm trout in 1963. Although it is typically held from late December to late January, the 2025 festival ran from January 3 to February 2 for a full month in Jinbu-myeon. Activities include tent fishing, ice fishing, barehanded fishing, snow sledding, traditional sledding, “areuk” rides, and snow rafting. Tent fishing requires an online reservation and costs 49,000 won for a full-access pass or 39,000 won for a single-access pass. Ice fishing is priced at 25,000 won, while a combined pass for fishing and attractions costs 43,000 won.

Recently, however, the schedules of Gangwon’s winter festivals have become increasingly dependent on weather conditions. Warmer winters, insufficient snowfall, and unstable ice thickness caused by global warming have created challenges for festival planning. For this reason, visitors are encouraged to check each festival’s official website for the latest updates before planning their trip. We hope visitors can experience the unique charm and romance of Gangwon’s winter festivals.

Lee Ah Ryeong

<halr72@kangwon.ac.kr>