2026 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival Complete Guide｜Dates, Activities, Fees & Fishing Tips
Korea’s world-famous winter festival, the 2026 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, is back once again. Recognized as one of the world’s Seven Winter Wonders and one of the Top Four Winter Festivals, this event attracts millions of visitors every year and is considered Korea’s 대표 winter tourist attraction.
From the colorful Lantern Street illuminated by Sancheoneo-shaped lanterns, to thrilling ice fishing on the frozen Hwacheon Stream, and exciting snow and ice activities for all ages— this winter, create “unfrozen warmth and unforgettable memories” in Hwacheon.
Basic Information: 2026 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival
- Festival Period: January 10 (Sat) – February 1 (Sun), 2026 / 23 days
- Lantern Street & Indoor Ice Sculpture Plaza: Dec 20, 2025 – Feb 8, 2026
- Location: Hwacheon-eup, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
- Hosted by: Hwacheon County / NARA Foundation
- Sponsored by: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
This festival is designated as a Global Festival by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and is widely regarded as a new cultural heritage asset of Korea.
Complete Guide to Sancheoneo Ice Fishing
Sancheoneo ice fishing is a signature winter experience where visitors drill holes into the ice—over 30 cm thick— on the frozen Hwacheon Stream and catch the pristine freshwater fish, Sancheoneo.
- On-site registration ice fishing
- Advance reservation ice fishing
- Lure fishing
- Foreign visitors (MOU & FIT) ice fishing zone
- Bare-hand catching
- Night fishing
Freshly caught Sancheoneo can be enjoyed immediately as sashimi, grilled fish, or steamed dishes, making it a perfect blend of experience and gourmet delight.
Ice Fishing Hours, Location & How to Participate
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating Period | January 10 – February 1, 2026 |
| Operating Hours | Weekdays 09:00–18:00 / Weekends 08:30–18:00 |
| Location | Downstream festival zone (1st Tunnel – Gadong Weir) |
| Capacity | Up to 8,000 people at a time |
| How to Join | On-site registration (first come, first served) |
※ On weekends, sessions often close early due to high demand, so an early visit is strongly recommended.
Ice Fishing Fees
| Category | Fee | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| General (Middle school & above) | 15,000 KRW | Agricultural product voucher (5,000 KRW) |
| Discounted (Seniors, disabled, etc.) | 10,000 KRW | Agricultural product voucher (5,000 KRW) |
| Children under elementary school age | Free | - |
The agricultural product voucher can be used like cash at the Local Products Sharing Village.
Snow & Ice Activity Programs
- Snow sledding
- Ice bobsleigh
- Ice Bear Castle & slides
- World ice sled experience zone
- Winter sports zone (ice soccer, ice park golf)
- Ice rink bubble suit experience
This area is especially popular among families with children.
Food & Shopping Zones
- Sancheoneo restaurants
- Sancheoneo sashimi center
- Sancheoneo grill zone
- Local snacks
- Local specialty market
- Sancheoneo bread & waffles
- Souvenir shops
Cooking and eating the Sancheoneo you caught yourself is one of the festival’s biggest highlights.
Important Rules for the Fishing Zone
- No outside food allowed
- No iceboxes or coolers
- Up to 3 Sancheoneo per person may be taken out
- No personal tents or heaters
- No smoking in all areas
- No pets allowed
What to bring: fishing gear, bait (live bait prohibited), chair, ice pick (Some equipment is available on-site)
Conclusion｜Korea’s Must-Visit Winter Festival
The 2026 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is far more than just a local event. It is a world-class winter festival that creates unforgettable memories for families, couples, and friends alike.
From ice fishing and snow sledding to delicious food and Lantern Street, if you want to enjoy all the pleasures of winter in one place, make your way to Hwacheon this winter.
3-Line Summary
1) Held from January 10 to February 1, 2026
2) Ice fishing, snow sledding, and gourmet delights all in one place
3) Korea’s 대표 winter festival — highly recommended for family trips