Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival 2027: Dates, Tickets, Ice Fishing & How to Get There from Seoul
Every January, a frozen river in the mountain town of Hwacheon turns into one of the world's great winter playgrounds. The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival — where thousands of people drill holes in thick ice to fish for mountain trout — has been called one of the planet's unmissable winter events. Here is a practical 2027 guide to the dates, costs, the ice-fishing experience, and exactly how to get there from Seoul. Quick snapshot: The 2027 festival is scheduled for January 9–31, 2027 (about 23 days) on the frozen Hwacheoncheon stream in Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon State. Entry to the festival grounds is free; hands-on experiences like ice fishing are paid. Last verified: November 2026 — confirm the final 2027 dates and prices on the official site before you book. What is the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival? "Sancheoneo" is the mountain trout that gives the festival its name. Each winter, Hwacheon dams p...