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.
What is the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival?
"Sancheoneo" is the mountain trout that gives the festival its name. Each winter, Hwacheon dams part of its river so the surface freezes thick and solid, then opens it up for ice fishing, bare-hand trout catching, sledding, ice sculptures and nighttime lights. It regularly draws over a million visitors in a few short weeks, making it Korea's signature winter festival and a bucket-list day trip from Seoul.
2027 dates, location and hours
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates (2027) | January 9 – January 31, 2027 (approx. 23 days) |
| Location | Hwacheoncheon stream, Hwacheon-eup, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon State |
| Festival entry | Free to walk the grounds; experiences are ticketed separately |
| Typical hours | Daytime programs generally from morning; night fishing on select days — confirm the 2027 schedule |
| Info line | 1588-3005 (festival call center) |
Note: a festival this dependent on ice is weather-sensitive. Organizers can shift dates or pause fishing if the ice is unsafe, so always check the official announcement close to your trip.
What does it cost? (approximate)
Walking around is free, but the fun is in the experiences. Prices below are based on recent years and are approximate — 2027 rates are confirmed on the official booking page closer to the event.
| Experience | Approx. price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ice fishing | ~₩15,000–18,000 per rod (roughly US$11–13) |
Part of the fee is returned as a local voucher you can spend in town; includes a trout if you catch one. |
| Bare-hand catching | ~₩10,000–13,000 (roughly US$7–9) |
Grab trout barehanded in a shallow pool. Sessions run on a timetable and sell out early. |
| Snow sled / ice slide | ~₩5,000 (roughly US$4) | Unlimited sledding for a set period — great for kids. |
| Ice sculpture plaza | Usually included / low cost | Best after dark when the sculptures and lights are illuminated. |
USD conversions are rough and change with the exchange rate.
The star event: ice fishing for mountain trout
This is why people come. You rent a short rod, pick a pre-drilled hole on the frozen stream, drop your line, and jig for sancheoneo swimming below. It's cold, social and surprisingly addictive — and when you land one, an on-site restaurant will grill it or prepare it as sashimi for a small fee so you can eat your catch on the spot.
A few things worth knowing:
- Reserved vs. walk-up zones: some fishing areas can be booked online in advance; others are first-come. Popular weekend slots go fast, so reserve early if your dates are fixed.
- Night fishing is offered on select days for a different, atmospheric experience under the lights.
- No catch? That's common — it's about the experience. The bare-hand pool is a fun backup.
How to get to Hwacheon from Seoul
Hwacheon has no direct train station, so most visitors go by bus or on a guided day tour. Here are the main options:
| Option | Approx. time & cost | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Intercity bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal |
~2 hours direct; ~₩15,000 each way (US$11) |
Independent travelers who want flexibility |
| Train + bus ITX-Cheongchun to Chuncheon, then local bus |
~1 hr train (~₩10,000) + ~1 hr bus (~₩5,000) | Those combining Chuncheon / Nami Island |
| Guided day tour round-trip from Seoul |
~₩90,000–130,000 (US$65–95); ~6am–9pm | First-timers who want transport + ice fishing bundled with an English guide |
For most foreign visitors with limited time, a guided day tour is the easiest choice — it removes the transport and ticketing hassle, often includes rental gear, and many offer hotel pickup in Seoul. Independent travelers save money with the Dong Seoul bus but should start early to beat the crowds.
What to wear and pack
Hwacheon in January is seriously cold — often well below freezing, with wind on the exposed ice. Dress like you mean it:
- Thermal base layers, a heavy padded coat, and a windproof outer shell.
- Waterproof boots with grip — the ice is slippery.
- Insulated gloves, a warm hat, and a scarf or neck gaiter.
- Hand and foot warmers (sold cheaply at any Korean convenience store).
- Sunglasses — sunlight off the ice is bright.
Chasing Korea's winter magic?
Lock in your 2027 dates early, dress warm, and reserve your ice-fishing slot ahead of time. For more Korea travel and living guides, bookmark KRTAXPOLICY.COM.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Hwacheon Ice Festival in 2027?
The 2027 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is scheduled for January 9–31, 2027, running about 23 days on the frozen Hwacheoncheon stream. Because the event depends on ice conditions, confirm the final dates on the official festival website before booking travel.
How much does ice fishing cost at the festival?
Entry to the festival grounds is free. Ice fishing runs roughly ₩15,000–18,000 per rod (about US$11–13), and a portion is typically returned as a local voucher you can spend in Hwacheon. Bare-hand catching is around ₩10,000–13,000. Prices are approximate — check the 2027 booking page for exact figures.
Can I visit Hwacheon as a day trip from Seoul?
Yes. It's about two hours each way by intercity bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, and many companies run round-trip guided day tours (roughly 6am–9pm) that include transport and ice fishing. A day trip is very doable; just start early, especially on weekends.
What happens to the trout I catch?
You can take your catch to an on-site restaurant where, for a small fee, they'll grill it or prepare it as sashimi so you can eat it fresh. Catching a trout isn't guaranteed, so treat the fish as a bonus and the experience as the main event.
Sources & verification: Official Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival announcements and call center (1588-3005), Korea Tourism Organization festival listings, and established Korea travel guides. Dates, prices and transport figures are approximate and subject to change based on ice conditions and the official 2027 schedule. Last verified: November 2026.
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