10 Famous Winter Festivals in Korea
This guide highlights Korea’s most iconic winter festivals, including details on their festival period, location, transportation, accommodation options and costs, history and characteristics, famous foods, nearby attractions, and regional restaurants.
1. Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival
Festival Period: Early January to late January
Location: Hwacheon, Gangwon-do
Transportation:
By train: Take ITX to Chuncheon Station, then transfer to a bus to Hwacheon.
By bus: Direct intercity buses are available from Dong Seoul Terminal to Hwacheon.
Accommodation Reservations and Costs:
Local pensions: KRW 50,000–100,000 per night
Guesthouses: KRW 20,000–50,000 per night
Early booking is essential during the festival period.
History and Characteristics:
Launched in 2003, the festival celebrates the pristine waters of Hwacheon, famous for Sancheoneo (mountain trout). Activities include ice fishing, snow sledding, and snow sculpture exhibitions.
Famous Food: Grilled Sancheoneo
Characteristics: Freshly caught and grilled on-site, the trout is tender and flavorful.
Additional Attractions Other than the Festival:
Paragliding at Hwacheon
Hwacheon Peace Dam
Nearby Restaurants:
Trout sashimi specialty restaurants
Korean BBQ restaurants featuring regional beef
2. Pyeongchang Trout Festival
Festival Period: Mid-December to late January
Location: Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do
Transportation:
By train: Take KTX to Jinbu Station, then use a local bus or taxi to the venue.
By car: Approximately 2.5 hours from Seoul.
Accommodation Reservations and Costs:
Ski resorts: KRW 150,000–300,000 per night
Budget motels: KRW 40,000–70,000 per night
History and Characteristics:
Held in the 2018 Winter Olympics host city, this annual festival offers ice fishing, sledding, bare-hand fishing, and traditional performances.
Famous Food: Fresh trout sashimi
Characteristics: Thinly sliced trout served with soy sauce and wasabi.
Additional Attractions Other than the Festival:
Yongpyong Ski Resort
Odaesan National Park
Nearby Restaurants:
Buckwheat noodle (memil guksu) specialty restaurants
Dried pollack (hwangtae) soup eateries
3. Inje Icefish Festival
Festival Period: Late January to early February
Location: Soyangho Lake, Inje, Gangwon-do
Transportation:
By bus: Direct intercity buses from Dong Seoul Terminal to Inje.
By car: About 2.5 hours from Seoul.
Accommodation Reservations and Costs:
Homestays: KRW 30,000–50,000 per night
Pensions: KRW 80,000–150,000 per night
History and Characteristics:
Started in 1997, this festival revolves around ice fishing for icefish, a local delicacy, along with traditional games and cultural activities.
Famous Food: Icefish soup
Characteristics: Light and refreshing, seasoned with scallions and garlic.
Additional Attractions Other than the Festival:
Baekdamsa Temple
Naerincheon River rafting
Nearby Restaurants:
Fish stew restaurants around Soyangho Lake
Buckwheat noodle eateries
4. Taebaek Mountain Snow Festival
Festival Period: Mid-January to late January
Location: Taebaek, Gangwon-do
Transportation:
By train: Take KTX to Taebaek Station.
By bus: Intercity buses from Seoul and other cities.
Accommodation Reservations and Costs:
Motels: KRW 50,000–80,000 per night
Resorts: KRW 100,000–200,000 per night
History and Characteristics:
A festival showcasing Korea’s snow-covered mountains, featuring snow sculpture exhibits, hiking trails, and winter sports.
Famous Food: Dried pollack stew (Hwangtae haejangguk)
Characteristics: Rich and spicy, perfect for warming up after winter activities.
Additional Attractions Other than the Festival:
Taebaek Coal Museum
Hwangji Pond
Nearby Restaurants:
Local restaurants specializing in hwangtae dishes
5. Daegwallyeong Snow Festival
Festival Period: Late January to early February
Location: Hoenggye, Gangwon-do
Transportation:
By train: Take KTX to Pyeongchang or Jinbu Station.
By bus: Intercity buses from Seoul to Hoenggye.
Accommodation Reservations and Costs:
Guesthouses and pensions: KRW 40,000–120,000 per night
History and Characteristics:
Celebrating Daegwallyeong’s snowy scenery with ice sculptures, snow sledding, and snowman-making contests.
Famous Food: Potato pancakes (gamjajeon)
Characteristics: Crispy and savory, made with local potatoes.
Additional Attractions Other than the Festival:
Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm
Alpensia Ski Resort
Nearby Restaurants:
Traditional Korean stew eateries
6. Boseong Tea Plantation Light Festival
Festival Period: Early December to late January
Location: Boseong, Jeollanam-do
Transportation:
By bus: Direct buses from Gwangju to Boseong.
By train: KTX to Boseong Station, followed by a taxi to the plantation.
Accommodation Reservations and Costs:
Guesthouses: KRW 30,000–70,000 per night
Resorts: KRW 120,000–250,000 per night
History and Characteristics:
Known for its lush green tea fields, Boseong illuminates its plantation with dazzling light displays during winter.
Famous Food: Green tea ice cream
Characteristics: Smooth, creamy, and infused with subtle green tea flavors.
Additional Attractions Other than the Festival:
Yulpo Beach
Daehan Dawon Tea Plantation
Nearby Restaurants:
Cafés offering green tea-flavored foods
7. Jeju Winter Festival
Festival Period: Mid-December to early February
Location: Jeju Island
Transportation:
By air: Flights to Jeju International Airport.
By car: Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the island.
Accommodation Reservations and Costs:
Hotels: KRW 80,000–200,000 per night
Guesthouses: KRW 20,000–60,000 per night
History and Characteristics:
A modern winter festival featuring colorful light installations, fireworks, and traditional performances.
Famous Food: Black pork BBQ
Characteristics: Juicy and tender pork served with Jeju’s special dipping sauce.
Additional Attractions Other than the Festival:
Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)
Hallasan National Park
Nearby Restaurants:
Black pork BBQ restaurants in Jeju City
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8. Nami Island Winter Festival
Festival Period: Early December to late February
Location: Nami Island, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do
Transportation:
By train: Take the ITX to Gapyeong Station, then take a ferry to Nami Island.
By car: About 1.5 hours from Seoul.
Accommodation Reservations and Costs:
Gapyeong pensions: KRW 50,000–120,000 per night
History and Characteristics:
Known for its iconic tree-lined paths, Nami Island celebrates winter with light displays and performances in a magical snowy setting.
Famous Food: Dak-galbi (spicy stir-fried chicken)
Characteristics: A famous dish in Chuncheon, combining spicy and savory flavors, perfect for sharing.
Additional Attractions Other than the Festival:
Petite France
The Garden of Morning Calm
Nearby Restaurants:
Dak-galbi restaurants in Chuncheon
9. Gyeongju Winter Lights Festival
Festival Period: Early December to late January
Location: Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Transportation:
By train: Take the KTX to Singyeongju Station and transfer to Gyeongju City.
By bus: Intercity buses are available to Gyeongju.
Accommodation Reservations and Costs:
Hotels: KRW 80,000–150,000 per night
Guesthouses: KRW 30,000–50,000 per night
History and Characteristics:
This festival features stunning light installations in Gyeongju’s historic landmarks, blending Silla Dynasty heritage with modern displays.
Famous Food: Gyeongju Bread (Hwangnamppang)
Characteristics: Soft, sweet bread filled with red bean paste, a signature treat of the region.
Additional Attractions Other than the Festival:
Bulguksa Temple
Anapji Pond (Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond)
Nearby Restaurants:
Korean hanjeongsik (set meal) restaurants
10. Seoul Lantern Festival (Winter Edition)
Festival Period: Early December to mid-December (about 2 weeks)
Location: Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul
Transportation:
By subway: Line 5 to Gwanghwamun Station.
By bus: Multiple buses stop near Cheonggyecheon.
Accommodation Reservations and Costs:
Hotels: KRW 100,000–300,000 per night
Budget stays: KRW 40,000–70,000 per night
History and Characteristics:
A vibrant festival along Cheonggyecheon Stream showcasing beautifully designed lanterns inspired by Korean culture and international themes.
Famous Food: Hotteok (sweet Korean pancake)
Characteristics: Crispy on the outside and filled with a gooey cinnamon-sugar mix, perfect for a winter snack.
Additional Attractions Other than the Festival:
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Myeongdong shopping district
Nearby Restaurants:
Traditional Korean restaurants in Insadong
Street food vendors around Cheonggyecheon
Summary
These winter festivals offer a spectacular glimpse into Korea’s unique seasonal charm, blending cultural heritage, delicious food, and scenic beauty. Whether you’re interested in thrilling activities like ice fishing, enchanting light displays, or cozy local delicacies, these festivals promise unforgettable winter memories for visitors from around the world!
Feel free to ask if you need further information or additional suggestions! 😊