Last updated: November 2026
Quick answer: The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival 2027 is scheduled for January 9–31, 2027 in Hwacheon, Gangwon Province, in the north of the province, roughly two hours from Seoul by bus. Daytime hours are 09:00–18:00, with night fishing from 18:00 to 21:00. You can catch mountain trout (sancheoneo) through holes in the ice, grab them bare-handed, or try lure fishing, snow sledding and ice sledding. It is a paid event and draws more than a million visitors a year, so plan transport and a bed early.
When Is the Hwacheon Ice Festival in 2027?
The festival is listed for Saturday, January 9 through Sunday, January 31, 2027 — 23 days, per the Korea Tourism Organization’s VisitKorea festival page. The event is hosted by Hwacheon County and the Nara Foundation. The 2027 details are still being filled in by the organizers, so confirm ticket prices and any schedule changes on the official channels before you book. Warm spells can also shorten the fishing areas, so check conditions the week you go.
What Can You Do at the Festival?
The festival takes place every January, when Hwacheoncheon Stream freezes solid. It was named one of CNN’s “Seven Wonders of Winter” in 2011. The headline activities listed for the festival are:
- Ice fishing — on-site or by reservation, dropping a line through a hole in the ice.
- Bare-handed catching — jumping into a trout-filled pool to grab a fish by hand.
- Lure fishing — a more active, rod-based style.
- Snow sledding and ice sledding — the part kids (and plenty of adults) tend to remember most.
Freshly caught trout can be eaten on site, which is a big part of the appeal: you catch, they prepare. Night fishing (18:00–21:00) is a different atmosphere under lights and worth planning for if you can stay in the area.
How Do You Get from Seoul to Hwacheon?
The simplest route is an intercity bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (Gangbyeon Station, Line 2) to Hwacheon, which takes roughly two hours; the festival grounds are within walking distance of the town’s bus terminal. Hwacheon has no subway or high-speed rail station. If you prefer to combine rail and a local transfer, you can book a rail ticket🚄 toward Chuncheon and continue by bus. January weekends sell out, so reserve early and check the festival’s official page for any shuttle timetable.
Allow a full day and arrive early on weekends, when queues for fishing slots and sledding are longest. Dress for temperatures well below freezing: thermal layers, waterproof gloves, and boots with grip.
Where Should You Stay?
Hwacheon itself has limited lodging, and rooms fill quickly during the festival. Many travelers base themselves in nearby Chuncheon instead, which also pairs well with our Nami Island day trip guide. It is worth comparing places to stay in Chuncheon🏨 for your dates, or you can day-trip from Seoul and sleep in the capital — see where to stay in Myeongdong.
How Does It Fit a Korea Winter Trip?
Hwacheon works well as a full day out between city days. For more ideas, see our guide to Korea’s winter festivals, the winter in Seoul guide, and ski resorts near Seoul if you want snow sports on the same trip. Heading to Seoul for the holidays first? Our Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Seoul guide covers December.
Quick Summary: Hwacheon Ice Festival 2027
- Dates: January 9–31, 2027 (23 days)
- Hours: 09:00–18:00; night fishing 18:00–21:00
- Location: Hwacheon-eup, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon Province
- Activities: ice fishing, bare-handed catching, lure fishing, snow and ice sledding
- Cost: Paid event — check official 2027 pricing
- From Seoul: about 2 hours by bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal; plan a full day
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