Korea Winter Ice Fishing Festival (Pyeongchang Trout Festival)

Discover the Korea Winter Ice Fishing Festival (Pyeongchang Trout Festival)

Imagine stepping onto a frozen lake in Korea’s winter, bundled up, holding an exclusive folding fishing chair and fishing rod, ready to try your luck at catching delicious, chewy trout. This tour whisks you from Seoul to Pyeongchang for a 10-hour adventure that combines ice fishing, sledding, and other frosty activities, all with guides who speak both English and Chinese. For just over $38 per person, you get a pretty complete package—tent, chair, and fishing gear included—making this a convenient and accessible way to try a distinctly Korean winter pastime.

What we really love about this experience is its family-friendly vibe and the authenticity of fishing in Korea’s largest trout-producing region. You’ll appreciate the well-organized itinerary that balances fun activities with some leisure time, and the fact that the guides are helpful and fluent in multiple languages. Plus, the opportunity to taste freshly grilled trout after fishing adds a tasty reward to your chilly efforts.

A potential downside? The cold, of course, can be intense—for their trip, some travelers reported temperatures as low as -12°C. If you’re not prepared for the extreme winter weather, it might lessen your enjoyment. Also, as the tour is about 10 hours long, it’s best suited for those who are comfortable spending a full day outdoors in winter conditions and who want a hands-on, active experience rather than a passive sightseeing trip.

This tour appeals most to adventurous families, couples, or solo travelers who are curious about Korean winter traditions and don’t mind the cold. If you’re looking for a unique, immersive experience that combines nature, food, and culture, this ice fishing tour offers a genuine taste of Korea’s winter charm.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Try ice fishing on Korea’s largest trout-producing waters with all necessary gear included.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for both adults and children, with guides speaking English and Chinese.
• Full-Day Tour: About 10 hours from Seoul, including travel, activities, and return.
• Value for Money: At $38, the tour offers a comprehensive package including transportation and equipment.
• Cold Weather Consideration: Be prepared for potentially extreme winter temperatures, especially if you’re sensitive to cold.
• Cultural and Culinary Element: Enjoy the chance to taste grilled fish, adding a flavorful reward after your fishing efforts.

A Closer Look at the Pyeongchang Trout Festival Experience

Starting early from Seoul, around 7:30 AM, your day begins with a comfortable, air-conditioned bus ride to Pyeongchang, a region famed for its crystal-clear waters and excellent trout. The journey takes roughly three hours, giving you time to relax and get into the winter mood before arriving around 11:00 AM at the festival site.

The Festival and Activities

The Pyeongchang Trout Festival is the centerpiece of this trip. Our guides, who speak both English and Chinese, introduce you to the area and the activities. The festival is organized and lively, with dedicated zones for different fun pursuits. You’ll get your own fishing chair and gear—a folding chair that’s easy to carry and a simple fishing rod—to make ice fishing accessible for everyone.

Once on the ice, we loved the informative instructions from the guides, who made sure even first-timers felt comfortable. You’ll be fishing in clear, cold waters, trying your luck at catching trout known for their chewy texture. Some visitors, like Sara, appreciated the helpful guidance and found the activity “fun and interesting,” especially when they managed to catch a fish.

For those wanting more than just fishing, the festival offers barehanded fishing and sledding, making it ideal for kids and families wanting a multifaceted winter outing. The guides are attentive, helping everyone stay safe and warm, which is key in such cold conditions.

The Tasting and Leisure Time

Around 12:30 PM, there’s an opportunity to sample grilled trout—though at your own expense—providing a delicious taste of local delicacies. Many travelers enjoy this part, as it’s a satisfying reward after battling the cold and trying their luck. According to a review, “Glad to see this opportunity to join this wonderful tour,” highlighting how memorable and special this tasting experience is.

Afterward, there’s time for more ice activities before heading back to Seoul at 4:00 PM. The return trip is filled with conversation and reflection on the day’s adventures, culminating in arrival back in Seoul by 6:30 PM, around the vibrant Hongdae district.

What to Expect in Detail

Transportation and Group Size

Your journey is in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, which is vital when traveling in winter. The tour usually has a maximum of 45 travelers, but groups tend to be smaller, allowing for more personalized guidance. The meet-up point is conveniently located at Hongik University Station in Seoul, making access straightforward via public transit.

The Ice Fishing Experience

The core activity is ice fishing, where you’ll be supplied with all necessary gear, including a small folding fishing chair and fishing rod. The guides are seasoned and friendly, explaining the process in a way that’s easy for all skill levels. The admission fee is included, so you just need to bring yourself, and possibly some snacks or drinks—note that personal consumption and food are not included in the tour price.

Additional Activities and Flexibility

While the main focus is fishing, the festival also offers barehanded fishing and sledding, providing options for those who tire of sitting on the ice. These activities are great for keeping children entertained and making the day more dynamic.

Weather and Packing Tips

Be prepared for freezing temperatures, especially if you’re visiting in January or February. Travelers have reported -12°C, so dressing in layered, warm clothing—including thermal wear, gloves, hats, and insulated boots—is essential. Since the tour runs for about 10 hours, including transit, packing a hand warmers and sun protection (yes, even in winter) can make a difference.

Cost and Value

At $38.14 per person, this tour is quite affordable, considering it includes transportation, guides, and all fishing equipment. The only extra costs are for food and drinks, such as the grilled fish tasting. In comparison to other excursions in Seoul, this offers genuine value by combining culture with outdoor adventure.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This activity is ideal for adventurous families looking for a hands-on winter experience, or couples wanting an authentic taste of local traditions. It suits travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, don’t mind cold weather, and are curious about Korean winter festivities. Given the group setup and guidance in multiple languages, it’s accessible for international visitors of all ages, especially those comfortable with a full day outdoors.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a fun, active, and culturally enriching winter activity in Korea, the Pyeongchang Trout Festival tour offers a memorable experience. You’ll learn about traditional ice fishing, enjoy the camaraderie of fellow travelers, and savor fresh trout—all against the stunning backdrop of Korea’s winter landscape.

While the cold can be a challenge, the well-organized itinerary and friendly guides help make the day enjoyable and safe. For travelers eager to try something different and enjoy local winter customs, this tour delivers on warmth—both physical and cultural.

For those who value authenticity and adventure over luxury, and who are prepared for a full day in winter’s chill, this experience can be a highlight of your Korean trip. Just remember to bundle up and bring your winter spirit—your ice fishing story awaits.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, your journey from Seoul to Pyeongchang and back is in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle included in the tour price.

What time does the tour start and end?
The tour departs at 7:30 AM from Hongik University Station and returns around 6:30 PM in Seoul.

Are guides available in languages other than Korean?
Yes, guides speak English and Chinese, ensuring clear communication and assistance during activities.

What should I wear for this tour?
Dress warmly in layers, including thermal underwear, insulated outerwear, gloves, a warm hat, and waterproof boots. Temperatures can be as low as -12°C.

Is the ice fishing equipment provided?
Yes, the tour includes fishing rods, chairs, and all necessary gear for ice fishing.

Can children participate?
Absolutely, the tour is suitable for children and families, especially with the variety of activities offered.

What costs are not included?
Personal expenses such as food, drinks, and souvenirs are not included; you can purchase grilled fish and snacks on-site.

What if the weather is extremely cold or conditions are unsafe?
Guides are experienced in managing safety and weather conditions, and they will advise if any activities need adjustment or postponement.

Embark on this wintry adventure and discover a side of Korea that few visitors get to experience firsthand—fishing on icy waters with the thrill of catching your own dinner.