Experience the Charm of Korea’s Winter Festivals: Ice Fishing at Hwacheon & Pyeongchang

Imagine standing on a frozen lake, surrounded by icy sculptures and the crisp winter air, as you try your hand at ice fishing for trout—all guided by friendly English-speaking guides. For $65 per person, this 8-hour tour from Seoul offers a unique glimpse into Korea’s beloved winter festivals. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll be transported to two regions famed for their trout, each offering a blend of tent fishing, ice sledding, indoor fishing, and catching with bare hands.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines outdoor adventure with culture. First, there’s the thrill of breaking the ice and fishing for trout, an activity that’s both challenging and surprisingly satisfying—particularly when you get to cook your catch on the spot. Second, the festival’s atmosphere is lively and family-friendly, with ice sculptures and sledding adding extra fun.

A potential consideration is the cold weather—you’ll want to dress warmly and be prepared for the winter wind, which can be brisk. However, that’s part of what makes this experience genuinely authentic. This tour suits families, curious travelers, and those looking for something different—especially if you love interactive, outdoor activities and want to enjoy a true winter festival in Korea with all the sights and flavors that come with it.

Key Points

Authentic winter experience with ice fishing, sledding, and ice sculptures
Guided tour with en suite transportation and entrance fees included
Family-friendly and suitable for most travelers, with an option to eat your catch
Cold-weather adventure that offers a behind-the-scenes look at Korea’s famous trout festivals
Flexible cancellation policy with full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance
Value for money when considering the inclusion of transportation, guide, and entrance fees

Discovering the Ice Fishing Festival: What’s in Store

This tour offers a well-rounded visit to two of Korea’s iconic winter festival spots: Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival and the Pyeongchang Trout Festival. Both regions are renowned for their lively winter traditions, but what makes this experience stand out is how accessible and engaging it is, thanks to the tour format.

Starting early from Seoul, the tour departs at 7:30 am from Myeong-dong, giving you a comfortable ride in an air-conditioned vehicle. The small group size (up to 40 travelers) ensures a friendly atmosphere where you can ask questions and share laughs. The ride itself is part of the experience—expect clean, comfortable transportation, and a knowledgeable guide (like Gogo, who is praised for being thoughtful and attentive).

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Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

Once you arrive at Hwacheon—a town famous for its sancheoneo trout—you’ll immediately notice the frozen lake transformed into a winter wonderland. Here, the main event is ice fishing, which involves breaking the ice and trying to catch trout with bare hands, fishing rods, or even in indoor tents. Interestingly, you might find catching the trout with your own hands particularly fun—an activity that’s both quirky and memorable.

This festival is designed to be family-friendly, with activities that appeal to kids and adults alike. You can also enjoy ice sculptures and sledding, which add to the festive atmosphere. One reviewer mentioned: “Our daughter wanted to see snow, so we decided to do this tour and it was perfect! The ice fishing was fun—and we can eat what we fish.” That’s an excellent point—you get to cook and eat your catch, making the experience even more rewarding.

Pyeongchang Trout Festival

Next, the tour takes you to Pyeongchang, known as the birthplace of trout farming in Korea. The trout here are said to be meatier and more flavorful—a point that many food lovers appreciate. The festival showcases trout fishing, indoor activities, and the chance to watch or participate in ice sledding.

Aside from the activities, you’ll get a chance to appreciate the beautiful ice sculptures and the winter landscape. Several travelers have noted that the guided experience enhances the enjoyment, especially when your guide shares insights about local trout farming and regional traditions.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s cost of $65 covers round-trip transportation, an English-speaking guide, and entrance fees—making it a good value for a full day of activities. Meals are not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan for a meal during your free time or after the tour. The option to cook your catch is included, which is a delightful highlight, as you get to turn your effort into a tasty reward.

Transportation and Group Size

The pickup from Myeong-dong simplifies logistics, letting you avoid the hassle of figuring out how to get to the festival sites. The group size—max 40 travelers—keeps things intimate enough for personalized attention but lively enough for camaraderie.

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Flexibility and Cancellation

The full refund policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which is helpful if weather conditions change or your plans shift. Since the tour depends on good weather, it’s wise to keep an eye on the forecast.

Authentic Experience and Practical Tips

From the reviews, it’s clear that guides like Gogo make a big difference—sharing local insights, helping with fishing techniques, and ensuring everyone has a great time. One reviewer mentioned the car ride was “very confortable and clean,” which adds to the overall positive impression.

To fully enjoy this experience, dress warmly in layers, especially since you’ll be outdoors on the ice for extended periods. Bring gloves, a hat, and perhaps some hand warmers. Since most travelers find the tour suitable for all ages, it’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking an authentic winter adventure.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re craving something active and different, love outdoor winter activities, or want to experience Korea’s local festivals, this tour is hard to beat. It’s especially appealing to those who enjoy interactive experiences—like fishing, sledding, and tasting fresh trout. Families with children will find it particularly suitable, thanks to the friendly guide and safe, well-organized activities.

Travelers who appreciate cultural festivals and want to see how Koreans celebrate winter through sculptures and sports will also find this tour engaging. And, if you’re simply curious about trying ice fishing in a safe, guided environment, this day trip provides an excellent introduction.

The Sum Up

This Ice Fishing Festival tour offers a genuine taste of Korea’s winter traditions, packaged in a practical and well-organized day trip. For just $65, you gain access to local festivals, outdoor winter sports, and the chance to cook your own trout, all led by a knowledgeable guide. The tour strikes a good balance between adventure, cultural insight, and family-friendly fun.

If you’re after an authentic, interactive experience that combines outdoor activities with local flavor, this trip is well worth considering. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy hands-on activities and want to escape Seoul’s urban buzz for a day of winter magic. Just remember to bundle up, bring your appetite, and prepare for a day of memorable Korean winter festivities.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 7:30 am from Myeong-dong, Seoul, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the day.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Myeong-dong is part of the tour, making logistics simple and stress-free.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, including travel, activities, and free time.

What activities are included?
You can expect ice fishing, sledding, ice sculptures, indoor fishing, and catching trout with your bare hands.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, so plan to bring snacks or enjoy local food options outside the tour.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s family-friendly and praised for being fun for kids, especially with activities like sledding and catching trout.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, including gloves, hats, and waterproof clothing, since you’ll be outdoors on the ice.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, cancellations due to poor weather are fully refunded if made at least 24 hours in advance.

What region is this tour visiting?
It visits Hwacheon and Pyeongchang, both known for their trout festivals and winter attractions.

How much does the tour cost?
The price is $65 per person, which includes guide, transportation, and entrance fees, offering good value for a full day of fun.

This tour offers a hearty dose of winter fun, local culture, and the chance to challenge yourself in a safe, guided environment. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a curious traveler, or traveling with family, it promises a memorable day experiencing Korea’s unique winter traditions.