Does Jiang Ziya’s fishing trick really work? The Ice Kingdom: Korea’s Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

Reported by Chang Hsin-tzu / Hwacheon County, South Korea

Every January, the Hwacheon County in South Korea’s Gangwon Province hosts the “Sancheoneo (mountain trout) Ice Festival,” where visitors can admire the breathtaking snowy landscapes of Hwacheon, savor the aroma of grilled fish over charcoal fires, experience the thrill of ice fishing in minus 15 degrees Celsius, and live out their own real-life version of “Jiang Ziya on the ice.”

▲ The most famous activity at the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is ice fishing. (Photo by Chang Hsin-tzu)

Due to its geographical proximity to the DMZ (the Korean Demilitarized Zone), Hwacheon is a well-known military zone in South Korea. However, thanks to its high latitude, the area is blanketed in snow every winter. The frozen river and the treasures hidden in the glaciers—“sancheoneo” (mountain trout)—make Hwacheon’s natural resources a top choice for travelers.

▲ The ice sculpture venue showcases famous buildings from Korea and around the world. (Photo by Chang Hsin-tzu)

The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is one of the world’s four major winter festivals. The festival organizers have transformed a former military bunker into an ice sculpture exhibition space, featuring replicas of Gwanghwamun, King Sejong the Great, Admiral Yi Sun-sin, as well as international landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, China’s Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum, and the Taj Mahal... All illuminated by lights, creating a dreamlike ice and snow wonderland.

▲ Visitors can enjoy a variety of ice activities on the frozen river. (Photo by Chang Hsin-tzu)

In addition to trying your hand at ice fishing, you can also ride traditional Korean sleds speeding across the ice, slide down ice speed slides, or zip across high-altitude cable lines. With so many activities, visitors can stay warm even in this “natural ice warehouse.”

▲ Sancheoneo sashimi has the rich oiliness and tender texture of salmon. (Photo by Chang Hsin-tzu)

A must-try in Hwacheon is the “Queen of the Valley”—the sancheoneo. As sashimi, sancheoneo boasts a salmon-like rich, smooth, and oily taste with a bouncy, chewy texture that lingers on the palate. When served as fried fillets or grilled fish, its tender juices and delicate flavor are equally delicious. Paired with locally produced sancheoneo makgeolli (rice wine), it makes for the perfect winter treat.

▲ A variety of sancheoneo dishes and the must-try makgeolli. (Photo by Chang Hsin-tzu)

Travel Information for the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival
Transportation: Take the express bus bound for Hwacheon from Platform 36 at Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (12,900 KRW / 2.5 hours)
Ticket Price: Approximately 32,000 KRW (Foreigner-exclusive BIG 5 Pass ticket)
Ticket Purchase Website:BnBHERO(Traditional Chinese)