HWACHEON, South Korea, Feb. 1 (Yonhap) — The 2026 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, a popular annual ice fishing festival in Hwacheon, a mountain town in Gangwon Province, concluded on Sunday after a successful 23-day run, attracting approximately 1.59 million visitors, organizers announced.
The festival, which kicked off on Jan. 10, drew significant international attention, with around 114,000 foreign tourists among the attendees, according to the office of Hwacheon County and Foundation Corporation NARA.
While the total visitor count is slightly lower than the 1.86 million recorded last year, the organizers considered it a strong result, particularly considering a prolonged cold snap that gripped the country and the implementation of enhanced safety measures during the frigid weather conditions.
“Sancheoneo” refers to a specific species of trout known for thriving exclusively in pristine, clean fresh water. This unique attribute contributes to the festival’s appeal and highlights the environmental purity of the region.
Since its inception in 2003, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival has consistently attracted over 1 million visitors annually, solidifying its reputation as a globally recognized winter event and a major cultural attraction in South Korea.
This year’s 2026 ice fishing festival featured a diverse array of cultural programs alongside the main activity of sancheoneo fishing, offering visitors a more comprehensive and engaging experience. These additions allowed attendees to enjoy the festivities in a variety of ways, enhancing the overall appeal of the event.
Visitors enjoy the 2026 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival on Feb. 1, 2026, the last day of the wintertime festival held in the mountain town of Hwacheon in Gangwon Province. (Yonhap)
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