Korean Expat Community for National Disasters

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Last weekend, I finally checked something off my Korea bucket list — the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival in Gangwon-do!
I’d heard so much about it over the years, and I totally get why it’s one of Korea’s most famous winter festivals now.
A few friends and I decided to make a spontaneous day trip, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable winter outings I’ve had in a while.

As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by this magical snowy landscape, with families, couples, and groups of friends all bundled up and enjoying the icy fun.
It honestly felt like stepping into a winter wonderland. The energy was super festive, and everyone seemed to be having a blast.

The highlight of the day, of course, was ice fishing for sancheoneo (mountain trout).
There were hundreds of circular holes drilled into the thick ice, and people were lined up, sitting or standing, trying to reel one in.
We rented our gear on-site (super convenient!), found a good spot, and got to work.
I’m not going to lie—at first, I had zero luck. I was just staring into the hole, freezing my fingers off.
But then—bam!—I felt a little tug and managed to pull one up!