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My Unforgettable Experience at the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival

One of the most exciting and memorable experiences I had in January 2025 was attending the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival . This world-famous winter festival took place from January 11 to February 2 in Hwacheon, South Korea , and I had the incredible opportunity to participate for the entire month . The festival is known for its thrilling ice fishing, winter sports, and cultural activities , and attracts over one million visitors each year .

The main highlight of the festival is ice fishing for Sancheoneo (cherry salmon) , a species of fish that thrives in the clean, cold waters of Hwacheon. These fish, often called the “Queen of the Valley,” are not only rare but also rich in nutrients like amino acids, essential fatty acids, and vitamins . Visitors catch Sancheoneo through small holes drilled into the thick ice, and once caught, they can either grill them on-site or enjoy them as fresh sashimi at the raw fish center . Experiencing this firsthand was both exciting and rewarding, as I got to enjoy my own freshly caught fish!

Beyond ice fishing, the festival offered a wide range of winter activities , and I made sure to experience them all. Some of my favorites included:

• Ice Sledding (Eoreum Sseolmae) - Ice Sledding : Traditional Korean-style sledding on ice, where I had fun sliding down frozen surfaces with friends.
• Ice Slide (Eoreum Seullaideu) - Ice Slide : A long, smooth ice slide that provided an exhilarating ride down an icy slope.
• Nun Sseolmae - Snow Sledding : Sledding down snowy hills, a fun-filled activity enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
• Tube Sseolmae - Tube Sledding : Sliding down slopes on an inflatable tube, making for a thrilling and bouncy ride.

Each of these activities added an element of adventure and excitement to my festival experience. Whether it was racing down icy slopes or trying out a traditional Korean winter pastime, I was completely immersed in the magic of the festival.

What makes the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival special is not just the activities but also the atmosphere. The festival brings together people of all ages and backgrounds , creating a lively, joyful, and festive environment . Seeing families, friends, and even tourists from different parts of the world enjoy the event together made the experience even more meaningful.

Looking back, my time at the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival was truly one of the best experiences of my life . From the excitement of catching my first Sancheoneo to the adrenaline rush of ice sledding and  Tube Sledding , every moment was filled with joy and adventure. I would highly recommend this festival to anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable winter experience in South Korea . It's not just about fishing—it's about embracing the beauty of winter and making incredible memories!

If you ever have the chance to visit Korea in winter, I highly recommend adding this festival to your itinerary. It's an experience that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.