Revealing the 8 most anticipated and interesting Korean winter festivals

When the last rays of autumn sunlight filter through the golden leaves, the cold wind carries the first snowflakes of the season, signaling the coming of winter. Korea in winter becomes a colorful cultural picture, attracting millions of tourists from all over the world to experience and immerse themselves in the unique festival atmosphere here. When traveling to Korea in winter, you must definitely pocket the festivals below, thereby adding color to your journey of exploring the "land of kimchi".

Winter in Korea lasts from late November to mid-March of the following year, and is known as the “snow season”. While the temperature in Korea is gradually decreasing as winter approaches, the festivals here show no signs of “cooling down”. The series of unique winter festivals continue to take place from late October to February of the following year, and will surely bring you unforgettable emotions.

1. Sancheoneo Hwacheon Trout Fishing Festival

Experience catching fish by hand at the Salmon Fishing Festival in Sancheoneo Hwacheon (Photo source: Collected)

Every year, during the cold winter, the lake in Hwacheon County, Gangwon-do Province freezes over. Thousands of locals and tourists flock to the stream, cut a hole in the ice, and start “showing off” their skills fishing for salmon (Masou salmon). That is when the Sancheoneo Hwacheon Salmon Fishing Festival begins. Sitting on the ice, holding a fishing rod, watching the surrounding scenery while waiting for the fish to bite is an activity worth adding to your wishlist when traveling to Korea in the winter.

In addition to ice fishing, the festival also has many other activities such as: catching fish with bare hands in the tank, herding fish in the flowing water, exhibition and sale of sancheoneo fish products, cultural and entertainment activities such as music performances, traditional dances, etc.

You can enjoy fresh salmon dishes on the spot and participate in traditional cultural performances. The vibrant festival atmosphere, combined with the snow-covered scenery, creates a special and unforgettable winter experience in Korea!

2. Inje Ice Fishing Festival

Experience fishing on the glacier (Photo source: Collected)

This Korean winter festival, which has been going on for over 20 years, has more to offer than just ice fishing. You can find family fun areas like the Ice Playground and Snow Playground. There are plenty of winter sports and activities on ice and snow for all ages. Learn how to sled and ski or just make a snowman. If you want to learn more about how Koreans survive the cold, visit the mountain village and enjoy the cultural activities and exhibitions there.

3. Pyeongchang Salmon Festival

One of the most famous festivals in the "land of kimchi" at the end of the year is the Pyeongchang Salmon Festival - the ideal destination for those who love white snow and the cold.

As the “home” of the 2018 Winter Olympics, Pheongchang has attracted many tourists to visit, not only because of the beauty of the natural scenery in winter but also because of the vibrant festivals with the spirit of “warming” the cold of winter, especially the Pyeongchang Salmon Festival. Pyeongchang salmon is famous for its firm and delicious meat, so in winter, especially on weekends, people from everywhere flock here with the desire to catch fish and enjoy Pyeongchang salmon. To catch a fish, you have to drill a hole to put the rod down and wait for the fish to bite. Every time someone catches a fish, everyone around will applaud, and this has created an extremely bustling and joyful atmosphere.

In addition, visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy delicious dishes made from fresh salmon, participate in traditional folk games and admire the beautiful snow-covered landscape of Pyeongchang Mountain. The festival is not only a time for fun but also an opportunity for visitors to learn about the culture and traditions of the local people.

4. Morning Calm Garden Light Festival

Sparkling lights create a brilliant glow for the festival throughout the winter (Photo source: Collected)

Morning Calm (also known as the Garden of Morning Calm) is a favorite destination for locals and tourists with beautiful scenery all four seasons of the year. With an area of up to 30,000 square meters, the garden has more than 5,000 species of plants and shrubs that grow according to the seasons and are designed into different themes. In winter, the garden's light festival will be held, turning the space into a true garden of light.

Visit the Garden of Morning Calm in winter and you will witness the wonderful moments of a romantic fantasy world come true. In contrast to the bleakness of the white winter snow, the place is decorated with an endless amount of sparkling LED lights that make you feel like you are in a real winter wonderland. There are also specially built artworks for the festival such as horse-drawn carriages and illuminated arches.

5. Busan Christmas Tree Festival

Bustling Christmas atmosphere in Busan (Photo source: Collected)

Traveling to Korea at the end of the year, you definitely have to immerse yourself in the bustling Christmas atmosphere and especially cannot miss the Christmas Festival - one of the most famous Christmas festivals in the "land of kimchi".

Here, the Christmas tree, about 20 meters high, is decorated with bright festive lights, bringing a warm feeling with the wish for a peaceful Christmas season. Not only that, the streets here are also covered with colorful chandeliers that sparkle like lighting up the Busan night sky. Along with that are unique concerts, special street art performances, all creating a perfect space to immerse yourself in the joyful and vibrant spirit of Christmas.

It can be said that the Christmas atmosphere here gives people a feeling similar to the Christmas atmosphere in London and New York, bustling and full of colors. If you have the opportunity to come to Korea, do not miss this vibrant festival in Busan city!

6. Seongsan Sunrise Festival

The Sunrise Festival is held in many localities across Korea to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new year, taking place from December 30 to January 1 every year. The activity of welcoming the first dawn of the new year has been cherished and preserved by the people here for many years.

Attending the festival in Korea this December, visitors can also enjoy tteokguk - a dish symbolizing longevity and health, watch fireworks displays, and watch grand New Year parades.

7. Homigot Sunrise Festival

Homigot Beach is an ideal place to watch the sunrise (Photo source: Collected)

Welcoming the sunrise is a traditional winter festival in Korea, this festival takes place in many places such as Seongsan, Ganjeolgot, Homigot, Jeongdongjin... among them, you can go to Homigot.

During the festival, people will go to the most beautiful sunrise viewing spots in the country and wait for the moment of transition from the old year to the new year as well as participate in many interesting activities such as parades, performances, fireworks, enjoying tteokguk...

8. Taebaeksan Snow Mountain Festival

Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival - The beauty of Korean winter (Photo source: Collected)

With an altitude of 1,567 meters, Taebaeksan is one of the legendary mountain ranges of Korea, attracting a large number of tourists. Coming here, you will feel like you are lost in a fairyland with majestic white snow mountains, bearing the beauty of Korean winter.

The festival was first held in 1995 and has since become an annual tradition, attracting a large number of tourists. Coming to this festival, visitors will be able to admire snow statues as well as other winter-themed artworks. Not only that, visitors can also participate in other activities here such as making snow statues, bathing their feet with the help of fish, riding a snow sled with dogs... In addition, visitors can also participate in snowmobiling, snow rafting, playing folk games on the snow and many other activities. All take place on the snow field. The festival has many activities suitable for all ages.

The highlight that attracts visitors to the festival is the hiking trip to the top of Taebaeksan Mountain. Looking from the top of Taebaeksan Mountain, you will admire the white snow-covered scenery of the hills and trees like a beautiful picture. In the evening, visitors can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere in downtown Taebaek, where the light festival takes place at the end of December, gathering many famous stars and snow sculptures.
For adventurous travelers, you can try sitting for hours in a Siberian Husky sled. This is definitely one of the best experiences in your year-end Korean travel itinerary.

Winter festivals in Korea all show unique indigenous culture, so this is the best opportunity for you to learn about the customs and habits of the people of this country. In addition, winter in Korea has countless other wonderful things for you to enjoy, so try this experience once in your life.

(*) The program is sponsored by Korea Tourism Organization in Vietnam (KTO Vietnam)

Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/le-hoi-mua-dong-han-quoc-v15855.aspx