Winter in Korea is a time of enchantment, with a host of festivals and events taking place nationwide to celebrate the season and promote regional economies. From ice and snow festivals to events featuring local delicacies, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this winter. Here's a detailed guide to the most exciting winter festivals and events happening across Korea from January to February 2025.
1. Celebrate Winter with Ice and Snow Festivals
(1) Taebaeksan Snow Festival
- Location: Taebaeksan National Park, Hwangji Pond Area, Gangwon-do
- Dates: February 7–16, 2025
- Highlights: World University Snow Sculpture Contest, Taebaeksan Climbing Tournament, Character-themed performances and programs.
- Special Offers: None specified.
(2) Hongcheon River Winter Festival
- Location: Hongcheon Riverside, Gangwon-do
- Dates: January 18–February 1, 2025
- Highlights: Ice fishing, family-friendly indoor fishing, bare-hand trout catching, local food sales, and lucky draw events.
- Visitor Benefits: Purchase tickets to receive gift certificates for local products worth 5,000 KRW.
(3) Pyeongchang Trout Festival
- Location: Odaecheon River, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
- Dates: January 3–February 2, 2025
- Highlights: Ice fishing, tent fishing, bare-hand catching experiences, and trout-based culinary events.
- Visitor Benefits: Discounts for group visitors, with gift certificates offered to paying attendees.
(4) Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival
- Location: Alps Village, Cheongyang, Chungcheongnam-do
- Dates: January 1–February 16, 2025
- Highlights: Ice sculptures, sledding, ziplining, and ice fishing.
- Visitor Benefits: Online ticket purchasers get a 20% discount on bundled tickets.
2. Unique Food and Cultural Festivals
(1) Winter Gongju Chestnut Festival
- Location: Geumgang River, Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do
- Dates: January 16–20, 2025
- Highlights: Roasting chestnuts, food events, and hands-on chestnut crafting.
(2) Jecheon Red Fishcake Festival
- Location: Jecheon Traditional Market Area, Chungcheongbuk-do
- Dates: February 28–March 3, 2025
- Highlights: Retro-style food streets featuring Jecheon’s signature red fishcakes.
3. Stunning Light Festivals
(1) Oncheoncheon Light Festival
- Location: Oncheoncheon Stream, Busan
- Dates: December 20, 2024–February 2, 2025
- Highlights: Walk through dazzling light displays and enjoy snow-themed activities.
(2) Milrak Luce Festa
- Location: Millak Waterfront Park, Busan
- Dates: November 2, 2024–February 28, 2025
- Highlights: Storytelling light sculptures throughout the park.
4. Celebrating Traditions: Jeongwol Daeboreum Festivals
The full moon of the first lunar month, Jeongwol Daeboreum, brings a host of traditional festivals nationwide.
- Highlights: Daljip (bonfire) burning, traditional games like yutnori and jegichagi, and performances of traditional music and dances.
- Locations:
- Songdo Beach, Busan (February 12, 2025)
- Moonlight Riverside Park, Daegu (February 12, 2025)
- Baekma River Theme Park, Buyeo, Chungcheongnam-do (February 7–8, 2025)
5. Upcoming Events to Watch For
- DSK 2025 (Drone Show Korea)
- Location: BEXCO, Busan
- Dates: February 26–28, 2025
- Highlights: Asia's largest drone exhibition featuring displays, conferences, and anniversary events.
- 2025 Daegu Marathon
- Location: Daegu Stadium and surrounding areas
- Date: February 23, 2025
- Highlights: A world-class marathon certified by World Athletics.
Benefits for Visitors
Many festivals offer special discounts, such as gift certificates, free admission for certain groups, or exclusive packages for online reservations. Whether you're looking for cultural immersion, outdoor fun, or culinary delights, Korea’s winter festivals promise unforgettable experiences.
