From Seoul: Hwacheon Ice Fishing and Lighting Festival Tour

If you’re dreaming of a winter adventure that mixes icy outdoor fun with dazzling light displays, this tour offers just that. It’s a full-day journey from Seoul that takes you to two of South Korea’s most beloved winter festivals: the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival and the Garden of Morning Calm Light Festival. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the detailed reviews and itinerary reveal a well-planned day packed with memorable experiences.

What makes this tour appealing? First, it hits CNN’s “7 Wonders of Winter of the World”, which adds a touch of global recognition to the experience. Second, the ice-fishing activities offer a hands-on, authentic taste of Korean winter traditions, especially catching mountain trout—an activity that’s surprisingly accessible even for beginners. Third, the Night-time Light Festival transforms a tranquil garden into a glowing, surreal landscape, perfect for photos and peaceful strolls.

One potential drawback is that weekend tours are unavailable due to traffic congestion, which might limit flexibility. Also, the long duration of 11–13 hours can be quite a day, especially if you’re not used to early mornings or full days on your feet. That said, this tour suits travelers eager for a mix of outdoor adventure, culture, and stunning scenery—ideal for families, couples, or anyone wanting a true winter highlight.

Key Points

• Authentic Ice Fishing: Try your hand at catching mountain trout in a real Korean winter festival setting.
• World-Renowned Festivals: Recognized by CNN as a top winter wonder, offering a mix of tradition and fun.
• Stunning Light Displays: The Garden of Morning Calm’s night festival is visually breathtaking and perfect for memorable photos.
• All-Inclusive Experience: Guided tours, local snacks, and scenic routes make it a convenient and comprehensive package.
• Suitable for All Ages: Family-friendly activities with options for everyone to enjoy.
• Weekday Only: Tour runs Monday to Friday, avoiding heavy weekend traffic.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins conveniently from one of three options in Seoul—near Namsan Yejang Park, or other designated spots—making it easy to join without much hassle. The bus journey to Hwacheon takes about 3.5 hours, giving you time to relax, chat with fellow travelers, and enjoy the scenery along the way. The return trip is slightly shorter, about 1.5 hours, and the entire day spans roughly 11 to 13 hours, so be prepared for a full day of fun and discovery.

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

The highlight for many travelers is the Hwacheon Ice Festival, often lauded as one of Korea’s biggest winter events. The festival’s claim as a “CNN’s 7 Wonders of Winter” lends it international prestige. Here, you can engage in ice fishing for Sancheoneo (mountain trout)—a surprisingly accessible activity even for first-timers. The guide ensures that everyone can participate, even if the thought of fishing through a hole in the ice feels intimidating.

The lively festival grounds are filled with street food vendors offering freshly grilled fish and sashimi—delicious, hot, and satisfying after a chilly morning outdoors. Reviewers mention that the scenery is stunning, with snow-covered landscapes and the bustling festival atmosphere creating a festive, energetic vibe.

Other activities include ice sledding and bobsled rides, which are popular among families and kids. The ice slopes are safe and well-organized, giving everyone a chance to enjoy some adrenaline rushes. Several mention that local snacks and warm drinks make the experience even better, especially as they watch the ice fishermen and enjoy the local ambiance.

Scenic Journey to the Garden of Morning Calm

After a few hours at the festival, the journey continues to the Garden of Morning Calm, which transforms into a winter wonderland at night. This lighting festival is a feast for the senses, with thousands of fairy lights illuminating the landscape and creating a fairy-tale setting.

Visitors have described strolling through the garden as “serene” and “magical,” especially when the lights reflect on water features and sculptural art. The guided tour offers insights into the garden’s design and the artistic choices behind the light displays. Several reviews mention that the photo opportunities are abundant, making it ideal for capturing memories.

The garden’s winter-only lighting display is considered a highlight, offering a tranquil yet mesmerizing end to the day. You might find yourself lingering longer than planned, captivated by the glow amidst the chilly air.

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Practicalities and Tips

• The tour includes comfortable transportation, but since it’s a full-day commitment, dress warmly—think layers, thermal wear, and waterproof gear.
• The group size tends to be moderate, allowing for personalized attention and easy coordination.
• The meals are not included, but you’ll have opportunities to sample local snacks at the festival and enjoy the food offerings on-site.
• The tour guides are fluent in English, Chinese, and Korean, ensuring clear communication and helpful insights.
• Since children under 24 months can join for free, it’s a family-friendly option, though the long hours may be tiring for very young kids.

Why You Should Consider This Tour

This tour offers a balanced mix of outdoor adventure and visual splendor, making it ideal for travelers who want a taste of authentic winter festivities without the hassle of planning individual transport or multiple bookings. The ice fishing adds a unique cultural touch that few experiences can match, while the light festival provides a peaceful, almost meditative, end to your day.

The value for money is notable given the inclusions—guided transportation, multiple attractions, and local snacks—especially considering the length of the experience. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting an immersive winter outing that combines tradition, nature, and art.

However, it’s worth considering that the long day requires good stamina, and since weekend options are limited, you’ll need to plan ahead. If you love winter festivals, outdoor activities, and scenic photography, this tour packs plenty of highlights into one memorable day.

Final Thoughts

This tour is perfect for adventure lovers, families wanting a fun cultural experience, or anyone eager to see Korea’s winter magic firsthand. The blend of ice fishing, scenic routes, and enchanting light displays ensures a variety of memorable moments.

While it’s a long day, the well-organized itinerary and expert guides make it manageable and enjoyable. You’ll leave with a new appreciation for Korea’s winter traditions, stunning photographs, and perhaps a few new fishing skills.

For travelers seeking an authentic, hassle-free way to celebrate winter in South Korea, this tour offers excellent value and a genuinely immersive experience. Just remember to bundle up!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, children under 24 months can join for free, and the activities are family-friendly, especially the ice sledding and festival fun. Just be prepared for the long day and cold weather.

What should I wear? Dress warmly in layers, including thermal underwear, waterproof jackets, gloves, hats, and sturdy shoes. The outdoor activities at the ice festival can be quite chilly.

Are meals included in the tour price? No, meals are not included, but you’ll have opportunities to try local snacks and grilled fish at the festival. You might want to bring some extra snacks or cash for food.

How long is the bus journey? The trip from Seoul to Hwacheon takes about 3.5 hours, with the return journey approximately 1.5 hours. Expect a full day with transportation time included.

Is this tour available on weekends? No, this tour runs only on weekdays (January 8th–26th) due to heavy traffic congestion on weekends.

What makes the Hwacheon Ice Festival special? It’s recognized as one of CNN’s “7 Wonders of Winter of the World,” offering authentic ice fishing, snow activities, and a lively festival atmosphere.

Can I participate in ice fishing if I don’t have experience? Absolutely. The guides are experienced and ensure everyone can try, regardless of skill level. The activity is designed to be accessible and fun.

To sum it up, this tour combines adventure, culture, and visual spectacle with a thoughtful itinerary and expert guidance. It’s ideal for those who want an authentic taste of Korea’s winter traditions, with plenty of opportunities for photos, fun, and memorable moments. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or as a couple, you’ll likely find this day both exciting and meaningful. Just remember to bundle up and bring your camera!

You can check availability for your dates here: