Winter in Gangwon: Festivals Draw Crowds Across Province
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
Tourists flocked to winter festivals across Gangwon Province on Jan. 17 as relatively mild weather welcomed visitors. In Cheorwon, the 2026 Hantan River Ice Trekking Festival opened, featuring walks on frozen river paths and a floating footbridge (부교) that let visitors see volcanic rock formations and columnar joints listed on the UNESCO Global Geopark. Participants strolled from Sundam Valley to Taebong Bridge, taking in volcanic sites like Songdaeso and Goseokbawi, the historic Seungilgyo bridge (등록문화재), and a natural monument basalt gorge (천연기념물). Other events—including the Pyeongchang Trout Festival and the Hongcheon River Ice Festival—also drew families and ice-fishing enthusiasts. At the flagship 2026 Hwacheon Sancheoneo (mountain trout) Festival, a “January Christmas” featured a Santa from Rovaniemi, Finland, and elves visiting a Santa post office, delighting children who took photos and rode sleds. Local officials encouraged visitors to enjoy the seasonal programs and make memories.
