Final Weekend Crowds at Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival; Volunteers and Authorities Shine
Creatrip Team
a month ago
The 2026 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival drew large crowds on its final weekend despite weeks of bad weather. Police, firefighters, military personnel, and around 2,400 volunteers supported the event across its 21 days, helping with traffic guidance, visitor assistance, program operations, and safety patrols. Dive teams inspected roughly 30 soccer-field-sized ice areas daily while land rescue crews monitored the ice for emergencies. Authorities also coordinated traffic flow through pre-planned routes and staff deployment, reducing congestion during the peak weekend. Local university students returned home to help at food stalls, translation desks, rescue teams, and program booths. Hwacheon County Mayor Choi Moon-soon credited the unseen efforts of on-site staff and volunteers for the festival’s safe operation. The festival closes on Feb. 1.
