Hwacheon-gun Begins Construction of the 'World's Largest' Indoor Ice Sculpture Park

Area 1,700㎡... "Top Harbin Ice Lantern Artworks Only Seen in Hwacheon"
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Hwacheon County, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Choi Moon-soon) announced on the 28th that the construction of the indoor ice sculpture plaza, a major program of the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival, has officially begun.

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Hwacheon-gun started the construction of the indoor ice sculpture plaza, a major program of the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival, on the 28th. Photo by Hwacheon-gun Office

More than 30 technicians from Harbin Ice and Snow Culture Development Co., Ltd. in China, boasting world-class technology, are participating in the construction of the ice sculpture plaza. Arriving in the country on the 22nd, they have been tirelessly breathing life into massive ice sculptures with hammers and chisels since the 24th at the multipurpose plaza of Seohwasan in Hwacheon-eup.

They will showcase top-tier ice lantern artworks in time for the lighting ceremony on December 21. The indoor ice sculpture plaza, covering a total area of 1,700㎡, will use more than 8,500 ice sculptures. Each ice sculpture weighs as much as 135 kg.

The indoor ice sculpture plaza construction, a main program of the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival. Photo by Hwacheon County Office

At the site, forklifts transport the ice, while technicians trim, cut, and carve the sculptures. Unlike general building bricks that use cement to adhere, the strong adhesive needed for ice lantern sculptures is water that connects ice to ice.

This year, the indoor ice sculpture plaza will exhibit about 30 works, including Singapore’s Sultan Mosque, India’s Golden Temple, Jordan’s Petra, Korea’s Geobukseon (Turtle Ship), a large Taegeukgi (Korean national flag), and an ice hotel. Popular character sculptures for children and a large slide will also be created.

The indoor ice sculpture plaza construction, a main program of the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival. Photo by Hwacheon County Office

The indoor ice sculpture plaza will be free of charge only on the opening day, December 21. Afterward, the admission fee is 5,000 KRW for middle school students and older, and 3,000 KRW for elementary school students, families with multiple children, seniors, military personnel, persons with disabilities, national merit recipients, and veterans. Operating hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Paid visitors will receive Hwacheon Love Gift Certificates worth 3,000 KRW, which can be used like cash in Hwacheon.

Choi Moon-soon, Governor of Hwacheon County, said, “The essence of Harbin ice lanterns can only be experienced in Hwacheon in Korea,” and added, “We recommend enjoying the best fun at the best festival.”