Safety Concerns Due to Delayed Freezing
Festival Extended for One Month Until February 9
The Pyeongchang Trout Festival is changing its schedule due to delayed freezing caused by abnormal weather conditions.
The Pyeongchang Trout Festival Committee announced on December 22 that the festival, originally scheduled to take place from January 1 to February 2, 2026, will now be held from January 9 to February 9, 2026.
The committee explained that the decision to postpone the opening was made because the ice thickness in the Odaecheon area, the festival venue, has not reached the standard required for ice fishing due to the recent warm temperatures. Since the Pyeongchang Trout Festival centers on fishing and winter sports programs held on the ice, a stable freezing condition is essential.
A committee official stated, "We have no other choice but to delay the opening because the ice thickness does not meet the minimum safety standards," adding, "We plan to operate the festival only after thoroughly monitoring weather conditions and ensuring a safe environment."
Since its inception in 2007, the Pyeongchang Trout Festival has grown into a leading winter event, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It is recognized for contributing to the revitalization of the local economy and creating jobs through ice fishing and winter sports experience programs.
During the 2026 festival period, an ice fishing site will be set up in the Odaecheon area, and a variety of winter sports programs for visitors will be offered, including barehanded trout catching, sledding, and snow play. The festival committee plans to conduct safety inspections of facilities and prepare programs step by step according to the freezing conditions.
A committee official commented, "The delay has disappointed visitors who have been eagerly awaiting the opening," and added, "Since this is an unavoidable decision for safe festival operations, we will do our best to ensure the highest quality by the time the festival opens."
The festival schedule and detailed programs will be announced sequentially through the official website.
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