"2026 Gangwon Visit Year": Must-Visit Destinations for January
Taebaek Snow Festival & Hongcheongang Frozen Festival Selected
Experience a True Winter Journey Amid Snowfields and Ice
Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province and the Gangwon Tourism Foundation announced on December 23 that they have selected Taebaek City and Hongcheon County as the recommended travel destinations for January during the "2026 Gangwon Visit Year," and will launch extensive promotional marketing campaigns. In January, they plan to focus on promoting Taebaek's "Taebaeksan Snow Festival" and Hongcheon's "Hongcheongang Frozen Festival," which represent the essence of winter festivals.
2026 Gangwon Visit Year January Recommended Travel Destination (Taebaeksan Snow Festival). Provided by Gangwon Tourism Foundation
The "Taebaeksan Snow Festival," Taebaek's recommended travel destination, will be held from January 31 to February 8 at Taebaeksan National Park. A variety of programs will be offered, including a snow sculpture contest and the Taebaeksan Snow Flower Climbing Competition, providing entertainment for visitors of all ages. Visitors are encouraged to experience the full charm of winter in Gangwon during the festival. Other recommended attractions include the "Taebaeksan Sky Observatory," inspired by the themes of heaven, earth, and humanity, and the "Taebaek Coal Museum," which features eight themed exhibition halls where visitors can learn about Korea's coal industry. In addition, the "Jijirigol Birch Forest," created by restoring an abandoned mining area, is a highlight of the Untangodo 1330 Trail and offers a pristine winter landscape. For food lovers, "Mul Dakgalbi," Taebaek's unique chicken dish served in broth, is a must-try that will enhance your travel experience.
The "Hongcheongang Frozen Festival," Hongcheon's recommended travel destination, will take place from January 9 to 25 along the Hongcheongang River. Famous for its unique experience of catching "ginseng-fed trout," the festival offers exciting winter activities such as ice fishing and bare-handed trout catching on the frozen river. Other recommended attractions in the area include the "Sutasa Rural Theme Park," where visitors can enjoy rural experiences and tourism centered around the themes of water and flow, and "Alpaca World," Korea's largest alpaca-themed destination. In addition, at the "Hongcheon Traditional Market," which is rich in sights and local delicacies, visitors can sample a variety of foods such as "Hongcheon Buckwheat Pancakes," Olchaengi Noodles, and Potato Rice Cakes.
2026 Gangwon Visit Year January Recommended Travel Destination (Hongcheongang Frozen Festival). Provided by Gangwon Tourism Foundation
Taebaek City and Hongcheon County are preparing a range of discount benefits for visitors to the recommended travel destinations in January. Taebaek City will hold the "365 Safe Town Hashtag Event" from January 1 to February 8. Visitors who upload photos of 365 Safe Town and Taebaek attractions with the required hashtags will receive a free 9D-VR experience. In Hongcheon County, those who purchase experience tickets at the Hongcheongang Frozen Festival venue will receive a 5,000-won Hongcheon Love Gift Certificate. In addition, throughout January, visitors to Alpaca World who present a digital tourism resident card will receive a 30% discount on admission. Details on discount conditions and eligibility can be found on the Gangwon Visit Year website (visitgw2526.kr). The Gangwon Tourism Foundation's Instagram also features information on January's recommended travel destinations and the diverse attractions of Gangwon tourism.
Choi Sunghyun, CEO of the Gangwon Tourism Foundation, stated, "In January, as we welcome the New Year, I hope you create unforgettable memories through Gangwon's unique winter festivals of snow and ice."
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