"Let's Go Catch Ginseng Trout" 14th Hongcheongang Kkongkkong Festival Opens on the 9th

Admission Fees Lowered and a Compact Car Grand Prize
"Hongcheon Ginseng Trout" Takes Center Stage at Hongcheon’s Premier Winter Festival
Held Along the Hongcheon River from January 9 to 25

The 14th Hongcheongang Kkongkkong Festival will be held for 17 days from January 9 to January 25 along the banks of the Hongcheon River.

The 13th 2025 Kkongkkong Festival. Provided by Hongcheon County

The Hongcheongang Kkongkkong Festival is a representative winter festival that takes advantage of the frozen environment of the Hongcheon River. Its main feature is that visitors can enjoy various winter experience programs on natural ice formed by the combination of the river, temperature, and water quality conditions.

The highlight of the festival is the "Hongcheon Ginseng Trout." This specialty is a unique local food and experience resource, made by feeding trout-raised in Hongcheon's clean, oxygen-rich waters-with feed mixed with six-year-old ginseng.

The organizers announced that, due to the recent drop in temperatures, the Hongcheon River has frozen stably, with the ice thickness meeting the safety standard of 20 centimeters or more. As subzero temperatures are expected to continue until the opening day, the festival is anticipated to take place under optimal ice conditions.

In particular, this year, to reduce the burden on visitors, the admission fee for the ice fishing area and floating pier fishing area has been lowered from 20,000 won to 15,000 won. This measure was implemented to allow more visitors to participate, considering rising prices and other circumstances, and to strengthen the festival's goal of mutual prosperity with the local community.

Poster for the 14th Hongcheongang Kkongkkong Festival. Provided by Hongcheon County

The ice fishing area will be operated in three zones, and the floating pier fishing area, prepared in case of abnormal weather, will accommodate 700 fishing holes.

The festival program includes: △Fishing experiences (ice fishing area, floating pier fishing area, bare-handed ginseng trout catching, family indoor fishing area) △Games and activities (Kkongkkong ice sledding hill, snow sledding hill, activity booths) △Food (sashimi center, local restaurants, outdoor restaurants, food trucks) △Events (raffle draw, Kkongkkong DJ radio, "no catch" event, "Catch the Giant Ginseng Trout!", photo contest, KakaoTalk channel friend add event) △Side events (stage performances, singing contest), and more, offering a wide range of activities.

The raffle draw, included with the purchase of an admission ticket, will award a compact car sponsored by Sono International Co., Ltd. as the grand prize.

Additionally, there will be a "no catch" event for visitors who fail to catch trout, and a "Catch the Giant Ginseng Trout!" event for those who catch a ginseng trout weighing over 1 kilogram. The weight of the giant ginseng trout will be measured at the tourist information center within the festival grounds, and appropriate prizes will be awarded.

In the food section, hygiene inspections will be strengthened by checking origin labeling, completion of hygiene education, and health certificates. Efforts will also be made to prevent price gouging through the operation of menu boards at participating stores and participation in the Korea Tourism Organization's "Meokguri Allio" program.

Furthermore, an indoor area near the ticket booth will feature a visitor lounge, activity booths, and a Hongcheon agricultural specialty sales zone to enhance visitor convenience and promote the local economy.

The 13th 2025 Kkongkkong Festival. Provided by Hongcheon County

To alleviate traffic and parking inconveniences during the festival, Hongcheon County will offer free access to the public outdoor parking lot (51-3 Sinjangdae-ri, Hongcheon-eup, Hongcheon County) and the Hongcheon Traditional Market public parking lot (around 43-1 Sinjangdae-ri, Hongcheon-eup, Hongcheon County).

Jeon Myungjun, Director of the Hongcheon Cultural Foundation, stated, "We will prioritize safety and promote a festival that coexists with the local community, based on Hongcheon's unique resources such as ginseng trout," adding, "We hope many people will come to Hongcheon to enjoy the joys of winter and the energy of the New Year together."