'Is This Really Korea?' Crowds Flock to Hongcheongang Frozen Festival Despite Record Winds, Determined to Catch Fish

Held for 17 Days from January 9 to 25
Ice Fishing and Barehanded Catching Experiences Draw Crowds

The '2026 Hongcheongang Frozen Festival,' Gangwon Province's leading winter festival, reached its third day on January 11, drawing large crowds every day.

Crowds on the third day of the Hongcheon River Frozen Festival on the 11th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Despite sub-zero temperatures, the festival grounds along the Hongcheongang River remained bustling with tourists throughout the day. In particular, the ice fishing area set up around the Hongcheongang River in Hongcheon-eup, Hongcheon County, was crowded with families and visitors eager to participate from early in the morning. Every time a warmly dressed tourist pulled up a fishing line, cheers and exclamations could be heard all around.

Thanks to the recent cold snap, the ice on the Hongcheongang River has stabilized, further enhancing the festive atmosphere. The Hongcheon Cultural Foundation, which organized the festival, announced that the ice thickness meets safety standards, allowing all experience programs-including ice fishing and floating bridge fishing-to operate smoothly as planned.

This year’s main attraction is the 'Ginseng Trout.' Ginseng Trout are raised on feed mixed with six-year-old ginseng in clean water, and visitors can try catching them themselves through ice fishing or barehanded catching experiences. Participants commented that it is a "special trout you can only enjoy in Hongcheon," savoring the unique thrill of winter fishing.

The 'Kkongkkong Festival,' Gangwon's representative winter festival, opened at the Hongcheongang River in Hongcheon-eup, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon Province. On the 11th, tourists were enjoying ice sledding. Hongcheon-gun

Various experience zones have been set up throughout the festival grounds for families with children. Laughter filled the air at play areas such as the ice sledding rink, snow sledding slope, and family indoor fishing site, where children and parents could have fun together. In addition, long lines formed at food venues such as the sashimi center and local restaurants, where visitors could enjoy trout they had caught themselves, either as sashimi or grilled.

The 'Kkongkkong Festival,' Gangwon's representative winter festival, opened at the Hongcheongang River in Hongcheon-eup, Hongcheon County, Gangwon Province. On the 11th, tourists experienced trout fishing at an indoor fishing site. Hongcheon County

To prevent price gouging and ensure food safety, Hongcheon County has strengthened origin labeling and on-site inspections, while also operating visitor rest areas and local specialty product zones to enhance convenience and boost the local economy. During the festival, public parking lots and traditional market parking lots are also open free of charge to ease traffic congestion. To reduce the burden on tourists this year, the festival lowered the admission fee for the ice fishing and floating bridge fishing areas from 20,000 won to 15,000 won.

Jeon Myeongjun, Chairman of the Hongcheon Cultural Foundation, stated, "Thanks to the cold weather, the ice on the Hongcheongang River is stable and festival conditions have improved. We will prioritize safety and offer visitors memorable experiences through this hands-on winter festival that highlights local resources such as Ginseng Trout."