From the very beginning of the event, a large influx of international tourists has been turning the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival into a truly global celebration. Last year, the festival set a record with approximately 1.83 million visitors, including 120,000 foreigners-the highest attendance ever. This year, the excitement has been palpable from the start. During the opening weekend of the 2026 Ice Nation Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival alone, around 7,000 international tourists flocked to the venue. The festival grounds were filled with visitors from neighboring countries such as Japan and China, as well as from the United States, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, once again underscoring its status as a global festival.
However, despite the surge in international visitors, the language support infrastructure remains insufficient. The festival’s official website is available only in Korean, English, and Chinese, making it difficult for tourists of various nationalities to access information in their native languages. Addressing this gap is 'Witig' (weTEEG), an AI travel assistant developed by the startup TT Tera. This AI assistant provides real-time multilingual information services on-site, instantly guiding visitors in multiple languages as needed.
The most notable feature of Witig is its support for 48 languages. It offers simultaneous interpretation, and when tourists ask questions in their native language, the AI responds both verbally and visually, allowing festival-goers to receive guidance without any language barriers.
In addition, the Witig app can answer questions such as "Where can I go fishing?", "When is the best time to catch sancheoneo?", and "Are there any activities for children?" The AI provides optimal fishing spots and times, as well as information on child-friendly experiences, through both voice and on-screen guidance.
According to the company, their proprietary technology enables the AI to deliver rich answers supplemented by visual materials such as photos and maps, enhancing user understanding. For beginners, the app offers tips on choosing bait, advice on the best fishing spots by time of day, and a pre-compiled FAQ to quickly address common questions at the festival.
A TT Tera representative stated, "Witig is not just an app for a specific festival-it is an AI travel assistant capable of providing information in 48 languages at travel destinations and event venues." The app is also available for use at the Pyeongchang Trout Festival and the Hongcheongang Frozen River Festival.
The Witig app is currently available for free download on Google Play Store and Apple App Store, and is expected to serve as a reliable guide for both domestic and international tourists throughout the festival period.
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