20 Of The Best Winter Festivals in South Korea

As the cold temperature and frosty weather sweeps across South Korea, the country transforms into a haven of vibrant celebrations during the winter season. From enchanting light illumination festivals, and ice fishing festivals to adventure-packed ice festivals, you won’t be disappointed with abundant winter festivals to enjoy in South Korea.

Here’s a local guide to 20 of the best winter festivals in South Korea that promise unforgettable experiences. From snow-covered landscapes to dazzling displays of lights, these festivals offer visitors an enchanting glimpse into Korea’s winter wonderland.

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Overview of Winter Festivals in South Korea

Korea has plenty of winter festivals to enjoy in the cold weather from ice-fishing fun, snowy landscapes and fruit-picking experiences to try. From December to February winter festivals start to pop up featuring must-see winter destinations and activities to add to your Korea itinerary. Below is a summary of major winter festivals in Korea to check out during the colder months.

❄️ Overview of 2023 Winter Festivals in South Korea

Ice Fishing Winter Festivals in South Korea

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival (얼음나라 화천 산천어축제)

Dates: 6 to 28 January 2024.

Address: 137, Sancheoneo-gil, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 화천군 화천읍 산천어길 137)

How to Get Here: Hwacheon Sancheoneo Day Tour from Seoul

Have you ever caught a fish with your bare hands? Why not try this experience at the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival which has been announced by CNN as one of the ‘7 Winter Wonders of the World.’ If you’re a beginner don’t worry there are helpful staff on site to help you get a catch. All of the freshly caught fish can be consumed either grilled or raw on-site.

The winter festival also takes place in a gorgeous natural environment around Hwacheoncheon Stream which serves as a habitat for mountain trout and otters. Besides indulging in ice fishing other winter activities to enjoy at this festival include ice sports, ice sledding and riding down the river on tube rafts.

This winter festival is a great opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in Korea’s cultural experiences. You won’t want to miss this spot at night when the ice begins to illuminate with colourful sculptures and lights with the winter illuminations. The easiest way to join this festival is through a day trip tour from Seoul.

Pyeongchang Trout Ice Fishing Festival (평창송어축제)

Dates: 22 December 2023 to 28 January 2024

Address: 3562 Gyeonggang-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 평창군 진부면 경강로 3562)

How to get here: Day Trip Tour from Seoul.

Originally home to the 2018 Winter Olympics, Pyeongchang hosts one of the best winter festivals in South Korea every year. Similar to the Hwacheon Ice Fishing Festival, this festival allows visitors the opportunity to catch a fresh bite to eat in frozen waters. Any fish that are caught from ice fishing and lure fishing can be prepared right away at a nearby restaurant.

In addition to ice and lure fishing for trout, you can also enjoy an array of winter events at the festival including snow rafting, sledding, sleigh trains or renting an ATV to explore the winter snowy landscape. Join this festival by joining this round-trip day tour from Seoul.

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Inje Icefish Festival (인제 빙어축제)

Dates: 20 to 29 January 2024 (TBC)

Address: Inje Icefish Festival grounds – 555-2, Bupyeong-ri, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 인제군 남면 부평리 555-2)

First held in 1997, the Inje Icefish Festival has grown each year attracting visitors around the country. At this festival, you can experience ice fishing as well as exciting winter activities including snow slides and icefish sledding. This festival is great for all ages with ice and snow-based activities and sports to enjoy throughout the festival. You can also visit the mountain village and join the cultural activities and exhibitions there.

What’s unique about this festival is that all the icefish that are caught by participants can be served as hoe (sliced raw fish) or enjoyed deep-fired as a warm delicious treat.

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Light Illumination Winter Festivals in South Korea

With the arrival of winter in Korea, cities across the country start to light up with light festivals and gorgeous illumination events. These must-see winter events often feature massive LED displays, neon sculptures and artistic light installations that transform Korea into magical wonderlands.

Friends, families, or anyone who is visiting Korea during winter will want to add magical wintry wonderlands to their winter Korea itinerary. Although the days are shorter in winter with the sun setting early, it’s perfect to enjoy the colourful and bright illuminations in Korea. Often you’ll find the light displays in areas of natural beauty outside the main cities as well as popular city-centre areas and attractions.

Seoul Lantern Festival (서울빛초롱축제)

Dates: 15 December to 21 January 2024

Address: Gwanghwamun Square, Cheonggye Square (includes Cheonggyecheon) & Seoul Square

While not exclusively a winter festival, the Seoul Lantern Festival illuminates winter nights with its dazzling display of colourful lanterns. Held along Seoul Square, Cheonggye Square and Gwanghwamun Square, this festival showcases intricate lantern artistry, depicting cultural motifs and themes, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that enchants visitors of all ages. The installations are one of the major attractions of the festival which features different concepts each year including Korean folktales, starry nights and natural landscapes.

If you’re heading to Gwanghwamun Square there will also be a market held at the same time where you can grab a bite to eat. After you’ve checked out this winter festival don’t miss out on the top 15 things to do at night in Seoul in this local guide.

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Haeundae Beach Light Festival (해운대 빛축제)

Dates: 18 November to 24 January 2023

Address: Haeundae Beach, U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan (해운대해수욕장, 해운대광장, 해운대시장, 온천길 일원)

Whilst Busan is well-known for its coastal attractions, during winter the Haeundae Lighting Festival transforms Haeundae Beach into a winter wonderland with glittering lights and illuminations. Known as one of Korea’s biggest winter light festivals, Haeundae is said to boast around 800,000 LED lights and installations adorning the buildings.

Gunam-ro Street transforms into a neon forest with towering light tree sculptures. Along Haeundae Beach, you’ll be able to find various light structures including glowing reefs, waves, and marine life on the sandy shores.

If you’re visiting Busan around this time you’ll want to go around in the evening to see this festival and grab a hot drink to keep you warm. There is also a show on Haeundae Beach featuring fireworks and lasers over the ocean.

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Busan Christmas Tree Cultural Festival (부산크리스마스트리문화축제)

Dates: 18 December 2023 to 29 January 2024 (TBC)

Address: 58-2, Gwangbok-ro, Jung-gu, Busan

Don’t forget to check out Busan’s Christmas Tree Culture Festival found in Busan’s downtown Nampo area, near Jalgalchi Market. If you want to enjoy the Christmas festivities in Korea this winter festival is a must-see winter place in Busan.

As you stroll the streets of Busan during this festival you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to Europe, with the area adorned with musical performances, a giant Christmas tree, rows of Christmas trees and lots of Christmas events to take part in. If you’re looking for photo spots in Busan you’ll want to grab a few pictures with the Christmas lanterns in this area as well.

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Pinocchio & Little Prince Lighting Festival of Petite France ( 피노키오 & 어린왕자 별빛축제)

Dates: TBA for 2023

Address: 1063, Hoban-ro, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 가평군 청평면 호반로 1063

Admission: Discounted foreigner ticket.

How to Get Here: Day Trip Tour from Seoul.

If you’ve never experienced Christmas in Europe you’ll want to add Petite France to your winter itinerary in Korea. You’ll feel as though you’ve been transported into a fairy tale wonderland as the colourful buildings and streets are adorned with Christmas decorations and light illuminations. Visitors can also enjoy events throughout the winter festival including magic performances, plaster art experiences, marionette performances and wish tree events. You’ll also want to take advantage of the Starlight photo zone at Petite France for gorgeous wintery and lit-up photos.

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Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival (오색별빛정원전)

Dates: 1 December 2023 to 17 March 2024

Address: 432, Sumogwon-ro, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 가평군 상면 수목원로 432)

How To Get Here: Round-trip transfers from Seoul.

If you’re looking for a day trip from Seoul head to the Garden of the Morning Calm in Gapyeong and catch the stunning winter light illuminations. During winter, this spot transforms into a magical spectacle after dark with the lights illuminating the natural beauty of the garden throughout winter. You’ll get to stroll through beautifully lit gardens and electric forests which will make you feel as though you’ve been transformed into a magical world. Each year this garden has different themed areas that focus on plants, animals and love. Usually, the lighting hours run from 17:00 to 21:00, with extended hours on Saturdays till 23:00.

If you’re looking to catch the night illuminations at the Garden of the Morning Calm it’s best if you book a tour that covers entry admissions and round-trip transfers. Most day trip tours often include Garden of the Morning Calm as well as other must-see destinations in Gapyeong. Here are some different day trip tours which include the Garden of the Morning Clam Lighting Festival and other must-see winter attractions in Korea.

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Herb Island Light Festival (허브아일랜드 불빛동화축제)

Dates: November 2023 to March 2024 (TBC)

Address: 35, Cheongsin-ro 947beon-gil, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 포천시 신북면 청신로947번길 35)

How to Get Here: Herb Island Light Festival Tour.

Herb Garden is a popular destination to visit all year round in Korea, however, the Herb Island Lighting Festival transforms into a glittering winter wonderland with thousands of shimmering light installations. The entire garden is adorned with millions of colourful lights and is a must-see winter attraction in Korea.

This winter festival is known for its romantic ambience where you can stroll along the Magic Road, decorated with twinkling lights shaped in gorgeous designs of flowers, butterflies, herbs and more. There are also plenty of photo opportunities throughout the garden including the glowing arch of the Rainbow Bridge, the fluorescent mushroom sculptures and sparkling tunnels of light. As you explore this garden during the festival you’ll also be treated to music that syncs with the illuminations. Join this festival through a local day trip tour from Seoul.

Jeju Fire Festival (제주들불축제)

Dates: 3rd September to 3rd December 2023

Adress: Saebyeoloreum Volcanic Cone – San 59-8, Bongseong-ri, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si (제주시 애월읍 봉성리 산59-8)

If you’re heading to Jeju Island don’t miss out on the annual Jeju Fire Festival which brings in a healthy and prosperous new year with festive celebrations. A long time ago, farmers would set fire to their fields to kill harmful bugs and promote the growth of new grass for their cattle to graze on.

At the festival, the evening sky lights up with fiery orange and you’ll be treated to a torch march, fire show, food trucks a reenactment of this tradition as well as the traditional practices and lifestyles of Korea’s farmers.

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Jeju Light Garden Winter Illuminations (제주불빛정원)

Dates: November 2023 to March 2024
Address: 제주 제주시 애월읍 평화로 2346

Since 2017, the Jeju Light Garden spans over 11,900 square meters of Jeju’s lowlands and invites visitors to experience a fantasy world of shimmering light displays synchronised to music. Whilst this isn’t a winter festival it’s still a great winter attraction to see winter illuminations if you’re heading to Jeju Island.

The garden is made of themed areas including Jeju Forest, Moonlight Garden, Water Light Cave and Rainbow Bridge, which utilises thousands of LED lights to create sparkling visual effects. When you visit at night you’ll get to see the garden lit up with dynamic light tunnels, neon portraits and animal light sculptures.

Visitors can also explore the illuminated walking paths and glowing bridges to admire the night illuminations. If you’re heading to Jeju Island this garden offers a whimsical ambience that can’t be found anywhere else with the synchronised music and shimmering light displays.

Snow and Ice Winter Festivals in South Korea

South Korea has no shortage of winter festivals that monopolise fun snow and ice activities. If you’re visiting Korea during winter it’s the perfect time to explore Korea’s snowy countryside to discover the frozen lakes, skiing or sledding down snow-covered mountains.

If you’re more into sightseeing you won’t be disappointed with winter attractions of snow and ice sculptures to ice carving contests which feature gorgeous winter creations in Korea’s rural countryside. It wouldn’t be a trip to Korea without catching a glimpse of the breathtaking wintery vistas, from snow-blanketed trees, snow-capped peaks, and frozen-covered lakes. If you’re looking to get out of the main cities don’t miss out on these 20 must-see winter destinations in Korea.

Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival (칠갑산 얼음분수축제)

Dates: 23 December 2023 to 28 February 2024.

Address: 223-35, Cheonjangho-gil, Cheongyang-gun, Chungcheongnam-do (충청남도 청양군 정산면 천장호길 223-35)

Every winter in Korea Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival takes place at the gorgeous Alps Village in Changyang. If you pay a visit you’ll be treated to top winter scenery and snowy activities to enjoy to the fullest. This includes activities from bobsledding, snow sledding and ice sledding.

One of the main attractions of the festival however is the whimsical ice fountains, where water sprays from the ground and freezes, which creates a shimmering and towering structure that resembles the frozen waterfalls. These ice features are best enjoyed at night when they come to life illuminated with colour. If you’re looking to stay warm in winter you’ll also want to check out the delicious winter snacks available on-site to purchase including roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes.

If you’re traveling to Seoul you can easily attend this winter festival through a local day trip tour which includes round-trip transportation and visits to winter attractions including Nami Island and Eobi Ice Valley. Note that the day trip tour is called Cheongyang Ice Festival but it is the same location. Cheongyang is the area and Chilgapsan is the mountain.

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Sanjeong Lake Sledding Festival (산정호수썰매축제)

Dates: 21 December to 9 February 2024
Address: 경기 포천시 영북면 산정호수로411번길 108

Sanjeong Lake Sledding Festival is a fun-packed event that is held annually on Sanjeong Lake when it’s frozen over thick layers of ice. One of the major drawcards of this festival includes the sledding and riding activities on the lake during the colder months.

Most popular amongst the locals however is the ‘Oritayo (오리타요)’ experience, which is a charming duck train ride that ventures across the icy water’s edge. You can expect a farm tractor pulling a string of nine duck figurines which you can hop on to glide across the frozen lake surface and take in the wintery lanscape. If this is a bit too adventurous for you you can always hop on the penguin pedal bike you explore the frozen lake.

In addition to these fun experiences, you can also stay warm by checking out the food stalls, amusement park and other wintery attractions. If you want to join this festival from Seoul it will take about 3 hours with multiple public transport transfers or you can join a convenient day trip tour from Seoul.

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Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival (태백산눈축제)

Dates: 25 to 29 January 2024 (TBC)

Address: Taebaeksan festival grounds – 162, Cheonjedan-gil, Taebaek-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 태백시 천제단길 162)

Enjoy the winter landscapes of Korea by checking out the Taebaksan Mountain Snow Festival in rural Korea. You’ll be treated to abundant fun activities from snow sledding, and snow rafting and plenty of photo opportunities with gorgeous snow sculptures and Taebaeksan Mountain covered in snow in the background. There are also various programs to celebrate winter including the Igloo Cafe, ice fountain, snow sliding, starlight festival and the Taebaeksan Mountain Snowflake Hiking Competition. If you’re up for a bit of adventure you’ll also don’t want to miss hiking the iconic Taebaksan Mountain.

If you want to stay warm you’ll want to head to the snow cafe where the chairs and tables have been crafted from blocks of ice. Don’t worry though you can sip on a hot chocolate or coffee to keep warm and soak up the wintery atmosphere.

New Year Winter Festivals in South Korea

As the cold weather sets in, Korea also welcomes events and festivals to bring in the new year to both lunar and solar calendars. In Korea, there are two new years, one on January 1st and one which changes according to the lunar calendar (Seollal). Seollal is a celebration that brings Koreans together to hold ancestral memorial rituals, play folk games, dress in a colourful hanbok, and honour Korean heritage. During this period it’s a great time to explore Seoul as you can find lots of attractions that are free and often less crowded.

The main New Year Eve’s festivals to watch out for include Bosingak Bell Ringing in Seoul and the many firework celebrations across the country which welcome the start of the new year. There are also popular New Year’s events where locals flock to the East Coast to watch the first sunrise of the new year.

These festivals often feature traditional games, delicious holiday food, cultural performances, firework displays, bell-ringing ceremonies and much more. If you’re in Seoul around New Year’s you can check out countdown festivities around Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink and Bosingak Bell which are free to enter, but expect large crowds.

Homigot New Year Sunrise Festival (호미곶 한민족 해맞이축전)

Dates: 31 December 2023 to 1 January 2024

Address: 136, Haemaji-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 포항시 남구 호미곶면 해맞이로 136)

One of the most popular spots for watching the New Year’s sunrise is at Homigot Sunrise Plaza at Homigot Cape. This spot has been famed for its golden and brilliant yellow sunrise scenery that shouldn’t be missed if you’re in the coastal city of Pohang. You can welcome the New Year alone or with others by watching the first sunrise of the year at Homigot Sunrise Square. This spot is known as the best place to watch the sunrise in Korea as it’s the easternmost point on the Korean peninsula.

Main celebrations at the Homigot Sunrise Festival include fireworks, performances and a tteokguk event which caters to up to 10,000 people. You can either wake up early or stay out late, to get a glimpse of the sun hitting the crisp waves on the horizon. If you’re looking to catch the early sunrise I recommend the New Year Sunrise tour from Busan.

Bosingak Bell Ringing New Year’s Eve Festival (보신각타종행사)

Dates: 31 December 2023

Address: 서울 종로구 종로 54 보신각

If you’re in Seoul for the New Year why not join the locals welcoming the upcoming year, by heading to Jongno for the Bosingak Bell Ringing ceremony? When the clock strikes midnight, people surround the large bell in the Buddhist shrine and watch together as the bell rings out for the New Year.

Join in on the celebration as people cheer and watch hundreds of balloons fly into the sky, welcoming the new year and opportunities for happiness and fortune in the year ahead. Across the country, you can find several bell-ringing ceremonies taking place in the major cities.

Gyeongpo & Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festivals (경포 & 정동진 해맞이 축제)

Dates: 31 December 2023 to 1 January 2024

Address: 514, Changhae-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 강릉시 창해로 514)

If you’re in Seoul and want to catch the first sunrise of the year on the beach, then you can head over to Gangneung and head to Gyeongpo Beach. The best part is that this spot is easily accessible from Seoul via a KTX high-speed train. If you’re taking multiple KTX trains in Korea consider getting the foreigner discount train pass to save money on transportation.

In addition to watching the New Year Sunrise, there are also celebrations the night before on the beach. You can head to the beach for New Year’s Eve and watch the fireworks display over the ocean. If you have free time you can also check out the cafes and bars overlooking the sea. After you’ve done celebrating, you can also check out Gangneung’s cafes whilst taking in the coastal scenery.

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Lotte World Tower New Year’s Eve Fireworks (롯데월드타워)

Dates: 31 December 2023

Address: 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 300)

If you’re looking for something different to winter festivals in Korea, you’ll want to check out Lotte World Tower on New Year’s Eve. If the celebrations for 2024 are the same as the previous year, the world’s 6th tallest building will put on a gorgeous spectacle to welcome the new year coming alive with colours and fire on all 123 levels. The fireworks will shoot off in all different directions and reflect in the picturesque Seokchon Lake below which shouldn’t be missed if you’re in Seoul. The festival begins at 20:30 with attractions and performances starting before the main event at midnight.

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Jeju Seongsan New Year Sunrise Festival (제주성산일출축제)

Dates: 31 December 2023 to 1 January 2024

Address: 284-12, Ilchul-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do (제주특별자치도 서귀포시 성산읍 일출로 284-12)

If you’re looking for a unique spot to watch the sunrise in the New Year why not check out a UNESCO World Heritage Site? The Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak is a volcanic cone rising out of the ocean and connecting to Jeju Island. This spot boasts gorgeous views of the ocean and the glimmering light of the first sunrise of the year.

Since the 13th Century, this spot has been a popular spot for watching the sunrise and the festival also offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in Korea’s rich history and partake in cultural games and activities.

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Ganjeolgot Sunrise Festival (울산 간절곶 해맞이)

Dates: 31 December 2023 to 1 January 2024

Address: 39-2, Ganjeolgot 1-gil, Ulju-gun, Ulsan (울산광역시 울주군 서생면 간절곶1길 39-2)

Ganjeolgot Cape is a well-known spot to observe the earliest sunrise in South Korea. Across the nation, people gather at this spot to celebrate and watch the first sunrise to bring in the New Year during the Ganjeolgot Sunrise Festival. This festival takes place on December 31 at sunset and celebrates with a wide range of events including performances, fireworks and eating tteokguk. There are also key attractions to check out nearby including the oddly shaped rock formations, groves of pine trees and Oegosan Onggi Village.

If you want to check out a sunrise on January 1st on the eastern coast of Korea, join this day tour which will take you to Sokcho Beach from Seoul.

The winter festivals in South Korea offer a diverse tapestry of experiences, blending cultural traditions, winter activities, and artistic displays. Whether it’s the thrill of ice fishing at Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival or the enchanting lanterns at Gwanghwamun Square, these festivals invite travellers to embrace the magic of winter in South Korea. From cultural celebrations to winter sports and illuminated landscapes, each festival paints a unique picture of Korea’s cultural richness and winter charm.

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