December in Korea means holiday lights, snow (think cute hats and scarves), Christmas, and last but not least, plenty of winter festivals. Why fight the cold and stay bundled at home? Embrace it! Put on a coat and go outside. There are winter events celebrating everything from arts to fruits and winter activities for everyone to enjoy, young and old alike.
As the twelfth month comes to an end and the year draws to a close, people gather at sunrise festival locations across the nation to welcome in the first sunrise of the 2013. When the brand new year comes in, January and February will be the perfect time to revel in the chilly weather and visit any of the snow and ice festivals across the nation. Popular festivals include the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, Pyeongchang Trout Festival, Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival, Inje Icefish Festival, Jaraseom Singsing Winter Festival and many more. When you’ve had enough of the snow and ice, head over to Jeju-do for the hot and smoky Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival that’s not to be missed.
 Festivals from January to February (2013)
Pyeongchang Trout Festival 
When: December 22, 2012 - February 03, 2013
Where: Odaecheon Stream area, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
Cut a hole through the ice and catch a fish or two (or possibly more) with your own two hands. In addition to ice fishing, this trout festival is also packed activities like Korean winter folk games, sledding, kite flying, and more!
Hwacheon Sancheoneo (Mount Trout) Ice Festival 
When: January 05 - 27, 2013
Where: Surrounding areas of Hwacheoncheon Stream and five villages of Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do
The Hwacheon Stream and the surrounding areas are the natural habitat of the mountain trout and otters. It is here, in this pristine natural environment, that the Sancheoneo Ice Festival is held every year in celebration of fish and wintertime fun. One of the most popular programs at the Mountain Trout Ice Festival is ice fishing, where people cut a hole through the 40cm ice on the lake and try their luck at catching the mountain trout. If you want to brave the icy water, you can go to a different section of the lake and try catching fish barehanded! Helpful staffs are available to ensure that even first-timers get a catch. After fishing, enjoy your freshly caught bounty, raw or grilled, on site.
Related column: Hwacheon Sancheoneo (Mountain Trout) Festival: Gateway to Korea’s Winter Wonderland
Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival
When: January 25 – February 03, 2013
Where: Taebaek-si district region (Taebaeksan Provincial Park, O2 Ski & Resort, Hwangji Pond, etc), Gangwon-do
Taebaeksan Snow Festival offers guests an array of events and activities that are sure to amuse and entertain everyone. In addition to a number of performances and exquisite snow sculptures, visitors can participate in the Snowman Festival and snow sledding with the beautiful Taebaeksan Mountain covered with snow as their backdrop.
Inje Icefish Festival
When: January 19 - 27, 2013
Where: Injedaegyo Bridge area, Nam-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do
The icy streams of Inje sweep down the snow-covered Seoraksan and Bangtaesan mountains to Soyangho Lake, the site of the Inje Icefish Festival. Visitors to this stunning frozen snowscape can enjoy activities like fishing and cooking icefish, bowling via innertube, playing ice soccer, sledding, and race-walking on ice.
Jaraseom Sing Sing Winter Festival
When: January 04 - 27, 2013
Where: Gapyeongcheon Stream area, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
The Jaraseom Sing Sing Winter Festival is famous for ice fishing. Ice fishing for trout (which can be eaten right away, raw or grilled), snow sledding, and a 50-people sledge ride on ice will be fun for the whole family. Other activities include ice sledding, ice skating, and riding bumper cars on snow. It is easy to reach Gapyeong simply by taking the ITX Cheongchun train from Yongsan Station. There are also popular attractions nearby like Namiseom Island, The Garden of Morning Calm, and Petite France for visitors to explore.
Jeju Field-Burning Festival
When: March 08 - 10, 2013
Where: Saebyeol Oreum area, Bongseong-ri, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si
The Jeju Field-Burning Festival is held in order to pray for a healthy and prosperous new year. Long ago, Jeju farmers would set fire to their fields to kill harmful bugs and encourage new grass for their cattle. This tradition is reenacted by setting an entire side of the mountain (“oreum”) on fire. Festival-goers can also experience the traditional lifestyle and practices of Korea’s farmers, including a traditional wedding ceremony at the festival.
* Festival schedules are subject to change.
* Last updated in November, 2012.
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