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Travel Highlights
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Guide to Winter Festivals
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12/13/2024
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*Please check the festival schedule before visiting, as some festivals may be canceled in observance of the national mourning period.
Winter in Korea is dynamic and ever-changing as the weather. In December, the cities are adorned in colorful lights, and when the year draws to a close, people gather at sunrise festival locations across Korea to welcome in the first sunrise of the New Year. January and February are perfect for reveling in the chilly weather by visiting snow and ice festivals. Each region has its own unique winter culture and specialty products as well as endless opportunities to enjoy an active winter in Korea.
>> Lighting Festivals
Lighting Festival at The Garden of Morning Calm
- Period: December 6, 2024 - March 16, 2025
- Venue: The Garden of Morning Calm
432 Sumogwon-ro, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 가평군 상면 수목원로 432) - The Lighting Festival at the Garden of Morning Calm is a fabulous evening event that covers an area of nearly 330,000 ㎡ with lights. The gleaming lights add a festive glow to the natural beauty of the garden throughout the winter season. The lighting hours are from the time of sunset to 21:00, with extended hours until 23:00 on Saturdays.
E-World Illumination
- Period: November 16, 2024 – February 20, 2025
- Venue: E-World
200 Duryugongwon-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu (대구광역시 달서구 두류공원로 200) - E-World Illumination sets E-World, Daegu’s largest theme park, aglow each winter with Christmas-themed performances and New Year’s Day events. Visitors can take in the brightly lit view from one of the 30 amusement park rides or from the observatory in 83 Tower. Photo zones are set up in front of popular attractions such as the red double-decker bus and the merry-go-round to capture memories of your time here.
>> New Year’s Sunrise Festivals
Homigot Sunrise Festival
In observance of the national mourning period until January 04, 2025, Homigot Sunrise Festival has been canceled. A memorial space for the victims will be set up at Homigot Sunrise Square, and a greeting station will be available for visitors coming to see New Year’s sunrise for safety and convenience.
- Period: December 31, 2024 – January 1, 2025
- Venue: Homigot Sunrise Square
- Homigot Sunrise Square at Homigot Cape is one of the most popular places for watching the New Year’s sunrise due to its brilliant yellow and golden sunrise scenery. Main programs at the Homigot Sunrise Festival include various celebratory performances and a market operated by local small businesses, as well as handing out free tteokguk.
Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival
In observance of the national mourning period until January 04, 2025, the event has been canceled.
- Period: December 31, 2024 – January 1, 2025
- Venue: Sandglass Park
- Jeongdongjin is a famous sunrise viewing spot with a train station close to the beach, making it extremely accessible. The large sandglass near Jeongdongjin Beach is a landmark of the area and the setting for Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival. The sandglass takes one full year for the sand in the top bulb to completely fall to the bottom. When the clock strikes midnight, the sandglass is turned over once again as part of a grand ceremony, kicking off the brand-new year with fireworks and performances.
Yeosu Hyangiram Sunrise Festival
In observance of the national mourning period until January 04, 2025, the event has been canceled.
- Period: December 31, 2024 – January 1, 2025
- Venue: Hyangiram Hermitage
60 Hyangiram-ro, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 여수시 돌산읍 향일암로 60) - Yeosu Hyangiram Sunrise Festival is an annual overnight festival attended by those who want to enjoy the view of the New Year’s sunrise. The festival kicks off with a New Year’s resolution parade, followed by traditional performances, interactive events, candle lighting, bell-ringing events and more for visitors to enjoy.
>> Active Festivals to Keep Warm
Pyeongchang Trout Festival
- Period: January 3 – February 2, 2025
- Venue: Odaecheon Stream festival grounds
3562 Gyeonggang-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 평창군 진부면 경강로 3562) - Pyeongchang Trout Festival takes place in Pyeongchang-gun, the largest trout producer in Korea. Trout cultivated in the clear waters of Pyeongchang are popular for their rich and chewy texture. At the festival, visitors can enjoy ice fishing along with other fun activities such as sledding, snow rafting, and bumper cars. The festival venue is also close to Alpensia Ski Resort and Yongpyong Ski Resort, popular winter sports resort attractions.
Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival
- Period: January 11 – February 2, 2024
- Venue: Hwacheoncheon Stream festival grounds
137 Sancheoneo-gil, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 화천군 화천읍 산천어길 137) - Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is held in the pristine natural environment around Hwacheoncheon Stream, the natural habitat of mountain trout and otters. One of the most popular programs at the festival is ice fishing, where people cut a hole through thick ice and try their luck at catching trout. Visitors can also brave the icy water and try catching fish barehanded. Helpful staff are available to ensure that even first-timers get a catch. Freshly caught fish can be consumed either raw or grilled on-site.
Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival
- Period: February 7 – February 16, 2025
- Venue: Taebaeksan festival grounds
162 Cheonjedan-gil, Taebaek-si, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 태백시 천제단길 162) - Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival is a recognized winter festival that puts on an exhibition of exquisite ice sculptures made by professionals and a fabulous ice fountain. Moreover, visitors can watch the international college students’ sculpture contest and Taebaeksan Mountain climbing as well as participate in diverse winter activities such as snow sledding, ice fishing, and igloo experience, all with the beautiful Taebaeksan Mountain covered in snow as their backdrop. A lighting festival also takes place around the same time at Hwangji Pond, with lanterns in a range of shapes and sizes.
Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival
- Period: December 24, 2024 – February 15, 2025
- Venue: Alps Village
223-35 Cheonjangho-gil, Cheongyang-gun, Chungcheongnam-do (충청남도 청양군 정산면 천장호길 223-35) - Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival creates an amazing winter landscape through frozen fountains and sculptures made of snow. In addition to activities such as bobsleighing, ice sleds, a zip-track, and children’s train, visitors can enjoy classic winter snacks like freshly roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes.
- * Festival programs and schedules are subject to sudden changes based on the weather. Please check the information before visiting.
* This column was last updated in December 2024, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check details before visiting.
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