PyeongChang Winter Fishing Festival: Ice Fishing Day Trip from Seoul
Trade Seoul’s neon for a white plain and try your hand at drilling through a frozen lake at the PyeongChang Winter Fishing Festival. This private day trip pairs a scenic highland drive with guided ice-fishing, cultural performances, and festival treats.
The Experience
Before You Go
Dress in layers
Temperatures on the lake can fall quickly—combine a warm base layer, insulated mid-layer, and windproof shell to stay comfortable.
Waterproof footwear
Bring insulated, waterproof boots with good grip—the ice around holes can be wet and slippery.
Charge and protect batteries
Cold drains camera and phone batteries fast—carry spares and keep them close to your body until needed.
Listen to the guide
Festival staff monitor ice thickness and set safe zones—follow their instructions and stay within marked areas.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Woljeongsa Temple (short drive from PyeongChang) for quiet winter temple gardens
- •Daegwallyeong roads—scenic highland viewpoints and winter panoramas off the main festival grounds
Wildlife
- •Eurasian roe deer
- •Korean magpie
Conservation Note
Festival crews monitor ice safety and limit access to marked areas; pack out trash, avoid disturbing wildlife, and follow guide instructions to minimize impact.
PyeongChang’s winter tourism expanded significantly after the 2018 Winter Olympics, improving roads and winter-event infrastructure that now support festivals and guided experiences.
Photographer's Notes
- • Along the marked drilling rows for action shots of anglers
- • Near the ice-sculpture displays at sunset for backlit textures
- • A roadside pull-off on the Daegwallyeong pass for panoramic snowy vistas
What to Bring
Insulated winter jacketEssential
A warm, windproof shell is critical for comfort during long stretches on open ice.
Waterproof insulated bootsEssential
Keeps feet dry and warm and provides traction on slick surfaces.
Warm gloves (waterproof outer)Essential
Protects hands while handling wet gear and fish; bring a thin liner for dexterity.
Portable hand warmers & thermos
Chemical warmers and a hot drink make waiting by the hole much more pleasant.
Common Questions
How long is the drive from Seoul?
Expect roughly 2.5–3 hours each way depending on traffic and weather; the full experience is about nine hours including festival time.
Do I need prior fishing experience?
No—guides provide tools, safety instruction, and step-by-step help for beginners.
Are kids allowed?
Yes—families are common at the festival; infants must sit on an adult's lap during transportation per operator rules.
What species will I catch?
Most visitors fish for smelt and rainbow trout, which are stocked and commonly targeted by festival setups.
Is the activity safe in bad weather?
The operator may cancel for unsafe weather or ice conditions; they monitor ice thickness daily and will only run activities in marked safe zones.
Are meals included?
Meals are not included, but the festival has food stalls and vendors; the tour includes bottled water and private transportation.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
9 hours
Location
Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; you should be able to sit/stand outdoors in cold conditions for several hours.
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