Winter Sports in Korea That Get More Exciting as It Gets Colder
- zone tp
- Jan 2
- 3 min read
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Winter in Korea is more than just a cold and snowy season.
As the weather gets colder, everyone eagerly looks forward to the wide variety of winter activities Korea has to offer.
Enjoy the thrill and the breathtaking beauty of snowy landscapes in the crisp winter air.
We’ll also recommend the best winter activities and destinations to enjoy in Korea!
Let's begin😎
Ice fishing is a unique winter experience where you drill a hole in a frozen lake or river and catch fish beneath the thick ice. It’s more than just fishing; it’s a rare chance to enjoy nature from a place you can’t normally walk on. Despite the cold weather, crowds gather every year to take part in this beloved activity. Among them, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival stands out as one of Korea’s most famous winter festivals.
Spanning an area of about 264,000㎡ from the upper Hwacheon Stream to the Bukhangang River, it offers visitors the chance to catch mountain trout (sancheoneo), a fish that only lives in clean, first-grade water. You can grill or eat your freshly caught trout as sashimi right on site, a true winter delicacy. Beyond fishing, the festival also features hands-on activities like bare-hand fish catching, snow sledding, and figure skating, making it an event everyone can enjoy. Create unforgettable memories in the dazzling beauty of Korea’s winter at this iconic festival.
Address: 2-1 Ha-ri, Hwacheon-eup, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do
Work: Jan 10th – Feb 1st
Ice climbing is an extreme sport where you ascend icy cliffs step by step using ice axes and crampons. It’s not only about physical strength but also about testing your limits while embracing the grandeur of nature. One of the most popular spots for this activity is Yongdae-ri Maebawi Rock, which transforms into a 100-meter-high frozen waterfall during winter. The climbing routes are divided by difficulty, making it suitable for both beginners and intermediate climbers.
Although ice climbing is known to be challenging, this location offers a wide and stable frozen surface, providing a safer environment for first-timers. In summer, it’s a stunning waterfall cascading down the rock face, but in winter, it turns into a magnificent wall of ice. Climbing this massive formation offers an unmatched thrill — an experience that few other sports can rival. Challenge yourself and feel the rush of adventure in this breathtaking world of snow and ice.
Address: 1719 Yongdae-ri, Buk-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do
Winter trekking is a peaceful journey through snow-covered mountains and forest trails, offering a rare chance to experience the quietest side of nature. Under the clear winter sky, walking along the ridges brings a sense of serenity that’s hard to find in the city. Among Korea’s many trails, Deogyusan Mountain in Muju stands out as a perfect destination for those who want to fully enjoy winter through trekking, thanks to its heavy snowfall.
If long hikes feel daunting, try the Deogyusan Resort Course, which includes a gondola ride. For those seeking to take in the full beauty of snowy landscapes, the Gucheondong Course, which takes about eight hours, is highly recommended. This route features valleys, streams, and refreshing views, with ridgelines offering stunning scenery throughout. The view from Hyangjeokbong Peak is said to be the most beautiful of all, so be sure to stop by regardless of your chosen path. As you walk along the snow-covered slopes of Deogyusan, you’ll feel the crisp, invigorating charm of winter nature at its finest.
Address: 159 Gucheondong 1-ro Seolcheon-myeon, Muju-gun, Jeonbuk-do
Deogyusan Resort Course: Deogyusan Resort - Gondola - Seolcheongbong – Hyangjeokbong Peak - Seolcheongbong - Gondola - Deogyusan Resort (1.2km/2 hrs)
Gucheondong Course: Gucheondong Parking Lot - Gucheondong Valley -Baekryunsa Temple - Osuja Cave - Jungbong Peak - Hyangjeokbong Peak - Baekryunsa Temple - Gucheondong Parking Lot (24km/8 hrs)
