subject: Winter Festivals In Korea Part2. January [print this page] Festivals from January to February (2011)
Why fight the cold? Embrace it! January and February are the perfect time to revel in the chilly weather and visit any one of the snow and ice festivals across the nation. Popular festivals include Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, Pyeongchang Trout Festival, Mt. Taebaek Snow Festival, Inje Icefish Festival, and many more. Dont be tempted to skip the Jeju-do Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival or the Jeju Ipchun Gut Nori Shamanistic Dance, two of the most representative traditional Korean festivals, just because of the frosty weather!
Pyeongchang Trout Festival
When: December 23~February 6, 2011
Where: Odaecheon Stream, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do Province
Cut a hole through the ice and try your hand at ice fishing at this unique winter fish festival. The trout festival is also packed with winter folk games like sledding, kite flying, and more!
Hwacheon Sancheoneo (Mountain Trout) Ice Festival
When: January 8~30, 2011
Where: Surrounding areas of Hwacheoncheon Stream and five villages of Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do Province
The Hwacheon Stream and the surrounding area is the natural habitat of mountain trout and otters. It is here, in this pristine natural environment, that the Sancheoneo Ice Festival is held ever 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 of ice on the lake and try their luck at catching the mountain trout. If youre really brave, you can go to a different section of the lake and try catching fish barehanded! Helpful staff is available to ensure that even first-timers get a catch. After fishing, enjoy your bounty right on site as sashimi or on the grill.
Mt. Taebaek Snow Festival
When: January 21~30, 2010
Where: Taebaeksan National Park and Downtown District, Taebaek, Gangwon-do Province
Taebaek Snow Festival offers guests an array of events and activities sure to amuse and entertain. In addition to a number of performances and exquisite snow sculptors, visitors can participate in the Polar Bear Run, ice climbing competition, Snowman Festival, and even snow sledding.
Inje Icefish Festival
When: January 28~February 6, 2011
Where: Soyangho Lake area, Nam-myeon, Inje, Gangwon-do Province
The icy Inje streams 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 sample raw ice fish, fried foods, and participate ice bowling or ice soccer. There are even special hands-on activities for international visitors.
Jeju Ipchun Gut Nori Shamanistic Dance
When: Early February, 2011
Where: Jeju-do City Hall Plaza, Gwandeokjeong Plaza, Jeju Mokgwana, etc.
As spring approaches Jejus public officials and shamans gather to perform gut, a shamanistic ritual held to pray for a year of abundant harvest. At this festival visitors can enjoy a variety of performances and experience traditional hands-on programs.
Jeju Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival
When: February 17~19, 2010
Where: Saebyeol Oreum area, Aewol-eup, Jeju Island
On the first full moon of the year, which falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month, the Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival is held in order to pray for a healthy year and good fortune. Long ago, Jeju farmers would set fire to their fields, so that the harmful bugs would be chased away and their cows could safely eat the grass. This tradition continues as an entire side of the mountain (oreum) is set on fire. At the base of the mountain fire, festivalgoers can experience the traditional lifestyle and practices of Koreas farmers, including a traditional wedding ceremony and the annual tradition of setting the pheasants free.
