5 Must-See February Festivals That Are Totally Worth the Cold!
- lewishooper1
- 5 minutes ago
- 2 min read
From fire festivals to sweet treats, you won't believe what happens in Korea before spring hits!
Korea is still a lot of fun during the winter season, despite it being known as the low season. While many people prefer to hibernate when the thermometer dips, February in Korea hosts some of the most visually stunning and high-energy celebrations in the country that you do not want to miss! The Dojeon team has curated six of the must-visit celebrations for you to enjoy this February!
First up on our list is the Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival. This is one of the most iconic festivals in Korea, as Taebaeksan National Park is transformed into a snowy playground featuring massive, intricate snow sculptures and ice displays for visitors of all ages to enjoy! Visitors can experience a true winter wonderland with natural snowfall, sledding hills, and even a gentle hike to see breathtaking hoarfrost on ancient trees. Whether you are just visiting Korea or you live here, this is one of the hottest festivals to enjoy this year!
Next up is a festival that is trending on most social media channels right now. The Pyeongchang Trout Festival is held in the host city of the 2018 Winter Olympics—what a fantastic opportunity! This festival offers the unique thrill of ice fishing for trout through holes drilled in thick river ice. Brave participants can even try catching trout with their bare hands in freezing water, followed by a meal of their fresh catch. Of course, if you are new to fishing like us, there are guides and helpers to support you every step of the way!
The Pocheon Baegun Ice Valley Festival is number three on our list. This festival is known for its stunning frozen streams and picturesque scenery, which make for the most amazing photos and memories! Located in Gyeonggi Province, visitors can immerse themselves in a charming traditional winter wonderland. Families can enjoy activities like sledding and building snowmen against the backdrop of massive ice pillars and crystalline valley walls.
No list would be complete without the Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival. Located in the “Alps Village” in Cheongyang, this event is famous for its towering ice fountains and various ice-carved structures. It is a popular spot for winter photography and outdoor activities, including strawberry picking and crossing a nearby suspension bridge. Yes—strawberries are a winter fruit in Korea, unlike in the West where they are considered a summer fruit.
This family-friendly festival offers a wide range of high-energy activities such as snow rafting, snowball fights, and snow sledding. It provides a perfect winter escape for thrill-seekers looking to experience the deep snow of the Gangwon-do highlands. The heavy snowfall in this region is famous throughout Korea, and this destination is one of the more local experiences on our top five list! Many tour operators also run trips or transportation directly from Seoul.
Final Thoughts
From catching trout in a frozen river all the way to exploring icy valleys, February in Korea is a month of vibrant contrasts. The Dojeon team is ready to brave the sub-zero peaks of Taebaek—but the question is, are you?