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Winter Festivals in Korea

Winter in Korea means plenty of festive gatherings, from Christmas to New Year’s Eve parties. As December comes to an end and the year draws to a close, people gather at sunrise festival Venues 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, for endless opportunities to enjoy an active winter in Korea.

Dec 18, 2018

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Lighting Festival at The Garden of Morning Calm

Held at the Garden of Morning Calm, the Lighting Festival is one of the biggest light festivals in Korea, covering nearly 330,000 m2 with lights. With different themes every year, the gleaming lights add a festive glow to the natural beauty of the garden during the winter season.

Period: December 5, 2018 – March 24, 2019

Venue: The Garden of Morning Calm, 432, Sumogwon-ro, Sang-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

Boseong Green Tea Plantation Light Festival

boseong_green_tea_plantage — Photo credit: www.koreaconvention.org

The magical allure of the Boseong Green Tea Fields grows tenfold in winter as bright Christmas lights cast a cheery glow over the expansive fields. The themed spaces and exhibits bring “Christmas decorations” to a whole new level.

Period: December 14, 2018 – January 13, 2019

Venues: Areas of Korea Tea Culture Park and Boseong Tea Plantation

Korea Tea Culture Park, 775, Nokcha-ro, Boseong-eup, Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do

Sunrise Festivals

Seongsan Sunrise Festival

Join the countdown and welcome of the New Year at Jeju’s premier sunrise attraction, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (also known as “Sunrise Peak”). In addition to the beautiful sunrise, the festival will also feature parades, performances, firework shows, the distribution of tteokguk (rice cake soup), and other events.

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hanjeolgot_sunrise_festival — Photo credit: www.koreaconvention.org

Ganjeolgot Sunrise Festival

Ganjeolgot Cape is popular as a place to observe the earliest sunrise in Korea. People all across the nation gather to celebrate and watch the first sunrise of the New Year here. New Year’s celebrations also include a wide array of events such as fireworks, eating tteokguk, and a wide range of performances. Attractions nearby include thick groves of pine trees, oddly shaped rock formations and Oegosan Onggi Village.

Homigot Sunrise Festival

Homigot Cape and its beach area, where the Homigot Sunrise Plaza is located, is definitely one of the most popular places for watching the New Year’s sunrise due to its brilliant yellow and golden sunrise scenery. People can enjoy a variety of performances and fireworks to celebrate the New Year’s Day.

Pyeongchang Trout Festival

Pyeongchang Trout Festival annually 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 barehanded fishing and sledding. The festival venue is also close to Alpensia Ski Resort and Yongpyong Ski Resort, where PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games took place.

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

The 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

Taebaeksan Snow Festival offers guests an array of events and activities that are sure to amuse and entertain everyone. In addition to performances and exquisite snow sculptures, visitors can participate in snow sledding with the beautiful Taebaeksan Mountain covered with snow as their backdrop.