Hwacheon: A Winter Wonderland In Northern Korea
Winter in Korea is a magical time, where visitors can immerse themselves in a wonderland of snow, ice and freezing temperatures. One such wonderland is the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, a celebration of the traditional practice of ice fishing that takes place every year in Hwacheon county. Paired with a visit to the beautiful Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival, this day tour from Seoul is a must-do for visitors in Korea during the winter season.
Demographics and Culture
The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is a celebration of an age-old tradition in Korea - ice fishing. It is said that for over 1,500 years, the people of Hwacheon have been practicing this activity, which involves drilling holes in the ice to catch fresh mountain trout. The festival attracts visitors from all over Korea, and even from other parts of the world, who brave the cold to try their hand at ice fishing or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere.
The Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival, on the other hand, celebrates the beauty of nature and the changing seasons. The garden is a popular tourist destination year-round, but during the winter season it transforms into a twinkling wonderland, with thousands of lights illuminating the trees, flower beds and bodies of water throughout the garden.
Tourist Destinations
Hwacheon is a small county located in the northernmost part of Gangwon Province, famous for its beautiful nature and pristine water. Apart from the ice fishing festival, visitors can also enjoy winter sports, such as ice skating and sledding, at the nearby Hwacheon Sledding Hills. The county is also home to several museums and galleries, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The Garden of Morning Calm, located in Gapyeong County, Gyeonggi Province, is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Korea. It covers an area of over 30,000 square meters and features over 5,000 species of plants from around the world. The Garden of Morning Calm is also a popular filming location, having appeared in numerous Korean dramas and movies.
Shopping and Culinary
Visitors to the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival can enjoy a variety of traditional Korean street food, such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes) and kimbap (sushi rolls). They can also purchase fresh mountain trout caught from the festival's ice fishing grounds, as well as other local specialties, such as Hwacheon hwangtae (dried pollack) and makguksu (buckwheat noodles).
The nearby city of Chuncheon is known for its dak galbi, a spicy stir-fried chicken dish that originated in the region. Visitors can also sample the famous Chuncheon-style mul naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles) or makguksu at one of the many restaurants in the area.
Tips
The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is held every year from late December to late January, depending on the weather conditions. Visitors are advised to dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes with good traction. Ice fishing equipment and warm clothing can be rented on site.
The Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival is held from December to March, with the exact dates varying each year. Visitors are advised to check the festival schedule and book tickets in advance. Light snacks and warm drinks are available for purchase throughout the garden.
Overall, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival and Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival Day Tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to experience the magic of winter in Korea. With its beautiful nature, rich culture and delicious cuisine, Korea offers something for everyone.
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