Ice Fishing in Korea: A Magical Winter Experience with Kids

Winter in Korea can be biting cold, with winds that sting your fingertips.
But for children, this season transforms into the most fascinating natural playground.
Among the many winter experiences, Ice Fishing stands out as one of the most memorable and immersive ways for families to enjoy the Korean winter together.

Sitting carefully on a frozen lake, lowering a fishing line into a small hole carved in the ice, and waiting for life to stir beneath the silent winter water these moments allow children to truly feel the mystery and aliveness of nature.

A wide river frozen solid, forming thick layers of ice, is a spectacle in itself.
And the experience of walking freely across that frozen surface is thrilling not only for kids, but also for adults who find themselves amazed like children again.

Our Family’s Ice Fishing Moment

Our family of four settled around four small holes carved into the ice,
each of us quietly waiting in a gentle sense of anticipation.
wondering who would be chosen first by the fish beneath the surface.

A hint of playful competition lingered in the air.
Then suddenly, the float on one of the lines twitched.

Before anyone else could react,
our child’s fishing rod moved first.

In that brief moment when they lifted the rod with both hands,
a tiny smelt shimmered as it emerged from beneath the frozen water.

On our child’s face appeared a mix of surprise, joy, and a deep sense of accomplishment.
the kind of expression that says, “I did it myself!” without needing any words.

While waiting between catches,
we warmed our hands with hot cocoa and shared quiet little conversations.
simple moments that felt unexpectedly precious.

Famous Ice Fishing Festivals in Korea

Korea is full of ice fishing festivals during the winter season.
Each region offers slightly different programs and atmospheres,
but most are wonderfully family-friendly and easy to enjoy even for first-timers.

Here are some of the most popular ones:

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival 2026 얼음나라화천 산천어축제
Hongcheon River Winter Festival
Yangpyeong Smelt Festival
Anseong Smelt Festival

These festivals typically run from late December to early February,
though dates may vary depending on ice conditions and temperature.
It’s always best to check the schedule before visiting.

What You Can Enjoy at the Festivals

At the festival sites, you’ll find plenty of beloved Korean winter snacks—
spicy tteokbokki, hot fish cakes (eomuk), sweet red bean pastries, and more.

Some places even fry the fish you catch right on the spot,
which becomes an unforgettable moment for children.

Many festivals also offer extra activities such as:
Ice sledding, Snow sledding, Mini playgrounds, Photo zones
With so many things to do, a single day passes quickly.

A Mom’s Thoughts

As a mom, what I remember most from this day is not how many fish we caught,
but the small moments with my child on the ice.
The waiting, the excitement, the proud smile after catching a tiny fish.
those moments felt more precious than anything else.

If you’re visiting Korea in winter with kids, ice fishing is a simple experience,
but it creates warm memories that stay with you for a long time.