A Once-a-Year Winter Train Journey in Korea – Taebaeksan Snow Festival Experience

A winter train traveling through snow-covered mountains in Gangwon Province, South Korea, following a curved railway through a quiet alpine landscape

There are many ways to experience winter in Gangwon Province,
but arriving at the Taebaeksan Snow Festival by train is something that happens only once a year.

The Taebaek Snow Flower Train is not a flexible itinerary or a regularly operating tourist train.
It runs on a single fixed date, making it a truly seasonal winter experience.
That limitation is exactly what gives this journey its meaning.

What Kind of Train Journey Is This?

The Taebaek Snow Flower Train is a special seasonal train designed to coincide with the Taebaeksan Snow Festival.
It allows travelers to experience winter in Taebaek—one of Korea’s highest cities—
without driving, without renting a car, and without complex planning.

There is no winter mountain driving involved.
You stay on the train, step off to experience what matters most, and return the same day.

The Taebaeksan Snow Festival – 33 Years of Winter Tradition

Large-scale snow sculptures at the Taebaeksan Snow Festival in Taebaek, South Korea, carved into massive white snow walls during winter

First held in 1994, the Taebaeksan Snow Festival has continued for 33 consecutive years,
making it one of Korea’s most established winter festivals.

Held annually from late January to early February,
the festival takes place against the alpine landscape of Taebaek,
where deep snow and low temperatures allow winter scenery to remain intact throughout the event.

This is not a festival where snow is added as decoration.
Instead, the entire city becomes part of the winter landscape.

One-Day Itinerary Overview

Taebaeksan Snow Festival (11:40 AM – 3:00 PM)
Visitors explore large-scale snow sculptures and the main festival area during the warmest hours of the day,
making outdoor time more comfortable even in midwinter.

Gumunso & Paleozoic Natural History Museum (3:30 PM – 4:30 PM)
A short visit to Gumunso, a rare natural formation carved by water over millions of years,
paired with a compact natural history museum stop.

Cheoram Coal Mine History Village (4:30 PM – 5:30 PM)
An open-air village recreating daily life in a coal-mining town from the 1970s and 1980s,
offering insight into Taebaek’s industrial past.

Dinner on the Train
A boxed dinner is served onboard after passing Jecheon Station,
allowing the journey to continue without breaking the schedule.

Date & Price (Confirmed)

Travel Date
Sunday, February 8, 2026
One-day round trip

This train operates only once a year on a fixed date.

Price (Same for All Ages)
94,000 KRW per person

Includes round-trip train transportation, festival visit, linked local transfers,
and dinner onboard the train.

This is a curated winter travel package, not a standard rail ticket.

Who This Journey Is Best For

Travelers who want to avoid winter driving
Families seeking a single-day winter experience
Visitors interested in Korea’s seasonal traditions

Who It May Not Suit

Travelers who prefer flexible schedules
Those sensitive to prolonged cold exposure
Trips requiring personalized pacing

Why “Once a Year” Is What Makes It Special

The Taebaek Snow Flower Train exists for one day, once a year.
It is not meant to be convenient or repeatable.

That rarity is what turns the journey into a memory—
something you plan around, rather than stumble upon.

Official Festival Information

For official details about the Taebaeksan Snow Festival, including history and annual updates, refer to the official Korea Tourism Organization page:
https://korean.visitkorea.or.kr/kfes/detail/fstvlDetail.do?cmsCntntsId=406912