Winter wonders at Gangwon festivals

A family chills out in an igloo at the Daegwallyeong Snow Flower Festival, held in Gangwon Province last year. [YONHAP]

The winter chill will grip the entire nation for days, but that doesn’t mean you have stay curled up on the couch. This month, there is a variety of winter festivals in Gangwon Province.

Daegwallyeong Snow Flower Festival

Jan. 16-24: Snowman making, top-spinning and traditional winter games are just some of the activities offered by this festival on the snow-covered hills of Daegwallyeong in Pyeongchang, Gangwon, a famous winter retreat.

Daegwallyeong, Pyeongchang

For more information, call (033) 336-6112 or visit www.snowfestival.net.

Hwacheon Mountain Trout Festival

Jan. 19-31: Enjoy fishing for mountain trout under the thick ice of the Hwacheon Stream, the source of the North Han River. Catch trout with your bare hands, participate in a sled competition, play football on the ice or try bobsledding.

Hwacheon Stream, Hwacheon

For more information, call 1688-3005 or visit http://ice.narafestival.com.

Mt. Taebaek Snow Festival

Jan. 22-31: Various events will be held in the highlands of Mount Taebaek, 800 meters (2,625 feet) above sea level, during this 10-day festival. There will be a snow sculpture competition for college students, snowball fights, snow rafting, concerts, a fireworks show and more. Snow sculptures on themes like the “Chronicles of Narnia,” “Mermaid Princess” and “Cinderella” will be on display.

Mt. Taebaek Provincial Park, Hwangji Lake and Taebaek City

For more information, call 550-2083 or visit http://festival.taebaek.go.kr.

Inje Bingeo Fishing Festival

Jan. 28-31: Those who want to try their luck at ice fishing during the smelt (bingeo) season can rent a site and fishing tackle during this festival. Also worth seeing is the snow and ice sculpture collection. Smelt cooking classes and sleigh and snow car racing also offer lots of fun.

Soyang Lake, Inje

For more information, call (033) 461-2170 or visit www.injefestival.co.kr.

Yonhap