The 16th Pyeongchang Trout Festival, one of South Korea's premier winter festivals, will take place from January 3 to February 2, 2025, along the Odaecheon Stream in Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang County. Known for its unique blend of trout fishing, winter leisure activities, and cultural programs, the festival promises unforgettable memories for visitors of all ages.
At the heart of the festival are its signature events: ice fishing and barehanded trout catching. The exhilarating experience of catching trout with bare hands in icy water has become a favorite among group and family visitors. To enhance comfort, the festival also offers tent-covered fishing areas to shield participants from wind and rain, as well as indoor fishing zones designed for children and the elderly.
Spanning approximately 90,000 square meters, the festival grounds include four ice fishing zones capable of accommodating up to 5,000 participants at a time. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of winter sports and activities such as snow sledding, snow rafting, and ice karting. Traditional games like ice skating and top spinning add to the charm, ensuring fun for everyone.
The festival also caters to food enthusiasts. Freshly caught trout can be prepared on-site as sashimi, grilled dishes, or spicy stews, allowing visitors to savor the region's delicacies in a unique setting.
For added excitement, the event features special programs like the Golden Trout Challenge, where participants can compete to catch trout marked with golden tags for prizes. Additionally, professional angler Lee Jeong Gu will host a Trout Fishing School, offering tips and techniques to help beginners master the art of trout fishing.
This year, the festival introduces special benefits linked to the Hometown Love Donation Program. Donors contributing 100,000 KRW to Pyeongchang County via the Hometown Love e-um platform can receive a tax deduction and a voucher worth 30,000 KRW to use during the festival.
Festival Chairperson Choi Ki Seong emphasized the event’s focus on safety and enjoyment. "We are committed to providing a secure and entertaining experience for all visitors. We hope families, couples, and friends create special winter memories together," he said.
First launched in 2007, the Pyeongchang Trout Festival has grown steadily, contributing to the local economy by attracting visitors and creating seasonal jobs during the winter farming off-season.
For more information about the festival, visitors can refer to the official website or contact the Pyeongchang Trout Festival Committee directly.
Sayart / Joy, nunimbos@gmail.com
