Catching the Romance of Winter, A Warm Record of Time Spent at the Hongcheongang Kkongkkong Festival

The Fluttering Excitement of Winter Faced on Silver Ice

Whenever the winter wind that bites at the nose starts to blow, there is always one place that comes to mind. It is the site of the Kkongkkong Festival held on the Hongcheongang (Hongcheon River) in Hongcheon, Gangwon-do. Looking out at the white snow-covered fields filling the Galmagok-ri area and the frozen river, the noise of the city is soon forgotten, and the quiet vitality unique to winter fills one's entire body. Every January, the Hongcheongang begins to bustle with people waiting for ginseng trout.

As you cast your fishing rod through the hole in the ice, a cold chill rises from beneath your feet, yet your heart feels strangely warm. The 'crunching' sound of footsteps on the ice seems like a welcome greeting from winter itself. The star of the show, the ginseng trout, boasts the most delicious weight at around 800g, and the thrill of reeling in these fish as they swim beneath the water is indescribable. The indoor fishing area, designed for children who don't know much about fishing or those sensitive to the cold, is another highlight. Seeing children so immersed in fishing as they watch the water clearly is enough to make you think that coming here was the right decision.

Joyful Vitality Found at the End of the Cold Wind

Fishing alone is not enough. A corner of the festival site is decorated with thatched-roof houses that capture the rustic atmosphere, creating a heartwarming winter landscape. Walking among the thatched houses, which give off a subtle scent of rice straw, feels as if time has paused for a while. Children run off to the ice sledding rink, crossing the ice with a swoosh, while adults stop by local restaurants to warm their frozen bodies with a bowl of hot soup.

Tasting the trout you caught yourself, either as sashimi or grilled, is the highlight of this festival. The chewy texture and oily richness of the freshly caught trout put the perfect finishing touch on a trip to Gangwon-do. Rather than curling up indoors because of the cold, I believe that coming out to such a rugged yet heartwarming festival site to awaken your senses is what it truly means to spend the winter.

Travel Tips to Enjoy Hongcheon's Winter 200%

'Warmth' is the most vital factor when visiting this place. A thick wool hat, gloves, and anti-slip shoes for walking on the ice are essential. Keeping plenty of hot packs in your pockets will make your festival experience much more comfortable.

To find your way, you can easily reach your destination by setting it to Galmagok-ri, Hongcheon-eup. If using public transportation, it is recommended to take a taxi from downtown Hongcheon or check for local shuttle buses. Rather than the crowded weekend daytime hours, try to target a slightly more relaxed weekday morning or the time just before sunset. The experience of enjoying fishing while the Hongcheongang is dyed red with the sunset will be remembered as one of the most romantic pages of your trip. Don't forget to stop by the nearby traditional market on your way back to taste some local food from Hongcheon.