Festivals Calendar - January 2018

SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- The following are major cultural and tourist festivals to be held in South Korea in January.

* Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

When: Jan. 6-28

Where: Hwacheon Stream, Hwacheon, Gangwon Province

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

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

* Cheongpyeong Trout Festival

When: Dec. 23-Feb. 25

Where: Cheongpyeong, Gyeonggi Province

Cheongpyeong is a town about one hour east of Seoul in Gapyeong County, Gyeonggi Province. It is a popular destination for Koreans as it is situated on the banks of a beautiful lake with dramatic mountains surrounding it, populated by resorts focusing particularly on water sports. Visitors can enjoy trout fishing and various winter sports like snowmobile riding. For more information, call 031-585-9449 or visit http://www.cpfestival.net.

* Haeundae Polar Bear Swim Festival

When: Jan. 6-7

Where: Haeundae Beach, Busan

Haeundae Beach, located on the southern coast, is one of the greatest tourist attractions in Busan and also the venue of the annual Polar Bear swimming contest. The tournament involves running about 10 meters on the white sand, jumping into the ocean and then swimming 80 meters. Before the commencement of the tournament, participants can enjoy a wide variety of games and recreational activities on the white sand. Participants can also enjoy a hotel sauna, rest and a meal after the tournament is over. Registration is required. For further information, call 051-468-0163 or visit http://bear.busan.com.

* Gojedo International Penguin Swimming Festival

When: Jan. 20

Where: Deokpo Beach, Goje, South Gyeongsang Province

Programs of the one-day festival will include a swimming contest, catching flatfish and a treasure hunt on the beach. Visitors will also enjoy special performances by a Korean traditional percussion band, and take part in photo contests and an exhibition.

For more information, call 055-639-4404 or visit http://geojedopenguin.co.kr.

* Mount Taebaek Snow Festival

When: Jan. 22-31

Where: Mount Taebaek Provincial Park, Hwangji Lake and Taebaek City, Gangwon Province

Various events will be held in the highlands of Taebaek Mountain, 800 meters above sea level, during this 10-day festival. The program includes a snow sculpture competition for college students, snowball fights, snow rafting, concerts and a fireworks show. Snow sculptures produced under various themes will be on display.

For more information, contact the Taebaek City tourism and cultural division at 033-550-2828 or visit http://festival.taebaek.go.kr/event/snow/2011/pages/index.asp.
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