Frosty Adventures: Unveiling the Thrills of Cheorwon Hantan River Ice Trekking Festival!

There are two types of people during the winter season: those who like staying warm and watching the snow from home, and those who step outside and explore the winter and are up for some frosty fun.

If you are in Korea and you are seeking for a thrilling encounter with Mother Nature, consider venturing to some of the snowiest destinations across the country. Embrace the season in all its snowy glory and let the adventure unfold!

Cheorwon is a county located in Gangwon province, known for its scenic landscapes and outdoor activities.

The area is famous for its freezing winter, as it holds a very distinctive winter festival: the Cheorwon Hantan River Ice Trekking Festival.

This festival gives you the opportunity to walk on the frozen waters of the Hantan river, all while taking in the breathtaking river-valley and its mesmerizing waterfalls.

Recognized for its unique basalt (volcanic rock) landforms, areas formed by granites, metamorphic rocks and more, the Hantan River was listed as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2020.

With the sheer beauty of the natural winterscape, including towering mountain ridges and frozen waterfalls, Hantan River ice trekking has become one of the go-to winter activities in Gangwon Province.

The trekking course stretches over 8 kilometers, starting from Jiktang Falls and ending at Goseokjeong Pavilion.

Throughout the year, visitors can walk on the water via floating bridges, but once the river freezes completely in early January, the depth of the ice usually reaches between 15 to 25 centimeters, which makes it safe for people to walk or even run on the ice.

 Of the many highlights of the icy course is the Jiktang Falls, where the trekking begins. This waterfall is about 3 meters in height and 80 meters in width, and even though it appears to be frozen, parts of it are still running.

 

The second highlight is the pillar-shaped adjoining cliffs near Songdaeso. Here, you can walk along the trail while touching the rugged basalt cliffs. 

The main program of this festival is ice trekking, but there are also other activities like photo contest, snow-sledding with sack, top-spinning games, or human curling games which are free of charge. There are also places where you can sit down, warm up and enjoy a snack along the way.

If we caught your attention, we invite you to embark on a journey with us to the Cheorwon Hantan River Ice Trekking Festival! Join us for a winter adventure like no other, where you can enjoy the perfect mix of adventure and natural beauty!


Location:

25-203, Jangheung-ri, Dongsong-eup, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do


The Tour Includes:

Transportation - roundtrip bus ride, with pick-up from

English Speaking Your Guide

Entrance fees

(for other activities you may have to cover the expenses by yourself)


Price:

$20


Things to Prepare:

Warm clothes, hat and muffler, gloves, hot-packs, snacks, sunglasses, trekking shoes, hiking stick, water, camera etc


For more details about the tour and booking information, click here!


Step outside, breathe in the crisp air, and let the season unfold in unforgettable ways. WinterFriend will take care of all the details and make sure that you’ll have a great time! ๐Ÿ˜