Experience the Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival in Korea, featuring stunning ice sculptures, snow activities, & magical light displays.
If you’re looking to experience a truly enchanting winter festival in Korea, the Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival (칠갑산 얼음분수축제) is a must-see. Running from December to February usually, this long-running winter festival offers visitors a one-of-a-kind sight—massive ice structures that seem to sprout from the ground, creating the illusion of sparkling frozen fountains. These impressive sculptures are man-made but no less magical, earning the festival its nickname as the “Ice Castle.”
The Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival is set against a backdrop of dramatic natural beauty and promises a fairytale-like experience that can’t be found anywhere else in Korea. Visitors can explore the stunning ice caves and sculptures during the day, which grow more fantastical every year. But it’s after dark when the full spectacle comes to life. The ice is illuminated with vibrant rainbow lights, reflecting off the frozen surfaces and synchronized with festive music. Visitors stroll through this winter wonderland, sipping hot chocolate, snapping photos, and admiring over 50,000 tons of magical ice art.
Who Will Enjoy the Chilgapsan Festival?
This festival is perfect for families, couples, and anyone who loves playing in the snow. There are plenty of activitiesaimed at children, including rides and a snowy playground. Couples can enjoy romantic strolls through the snow-covered landscape, capturing moments in the many photo zones. However, keep in mind that Korea’s winter weather can be very cold, especially in January and February, with temperatures often dipping below zero degrees Celsius. Be sure to bundle up, especially if you’re traveling with children. You can find winter clothes and heat packs at markets in Seoul to keep warm.
Things to Do at the Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival
The festival is full of activities for all ages. The main attractions during the day are the ice fountains, sculptures, and ice caves. But once night falls, the festival transforms into a dazzling display of light and color. Here are some highlights of what you can do:
Ice Fountains and Sculptures
The towering ice fountains are the centerpiece of the festival. There are jets of water freezing into impressive structures that sparkle in the light. During the day, they are already a sight to behold, but once illuminated at night, they shine in an array of ever-changing colors. In addition to the ice fountains, there are ice sculptures inspired by popular Korean cartoons, Disney characters, Pokémon, and more. You’ll also find sculptures of wild animals, a life-sized ice train, and even a frozen Gwanghwamun Gate.
Ice Caves, Igloos, and Illuminations
Step into the ice caves and igloos to escape the cold and marvel at the beautifully illuminated ice. The frozen structures glow with vibrant lights that shine through the ice, creating a surreal atmosphere. These ice buildings look even more mesmerizing when it gets dark, allowing you to fully enjoy the colorful light displays.
Snow and Ice Sports
For those who enjoy winter sports, the Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival has a variety of fun activities. Slide down the snow sledding slopes on rubber rings, or try ice sledding on small sleighs. You can also experience traditional Korean wooden sleighs, which you push along the ice with short sticks. If you’re feeling adventurous, try ice fishing or a thrilling zip line ride across the frozen fountains. The festival also offers a cow-drawn sleigh ride through the snow—perfect for a winter adventure.
Children’s Activities
Families will find plenty to entertain the little ones at the Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival. Kids can enjoy a tractor-pulled “can sled,” which is a fun, safe ride in cut-out barrels that feel like their own personal car. There are also horse rides, cultural activities, and arts and crafts workshops, though some may require understanding a bit of Korean. These activities are typically available on busy weekends but can vary each year.
In 2024, some of the most popular snow sculptures were characters like Pororo, Larva, and even a Squid Game doll. They added a touch of drama and fun to the event. And for fans of Disney, a stunning Elsa sculpture from Frozen, added to the festival’s fairy tale charm.
Korean Winter Foods
The Chilgapsan festival offers a great selection of Korean winter snacks. You can enjoy traditional treats like skewered chicken, roasted chestnuts, fish cakes, rice cakes, and deep-fried fish. There’s also a cafe offering hot drinks, though it’s a temporary hut, not a chain café. The best part of the festival food experience is the opportunity to roast chestnuts over an open fire, cooksweet corn on hot coals, and enjoy piping hot sweet potatoes roasted in large metal drums. For heartier meals, try traditional Korean dishes like tteok-guk (rice cake soup), haemul pajeon (seafood pancakes), and donkasu (pork cutlet), among others.
Explore the Area Around Chilgapsan
If you’re feeling adventurous beyond the festival grounds, you should definitely check out the Chilgapsan Suspension Bridge. It’s got an amazing view of the frozen reservoir nearby. And guess what? Each end of the bridge has two giant chili peppers, because the Chilgapsan region is famous for growing chilies. The reservoir, especially when frozen, is a picturesque sight, and you can take a walk along the wooden pathways adorned with charming Korean messages.
Festival Information and Ticket Prices
The Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival runs from December 23rd, 2023 to February 28th, 2024. The entry fee is ₩8,000 per person (children under 36 months can enter for free). This ticket grants access to all the main festival attractions, including the ice sculptures, ice fountains, and illuminated caves. Additional activities, such as ice sledding, zip lining, and horse riding, have separate fees.
- Festival Period: January 1st ~ Mid-February every year (Same day as the opening day of the Alpine Village Sledding Area)
- Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last tickets sold at 9:00 PM)
- Entry Fee: ₩8,000
- Parking: Free parking is available at three locations near the festival grounds.
For more information, you can visit the official Cheongyang Alps Village website (in Korean).
How to Get There
The Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival is located in Cheongyang Alps Village, about 3.5 hours from Seoul by car. If you’re traveling by public transportation, taking a train to Gongju and then a local bus is an option, though it’s not the mostconvenient. For the best experience, consider renting a car or booking a tour.
Best Time to Visit
To get the most out of your visit, come in the afternoon so you can enjoy the festival’s beauty during the day and wait for the spectacular night illuminations. Weekends tend to be busy, so visiting on weekdays is recommended for a more relaxed experience.
Why Should You Visit the Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival?
Absolutely! The Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the magic of winter in Korea. Whether you’re traveling with your loved ones or just want to treat yourself, this winter festival is perfect. There are stunning ice sculptures, thrilling activities, and some mouthwatering Korean treats. And the best part? You can create everlasting memories in this magical winter wonderland. Just remember to bundle up and get ready for an enchanting experience in one of Korea’s most unique winter festivals!
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