Moving, Romantic, and Exciting! Wintertime in Gyeonggi Province: Part 1
 
The frosty winter winds can keep you confined in your house, but there is no better time to enjoy a whole variety of fun activities and delicious food. There are plenty of festivals and winter sports to choose from. If you live in Seoul or Gyeonggi Province, look no further for a fun day out and about.
Written by Jang Hye-ok

The Winter Activity Package, Winter Festivals
Now that winter is in full swing, it is the best time to immerse in winter activities. Go ice fishing for trout or browse ice sculptures in Gyeonggi Province.

Jarasum Singsing Winter Festival

Jarasum Singsing Winter Festival is packed with fun winter activities such as sledding, tug-of-war on ice, trout ice fishing, a mini jazz concert, a musical gala show, and other performances. Patrons of the festival will feel like the guests of honor at a party. The trout ice fishing location can accommodate a total of 30 thousand people. There is no better remedy for stress than a good day out.

Activities include snow sledding, ice sledding, sledding on a burlap bag, or an ice banana. Play mini golf, slide down the slide, go bowling, play ice hockey or join in other competitive sports with friends. Watch Yonggung Radio Show live, or win a prize in events for couples, friends, and family. You can also become your own radio host and send a message to your loved ones. This Festival is made even more special by the newly introduced “Starlight Square” where guests can send off a floating candle past Luminarie Tunnel. Don’t forget your trout can be grilled on the spot at the large outdoor barbeque.
 
Period: Jan 4 – Jan 26, 2013
Venue: 11, Daegok-ri, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province
Inquiries: +82-31-580-2321
 
Pocheon Dongjangkun FestivalPocheon Dongjangkun Festival is special because it is hosted by local farmers. They organize and prepare the entire event using natural materials that can be found in the fields, such as straw and wood.

Try herding rabbits up a snowy hill or browsing ice sculptures. Get lost in the ice maze, slide down a frozen hill into the valley, or make trouble at the snow fight headquarters. Start a fire in a bungalow and cook potatoes and sweet potatoes, or make wooden crafts. Whatever your taste or whim there will be something interesting for you.

Go ice fishing for trout, look with awe at ice sculptures on display, or walk along sixty-something pillars in Baegun Valley. Children can get a close look at heavy army equipment, take pictures, and even hop into a few at the 5^th Corps Army Experience.
 
Period: Jan 4 – Jan 26, 2013
Venue: Ice Exhibition Hall, National Tourist Complex in Baegun Valley, Pocheon City, Gyeonggi Province
Inquiries: +82-31-538-3106
 
Cheongpyeong Ice and Trout FestivalThe Ice and Trout Festival takes place at the Safety Theme Park in Cheongpyeong of Gapyeong-gun. The location is only a five-minute walk from Cheongpyeong Subway Station, making it very accessible. In addition, its fixed-price system keeps the fees reasonable. Here you can try catching trout with your bare hands and take pictures of the beautiful ice flowers. Take your freshly captured trout to the food corner for an on-the-spot sashimi or grill.

When the night falls, families, friends, and couples can watch unforgettable fireworks. If you feel like a snack or meal, visit the food area for raw trout, grilled trout, pork barbeque, seafood and green onion pancakes, Korean rice soup, raw smelt, and a large assortment of finger food that go great with a drink. There are also selections of children’s favorites, including fritters, fish cakes, and topokki.
The National Fisheries Research & Development Institute (NFRDI) keeps rare freshwater fish such as sturgeon, fancy carp, leather carp, silver carp, and grass carp that will be put on display for free. It is a perfect place for children to learn more about wildlife during their winter vacations.
 
Period: Jan 1 – Feb 17, 2013
Venue: 134-8, Cheongpyeong-ri, Cheongpyeong-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province
Inquiries: +82-31-585-9449