Inje Icefish Festival (Winter only) Guide
Inje Icefish Festival: A Winter Wonderland of Frozen Fun! Guide
Embrace the chill and dive into the Inje Icefish Festival, a winter extravaganza held annually on the frozen surface of Soyang Lake in Inje. This festival is a celebration of winter and the elusive icefish (bingeo), a small, translucent fish that thrives in the icy waters. It's a unique and exhilarating experience that draws visitors from all over Korea and beyond, offering a blend of traditional activities, thrilling games, and delicious winter treats. The Inje Icefish Festival has grown from a small local event to a major winter attraction. The festival's popularity stems from the unique experience of ice fishing. Participants drill holes in the thick ice and try their luck at catching icefish using simple fishing rods and bait. The thrill of reeling in these tiny, shimmering fish is surprisingly addictive! Beyond fishing, the festival offers a variety of other winter activities, including ice sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating, and traditional Korean folk games. The highlight of the Inje Icefish Festival is undoubtedly the ice fishing. Rent a fishing rod and try your hand at catching icefish. If you're lucky, you can have your catch deep-fried on the spot for a delicious and crispy snack. Beyond fishing, enjoy the various winter activities, such as ice sledding and snowmobiling. Warm up with traditional Korean winter snacks like *tteokbokki* (spicy rice cakes) and *hotteok* (sweet pancakes). Don't forget to try the icefish fritters, a local delicacy that's only available during the festival.
Transportation
From Seoul, take an intercity bus to Inje Intercity Bus Terminal. From the terminal, take a local bus or taxi to Soyang Lake, where the festival is held. During the festival period, shuttle buses may also be available from the bus terminal to the festival grounds. Check the festival website for the most up-to-date transportation information.