"Essence of Harbin Ice Lanterns" Arrives in Hwacheon... Construction Begins on World's Largest 1,700㎡ Indoor Ice Sculpture Plaza

Hwacheon to Showcase Top-Tier Ice Lantern Artworks on December 20
31 Harbin Ice Lantern Artisans Participate in Sculpture Creation
8,500 Ice Blocks Used for Works Including 'Hwangnyongsa Temple Site in Gyeongju'
Indoor Ice Sculpture Plaza Under Construction for the 2026 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival

The construction of the indoor ice sculpture plaza, a key program of the 2026 Ice Nation Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival, has officially begun in earnest.

On the 29th of last month, indoor ice sculpture plaza construction work was underway at the Seohwasan Multipurpose Square in Hwacheon-eup, Hwacheon County. Provided by Hwacheon County

Over 30 technicians from Harbin Ice and Snow Culture Development Co., Ltd. in China, renowned for their world-class expertise, are participating in the construction work.

After entering Korea on November 22, these experts immediately began tirelessly breathing life into massive ice sculptures with hammers and chisels at the Seohwasan Multipurpose Square in Hwacheon-eup.

They will unveil top-tier ice lantern artworks at the Lighting Ceremony on Seondeung Street scheduled for December 20.

Approximately 8,500 or more ice blocks will be used to create the indoor ice sculpture plaza, which spans a total area of 1,700 square meters.

Each ice block weighs as much as 135 kilograms.

On the 29th of last month, indoor ice sculpture plaza construction work was underway at the Seohwasan Multipurpose Square in Hwacheon-eup, Hwacheon County. Provided by Hwacheon County

On-site, forklifts transport the ice, while technicians trim, cut, and carve the blocks into sculptures.

Unlike ordinary buildings, which use cement to join bricks, the powerful adhesive used for ice lantern sculptures is simply water, which bonds the ice blocks together.

This year, the indoor ice sculpture plaza will feature around 30 works, including a replica of the Hwangnyongsa Temple Site in Gyeongju, a large Taegukgi (the Korean national flag), and an ice hotel.

Popular character sculptures and a giant slide for children will also be created.

The indoor ice sculpture plaza will offer free admission on its opening day, December 20, only.

Admission fees are 5,000 won for middle school students and older, and 3,000 won for elementary students, families with multiple children, seniors, military personnel, people with disabilities, and national or veteran honorees. The plaza will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

On the 29th of last month, indoor ice sculpture plaza construction work was underway at Seohwasan Multipurpose Square in Hwacheon-eup, Hwacheon County. Provided by Hwacheon County

Paid visitors will receive a Hwacheon Love Gift Certificate worth 3,000 won, which can be used like cash in Hwacheon.

Choi Moonsoon, Mayor of Hwacheon County, stated, "The essence of Harbin ice lanterns can only be experienced in Korea here in Hwacheon. I highly recommend you enjoy the best of festivities and the greatest joy at our festival."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.