Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival Closes in One Day: '21 Days of Passionate Volunteerism' Warm the Hearts of One Million Visitors

Over 2,400 Police, Firefighters, Soldiers, and Volunteers
Building a Reputation as a "Safe Festival" Through Their Efforts
Daily Underwater Inspections Covering an Area Equal to 30 Soccer Fields
Working Tirelessly from Dawn Until Night

In the early morning of the 31st, just one day before the closing of the 2026 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival, Hwacheoncheon Stream in Hwacheon County, Gangwon Province, was packed with anglers and family tourists from all over the country, creating a massive sea of people. Despite the subzero cold, the eyes of tourists gazing into the ice holes were filled with anticipation as they waited for the mountain trout.

In the early morning of the 31st, one day before the closing of the 2026 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival, Hwacheoncheon Stream in Hwacheon County, Gangwon Province, is crowded with anglers and family tourists from all over the country, creating a huge sea of people. Provided by Hwacheon County

Tourists are lining up in front of the ticket booth at the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival site from early morning. Provided by Hwacheon County

This year's festival faced exceptionally harsh weather conditions from the very beginning, including heavy snowfall, strong winds, and a record-breaking cold snap not seen in a decade. However, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival was able to uphold its promise of being a "safe and enjoyable festival" even under these adverse circumstances, thanks to the dedicated support of the Hwacheon County community members.

Throughout the festival, disaster rescue divers conducted underwater inspections every morning beneath an ice surface spanning the area of 30 soccer fields. The land rescue team also kept a close watch on the ice throughout the festival's operating hours to prepare for any potential accidents. Hwacheon Police Station and Hwacheon Fire Station served as a reliable support system for visitors by operating patrols, fire prevention, and emergency response systems in a coordinated manner.

Disaster rescue divers drill designated points on an ice surface equivalent to 30 soccer fields every day to continue underwater inspections. Provided by Hwacheon County

Disaster rescue divers drill designated points on an ice surface the size of 30 soccer fields every day to conduct underwater inspections. Provided by Hwacheon County

The driving force behind the festival's operations came from volunteers. As of the 30th, a total of 2,402 volunteers had participated, including members of social organizations, soldiers from the 7th and 15th Army Divisions, and university students who returned home for the holidays. These volunteers were stationed throughout the festival grounds, assisting with restaurant services, transportation, interpretation, and program booths to ensure smooth operations.

In particular, Hwacheon County's efficient traffic management received praise from both local residents and tourists. The designation of one-way routes to accommodate large buses and the deployment of 120 staff members per day played a key role in maintaining a smooth flow of more than one million visitors with minimal congestion.

Choi Moonsun, Governor of Hwacheon County, emphasized, "The reason this festival, which attracts more than one million visitors every year, has earned such trust is thanks to those who fulfilled their roles behind the scenes," adding, "Their efforts meshed together like gears to create today's success."

Breaking the ice from dawn at Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival site. Provided by Hwacheon County

Tourists are lining up in front of the ticket booth at the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival site from early morning. Provided by Hwacheon County

After a long 23-day journey, the 2026 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival will come to a grand close on February 1. Until the very last day, Hwacheon County plans to devote its full efforts to ice safety inspections and festival operations, aiming to provide visitors with perfect winter memories.

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