The Tingling Thrill of a Frozen Winter River: Trip to the Yeongyang Ggoggom Winter Festival
Introduction
It’s the season when children’s laughter and little white puffs of breath settle softly over the cold, frozen river. Winter in Yeongyang, Gyeongsangbuk-do gathers people together amid sparkling ice and snow, offering moments that warm the heart even in the crisp, chilly air.
The Tingling Thrill of a Frozen Winter River: Trip to the Yeongyang Ggoggom Winter Festival
Table of Contents
- Guide
- Program Information
- Visit (Planned) Impressions
- Accommodation Recommendations
- Restaurants & Cafés
- Nearby Attractions
- Getting There
- Closing
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Festival Name : Yeongyang Ggoggom Winter Festival
- Period : January 9 (Fri) – January 25 (Sun), 2026 / 17 days
- Hours : Daily 10:00 – 17:00
- Venue : Ice Rink Area, 674-1 Hyeon-ri, Yeongyang-eup, Yeongyang-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
- Main Areas : Natural ice rink along the Banbyeoncheon Stream (skating rink, ice sledding hill, ice train, snow sledding hill, rotating snow sledding hill, ice fishing site, etc.)
- Admission : Paid (1-day unlimited pass, ice rink admission, ice fishing site, etc., fees vary by program)
- Hosted by : Yeongyang-gun
- Organized by : Yeongyang-gun Sports Association
- Inquiries : +82-54-680-6450~6453 (Yeongyang-gun)
- Address Search : Enter “Yeongyang-gun Ice Rink” or “670 Hyeon-ri, Yeongyang-eup, Yeongyang-gun, Gyeongbuk” in your navigation system
- 10:00 After entering the festival grounds, it’s a good idea to warm up first with skating and ice sledding at the natural ice rink.
- 11:30 Enjoy the snow sledding hill, rotating snow sleds, and other snow play facilities all at once, and let the kids run wild in the snow.
- 13:00 Stroll around the permanent restaurant and food trucks for a cozy lunch of fried smelt, gukbap, ramyeon, bungeoppang, fish cake, and more.
- 14:00 Head to the ice fishing site (smelt fishing) to claim a spot on the frozen river, cast your line, and savor a leisurely winter fishing experience.
- 15:30 Visit the photo zones, children’s snow hill, and ice soccer area to take family photos and enjoy some light activities.
- 16:30 Around sunset, hop on the ice train for a loop around the festival grounds and soak in the sparkling snowy scenery and the festival’s final atmosphere.
Checking ticket, fishing site, and food prices on the festival website in advance will help with budgeting.
The 3rd Yeongyang Ggoggom Winter Festival is a leading local winter festival held along the Banbyeoncheon Stream in Hyeon-ri, Yeongyang-eup, Yeongyang-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do. From January 9 to 25, 2026, over 17 days, visitors can enjoy a wide range of winter activities all in one place, centered around the natural ice rink: skating rink, ice sledding hill, ice train, snow sledding hill, rotating snow sledding hill, and an ice fishing site (smelt fishing), among others.
Permanent restaurants and food trucks around the festival grounds serve winter warmers such as fried smelt, pork cutlet, gukbap, ramyeon, bungeoppang, fish cake, takoyaki, hot dogs, and skewers. It’s an ideal destination for families to savor the unique charm of a winter river, and to make warm memories amid the landscapes shaped by snow and ice.
Program Information
On the natural ice rink formed on the Banbyeoncheon Stream, you can enjoy skating and ice sledding, and the ice train that runs over the frozen surface also operates here. Glide across the white-frozen river and feel the brisk speed that only winter can offer.
The snow sledding hill and rotating snow sleds can be enjoyed by both children and adults. As you race down the snowy slopes, the air fills with cheers, making this a particularly popular program for family visitors.
An ice fishing site is operated where you drill a hole in the ice, sit down, and try your hand at catching smelt. In the cold air, the subtle tug on your rod and the colorful little fish you pull up after a patient wait add to the quiet charm of winter.
Photo zones featuring snow and ice sculptures and cozy winter-inspired scenes are set up throughout the site, perfect for capturing memorable pictures. The children’s snow hill offers a cute, safe space where kids can enjoy playing in the snow.
Outdoor activities that are only possible in winter, such as ice soccer, are also available. Chasing the ball on slippery ice will have you forgetting the cold in no time, and naturally brings people together in shared laughter.
The permanent restaurant serves fried smelt, pork cutlet, gukbap, ramyeon, and more, while the food trucks sell winter snacks such as bungeoppang, fish cake, takoyaki, hot dogs, and various skewers. It’s the perfect place to thaw your frozen hands with a sip of hot broth and take a short break.
The festival operates from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., so if you want to enjoy multiple programs at a relaxed pace, it’s best to arrive early. As closing time approaches, waiting times for popular programs may get longer.
If you purchase an ice fishing site ticket, you can use other facilities such as the ice rink and snow sledding hill for free, which helps save on costs. If you plan to try several activities in one day, consider including the ice fishing site in your plans.
Admission is free for infants under 36 months. If you are visiting with a young child, bring a document that can verify their age to make entry smoother.
The festival website publishes prices for admission tickets, the fishing site, and food, so checking in advance and planning your budget can help avoid unexpected expenses.
Admission is free for infants under 36 months, which is good to know for family visitors.
Since the operating hours are relatively short, it’s best to start with the most popular programs.
Visit (Planned) Impressions
Today is December 25, 2025. Since the festival dates—January 9 to January 25, 2026—are still ahead, I’m waiting for the Yeongyang Ggoggom Winter Festival with a flutter of excitement. According to the information I’ve recently checked, the Yeongyang Ggoggom Winter Festival is a winter play festival centered on snow and ice, held in the Hyeon-ri area of Yeongyang-eup, Yeongyang-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do. There will be various winter experiences such as ice fishing, a natural ice rink, ice sledding, rotating snow sleds, a snow sledding hill, and an ice train. Food trucks and permanent restaurants around the venue are said to serve dishes like fried smelt, gukbap, and hot dogs to warm you up from the cold.
The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and I’ve heard that if you buy an ice fishing site ticket, you can use several other play facilities for free. If you’re driving, you can simply search for “Yeongyang-gun Ice Rink” or the festival venue address, “670 Hyeon-ri, Yeongyang-eup, Yeongyang-gun, Gyeongbuk,” in your navigation system, and I’ve already confirmed that there will be a first and second parking lot plus temporary parking available. Just imagining the sensation of the ice crunching under my feet, the sound of children’s laughter, and the crackling of ice here and there in the clear winter air makes my heart race.
When I picture the gentle aroma of hot gukbap wafting through the cold wind that wraps around the festival grounds, and the hint of spicy chili that seems like it might graze my lips, it feels as if the mood of winter reaches all five senses. When the frozen snow sparkles under the sunlight, I imagine the lingering feeling of winter will stay with me for a long time, so I’ll definitely bring my camera and a warm drink. With thick clothes, gloves, and a scarf to brace against the cold and icy paths, I want to create a day that will remain in my memory for a long time, even if it means putting up with a bit of discomfort.
Accommodation Recommendations
The festival site is not far from the center of Yeongyang-eup, and there are various lodging options within about a 10–20 minute drive. You might enjoy spending a night in a quiet rural village and leisurely visiting the festival the next day.
Seonbawi Natural Ecology Village, 27-3 Yeondang-ri, Ipham-myeon, Yeongyang-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
A pension-style accommodation located within Seonbawi Natural Ecology Village, ideal for a quiet stay surrounded by nature.
As a nature-oriented lodge with easy vehicle access, consider combining it with nearby attractions before or after check-in.
Distance: Approx. 5.3 km
42 Dudelmaeul 1-gil, Seokbo-myeon, Yeongyang-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
An educational and experiential facility where you can stay while enjoying traditional cultural programs, perfect for soaking up the tranquil atmosphere of Dudel Village.
We recommend calling in advance to check whether experience programs are running and whether overnight stays are available.
Distance: Approx. 9.7 km
Rooms can book up quickly on peak-season weekends, so we recommend reserving as soon as your festival dates are set.
Restaurants & Cafés
Near the festival site in Yeongyang-eup, there are many restaurants serving hot soups and meat dishes, making it easy to grab a meal between activities. Most are within a 5–10 minute drive from the festival grounds, so they fit naturally into your route.
110 Dongseo-daero, Yeongyang-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Taegyeong
A restaurant near Yeongyang-eup that’s great for a hearty winter meal.
There may be a wait during lunch and dinner peak hours, so it’s best to allow some flexibility between festival activities and mealtimes.
Distance: Approx. 1.2 km
54 Nagwon-ro, Yeongyang-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Jinyeong Bossam
A place to enjoy warm dishes such as bossam and kalguksu, perfect for warming up after the festival.
On weekends it can be crowded with families, so visiting a bit earlier than standard meal times will make for a more relaxed experience.
Distance: Approx. 1.5 km
9-5 Solgwangjang-gil, Yeongyang-eup, Yeongyang-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
A Korean restaurant near the center of Yeongyang-eup, offering generous meals well suited for families.
Parking and seating availability can vary by day, so in peak season it’s better to visit during off-peak hours.
Distance: Approx. 1.6 km
Jangwon Garden, 9-6 Solgwangjang-gil, Yeongyang-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
A Korean garden-style restaurant near Solgwangjang, suitable for group and family meals.
It’s conveniently located for a visit before or after the festival, so checking the location in advance will help with planning your route.
Distance: Approx. 1.6 km
Saebom Sikdang, 2239-4 Yeongyang-ro, Yeongyang-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
A restaurant along Yeongyang-ro where you can enjoy a comforting, home-style country meal.
With convenient vehicle access, it’s a good option to include as a meal stop on your way to or from the festival.
Distance: Approx. 4.2 km
17 Yaksutang-gil, Ipham-myeon, Yeongyang-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Located near Ipham Yaksutang, this mineral spring restaurant is great for combining a walk with a meal.
If you’re planning to visit the nearby mineral spring along with the festival, it fits well into your route.
Distance: Approx. 5.3 km
Ipam Yaksu Sikdang, 13 Yaksutang-gil, Yeongyang-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
A restaurant on Yaksutang-gil in Ipham, convenient for a light meal alongside a visit to the mineral spring.
Since you may be walking around the mineral spring area, comfortable shoes will make winter strolls easier.
Distance: Approx. 5.4 km
4 Seoseokji 2-gil, Ipham-myeon, Yeongyang-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
A restaurant near Seoseokji where you can dine in a quiet setting harmonized with a garden.
It’s a nice place to stop by after touring Seoseokji, and the scenery is especially charming on snowy days.
Distance: Approx. 6.3 km
It can get crowded around lunchtime on weekends, so aim for before 11:30 a.m. or later in the afternoon.
Nearby Attractions
Yeongyang is a quiet region where mountains, rivers, and traditional villages come together, so visiting nearby attractions along with the festival will leave a longer-lasting impression of your winter trip. Natural recreation forests and traditional villages within a 10–20 minute drive are easy to combine into a one-night, two-day itinerary.
2394-70 Jaeil-ro, Ilwol-myeon, Yeongyang-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
A natural recreation forest nestled in mountain woods, where you can feel both the stillness and the refreshing air of winter mountains.
On days with heavy snowfall, some roads may be slippery, so please check road conditions before visiting.
Distance: Approx. 5.6 km
883-16 Yeongyang-ro, Ipham-myeon, Yeongyang-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
A scenic spot where the riverbank blends with striking rock formations, ideal for a quiet winter riverside walk.
Some sections may be frozen, so be careful not to slip and we recommend wearing warm, grippy footwear.
Distance: Approx. 5.8 km
22-16 Hyanggok-gil, Ilwol-myeon, Yeongyang-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
A former Confucian educational institution, whose atmosphere becomes even more serene on winter days when the snow lies deep.
It’s a quiet spot, perfect for a short visit to stroll and take photos.
Distance: Approx. 6.0 km
55 Jusil-gil, Ilwol-myeon, Yeongyang-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
A village where traditional houses and stone walls harmonize, perfect for feeling the charm of an old-time village in snowy scenery.
Alleyways may be icy, so take your time and watch your step as you walk.
Distance: Approx. 7.6 km
614 Gacheon-ro, Subi-myeon, Yeongyang-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
A rural village where river, mountains, and forest come together, ideal for quietly enjoying winter scenery on a stroll.
As it’s a rural village, traveling by car is essential. Please check the weather and road conditions before planning your visit.
Distance: Approx. 8.5 km
Mountain roads in winter are vulnerable to snow and ice, so be sure to check the weather and road conditions before you go.
Getting There
Public Transportation — No official information has been provided, but you may consider taking a taxi or local bus from Yeongyang-eup Intercity Bus Terminal to the festival site (Yeongyang-gun ice rink area). Please check exact routes and timetables in advance with Yeongyang County Office or the terminal information desk.
By Car — Enter “Yeongyang-gun Ice Rink” or the festival venue address “670 Hyeon-ri, Yeongyang-eup, Yeongyang-gun, Gyeongbuk” in your navigation system. A first and second parking lot and temporary parking are available, so on peak-season weekends it’s best to arrive a little early to secure a parking spot.
To prepare for snowy or icy roads, check your winter tires or snow chains in advance.
Closing
The Yeongyang Ggoggom Winter Festival is a winter experience festival where you can enjoy skating, sleds, an ice train, and ice fishing all at once on the natural ice rink over the Banbyeoncheon Stream. Imagining the scenes of laughter and warmth shared in the cold air across the 17 full days of the festival, it feels as though a gentle thrill spreads over the frozen river.
The moment you race through the snow and ice and then sip steaming hot broth from a food truck, this winter’s memories will quietly settle in your heart. Whether you come with family, a partner, or friends, may your trip be one where each of you fills Yeongyang’s calm winter scenery with your own stories.
Photo Snapshots
Videos
