Pyeongchang Trout Festival: Tent Ice Fishing Experience

Pyeongchang’s Trout Festival turns a frozen fishing spot into a full winter outing: you sit beside a hole in the ice, try your luck at catching trout, then head for snow and ice rides if the fish are not biting. I like the unusual chance to try tent ice fishing and the fact that the festival has activities beyond fishing, so a slow catch does not have to end the fun.

I also like that guides such as Asa, Jesse and Connor have helped explain fishing and organize the day, with some offering local food tips along the way. The main drawback is the long ride from Seoul: traffic can eat into your time at the festival, and the cold is part of the deal.

At a glance

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• A fishing trip with a backup plan: Try for trout, then switch to sledding, ice karts, snow rafting or other rides.
• The fishing gear depends on your package: The full festival tour includes a tent, chair, fishing rod and rides. A shuttle-only option is also available.
• A catch is never assured: Some people catch fish; others spend their time waiting, get help from a local or leave empty-handed.
• Budget time for the fish meal: Handing over a catch, having it prepared and finding a place to eat can take around an hour.
• Seoul traffic can make this a long day: The round trip has taken about five to six hours, and some trips have returned around 8 pm.
• The cold needs a plan: Dress in thick layers and bring clothing that will keep you comfortable while sitting still outdoors.

👉 See our pick of the 3 Best Tours In Gangwon

The road from Seoul to Pyeongchang

The tour begins with a bus journey from Seoul to Gangwon Province. The drive is part of the bargain, but it is not a small detail: the round trip has taken roughly five to six hours, and weekend traffic can add delays. One trip took as long as three hours on the return leg in heavy traffic.

That distance shapes the day. A late arrival means less time to fish and try the rides, so an early departure matters. The exact schedule can vary, and I would check the meeting instructions closely before setting out. Tour guides have helped people locate the bus, explained the day’s plan and offered advice during the ride. Asa, Jesse, Connor, Alvin and Joe Park are among the guides named by people who have joined the tour.

The ride can also be useful preparation. Some guides have shared information about Korean culture and the destination, while others have talked through the schedule and practical points such as traffic and fishing expectations. The quality and amount of commentary may vary by guide, so treat it as a helpful extra rather than the main reason to book.

If you are choosing this tour for a quick escape from Seoul, remember that most of the day is not spent at the festival. You are trading travel time for a winter activity that would be difficult to arrange as easily on your own.

Setting up at the ice fishing tents

At Pyeongchang, the central activity is fishing through holes in the ice. The full tour option lists a tent, chair and rod, which gives you a place to sit and the basic equipment to try. Guides may explain precautions and help you get started, but you should not expect close coaching at every hole. One comparison with another festival noted less staff help with fishing and clearing holes here.

The tent is a welcome feature when you are sitting still, but it does not make the day warm. Cold weather is a recurring challenge, and one person described a day around 18 degrees Fahrenheit with few good places to warm up. Wear warm layers, including gloves and a hat, and think beyond how you dress for walking around Seoul. You can generate warmth while moving between activities, but fishing means spending time mostly in one spot.

The catch itself is uncertain. Some people manage to land a trout, and others fish for a while without success. A few have found that a local fisher was willing to share a fish, but do not count on that happening. The useful mindset is to treat catching one as a bonus, not as the only measure of whether the trip was worthwhile.

The supplied rod may feel basic. One person found the equipment flimsy, and another compared it unfavorably with gear at Hwacheon. If your main goal is serious ice fishing, that comparison is worth considering: Pyeongchang appears to offer more variety in its other activities, while the fishing setup may not satisfy someone focused on technique or equipment.

When the fish will not bite

This is where the festival’s range of activities earns its keep. Ice karts, sledding and snow rafting are among the rides named by people who joined the tour. Other accounts mention snow slides and ATV-style rides. The exact activities available can depend on what is operating at the festival, so do not assume every ride will be running on your visit.

You may find the rides more rewarding than the fishing itself. They give families and groups something to do together, and they are a welcome change after sitting by a hole in the ice. One person spent only about 30 minutes trying to fish before moving on to snow rides, and found them much more fun. That is a sensible approach if the line stays quiet or your fingers start complaining.

The full tour option includes rides, but check the exact package before booking. The shuttle-only option is different: it provides round-trip transport between Seoul and the festival, and should not be mistaken for the package that lists a tent, chair, fishing rod and rides. Matching the package to your plans is one of the most important decisions you will make.

If you are visiting with children or with adults who do not care much about fishing, the mix of activities makes this tour easier to recommend. If you are going mainly to catch trout, the uncertain fishing and limited time at the festival make it a riskier choice.

Eating trout, snacks and lunch

Food is part of the festival day, but it is not safe to assume lunch is included. The shuttle-only option is transport, and people have described buying snacks, choosing local restaurants or arranging a meal with help from a guide. Some have enjoyed chicken or local dishes; others have opted for trout.

If you catch a fish, you may be able to hand it over for preparation and then eat it grilled. One estimate put the grilling time at about 15 minutes, but the whole process can take around an hour once you include queuing, finding a table, eating and other stops. That is valuable time on a day that already includes a long bus ride, so decide how important a fish meal is before you start fishing.

Some people have arranged to eat trout even when they did not catch one, with help from a guide or another fisher. This is not something to count on as part of the package. If eating trout is a priority, ask on arrival what is available, what it costs and how the process works. Food areas and small snacks can help fill the gap, but bring enough flexibility for a meal that may take longer than expected.

The meal can be one of the more memorable parts of the outing, especially when you have caught the fish yourself. But the day works best when you see the meal as an optional extra, not a guaranteed reward for sitting patiently.

Getting the value from a day trip

Prices start at $42.20, but the value depends on which package you select and what you want from the day. The full tour combines transport from Seoul with tent fishing equipment and rides. For a first-time visitor without winter fishing gear, that can be a practical way to try several activities in one outing. The shuttle-only option may suit someone who wants transport but prefers to arrange their festival activities separately.

Do not compare the starting price with the cost of a short city attraction. This is a full-day excursion, with a long drive and outdoor activities. You are paying for the chance to try a seasonal experience and for a convenient ride to Pyeongchang, not for guaranteed fish or a leisurely amount of time at each attraction.

The biggest value question is time. Some people have wished for an earlier departure, since a late arrival reduces the hours available for fishing and rides. If you are traveling on a weekend, traffic may also stretch the return. On at least one trip, the group did not get back to Seoul until around 8 pm. Keep your evening plans light.

Guides can make a real difference to how smooth the day feels. Asa has helped with directions, local recommendations and organizing meals; Jesse has been praised for explaining the itinerary and fishing expectations; Connor has helped families and answered questions. Those examples are encouraging, but the guide and the group experience can vary. Give yourself a little independence too: listen to the meeting instructions, keep track of the return time and ask early if you need help arranging food.

Who should book this Pyeongchang tour

I would choose this outing if you want to try a distinctly wintry activity and are happy to treat fishing as one part of a broader festival visit. It suits families, first-time ice fishers and groups with mixed interests, especially if the rides sound as appealing as the trout. You do not need to catch a fish to have a good day, but you do need patience and warm clothes.

I would think twice if you dislike long bus rides, struggle with cold weather or want a focused fishing lesson with strong staff support. You may also prefer another plan if your schedule in Seoul is tight. For a fishing-first trip, the comparison with Hwacheon is worth looking into; for a wider choice of ice activities, Pyeongchang may be the better fit.

The activity offers instant confirmation and free cancellation when you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity date, local time. The operator may cancel for extreme weather or unforeseen events, or reschedule if fewer than eight people sign up. Check your email before departure for updates, and arrive on time: late arrivals and no-shows are not eligible for refunds.

Should you book?

Book Pyeongchang if you want a winter day with more than one way to have fun: try the fishing, give the rides a turn and leave room for a warm meal. Just set realistic expectations. The fish may not cooperate, the bus ride is long, and the cold can be fierce. Choose the full package if you want the listed fishing gear and rides; choose shuttle-only only if transport is what you need. For a first ice fishing experience with a lively festival atmosphere around it, the trade-off can be worthwhile.

FAQ

How much does the Pyeongchang Trout Festival tour cost?

Prices start at $42.20. The final price depends on the package you choose.

What is included in the full festival tour option?

The Pyeongchang Trout Festival Tour package lists a tent, chair, fishing rod and rides.

Is there a shuttle-only option?

Yes. A shuttle-only package provides round-trip transport between Seoul and the festival.

Is catching a trout guaranteed?

No. Some people catch fish, but fishing can be difficult and a catch is not guaranteed.

What rides can I try at the festival?

Activities named include ice karts, sledding and snow rafting. Other rides may be available, but the specific selection can vary.

How long does the journey from Seoul take?

The round trip has taken about five to six hours, with traffic sometimes making the ride longer.

Is lunch included?

The tour information does not confirm that lunch is included. You may need to buy food at the festival or arrange a meal separately.

Can I eat a fish I catch?

People have had fish prepared and grilled at the festival. Allow time for handing it over, preparation and eating. One estimate put the full process at around an hour.

What happens if the tour does not have enough participants?

If fewer than eight participants sign up, the activity may be rescheduled. You may receive a rescheduled time or request a refund through the platform.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity date, using the destination’s local time. Free cancellation does not apply to late arrivals or no-shows.