Enjoy Snow at Winter Tourist Spots
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
The sky seems to have opened wide to let the snow fall this winter, but there is no need to fret if you know how to enjoy the chilly weather.
Winter sports and leisure have been Korea's strong points and this year seems to be no exception. So, why not hit the snow-covered landscapes?
Snow Festivals
Visit Taebaek in Gangwon Province and get serious with the snow. The area is famous for its heavy snowfalls and chilly weather, but with a pair of warm boots and a coat, visitors can make the best of their visit.
The city is holding its annual festival, ``Taebaeksan Snow Festival,'' this month and tourists can spend time with friends and family with snowy mountains as a backdrop.
The festival is preparing a massive snowball fight, hoping to make it into the Guinness World Records. According to festival organizers, the goal is to get 5,000 people to participate. The record stands at 3,745 people made in the United States in 2006. There will also be a special exhibition featuring ice and chocolate sculptures.
Visitors can take the train or bus to Taebaek. The festival runs through Jan. 31. For more information, visit https://festival.taebaek.go.kr.
Daegwallyeong, famous for its mountain passes, is also holding a snow festival. The 18-year-old Daegwallyeong Snow Festival will feature not only various activities involving snow, but will offer regional food, dance and games for visitors. Make your own snowman in the snow sculpture contest or race on a snowmobile or bobsleighs. There will also be booths where tourists can make their own kite, bows and arrows and even tofu, the Korean traditional way. Visit the sheep farm to take photos and feed them. The sheep farm is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Daegwallyeong festival runs until Jan 24 at Heonggye-ri, Daegwallyeong. Take a bus at Seoul Express Bus Terminal or East Seoul Terminal to Heonggye. The ride takes two to three hours. For more information, visit www.snowfestival.net.
`Bingeo' Fishing
Thanks to the new Seoul-Chuncheon Expressway, it takes only 30 to 40 minutes to get to Chuncheon, Gangwon Province. Not only is the city famous for tasty ``dakgalbi,'' or spicy chicken barbeque, but the Chuncheon River is also reputed for ``bingeo,'' or smelt, fishing. Bingeo literally means ``ice fish.''
For those who are not thrilled with sitting around and fishing, there is also a place where people can go sleigh riding. A mini burner and basic utensils are essential for snacking on ramyeon while waiting for the smelt to bite.
To get to Chuncheon Lake, take a bus or train to Chuncheon Station, then take a taxi or bus No. 32 and get off at Chuncheon Dam Station. The taxi ride takes about 20 minutes. The festival continues through Jan. 20. For more information, call (033) 253-3700.
Inje, Gangwon Province, is presenting their annual Icefish Festival from Jan. 30 through Feb. 2.
Not only can you catch fish, you can also explore various events and booths near the icy lake. Play snow bowling or curling near the fishing booths, or enjoy traditional games and performances.
Bingeo are small and clean enough to be eaten right after they are caught. Koreans usually eat them with ``gochujang'' or red pepper paste, while some fry them.
Visitors must take the bus to the Inje festival, as the city does not have a train station. From Seoul, take a bus at East Seoul Terminal to Shinnam and take a bus that goes to Inje. Make sure you tell the bus driver that you are going to the festival. For more information, visit www.injefestival.co.kr or call (033) 460-2170.
Snowflake Trains
The Chujeon Station in Taebaek city is a flag stop that trains normally pass by, but in winter, the station is open for tourists who are looking for a romantic time in the snow. It is the highest situated terminus in the country ― 855 meters above sea level ― and offers a spectacular view of the snow and mountains in the area.
Trains started traveling to the snow-covered region from 1998, and thanks to the heavy snow that fell annually, its popularity soared among city dwellers and snow lovers. But with the amount of snow decreasing drastically over the following couple of years, the number of visitors started shrinking. In 2008 and early 2009, there were only 30,000 people.
Thanks to the 20 centimeters of snow in the past few weeks, however, people have started to take the train once again.
Snowflake trains travel around famous mountains and national parks, including Mt. Taebaek, Mt. Seorak, Mt. Odae and Mt. Deogyu.
Various travel agencies offer special package trips, which not only include the ride, but also hiking and sleigh rides. The cost differs depending on the agency and travel route, but most range from 35,000 won to 90,000 won per person.
For more information, visit train trip Web site www.cheldo.com (Korean) or www.visitkorea.or.kr.
Jeongdongjin and Nami Island
For a more diverse experience in the snow, take a tour around famous tourist spots.
Jeongdongjin Station, located on the seashore of the East Sea, is a favorite for its beautiful view and breathtaking sunrise.
Nami Island is also a fun place to go during winter. Being the backdrop of the famous drama ``Winter Sonata'' (KBS, 2002) the snow transforms the island full of trees into a winter wonderland. A tour bus runs every day at 9:30 a.m. from Insa-dong to take you directly to Nami Island ― other routes include taking a regular bus or train. For more information, visit www.namisum.com or call (02) 753-1245.
Due to slippery roads and frozen water, buses and ferries that take tourists to the island may be delayed, so it would be best to check with travel agencies before including the routes on your itinerary.
Snow in Seoul
There are various places in Seoul where you can also enjoy the winter season.
Seoul's Mt. Namsan is a popular site for everyone, as it offers a view of the city and also the snow-covered trees. Riding the cable car up to Mt. Namsan will be a treat, as it will present a great view of the snow-covered rooftops, trees and even the Han River. The cable car runs every day from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Snow will not stop the cable car from running, unless the wind is very strong. For more information, visit www.cablecar.co.kr.
The Korea House and the Namsan Hanok Village located nearby are also interesting places to visit, as the ``hanok,'' or Korean traditional houses, bring a more serene atmosphere.
The Sky Park in Sangam-dong, near the World Cup Stadium, presents a more energetic vibe as visitors can walk up the hill and look down at the park where pampas grass and reeds grow during the fall.