Thousands Of Locals And Tourists Gather For 23-Day Ice-Fishing Festival In Hwacheon

South Korea's Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival kicked off its 23-day run Saturday in the provincial town of Gangwon-do. Yonhap News Agency reported Friday that about 70 programs await locals and tourists who will participate in the famous festival.

Among these programs are bare-hand fishing, lure fishing and trout ice fishing. Also, a separate fishing zone will be allocated for foreigners and for children. Organizers said night fishing will be extended until 9 p.m.

"It is important that more than a million people visit the festival every year, but this time, we have prepared diverse night events to attract more than 200,000 visitors, who will stay during the festival," said Mayor Choi Moon Su, Hwacheon County.

Thousands attended the festival despite the record-high temperatures this winter in South Korea. According to reports, the thickness of ice in the lake Hwacheon measured around 24 centimeters.

"I came here with my daughter, and I feel great," Kim Do Il said, as noted by UA Today Saturday. "Even though the weather was quite cold, I could stand it. I am on cloud nine. The temperature of water was warmer (than I thought). I recommend people to take part in this bare-hands fishing."

A 40-year-old visitor from Turkey said he finds the festival a fun activity.

"We are so happy to be here. It is the second time we are coming to Hwacheon," Metin Guvenir said. "And it's is very fun activity and we are very happy to be here. I think we will come here next year too because my children, my family, all the members of family, are really happy."

Reports have revealed that around 600,000 local fish can be caught in the lake, which can be grilled immediately. The famous festival attracts over millions of visitors annually since it started in 2003.

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival will conclude on January 31.