What must be the world’s biggest ice-fishing festival, and is certainly Korea’s biggest will kick off later this month for a 12-day run at Inje lake, 165 km south of Seoul.
With 2,300 holes drilled into the ice on a lake that’s 100 metres by 70 metres, there should be plenty of opportunities to catch the small pond smelt, called ‘bingeo’ in Korean. This year marks the 20th year for the festival. The festival organizers sponsor a variety of events, including lessons for beginners.
A separate area, with 200 holes, is set aside for families, and carries a fee—but it also provides access to tents set up by the local government to allow families to fish together.
Away from the pond, organizers promise attractions ranging from a snow playground for kids to rest and relaxation for the middle-aged and traditional taverns for older visitors.
