Celebrating the Year of the Dragon, known as the “gapjin” year in the 60-year sexagenary cycle, the upcoming Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival presents a stunning, dragon-themed snow sculpture. As a popular motif in Korean art and myth, dragons symbolize power and are considered to be sacred gods that prevent misfortune and disaster. Snow sculptures aside, the Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival features exciting works of art from snow carving contests for university students, an igloo cafe, snow photo zones and ice sledding to entertain winter lovers of all ages. The 10-day Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival takes place at Taebaeksan National Park and areas around Hwangji Pond in Taebaek, Gangwon Province, from Jan. 26 to Feb. 4. (City of Taebaek)