The waters off Hwaseong in Gyeonggi Province are set to transform into one of the spring season’s largest maritime festival stages. The 16th Hwaseong Boating Festival will take place from May 22 to 25 around Jeongok Port, expanding both its schedule and scale as organizers push the event toward a larger “stay-type” tourism festival experience.
More than 70 vessels across 12 different categories, including yachts, boats, cruise ships and traditional Korean wooden ships, will participate in this year’s event. Among the highlights is a recreated Joseon Tongsinsa diplomatic vessel, which will operate as a floating exhibition space introducing visitors to Korea’s maritime history.
The festival’s marine experience programs also broaden this year. Visitors will be able to sail through nearby coastal waters, watch flyboard performances, join nighttime cruise programs and participate in fishing activities. A pet-friendly yacht experience allowing passengers to board alongside their dogs will also be introduced.
Nighttime programming will continue throughout all four days of the festival. EDM performances, fusion gugak concerts, trot stages and a 40-member orchestra performance will fill the evenings, while fireworks displays light up the skies above Jeongok Port each night. Some yacht programs are specifically designed to allow visitors to watch the fireworks directly from the water.
On land, visitors can experience traditional Korean fishing methods such as “doksal” fishing and mudflat activities. Family-oriented programs including children’s interactive content, street performances and parades will also operate throughout the festival grounds.
Recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as one of Korea’s official Cultural Tourism Festivals, the Hwaseong Boating Festival has established itself as a representative marine tourism event along the country’s west coast. Organizers say the long-term goal is to further expand the festival into a global maritime cultural event by combining traditional seafaring heritage with modern leisure content.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
Copyright ⓒ 뉴스컬처 무단 전재 및 재배포 금지
