The 2026 Hwacheon Tomato Festival, a highlight of the summer in Hwacheon County, is set to begin on July 31. This marks the first festival under the Minseon 9th administration, expanding the duration from three days to a record ten days and relocating the venue to Sain Sports Park, aiming to enhance stay-type tourism and revitalize the local economy.
According to Hwacheon County, the 22nd annual festival will kick off at 6 p.m. with a pre-show, followed by a harmony dinner at 6:20 p.m. and an opening ceremony at 7:30 p.m. The festival will continue until the closing ceremony on August 9 at 4 p.m.
This year’s festival features significant changes in both duration and location. The event has been extended from three days to ten, and the venue has moved from the cultural village in Sachang-ri to Sain Sports Park.
The expanded venue is designed to alleviate parking issues and improve visitor flow, providing a more comfortable environment for attendees.
Experience programs have also diversified. The main event, “Find the Golden Ring,” will feature 44 tons of discarded tomatoes, with 36 gold rings offered as prizes.
Performances by military bands, local artists, and invited singers will take place. Programs such as “Soldiers’ Night” in collaboration with local military units and a nationwide tomato singing contest will engage tourists, residents, and soldiers alike.
A nearby valley has been developed for family-friendly water activities, featuring a fountain and an artificial waterfall to enhance the summer festival atmosphere.
On the morning of July 31, final facility checks were underway at Sain Sports Park ahead of the opening. Staff were busy inspecting stages and sound systems, ensuring visitor pathways and safety measures were in place.
Hwacheon County plans to invigorate the local economy through a festival that brings together tourists, residents, businesses, and military personnel.
On July 30, just a day before the opening, Hwacheon County Council Chair Jo Woong-hee and council members visited the festival site to assess preparations. They received updates on the festival’s status and operational plans from officials and inspected key facilities for safety and overall management.
This festival is seen as a crucial test of the Minseon 9th administration’s stay-type tourism policy. The success will depend on how long visitors stay and their spending on accommodations, food, and local products.
With the local economy facing challenges due to military downsizing and closures, there is hope that this festival will serve as a turning point for the Sachang-ri commercial area. The extended festival duration is expected to increase visitor stay and spending, potentially revitalizing the struggling local economy.
Community interest is high regarding the changes this first large-scale festival under the Minseon 9th administration will bring to the Sachang-ri commercial area and Hwacheon tourism.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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