“Things have really changed this year.”
The 2026 Hwacheon Tomato Festival kicked off on July 31 with a vibrant pre-festival event, showcasing a new look compared to previous years. The concert venue was filled to capacity even before the official opening, and food stalls and activity areas were bustling with early visitors. The festival has been extended from three days to ten, and the layout has been redesigned, changes that were evident throughout the venue.
At 5 p.m. on July 31, the area around the Hwacheon County Sain Sports Park was already busy, with cars streaming in and the parking lot quickly filling up. Buses carrying fans of celebrity performers arrived, and families with children holding balloons made their way to the entrance.
Inside the venue, the atmosphere was electric. The local produce market was crowded with customers even before the opening, and finding a seat under the umbrellas was a challenge. Laughter from children echoed around the mini water play area, while the sheep experience at Daeseong Ranch attracted many young visitors and families. The misting stations and expanded shaded areas were also popular among attendees.
By 6:50 p.m., the seating in front of the main stage was nearly full. The host engaged the audience, building excitement as traditional performances and the 'Dokdo Arirang' tune played, heightening the festival's energy.
Final checks were underway throughout the venue. Officials, including Yang Jun-seop, head of the tourism policy department, and Lee Tae-hoon, head of the education and welfare department, were busy ensuring facilities and safety measures were in place for the opening.
As the opening approached, the concert hall was packed with attendees. VIP seats were filled, and soldiers, residents, and tourists waved glow sticks and fanned themselves in anticipation of the festival's start.
During the opening ceremony, Jo Woong-hee, chair of the Hwacheon County Council, stated, “Today’s stars are the tourists, the soldiers of the Victory Unit, and the residents of Hwacheon.” He encouraged everyone to promote the festival and support Hwacheon’s clean agricultural products.
Im Oe-taek, commander of the Army's 15th Infantry Division, expressed nostalgia for attending the tomato festival after 20 years, promising continued support for the festival's success.
Hwacheon County Mayor Kim Se-hoon highlighted the festival's changes aimed at boosting the local economy. He noted, “We moved the festival from the previous road to this location and extended the duration from three days to ten. This change will help local businesses and tomato farmers increase their income.”
He added, “If this year’s festival is successful, we will make it even bigger and longer next year to support both farmers and the local economy. Enjoy the festival for ten days and please spend locally.”
The event was attended by key figures including National Assembly member Han Gi-ho, Mayor Kim Se-hoon, Moon Young-joo, chair of the Hwacheon Tomato Festival Promotion Committee, Park Dae-hyun, chair of the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Provincial Council, and Jo Woong-hee, chair of the Hwacheon County Council, who all celebrated the festival's opening.
As singer Kim Da-hyun was appointed as the Hwacheon County ambassador, the venue erupted in cheers and applause. The opening declaration was followed by a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the night sky, with attendees capturing the moment on their phones.
Kim Da-hyun’s performance further elevated the festival atmosphere. Even after the show ended, the audience remained, applauding and expressing their excitement for the festival, which will run until August 9.
This year’s pre-festival event was not just a simple opening ceremony but a demonstration of the festival's operational changes. The relocation of the venue and the extension of the festival duration aim to encourage longer stays and increased spending, as evidenced by the large crowds that filled the venue from the very start of the summer festival in Hwacheon.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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