2026 Hwacheon Tomato Festival entered its second day and first weekend on August 1, filling the Sanai Sports Park and the surrounding area with tourists from early morning. The festival's signature events, 'Find the Golden Ring' and 'Table of a Thousand,' kept the venue lively with laughter and cheers throughout the day.
At 10 a.m., the central stage featured lively performances. The singer engaged with the audience, singing and dancing among them. Spectators rose from their seats, clapping and swaying, fully immersed in the festive atmosphere.
The Sanai River water zone was bustling with families seeking relief from the heat. People rested under shade tents and umbrellas, while children splashed joyfully in the pool. A man-made waterfall and fountains provided refreshing water, and misting systems and large fans helped cool off the summer heat.
The highlight of the festival was undoubtedly 'Find the Golden Ring.' Hundreds of participants dove into piles of tomatoes, throwing them at each other and laughing. They slid across the tomatoes, competing to find the rings hidden within. Cheers erupted each time a winner was announced, prompting participants to jump back into the tomato piles.
In the afternoon, Hwacheon County Mayor Kim Se-hoon joined the fun, diving into the tomato pile alongside participants. Tourists welcomed him with applause, and he responded by dancing, adding to the festive spirit.
The 'Table of a Thousand' also saw long lines. Mayor Kim and other guests sat together to share a meal, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the Hwacheon Tomato Festival, which brings together the community, military, and businesses. Mrs. Han Young-sook also participated, drawing attention, while foreign tourists were seen enjoying the food and festivities.
The performance and event zones, along with the water zone, buzzed with activity throughout the day. In front of the central stage, children and adults participated in hula hoop contests, eliciting laughter and applause from the audience with every amusing gesture.
Shade tents and resting areas were filled with tourists seeking a break from the heat. Children wearing red tomato hats and their families spread out blankets to relax or enjoy snacks and drinks, creating a leisurely atmosphere. The festival showcased a harmonious blend of water play, performances, and relaxation, embodying a summer getaway.
Visitor satisfaction was high. One tourist from Sokcho, who visited with family for a three-day, two-night stay, remarked, "The festival grounds are spacious, and there are plenty of water play areas, so we never got bored with the kids all day. There are diverse attractions and activities, making it a satisfying family travel destination."
A public official from Wonju, who visited with colleagues and their families for a two-day, one-night stay, noted, "This year's festival is definitely different from previous years. The event organization and space utilization have improved, and it feels like a festival that satisfies both residents and tourists. It must have taken significant effort to prepare such an event."
The festival's impact was also evident in the local economy. A Hwacheon County official reported that merchants in the Sachang-ri area, where shops are concentrated, expressed satisfaction with an increase in customers compared to previous years. Residents also commented that the festival should have been held at this location earlier.
Event operations were busy. The comprehensive situation room worked tirelessly on safety management and event execution, with safety banners for water play displayed throughout the venue. After 'Find the Golden Ring' concluded, staff cleaned up the tomato remnants and prepared for the next program.
However, parking issues remained a challenge. Roads around the venue were congested, with long lines of vehicles extending to both entrances. Traffic guides attempted to manage the situation, but some tourists reported inconveniences due to a lack of parking spaces and the distance to the event site.
After 6 p.m., vehicles and crowds began to disperse. The red-stained tomato piles and water play areas bore the marks of a day well enjoyed.
The first weekend of the Hwacheon Tomato Festival demonstrated its potential as a collaborative event that brings people together through tomatoes, connecting them to the local economy and showcasing the spirit of cooperation among the community, military, and businesses. As the sun set, tourists gradually left the festival grounds, but the laughter and traces of red-stained tomatoes left behind signaled that summer in Hwacheon had only just begun.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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