The Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival

The Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival - The Daebak Company

Back at it again with the festivals! Maybe we could give it another name… an event? Just a really big get together where people bond and become friends over their love for fish? Sounds nice, doesn’t it? Seafood and having general fun, that sounds like a Perfect 10 for us! Has it interested you already? If you are intrigued, here's what you can expect to see at the Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival, an annual event that is held every summer, and this year runs from July 27–August 4, 2019 in Gyeongsangbuk.

To start off with the basics, it’s one of the most eco-friendly festivals currently held in South Korea. The town’s river, Naeseongcheon Stream, is said to be one of the cleanest and is known for being home to some of the best sweetfish.

While also being good fun, you can also grab your fair share of education if you like, as there are multiple museums that attendees can visit to learn more about the general culture of the area, such as a history museum and ceramics museum, as well as being able to learn more about the freshwater fish of the area. See this as not only a change from one’s everyday routine but also that chance to learn about something a bit different and ‘WOW’ your friends with all the random trivia facts that you’ll be able to gather. 

You can learn about the internal culture through the museums situated around the site, and also have the opportunity to purchase some local products, so you can leave with somewhat of a souvenir. Besides learning and spending, there are actual activities that people can join in with fishing—even hand fishing—where the attendees are able to keep and eat the fish they manage to catch, water fights, and more.

No festival is complete without something to eat! Maybe some grilled sweetfish? Or maybe take a stroll through the Food Village and grab something authentic to eat? And why not get your face painted while you're there! You know what they say, those with a young heart stay young forever!

Unlike some other festivals, there is a small admission fee so be sure to check the price and count your pennies before you go!

We hope this has given you some insight into what to expect at the Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival, and maybe even given you something to add to your vacation ‘Must-Do’ list for when you visit South Korea.

Have you attended this even before? Let us know what you thought of it! Maybe you hand-caught some fish, got your face painted, or even had some of the tastiest grilled sweetfish you’ve ever eaten? We’d love to hear about it!

Written by Nicole Simpkin


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