Hwaseong Boat Festival Kicks Off with Spectacular Fireworks Display Lighting Up Jeongok Port Night Sea

Hwaseong Boat Festival Puts Citizens Center Stage

The Grand Voyage Begins with a Maritime Parade, Jeongok Port Draws Massive Crowds

Opening Ceremony Features the Joseon Tongsinsa Ship, Captivating Audience Attention

Nighttime Boarding Experience and Onboard Fireworks Show Illuminate the Night Sea

Hwaseong Dance Festival and Picnic Band Concert Bring Vibrancy on the 24th

The 16th Hwaseong Boat Festival, the signature marine festival of Hwaseong Special City in Gyeonggi Province, kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony on the 23rd at Jeongok Port in Seoshin-myeon, officially launching the festivities.

On the 23rd, as fireworks exploded over the sea of Jeongok Port where yachts and boats were docked, citizens captured the romantic night sea memories with their respective cameras. Photo by Hwaseong City

Selected for the second consecutive time as a "Cultural Tourism Festival" by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, this year’s event was held under the theme "Completion of the West Coast Marine Tourism Belt! Grand Open with Hwaseong Boat Festival." The festival atmosphere was heightened by an EDM concert on the eve of the opening, followed by a maritime parade and a citizen participation-style opening ceremony on the day, captivating the audience.

Notably, this year's opening ceremony broke away from the traditional protocol-centered approach and was designed as a maritime opening event with direct citizen participation. Around 40 citizen representatives—including members of the children's council, people with disabilities, exemplary taxpayers, and filial piety award recipients—boarded the historically restored Joseon Tongsinsa ship, which was brought in through collaboration with the National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage, and participated in the arrival parade.

The media performance group "Saengdonggam Crew" is performing a celebratory show wearing LED hanbok costumes under dazzling lights. Provided by Hwaseong City

In front of Jeongok Port, the Joseon Tongsinsa ship entered the harbor escorted by a fleet of yachts and boats, while a welcoming ceremony was held on the floating dock accompanied by a traditional military band performance. Afterward, a land parade involving citizen performance teams and visitors continued from the dock to the main stage, further elevating the festival atmosphere.

On the main stage, large sail ceremonies and celebratory performances by singers Yumi and Kim Heewon took place. At night, visitors enjoyed a nighttime boarding experience and an onboard fireworks display that lit up the West Sea night, creating unforgettable memories for the audience.

The dancers of Saengdonggam Crew are performing dynamic traditional choreography wearing glowing LED hanbok against a dark background. Provided by Hwaseong City

The festival nights were filled with romance and energy. The spectacular onboard fireworks show, combined with the nighttime boarding experience, painted the West Sea sky and waters with dazzling colors, offering visitors unforgettable memories of the night sea.

Hwaseong City implemented a "Four-Zero Festival" policy this year, eliminating safety accidents, litter, price gouging, and formalistic protocol. The city also introduced a fixed price and quantity system to enhance visitor convenience and safety management.

At the opening ceremony of the 16th Hwaseong Boat Festival held on the main stage at Jeongok Port on the 23rd, colorful smoke filled the sky, signaling the spectacular start of the festival. Courtesy of Hwaseong City

The cultural and artistic festivities will continue on the third day of the festival, May 24. On the main stage at Jeongok Port, the "Hwaseong Dance Festival" featuring local artists, the sea-themed storytelling musical "Boat Play Musical," and a picnic band concert with the legendary band "Bom Yeo-reum Gaeul Gyeo-ul" are scheduled, promising ongoing excitement and vibrancy.

Throughout the festival period, various ongoing programs are offered, including the "doksal" fishing experience—which recreates traditional fishing methods and is known for quickly selling out—along with mudflat ecology programs in connection with Baekmiri, Jebudo, and Gungpyeong-ri, as well as the Hwaseong Boat Festival Sea Fishing Tournament.

Visitors are enjoying a variety of foods and auxiliary programs at the food truck zone and experience zone set up in the Jeongok Port Marina Plaza. Provided by Hwaseong City

In addition, a wide array of land-based participatory programs for all ages are available, such as a children's bubble dance party, road canvas, and the family challenge "Pulling the Boat." There is also a sand playground and a small business market zone, highlighting the festival's character as a global marine leisure event that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Yoon Sungjin, acting mayor of Hwaseong Special City, stated, "This year's Hwaseong Boat Festival was designed to connect major hubs of the West Coast Marine Tourism Belt and promote stay-type tourism, with citizens playing the leading role. We will do our utmost to ensure that all visitors to Jeongok Port during the remainder of the festival enjoy Hwaseong's sea safely and to the fullest."

Onboard the Joseon Tongsinsa ship cruising off Jeongok Port, Acting Mayor Yoon Sungjin of Hwaseong Special Jurisdiction and citizen passengers are waving their hats in response to the spectators greeting them. Provided by Hwaseong City

Meanwhile, Hwaseong Special City also held a "Safety Inspection Day" campaign at the festival site on this day. Experiential safety education, such as CPR practice and automated external defibrillator (AED) use training, was provided at the venue, with acting mayor Yoon Sungjin participating in the CPR training alongside citizens.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.