A Global Festival Colors Naeseongcheon... Bonghwa Euno Crosses Borders

Foreigners Try Bandu Fishing and Compete in Im Mongryong Contest
Family-Friendly Experience Programs
Boost the Festival's Competitiveness

The 28th Bonghwa Euno Festival is solidifying its position as a leading summer stay-type tourism festival, with a focus on providing foreign tourists with hands-on experiences of traditional sweetfish catching, cultural contests, and family-friendly content.

Attention was drawn to the fact that Bonghwa's traditional fishing culture is evolving into cultural tourism content shared with people around the world.
[Photo by Bonghwa-gun]

On the second day of the festival, July 26, international tourists gathered at Naeseongcheon Stream throughout Bonghwa County to catch sweetfish using the traditional fishing tool "bandu," while participants from across the country took the stage for a modern-day Im Mongryong contest. The festival atmosphere was heightened by various programs that bridged generations and nationalities.

In the afternoon, the B-Global Bandu Competition was held at the activity zone’s bandu fishing experience area, in collaboration with inbound travel agencies specializing in foreign tourists.

More than 200 international visitors to Bonghwa tried their hand at catching sweetfish, moving through Naeseongcheon Stream with bandu fishing traps for the first time. Although their use of the traditional tool was unfamiliar, participants learned the technique step by step, wading through the water as cheers and applause erupted each time a sweetfish was caught.

After the activity, participants posed for commemorative photos with the sweetfish they had personally caught, making unforgettable summer memories in Bonghwa.

The top three finishers in the competition received Bonghwa’s signature local agricultural specialty products as prizes.

This event drew attention for being a participatory program that allowed foreign tourists to engage directly with the region’s traditional fishing culture.

By encouraging visitors not just to observe but to immerse themselves in Bonghwa’s natural surroundings and heritage, the festival is expanding its reach as a global summer event that resonates with international tourists.

More than 200 Foreigners Experience Rice Planting and Lee Mongryong Contest a Great Success Evolving into a Stay-Type Family Festival

Photo by Bonghwa County

In the evening, the 2nd Im Mongryong Contest, organized by the World Confucian Culture Foundation, took place on the special stage at Naeseongcheon.

Finalists who advanced through a nationwide open call showcased their individuality and talents in a spirited competition.

As a result of the judging, a total of six winners were selected, including Mongryong, Jangwon, Bangwon, Tamhwa, and two Bangja. The grand prize of Mongryong was accompanied by an award of 7 million won.

Singer Park Seojin’s special performance followed, filling the Naeseongcheon area with excitement as the crowd enthusiastically responded to the energetic show.

This year's festival has significantly expanded its hands-on and relaxation spaces for families visiting with children.

The “Euno Family Playground” features free water play and life jacket/tube rental services, while an indoor kids’ café with air conditioning is operating to welcome families with young children throughout the day.

The "Euno Kids Sand Playground," set up under the scenic pedestrian bridge, is equipped with sunshades, beanbags, and parasols so that children can play safely in the sand while parents enjoy a comfortable break.

In particular, this year’s festival is meaningful in that it has transitioned from being a “stop-by” event to a “stay-and-experience” festival by integrating family activity and rest spaces with the signature sweetfish catching experience.

The emphasis on increasing foreign participation and strengthening family-oriented content is creating a virtuous cycle: extending visitor stays, driving local spending, and serving as a new engine for Bonghwa’s growth as a leading summer stay-type tourism destination.

Three women took first, second, and third place at the Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival Bandu Competition.
[Photo by Bonghwa-gun]

The 28th Bonghwa Euno Festival, running under the theme “Euno is a Hit! Memories to Keep!” will continue until August 2.

During the festival, visitors can enjoy a range of programs including bandu and bare-handed sweetfish catching, children’s performances, concerts for every generation, a water splash show, and a closing celebration performance.

Ki-Young Choi, Mayor of Bonghwa County, remarked, “The participation of international tourists in sweetfish catching and the Im Mongryong contest has injected fresh energy into the festival,” adding, “We will ensure that the remainder of the event is run perfectly, so visitors can enjoy the festival safely and comfortably.”

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