Pyeongtaek City: 20,000 'Flock' to Marine Festival as Civilians, Government and Military Unite at Sea

Pyeongtaek City successfully concludes the 2026 Pyeongtaek Marine Festival

Marado unveiled; Black Eagles air show draws attention

An autumn seaside picnic at the Navy's Second Fleet

The 2026 Pyeongtaek Marine Festival, co-hosted and co-organized by Pyeongtaek City in Gyeonggi Province, led by Mayor Choi Won-yong, and the Republic of Korea Navy's Second Fleet Command, was held on October 31 at venues across the Navy's Second Fleet, drawing around 20,000 people.

Mayor Choi Wonyong and Navy officials applaud as they watch a performance at the 2026 Pyeongtaek Marine Festival, held at the Navy's 2nd Fleet on the 31st of last month. Provided by Pyeongtaek City.

Now in its fourth year, the festival was held under the theme “A Special Autumn Picnic by the Sea at the Navy's Second Fleet.” It featured programs that made use of Pyeongtaek's maritime and security assets, giving residents a chance to tour naval vessels and experience naval culture.

On display at the festival site were the 14,500-ton amphibious transport ship Marado, as well as the Eulji Mundeok and Daejeon. There were also displays of Navy and Marine Corps equipment, military uniform try-ons, and a demonstration by the Navy honor guard. Visitors also toured the Seohae Protection Hall and the Cheonanham Memorial Hall to reflect on the meaning of peace and security.

The Air Force's Black Eagles aerobatic team also drew attention with an air show that was held for the first time this year. Residents cheered as the team performed spectacular maneuvers in the skies above the festival.

Maritime organizations and groups, including the Korea Coast Guard and Gyeonggi Pyeongtaek Port Corporation, held maritime safety campaigns, promoted Pyeongtaek Port, and ran hands-on programs. The festival also featured activities highlighting the importance of protecting the marine environment and ensuring safety.

Pyeongtaek Mayor Choi Wonyong delivers congratulatory remarks at the "2026 Pyeongtaek Maritime Festival," held at the Republic of Korea Navy's Second Fleet on the 31st of last month. Provided by Pyeongtaek City.

Local residents also helped make the festival a success. The community participation area featured play activities by Poseung Culture Playground and the West Pyeongtaek Development Council, a temple food experience, local history promotion, and programs related to the Goryeoin Village. Booths promoting and selling Pyeongtaek City's outstanding products and a social market for social enterprises and village communities were also set up.

On the outdoor lawn stage, residents performed wellness dances and traditional folk songs, alongside performances by the Pyeongtaek Youth Choir and the Pyeongtaek City Taekwondo Demonstration Team. At the official ceremony, the Navy Band performed with local residents, while the Navy Traditional Music Band and popular singers gave celebratory performances.

There were also areas for families visiting the festival. Children enjoyed play facilities, including an inflatable attraction with a maritime theme, while residents took in views of the sea from picnic areas where they could set up mats and sun shelters. Facilities such as food trucks using reusable containers and a nursing bus were also available.

The Black Eagles, the Republic of Korea Air Force’s aerobatic team, perform a spectacular aerial display while trailing white smoke at the 2026 Pyeongtaek Marine Festival, held at the Navy’s Second Fleet Command on the 31st of last month. Courtesy of Pyeongtaek City.

Pyeongtaek Mayor Choi Won-yong said, “I would like to thank the Navy's Second Fleet for working with us to make this festival possible. I hope it will be a meaningful occasion for the Navy's Second Fleet and the local community to communicate and come together.” He added, “We will continue to develop it into Pyeongtaek's signature festival, where people can share an appreciation for the sea and pride in Pyeongtaek.”

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