By Lee Jihae

The rainy season in Korea has officially ended and the annual period of intense heat has arrived, thus many Koreans are going on vacation around this time. August is packed with summer festivals nationwide that cater to a variety of interests and themes.

The Busan Sea Festival, slated from Aug. 2-6 at Haeundae Beach, has as one of its highlights the so-called Water Carnival from Aug. 3-4 featuring people playing with water guns on a stage.

Sokcho Beach in Gangwon-do Province from Aug. 1-5 will host a craft beer festival featuring selections from the 15 participating domestic breweries, as well as regional dishes such as abai soondae (steamed tripe with glutinous rice and ox blood), roasted squid and spicy raw fish salad. A yeast massage using yeast from beer is another attraction, and lucky visitors can redeem beer coupons hidden within boxes of ice.

Jisepo Port and Gujora Beach in Geoje, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, is holding from Aug. 1-4 the Blue Night Festival. Competitions in kayaking, paddleboats and other marine sports will be held in addition to rock throwing events and fireworks. Multicultural food and items will also be sold at the Geoje International Night Market.


A tomato festival reminiscent of Spain's La Tomatina is scheduled for Aug. 1-4 in Hwacheon-gun County, Gangwon-do Province. Participants mash up unsellable tomatoes bought by the county from farmers specifically for the festival and look for rings hidden inside.

Other happenings in August include the Tongyeong Hansan Battle Festival in Tongyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, to commemorate the legendary Admiral Yi Sun-sin(1545-98). The city of Suwon in Gyeonggi-do Province will also hold Suwon Culture Night featuring cultural heritage decked with media and nocturnal lights.

jihlee08@korea.kr