By Honorary Reporter Vanshika Mittal from India
Photos = Vanshika Mittal

The annual Hwacheon Tomato Festival opens on Aug. 2 in its 21st year.

Culture Village in the township of Sanae-myeon of Hwacheon-gun County, Gangwon  (State) Province, hosts the annual Hwacheon Tomato Festival. This year's edition ran from Aug. 1-3, and I visited the second day. 

Now a signature summer attraction in the country, the event promotes the county's renowned tomatoes, which are grown on the slopes of nearby Hwaaksan Mountain and exude sweetness and firm texture. The event also aims to stimulate the region by combining tradition with interactive cultural experiences. 

This year's festival featured over 40 programs in six themed zones including tomato-themed games, cooking events, water play areas and military exhibitions. Visitors, ranging from residents and domestic tourists to international media members, witnessed a colorful and immersive celebration that highlighted life in the Korean countryside.

One of the festival's highlights was the "Find the Golden Ring," a game in which players dive into giant pools of overripe tomatoes to be discarded in search of gold rings valued at up to KRW 400,000. Amid splashing, tossing and laughter, a fire truck sprayed water over the crowd, adding to the fun. 

The Water Zone was a refreshing retreat with the peak of the summer heat peaks, offering a refreshing escape with water slides, inflatable pools, water-gun arenas and mist-filled tunnels. 

The game "Find the Golden Ring Hunt" is held in a pool of tomatoes.

Another memorable experience was a giant tomato pasta-making session at the Feast for a Thousand Zone co-hosted by domestic food giant Ottogi. Freshly cooked pasta was served on the spot, allowing visitors to taste the rich flavor and soft texture of the tomato.

The Military Zone, organized with the participation of the Seungri (Victory) Unit of the Republic of Korea Army's 15th Infantry Division, offered visitors the rare opportunity to see tanks and armored vehicles up close, even going inside them. This reflected the county's proximity to the North Korean border, where military activity remains a part of daily life.  

Water pools and splash zones at the festival help visitors beat the heat.

Before leaving, visitors got to browse the farmers' market, picking up fresh tomatoes and produce as well as playful tomato-themed souvenirs. Children engaged in crafts and face painting, while others cooled off with tomato juice or joined a "tomato aid" campaign.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.