🐟 FREE Entry + Live K-pop Legends: The 2026 Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival is Korea's Best-Kept Summer Secret
FREE admission to a 9-day Korean river festival with Cho Sung-mo & Jang Min-ho performing live? 🎉 The 2026 Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival runs July 25 – August 2 in North Gyeongsang Province — catch real sweetfish in a crystal-clear river and enjoy K-pop legends under the stars. Here's everything: how to get there from Seoul, what to expect, and tips foreign visitors rarely know. ✨
※ Always verify the latest schedule and program details on the official website before your visit.
If you're in Korea this summer and looking for an experience that goes far beyond the typical tourist trail, the 28th Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival (봉화은어축제) is exactly what you need. Held annually in Bonghwa-gun, North Gyeongsang Province (경상북도 봉화군) — a pristine highland county known for its clean rivers and mountain scenery — this beloved 9-day festival draws visitors from across Korea who come to wade into the crystal-clear Naeseongcheon Stream (내성천) and catch sweetfish (euneo, 은어) with their bare hands. The festival runs from Saturday, July 25 through Sunday, August 2, 2026 — 9 full days of free admission, hands-on river experiences, and nightly K-pop and ballad performances. Confirmed headliners include legendary Korean ballad singer Cho Sung-mo (조성모), country-pop superstar Jang Min-ho (장민호), veteran singer Choi Baek-ho (최백호), and rising vocalist HYNN (Park Hye-won / 박혜원). Operating hours are 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily, with evening concerts beginning at 7:40 PM. For more unique Korean cultural experiences combining nature and performance, also explore the BTS Busan Temple Stay Korea 2026 guide — an extraordinary program free for foreign visitors.
Official Festival Info (English)
💡 Agoda offers great hotel deals in Andong and Yeongju near Bonghwa — book now for summer peak season savings!
The Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival spans 9 days — and honestly, a single day is never enough. Agoda lists a range of accommodation options in nearby Andong (안동) and Yeongju (영주), both about 40–60 minutes from Bonghwa by car. These cities have excellent guesthouses, business hotels, and boutique stays. Bonghwa itself has limited lodging, so booking early is strongly recommended for peak summer weekends.📊 2026 Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival at a Glance
FREE Entry! Cho Sung-mo · Jang Min-ho · Choi Baek-ho · HYNN — Live Performances!
The 28th Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival runs July 25 – August 2, 2026 along the pristine Naeseongcheon Stream in North Gyeongsang Province. Completely free admission, sweetfish catching experiences, water battle show, and nightly K-pop/ballad concerts from 7:40 PM.
Dates: Saturday, July 25 – Sunday, August 2, 2026 (9 days)
Venue: Naeseongcheon Stream, Bonghwa-eup, Bonghwa-gun, North Gyeongsang Province
Admission: FREE (some experience programs have a small separate fee)
Concerts: Cho Sung-mo · Jang Min-ho · Choi Baek-ho · HYNN — nightly from 7:40 PM!
Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival — Key Info
July 25 – August 2, 2026
North Gyeongsang Province's crown jewel of summer festivals — 9 days FREE along one of Korea's most beautiful rivers! Catch sweetfish by hand, get drenched in the Water Battle Show, and watch legendary Korean singers perform under the stars. Operating hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily.
Summer vacation planning? Put Bonghwa on the map — check official info now!
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1. About the Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival — 3 Key Facts
What Is Sweetfish (Euneo, 은어)?
Sweetfish — called euneo (은어) in Korean — is a small silver river fish prized for its unusual mild, melon-like sweetness. During the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897), it was considered such a delicacy that it was presented as tribute to the royal court. The sweetfish return from the sea to their freshwater breeding grounds in Korea's clean rivers every July and August, making this the peak season to experience them. Bonghwa-gun (봉화군) is home to some of the cleanest stretches of river in South Korea, and the Naeseongcheon Stream running through the town is one of the best remaining natural habitats for wild sweetfish. The festival gives visitors the extraordinary opportunity to wade into the cool river and catch these fish using bandu (반두) — traditional Korean scoop nets — or even with their bare hands. After catching them, you can grill your fish on-site for an additional small fee. There is truly nothing like it.
The 2026 Concert Lineup
Every evening from 7:40 PM, the festival stage comes alive with some of Korea's most beloved performers. The confirmed 2026 lineup includes: Cho Sung-mo (조성모) — one of Korea's all-time bestselling ballad artists, famous for emotional hits like "To Heaven." Jang Min-ho (장민호) — a beloved trot and pop singer with a massive fanbase that spans all generations. Choi Baek-ho (최백호) — a legendary veteran singer known for his soulful voice and timeless Korean folk-pop classics. HYNN / Park Hye-won (박혜원) — a powerful vocalist known for her roles in Korean drama OSTs and music show appearances. Daily lineup schedules are published on the Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival official website (bhftf.or.kr) and the Bonghwa County SNS channels. Check in advance so you can plan your visit around your favorite performer's night.
See Official Festival Info
💡 Trazy offers an English-guided day tour from Seoul to the Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival — round-trip transport included!
Getting to Bonghwa independently can be tricky for international travelers. Trazy, a leading Korea travel platform for foreign visitors, offers a dedicated Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival Day Tour from Seoul — including round-trip bus transportation from Hongdae or Myeongdong, English-speaking staff, and entrance to the festival grounds. It's by far the easiest and most hassle-free way to experience the festival as a foreign visitor. Departs from Seoul on Sunday, July 26.2. Top 3 Experience Programs
Sweetfish Hand-Catching (은어잡기 체험)
The absolute highlight of the Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival is wading into the cool Naeseongcheon Stream and catching sweetfish — either with a traditional bandu scoop net or with your bare hands. The water is refreshingly cold even in August, making it a great escape from the summer heat. This experience is especially magical for families with children, but adults often have just as much fun. Practical tips for foreign visitors: Bring a change of clothes and a towel — you will get wet. Water shoes or sandals with grip are highly recommended. A small dry bag to protect your phone and valuables is essential. Some experience time slots fill up quickly, so head to the registration booth as soon as you arrive. Participation fees for certain hands-on programs apply — confirm at the official website.
Water Battle Show (물벼락쇼)
On July 31 and August 1, the festival ramps up the summer energy with its famous Water Battle Show — a large-scale communal water fight where everyone in the area gets thoroughly drenched. It's chaotic, hilarious, and one of the most purely fun festival moments you'll experience in Korea. Bring a waterproof bag for your electronics, wear clothes you don't mind soaking, and just embrace the splash.
Local Food Market & Cultural Performances
Beyond the river, the festival grounds feature a lively local produce market where vendors sell freshly grilled sweetfish (euneo-gui, 은어구이), regional Bonghwa specialties, and Korean snacks. Grilled sweetfish over charcoal is a must-try — the slightly smoky flavor perfectly complements the fish's natural sweetness. Additional cultural events include the Im Mong-ryong (이몽룡) Contest — a quirky performance competition named after a fictional romantic hero from Korean folklore — and nostalgic "6070s Memory Stage" retro performances that older Korean visitors particularly love.
3. Getting to Bonghwa — From Seoul and Beyond
How to Get There from Seoul
Bonghwa is located in a beautiful but somewhat remote part of North Gyeongsang Province. Here are your main options: Option 1 — Guided Tour (Easiest for International Visitors): Book the English-guided Trazy day tour from Seoul (departs July 26 from Hongdae/Myeongdong). Round-trip bus transport and English-speaking staff are included — no Korean skills required. Option 2 — Train: From Seoul Station, take the Mugunghwa (무궁화호) train on the Yeongdong Line to Bonghwa Station. Journey time: approximately 3.5–4 hours. From Bonghwa Station, take a taxi (approx. 5–10 min) to the festival grounds. Option 3 — Bus: From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (동서울터미널), take an express bus to Yeongju (영주) or Andong (안동), then transfer to a local bus or taxi toward Bonghwa. Total journey approximately 3–3.5 hours from Seoul. Option 4 — Car: Via the Jungang Expressway (중앙고속도로), exit at Yeongju IC. Approximately 3 hours from Seoul. Parking is available near the festival venue — arrive early on weekends. Approximate cost from Seoul: Train approx. 25,000–30,000 KRW (~$18–22 USD) one way. Bus approx. 20,000–25,000 KRW (~$15–18 USD).
Shuttle Bus & On-Site Parking
During the festival, Bonghwa County typically operates temporary shuttle buses between the bus terminal/train station and the festival grounds. Confirm schedules on the official website (bhftf.or.kr) before your visit. On-site parking is available but fills up fast on peak weekends — arriving before 10:00 AM is recommended if driving.
4. Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival vs Other Korea Summer Festivals
| Category | Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival | Typical Regional Festival |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 9 days (Jul 25 – Aug 2) | Usually 2–4 days |
| Admission | FREE | Paid or partial free |
| Key Experience | Sweetfish catching + Water Battle Show | Varies by event |
| Concert Lineup | Cho Sung-mo · Jang Min-ho · Choi Baek-ho | Usually local artists |
| Venue | Crystal-clear river in North Gyeongsang | Parks or plazas |
5. Tips for Foreign Visitors — 5 Things Most People Don't Know
Best Days to Visit
The Water Battle Show runs on July 31 and August 1 — if you can only visit on one or two days, choose these for the most action-packed experience. Weekday visits (Monday–Friday) are significantly less crowded than weekends, and you'll have more room in the river for the fishing experience. Plan your concert night around the specific performer you want to see — check the daily schedule on bhftf.or.kr in advance.
Essential Packing List
Must-haves for the Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival: a change of clothes and shoes (you will get wet), a small dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone and passport, sunscreen, a sun hat, and a reusable water bottle. Bring some Korean Won (KRW) cash — small food stalls and local vendors may not accept credit cards.
English Availability at the Venue
Bonghwa is a rural county with very limited English-language services at the venue. Downloading Papago (Naver's translation app) or Google Translate before your visit will help enormously. The festival's Korea Tourism Hotline 1330 offers live English-language assistance if you need help on the ground.
Combine with Nearby Tourist Sites
Bonghwa and the surrounding region offer exceptional side-trip options: Cheongnyangsan Mountain (청량산) — a dramatic rocky mountain with temple stays available; Daksil Village (닭실마을) — a beautifully preserved traditional Joseon-era village; and nearby Andong Hahoe Village (UNESCO World Heritage, approx. 60 km away) and Yeongju Buseoksa Temple (one of Korea's oldest Buddhist temples, approx. 40 km away). A 2-night 3-day itinerary combining the festival with these sites makes for an unforgettable Korea travel experience.
Payment Tips
Most major vendors at the festival accept credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), but smaller local food stalls and experience booths may require cash (KRW). Carry at least 20,000–30,000 KRW in cash for on-site purchases. There are ATMs in Bonghwa-eup town center, a short taxi ride from the festival grounds.
Official Festival Info (KTO English)
💡 Trip.com offers train and bus tickets to Yeongju and Andong near Bonghwa — book in English and save on your journey!
Traveling from Seoul or other major cities to the Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival is easiest when you pre-book your transport. Trip.com offers an English-language interface for booking KTX and Mugunghwa train tickets to nearby Yeongju Station, as well as express bus options. Bonghwa is about 3–3.5 hours from Seoul, so booking your seat in advance ensures you get the best departure times — especially important for popular summer weekend dates.Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is admission to the Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival really free?
A. Yes! General admission to the festival grounds is completely free. Some hands-on experience programs (e.g., sweetfish catching, grilling) may have a small separate participation fee. Confirm details on the official website at bhftf.or.kr.
Q2. When do Cho Sung-mo and Jang Min-ho perform?
A. Evening concerts start daily at 7:40 PM. Each performer appears on a specific date — check the daily schedule on the official Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival website (bhftf.or.kr) or Bonghwa County's official SNS for the full date-by-date concert lineup.
Q3. How do I get to Bonghwa from Seoul as a foreign visitor?
A. The easiest option for international travelers is the Trazy English-guided day tour from Seoul — round-trip bus from Hongdae/Myeongdong departing July 26. Alternatively, take the Mugunghwa train from Seoul Station to Bonghwa Station (approx. 3.5 hr), then a short taxi to the festival. From Seoul by car: approx. 3 hours via Jungang Expressway to Yeongju IC.
Q4. When is the Water Battle Show?
A. The Water Battle Show is concentrated on July 31 and August 1. Wear clothes you don't mind soaking and bring a waterproof case for your phone. It's one of the festival's most popular events — arrive early to get a good spot.
More to Explore
Enjoying Korea's summer festival scene? Here are more handpicked experiences on Korea Event Map:
Looking for a unique Korean cultural experience that's free for foreign visitors? Also check out the BTS Busan Temple Stay program.
Need to plan your bus or train journey to the festival? Check our Korea transport booking guide.
Browse all Korea summer travel and festival events in one place.
Soo Blog
Korea travel, events, and festivals expert, 5 years
Cross-verified with official sources for accurate, up-to-date info.
koreaeventmap.jhs29.com
Korea travel, events, and festivals expert, 5 years
Cross-verified with official sources for accurate, up-to-date info.
koreaeventmap.jhs29.com
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