Discover the vibrant Gochang Bokbunja and Watermelon Festival, a highlight of Korea’s summer season. Held annually in the picturesque Seonunsan Provincial Park, this festival boasts exhilarating activities, mouthwatering local delicacies, and captivating cultural performances. It offers an immersive experience for visitors of all ages. Dive into a world of fun, flavor, and festivity in Gochang!
What is the Gochang Bokbunja and Watermelon Festival?
The Gochang Bokbunja and Watermelon Festival is an annual event that showcases the best of Gochang’s agricultural heritage. Celebrated in June, this festival highlights the region’s prized Bokbunja berries (Korean black raspberries) and Hwangtoebae Watermelons, both of which have won the Korea Representative Brand Award for six consecutive years. Gochang invities visitors to indulge in these delicious fruits. During the festival, you can taste Gochang’s famous watermelon punch and participate in various fun activities.
What to Expect
The Gochang Bokbunja and Watermelon festival features a range of exciting activities, including water gun fights, obstacle course races, and watermelon eating contests, making it a fun-filled event for families, friends, and food enthusiasts. Additionally, visitors can enjoy cultural performances, such as circus acts, traditional Korean music (gugak), and popera, alongside a vibrant market where local farmers sell fresh produce and other specialties.
Experience Programs:
Water Gun Fight: Dive into “The War” water gun battle, Gochang’s own version of a soaking showdown. It is a DJ-led water gun fight that promises to be a refreshing and exhilarating experience.
Obstacle Course Triathlon: Challenge yourself in a fun and exciting triathlon event.
Eel Catching Event: A unique and thrilling activity for all ages.
Watermelon Eating Contest: See who can devour a watermelon the fastest!
Watermelon Hunt: Put on a cone hat and search for hidden watermelons.
Plogging & Treasure Hunt: Combine exercise with environmental care while searching for treasures.
Photo Contest and Watermelon Carving: Capture the best moments and show off your carving skills.
Kids Pool Event: A dedicated pool event for children to enjoy.
Cultural and Artistic Programs:
Exciting Art Bus: Enjoy circus acts, cotton candy shows, fusion gugak (traditional Korean music), and popera performances.
Kids Concert and Busking: Live performances to entertain the young and the young at heart.
Agricultural Product Sales:
Sales Booths: Purchase Bokbunja, Watermelon, Eel, and other local specialties.
Experience Booths: Engage in hands-on activities and taste the best of Gochang.
Make sure to check the festival schedule in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. You can view the leaflet of the festival schedule information by clicking here.
How to Get There
The festival is held at Seonunsan Provincial Park in Gochang, Jeonbuk.
From Seoul
Getting to the Gochang Bokbunja and Watermelon Festival from Seoul is convenient and straightforward. Here’s how you can make the trip:
By Bus:
Express Bus: Head to the Seoul Central City Bus Terminal (also known as Express Bus Terminal) and take an express bus to Gochang. The journey takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours.
Local Bus: Upon arriving at Gochang Bus Terminal, you can take a local bus or taxi to Seonunsan Provincial Park, where the festival is held. The park is about a 20-minute drive from the bus terminal.
By Car:
Driving: If you prefer to drive, rent a car in Seoul and follow the signs for Honam Expressway (Route 25). Take the Gochang Interchange exit and follow local signs to Seonunsan Provincial Park. The drive takes around 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
By Train:
KTX and Local Bus: Take the KTX (Korea Train Express) from Seoul Station to Jeongeup Station. The KTX ride is about 1.5 hours. From Jeongeup Station, take a local bus or taxi to Gochang Bus Terminal, and then proceed to Seonunsan Provincial Park as described above.
Seonunsan Provincial Park
Event Details
When |
June 21st – June 23rd, 2024
|
Where |
Seonunsan Provincial Park
|
Price |
Free*Certain programs may incur fees |
Inquiries |
Homepage: Visit GochangTel: (+82) 063-560-2531 |
