Bonghwa Eoeo (Sweet Smelt) Festival
JulyGyeongbuk
Bonghwa Sweet Smelt Festival is a summer water festival held along Naeseongcheon Stream in Bonghwa-eup, Bonghwa-gun, North Gyeongsang Province. It centers on the ayu fish (sweet smelt), and you can learn about the fish by trying to catch it yourself. Entry is free, and the fun mixes cooling water play, live performances and fish-based food, with showers, shade tents and rest areas on site.
When is it held?
Every year around late July. The exact dates change every year.
This year’s dates
Held 2026: Jul 25 ~ Aug 2 (ended). Check the official website for next year’s dates.
Before you go, check this year’s dates and fees on the official website.
What can you do there?
- Try catching ayu with a hand net or with your bare hands
- Splash around at the kids' water park and the Naeseongcheon sand play area
- Paddle across the water play zone on a pedal boat
- Enjoy opening and closing shows, concerts and other stage performances
- Taste crispy fried ayu and snacks at the food stalls
Tips for visitors from abroad
Getting there
From Seoul you can reach the Gyeongbuk area by KTX, express bus or intercity bus. Once there, check public transit to the venue in a map app (Naver Map and KakaoMap are the most accurate in Korea).
Naver Map ↗ KakaoMap ↗ Google Maps ↗ Official website ↗
What to wear and bring
Summer festivals are hot and sunny. Bring a hat, sunscreen and water, plus spare clothes if there is water play.
This is general guidance. Check the official website for what to bring and how to enter each event.
Photos
Source: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI. Dates may change. · Photo: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type3 · Shown unaltered.
Other festivals in the same month
Frequently asked questions
When is Bonghwa Eoeo (Sweet Smelt) Festival held?
Every year around late July. The exact dates change every year. This year’s dates have not been announced yet.
How do I get to Bonghwa Eoeo (Sweet Smelt) Festival?
From Seoul, take KTX, an express bus or an intercity bus toward Gyeongbuk, then check public transit to the venue in a map app.
Is Bonghwa Eoeo (Sweet Smelt) Festival free?
The official overview does not list admission. Please check the official website.
Places to visit near this festival in Gyeongbuk
Top attractions close to the event site. Add them to the same day trip.
Source: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI. Dates may change.