The 16th Hwaseong Boating Festival Sets Sail on May 22
“Inheriting the historical value of Hwaseong’s Dangseong, we have blended traditional heritage with modern marine culture.”
HWASEONG, South Korea 20th May 2026, ZEX PR WIRE — Hwaseong Culture & Tourism Foundation announced that the 16th Hwaseong Boating Festival, South Korea’s premier marine event, will kick off at Jeongok Port for a four-day run from May 22 to 25.
Selected as one of the nation’s official Culture and Tourism Festivals, this year’s event transitions into an extended stay-and-enjoy festival, offering an unprecedented scale of maritime activities and top-tier cultural performances.
The festival features an impressive fleet of 70 vessels across 12 categories, including luxury yachts, powerboats, cruise ships, and the restored Joseon Tongsinsa – a historical diplomatic ship operating as an onboard living history museum. Visitors can enjoy these tailored maritime programs throughout the event.
As day turns to night, the event transforms into a vibrant cultural hub. The main stage will host diverse performances that bridge generations and genres, featuring K-pop artists Blackswan and Woo Won Jae, the legendary band Spring Summer Autumn Winter, and a grand 50-piece orchestra. A dynamic street parade featuring 400 local citizens will also captivate audiences.
The pinnacle of the evening will be the spectacular nightly fireworks. This year, special night-boarding options allow visitors to watch the fireworks directly from a yacht on the open sea, offering an unforgettable and romantic experience.
“Inheriting the historical value of Hwaseong’s Dangseong, we have blended traditional heritage with modern marine culture,” said the Hwaseong Boating Festival Organizing Committee. “We aim to leap forward as a global marine cultural exchange hub where maritime traditions from around the world unite.”
