Throw Tomatoes, Win Gold: Why the Hwacheon Tomato Festival Should Be on Your Summer Bucket List When you think of summer festivals in Korea, the usual suspects like mud, music, or fireworks may come to mind. But tucked away in the scenic hills of Gangwon Province is a lesser-known, delightfully quirky event that deserves a spot on every traveler’s bucket list: the Hwacheon Tomato Festival. Held this year from August 1 to 3, 2025, in Sachang-ri, Sanae-myeon, this annual celebration is all about tomatoes—but not in the way you might expect. Celebrating its 21st anniversary, the festival is more than just a celebration of the region’s prized crop, the “Chang Tomato”. It’s a joyful community-driven event that brings together tradition, agriculture, entertainment, and just the right amount of chaos—mainly in the form of throwing tomatoes at complete strangers. The Star of the Show: “Find the Golden Ring” in a Sea of Tomatoes https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/001/0015545923 One of the most anticipated and talked-about events at the festival is the “Find the Golden Ring” contest. Picture this: hundreds of people diving headfirst into pools filled with overripe tomatoes, desperately searching for gold rings worth a total of 75 grams hidden among the pulp. It’s equal parts hilarious, competitive, and heartwarming. This tomato treasure hunt happens once a day, and participation is open to anyone brave enough to get messy. From kids giggling in tomato juice to grandparents joining in the fun, the event brings out pure joy in people of all ages. Even if you don’t find gold, you’ll leave with tomato-splattered clothes, sore cheeks from laughing, and memories you won’t forget. Not Just Messy—It's a Full-On Summer Playground https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/001/0015545923 The festival spans six themed zones and offers over 40 different programs, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The Water Play Zone is a favorite, especially during the sweltering August heat. Massive inflatable slides, water gun wars, and splash pools keep visitors cool while adding a thrill of summer fun. Hungry? Head over to the “Feast for a Thousand” zone, co-hosted by food giant Ottogi, where long communal tables invite strangers to become friends over tomato-infused dishes like chilled tomato noodles, tomato curry, and even tomato-flavored bingsu. Art lovers and families with children will adore the Tomato Art Contest, where little ones use actual tomatoes to create imaginative paintings and sculptures. Meanwhile, festivalgoers can get their faces painted with tomato motifs, make balloon animals, or explore the local marketplace for fresh produce, handmade crafts, and more. A Community Spirit with Global Appeal http://www.inewspeople.com/front/news/view.do?articleId=ARTICLE_00022547 Despite the remote setting, the Hwacheon Tomato Festival has seen growing international interest. Each year, tourists from abroad, local influencers, and curious first-timers descend upon Hwacheon to experience this one-of-a-kind event. The local government has continued to expand and refine the program to cater to an increasingly diverse crowd, while still keeping its warm, rural charm intact. The festival also plays a meaningful role in boosting the local economy and promoting regional agriculture. Visitors are encouraged to support local farmers by purchasing fresh tomatoes and other regional specialties at the market zone. The tomato-themed souvenirs—everything from tomato-shaped hats to natural skincare products made from tomatoes—make for fun and unique keepsakes. Why You Should Add It to Your Bucket List https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/001/0015545923 Whether you're a family with kids looking for a weekend getaway, a group of friends chasing unique travel experiences, or a solo traveler looking to escape the routine, the Hwacheon Tomato Festival offers a perfect blend of fun, community, and culture. It’s not every day you get to throw tomatoes, win gold, and enjoy live music—all in one place. Plus, in an era when people are seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences, the Hwacheon Tomato Festival stands out as a vibrant example of how local traditions can evolve into globally appealing events. So next summer, skip the usual beach trip or theme park visit. Pack some old clothes, bring a waterproof phone case, and head to Hwacheon. Trust us—once you’ve danced in tomato pulp and walked away with tomato juice in your hair (and maybe even a gold ring), you’ll understand why this messy little festival is one of Korea’s best-kept summer secrets. #HwacheonTomatoFestival #KoreaSummerFestival #TomatoFestivalKorea #GangwonTravel #UniqueFestivals #SummerInKorea #OffTheBeatenPathKorea #KoreanLocalCulture #ThrowTomatoes #FindTheGoldenRing #TomatoFun #WaterPlayFestival #FamilyFriendlyEvents #HiddenGemsKorea #KoreaTravel2025 #MustVisitKorea #TomatoAdventure #KoreanAgriculture #FestivalBucketList #SummerEventsAsia
