▲ Visitors enjoy the "2026 Hwacheon Tomato Festival," one of the region's signature summer events, in this photo provided by Hwacheon County, Gangwon Province. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

SEOUL, Aug. 7 (Yonhap) -- Hwacheon County in Gangwon Province is entering the peak of its summer festival season, with growing numbers of vacationers visiting its tomato festival and Bungeo Island water park.

According to county officials Friday, the "2026 Hwacheon Tomato Festival," one of the region's signature summer events, has continued to attract visitors on weekdays ahead of its closing on Sunday.

About 2,800 people visited the festival on Wednesday despite it being a weekday, enjoying attractions such as the water park and the festival's signature event of searching for gold rings hidden among tomatoes.

Various performances are scheduled for the festival's final weekend.

▲ Visitors enjoy the "2026 Hwacheon Tomato Festival," one of the region's signature summer events, in this photo provided by Hwacheon County, Gangwon Province. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

On Friday afternoon, visitors will take part in an impromptu singing contest and a live radio broadcast featuring performances by six popular music acts.

A concert by a well-known rapper is scheduled for Saturday to keep the festive atmosphere going.

The Bungeo Island water park in Hwacheon-eup, which opened on July 18, has also been crowded with summer vacationers.

▲ Vacationers enjoy summer at the Bungeo Island water park in Hwacheon County, Gangwon Province, in this photo provided by the county. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

The attraction features an outdoor swimming pool with water slides, a 400-meter zip line crossing the Bukhan River, a cart rail ride and an animal-themed zone, making it a popular destination for families.

Hwacheon County expects the events to help boost the local economy by refunding part of the admission fees for the tomato festival and Bungeo Island attractions in the form of local gift certificates that can be spent at nearby businesses.

"We expect the largest number of visitors this weekend as the heat wave continues," county mayor Kim Se Hoon said. "We will do our utmost to ensure safety so everyone can enjoy the festival."

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