▲ This Yonhap file photo shows the participants of the annual Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival jumping into the Naeseong Stream in Bonghwa, North Gyeongsang Province. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

SEOUL, July 14 (Yonhap) -- The 28th Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival will be held along the Naeseong Stream in Bonghwa, about 180 kilometers southeast of Seoul, from July 25 to Aug. 2, organizers said Tuesday.

During the nine-day festival, visitors can take part in traditional scoop-net fishing sessions three times a day at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Barehanded sweetfish-catching events will also be offered three times on weekdays and four times on weekends.

Participation costs 12,000 won (US$8.70), or 10,000 won for online advance reservations. Participants will receive 5,000 won worth of Bonghwa Love Gift Certificates as a rebate.

Festival highlights include a competition to determine who can catch the most sweetfish within a set time limit, a sweetfish championship featuring teams from local organizations, including the police and fire departments, and a sweetfish-catching contest for foreign visitors.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy charcoal-grilled sweetfish, fried sweetfish and sweetfish snacks, while fresh fish will be available for purchase.

Family-friendly attractions, including a children's water park and a sand play area, will also be available.

The festival will feature a variety of stage events, including the second Lee Mong-ryong Contest, the Silver Bonghwa Arts Festival, "Sweetfish Neon Live," "Sweetfish Crush Water Splash Show" and a closing celebration concert.

"This year, we have expanded family-oriented water play facilities, indoor rest areas, nighttime performances and food-related programs," a Bonghwa County official said. "We hope to showcase Bonghwa's unique summer festival."

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