The Hongwonhang Gizzard Shad and Blue Crab Festival takes over Hongwon Port in Seocheon, Chungcheongnam-do, every late summer. As of the 2026 edition it ran August 22–September 6. Entry is free, and on weekends kids could catch gizzard shad (jeoneo) by hand and join a treasure hunt. With jeoneo and blue crab both in season, it’s best seen as a seafood trip to Seocheon rather than a stage festival.
Festival Basics
The venue is Hongwon Port, 88 Hongwon-gil, Seocheon. Official hours were 10 a.m.–6 p.m. with free entry; some activities, like fish catching, were paid. It’s held at a working port, so weather matters. Bring hats and comfortable shoes, plus spare clothes if you sign up for an activity.
Catching Gizzard Shad by Hand
The activity to plan around at the Hongwonhang Gizzard Shad and Blue Crab Festival is catching jeoneo by hand. In 2026 it ran only on weekends, at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Each session took 20 children and 20 adults, first come, first served, for 15,000 won per person, and each participant could take home up to six fish. A good day: arrive around 11, browse the port and fish market, eat jeoneo and crab for lunch, catch fish at 2 p.m., walk the harbor and head home. Sessions can be canceled for rain, wind or supply, so check that morning if you’re driving far.
Port Treasure Hunt
On weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., kids could search for hidden treasure cards and trade them for Seocheon specialties, limited to 15 people. Arrive in the morning to have a chance. A non-food activity in the middle keeps kids from tiring of a food-focused day.
How to Eat Jeoneo
Try gizzard shad three ways: sashimi (savory and fresh), muchim (tossed with tangy vegetables) and grilled.
The smell of grilling jeoneo is the very essence of an autumn port. For kids, flake grilled fish for them and check carefully for small bones.
Don’t Forget the Blue Crab
The Hongwonhang Gizzard Shad and Blue Crab Festival also features crab, and a seafood market runs throughout. Order a mix of jeoneo and crab, and check the menu, weight and cooking fees before ordering, an important habit at any Korean fish market.
Walk the Port
The best part is that the venue is a real port. Browse the seafood, eat and stroll the harbor; kids see where supermarket fish actually come from. Midday is still hot, so avoid long walks at noon.
Parking
Set your navigation to Hongwon Port (88 Hongwon-gil) and follow traffic staff on weekends. If you’re aiming for the 2 p.m. fish-catching session, arrive at least an hour early.
Who Will Enjoy It
Don’t expect a big concert festival; this is a classic West Coast food festival combining port, seasonal seafood and hands-on fun. It suits families with elementary kids, seafood lovers and anyone who enjoys a working-harbor atmosphere. If your kids don’t eat fish or care about activities, pair it with other Seocheon sights.
FAQ
- When is it held? During the August–September jeoneo season; in 2026 it ran August 22–September 6.
- Entry fee? Free; fish catching is paid.
- Fish catching every day? In 2026 only on weekends at 2 and 3 p.m., weather and supply permitting.
- Cost? 15,000 won per person in 2026, with up to six fish to take home.
- Rain? Individual activities can be canceled; check on the day before heading to the Hongwonhang Gizzard Shad and Blue Crab Festival.
Dates, programs and prices in this guide are as of the 2026 edition. Check the official website for next year’s schedule before you go.
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Schedules and prices can change, so check the VISITKOREA official tourism site before you go.