Seocheon Hongwon Port Wild Gizzard Shad and Blue Crab Festival
The Seocheon Hongwon Port Wild Gizzard Shad and Blue Crab Festival is a seafood cultural festival centered on two of the west coast’s most prized seasonal catches. It takes place at Hongwon Port, one of the region’s representative harbors, from August 22 to September 6, 2026. Wild gizzard shad, regarded as Seocheon’s top delicacy, and blue crabs at their meatiest are the anchors of the event, offering visitors a chance to taste fresh seafood while surrounded by ocean scenery.
The festival grounds are designed to offer more than just dining. The signature experience is catching gizzard shad by hand, an activity suited to all ages. Treasure hunts are held within the Hongwon Port event grounds, and dedicated photo zones themed around gizzard shad and blue crabs let visitors capture the occasion. Folk games are also organized, giving the festival a lively, community-oriented character. Among the regular events is the Hongwon Port seafood market, where the local catch is available directly.
Admission to the festival is free, and the experience programs are paid separately. The hand-catching gizzard shad experience costs 15,000 won. For those traveling from outside the area, accommodations are available nearby, and the festival’s official website provides additional information.
- 🗓️ 2026.08.22 ~ 2026.09.06
- 📍 Address: 88 Hongwon-gil, Seocheon-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
- 🛏️ Accommodations near the event
- 💰 Fee: Free admission (Experience programs are paid: Catching gizzard shad by hand 15,000 won)
- 📞 Inquiry: 041-950-4414
- 🖥️ Website: https://www.seocheon.go.kr
What is gizzard shad?
Gizzard shad is a silvery, deep-bodied fish found in fresh and brackish waters. Its common name comes from a muscular stomach resembling a gizzard, which helps grind the plant and animal matter it eats. It is hardy, often travels in large schools, and is a common catch in rivers, reservoirs, and coastal areas where fresh and salt water meet.
At the Seocheon Hongwon Port Wild Gizzard Shad and Blue Crab Festival, the fish is presented as a seasonal local food. It has many small, soft bones and a distinctive savory flavor. Common preparations include grilling, frying, and simmering in stews—cooking methods that suit its texture. The festival also offers a hand-catching event: visitors wade into shallow water and scoop fish up with their bare hands. This is one way to take part in a local fishing practice that predates modern gear.
For local cooks, the appearance of wild gizzard shad is a sign of the season. The firm flesh pairs well with blue crab, which is also featured at the festival. Knowing a little about the fish explains why it is prepared the way it is and why it has remained part of the area’s food culture. That background is useful for first-time visitors and experienced anglers alike.
