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From September 26th to 28th, 2025, the '2025 Siheung Gaetgol(Tidal Channel) Festival' kicked off at the Siheung Gaetgol Eco Park in Gyeonggi-do. True to its reputation as Siheung's premier ecological festival, the grounds were bustling with visitors from the early morning hours. Here, where nature's essence breathes within the city, a festival harmonizing people and ecology began.
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Rows of white tents filling the grounds piqued anticipation for the diverse attractions ahead. The market zone, teeming with visitors, radiated the unique vitality of the festival.
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A marketplace offering processed goods made from local agricultural products also caught the eye.
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At the artisan zone displaying handmade lifestyle items and crafts, visitors paused to admire the works with curiosity. These charming trinkets provided delightful browsing for families and couples alike.
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No festival is complete without delicious food. The zone lined with colorful food trucks stopped passersby in their tracks with mouth-watering scents. With familiar favorites like Tteokbokki, Sundae, and Tempura, alongside unique delicacies, visitors enjoyed the festival vibes while choosing their meals or waiting for their orders.
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I walked along the straight path stretching from the park entrance toward the festival site.
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On the way, I was greeted by 'Haero' and 'Toro', the mascots of Siheung City. There, a photo zone beautifully set against autumn flowers and Sotdae (traditional wooden bird poles) became a popular spot for capturing memories.
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Perhaps due to the early hour, there were no lines at the water bike rental booth by the waterfront.
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A single water bike glided leisurely across the pond, cutting through the water. The sight of visitors pedaling peacefully on the water added to the serene atmosphere.
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Crossing the wooden bridge past the water bikes, I found several experience booths.
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Two adjacent booths were hosting plant-based workshops. Programs like 'Making Flower Frames' and 'Decorating Succulent Pots' allowed visitors to feel the joy of creation using natural materials, making them a hit with families.
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Beautifully colored fabrics fluttering in the breeze grabbed my attention. At the 'Reed Natural Dyeing' booth, visitors could experience dyeing fabric using natural materials from the Gaetgol. The dyed cloths, glowing subtly in the autumn sunlight, softened the festival's atmosphere.
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Beyond the reed fields, another booth was filled with people focused on weaving reeds—the symbol of Siheung Gaetgol—to create their own wreaths.
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The site of the old Sorae Salt Farm transformed into a canvas of color, with rows of dyed fabrics draped overhead. Fluttering in the wind, they filled the rustic salt farm with vibrant hues, creating an exotic spectacle.
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Right next to it was a space for experiencing actual salt production. Children immersed themselves in the experience as if it were a game, busily moving back and forth across the salt pan with pushers as tall as themselves. Laughing with friends while scraping up salt, the site instantly turned into a joyful playground.
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At the 'Kite Flying' booth on the lawn plaza, a line of eager visitors waited for their turn.
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People scattered across the wide grass field released their kites into the wind. Colorful kites soaring high into the blue sky danced in the autumn breeze, creating a magnificent scene.
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Inside the park, a large-scale food market offered even more culinary delights.
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On one side, city promotion booths introduced Siheung City's policies and news. Contrary to expectations of a stiff atmosphere, the area was full of energy, featuring simple games and events for citizens to participate in. It was a popular stop where visitors could gain useful information and pick up small souvenirs.
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Waves of orange filling the wide fields overwhelmed the senses. Yellow Cosmos, the harbingers of autumn, were in full bloom, beautifully embroidering the park landscape.
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Following the path through reeds that grew taller than an average person, the park's landmark, the 'Swaying Observatory', came into view. This 22-meter-high spiral wooden structure offers a unique aesthetic from every angle. Climbing to the top of the observatory—which, true to its name, sways slightly in the wind—I could capture the winding Gaetgol channel and the expansive park scenery at a glance.
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From the top, the park spread out refreshingly. Below, a recreation event was in full swing at the seawater pool.
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Turning my gaze, the winding Gaetgol channel stretching toward the distant sea created a spectacular panorama. On the lawn plaza, the crowd had noticeably grown.
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Descending from the observatory, I walked along the trail beside the Gaetgol waterway. The harmony between the winding water channel and the towering observatory was breathtaking.
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The 2025 Siheung Gaetgol Festival was impressive, above all, for its engaging hands-on programs where citizens took center stage. With spaces for play and learning where people of all ages could joyfully immerse themselves, the festival felt richer and more meaningful than ever.
