The "2026 Pocheon Hantan River Spring Garden Festa" opened, kicking off a 38-day spring festival program.
Pocheon City in Gyeonggi Province held an opening ceremony at the Hantan River Ecological Landscape Complex on Wednesday, officially beginning the festival, which runs through June 7. About 11,000 visitors flocked to the opening ceremony, showing strong interest.
The festival features stay-type tourism content centered on the Y-shaped suspension bridge, built around the natural scenery of the Hantan River, which has been designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark. The city aims to attract approximately 200,000 visitors during the festival period, establishing the event as a representative spring festival in northern Gyeonggi Province.
A variety of performances unfolded at the opening ceremony against the backdrop of the Hantan River's natural scenery. A dog dance performance linked to the "Pocheon Pet Star Spring Edition" was held as a pre-event, and a dynamic breaking stage by the B-boy team MB Crew boosted the festival atmosphere. A congratulatory performance by singer Jadu drew enthusiastic responses from family visitors.
Policies to revitalize the local economy also stand out. The city plans to refund part of the admission fees and electric bicycle rental fees in Pocheon Love Gift Certificates, enhancing tourist satisfaction while driving consumption within the region.
Various linked programs will run during the festival. The "Pocheon Pet Star Spring Edition," "17th Pocheon Holstein Competition," and "Animal Story in Pyeonggang Land" will be held, along with animal exhibitions and feeding experiences featuring guinea pigs, rabbits, and Valais Blacknose sheep. A River Market with agricultural specialties and food will operate on a permanent basis, while street performances and experience programs will be held on weekends and public holidays.
"The Pocheon Hantan River Garden Festa is establishing itself as a representative festival of northern Gyeonggi Province," Acting Pocheon Mayor Kim Jong-hoon said. "We will continue to develop it into a festival where tourism and the local economy grow together, based on gardens and cultural content."
