2025 Soraepogu Festival: Our Experience in Incheon’s Seafood & Culture Celebration

From September 26 to 28, 2025, we had the chance to join the 25th Soraepogu Festival (소래포구 축제) at Haeoreum Square in Namdong-gu, Incheon, and what an unforgettable experience it was!

This free, open-air festival ran daily from 11:00 to 21:00 and blended everything from traditional fishing culture to modern stage performances and ecological awareness programs.

It wasn’t just an event, it felt like a community celebration of the sea, culture, and food.

Historical & Cultural Significance We Witnessed

Since its start in 2001, the Soraepogu Festival has been more than just a local gathering. It’s a showcase of Incheon’s fishing heritage, seafood traditions, and marine ecology. Walking through the festival grounds, we could feel the pride of the community, fishermen, families, local vendors, and performers all working together to keep this tradition alive.

This year’s 25th edition really showed the festival’s growth and ambition, aiming to secure its place as one of Korea’s leading marine ecology and cultural tourism festivals.

Highlights From Our Visit

1. Food Making & Tasting

There were booths where we got hands-on with making kimchi and even rolling our own tteok (rice cakes), a tasty way to connect with Korean tradition.

2. Performances for All Ages

The main stage kept us entertained with everything from traditional drumming and dance to K-pop style performances. At night, the stage lit up beautifully, creating a festive and vibrant atmosphere.

3. Street Markets & Exhibitions

We wandered through rows of stalls selling fresh seafood, handmade crafts, and local specialties. Exhibits on fishing tools and marine ecology gave us insights into the life and challenges of fishermen. It was educational but also really fun to explore.

Why It Was Worth Visiting

• Totally free and easy to join

• Interactive activities like shrimp catching & cooking traditional foods

• Blend of culture & entertainment for every age group

• Great food, fresh seafood and hands-on cooking experiences

• Convenient location near Seoul & Incheon, accessible by subway

• Endless photo spots, from the port views to festival lanterns at night

Our Travel Tips (Based on Experience)

• Arrive early to join catching activities before they fill up.

• Public transit is best, Soraepogu Station (소래포구역) is just a short walk away.

• Bring cash, some smaller vendors don’t accept cards.

• Wear comfortable shoes, lots of walking between zones.

• Stay for the evening shows, the atmosphere after sunset is magical.

The 2025 Soraepogu Festival was more than just an event, it was a celebration of Incheon’s maritime culture, food, and community spirit. Between catching shrimp, making kimchi and rice cakes, tasting seafood dishes, watching cultural performances, and exploring the markets, we truly had a blast.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly, foodie-friendly, and culture-rich experience in the Seoul-Incheon area, mark your calendar for next year’s festival. Trust us, you’ll leave full, happy, and with unforgettable memories.