KOREAN NET

This year's Jochiwon Peach Festival was held from July 26-28 in the town of Jochi-eup in Sejong, the event's 22nd edition since its debut in 2003 with venues including Sejong People's Field and Acorn Park. With a government agricultural agency that is today's Rural Development Administration launched in 1908 in the town heralding the start of the fruit's cultivation there, the region boasts 116 years of peach know-how.

By Hong Angie

A Korea.net staff writer on July 27 at 9:30 a.m. arrived on the second day of this year's Jochiwon Peach Festival.

Amid the scorching summer heat, many visitors from nationwide swiftly flocked to Sejong People's Field. On the occasion of the event's 22nd anniversary, an air show debuting as a festival attraction raised expectations.

The 20-minute spectacle began at 10 a.m. The Republic of Korea Air Force's aerobatic team Black Eagles showcased fancy and high-difficulty maneuvers in the skies above the venue, drawing applause from spectators.

Afterwards, the writer headed to the peach market, where the fruit was sold below market prices. Seeing certain visitors buy seven or more boxes fueled curiosity over just how tasty the fruit was, a question that was quickly answered.

At a booth offering soft peach samples, the writer tried one and the flavor exploded in her mouth as the softest and sweetest peach she had tasted in her life. She proceeded to purchase three boxes without hesitation.

Buying peaches was easy. A visitor needed to purchase a peach voucher by credit card or cash. Based on a standard of 3 kg, seven to nine peaches went for KRW 19,000 and 10-11 peaches KRW 15,000.

The Jochiwon Peach Festival featured food made from peaches. From left clockwise are a peach dessert corner at Acorn Park; peach ice cream; makgeolli (milky rice wine) and salt bread.

The sales booths were teeming with so many people that there was no room to walk. Those selling desserts or food made of peaches such as jelly, bread or makgeolli (milky rice wine) were also packed.

The refreshing and sweet taste that neutralized the harsh taste of the wine apparently won over many adults at the event.

"The highlight of the festival is peach makgeolli," said Maria Fernanda Paniagua, a Bolivian who visited the festival with her friend. "The harmony between the sweet peach taste and the flavor of traditional makgeolli was very unique."

Vivian Souza from Brazil (right) and her Bolivian friend Maria Fernanda Paniagua (middle) on July 27 taste peach makgeolli at the drink booth. On the flavor, Souza said, "The peace's soft taste is truly unique."

A "water air battle" at the auxiliary stadium of Sejong Civic Stadium saw participants beat the heat with about 100 water guns and cannons and bubble-making equipment. Parents who brought their children splashed water at each other and danced to the music.

Children at Acorn Park were preoccupied with activities like making "science boomerangs," peach dolls and keychains.

In addition, visitors got free peaches, hats and food if they joined events throughout Jochiwon. Those wearing peach-colored clothing or fashion accessories were happy to receive free peaches.

People on July 27 hold "peach folk painting" pouches they made at an interactive event of the Jochiwon Peach Festival.

The festival's organizing committee also took great pains to prevent heat-related incidents. The Sejong city government teamed up with related organizations to prepare 20,000 35-ml water bottles to give visitors reeling from the heat, plus six air-conditioned buses and two caravans at the venue as rest areas.

Under the theme of the 116-year peach tradition of Jochiwon, the festival this year was declared the most successful in its history. About 82,000 visitors attended the three-day event and 12,500 boxes of peaches were sold, both record highs.

The table below contains the ratings of the festival by the Korea.net reporter:

shong9412@korea.kr