Photo courtesy of moounga ()
Seoul’s famous Water Gun festival finally returns to Sinchon after a three-year hiatus. Sinchon is one of Seoul’s university hubs and is flooded with college students from the three major schools in the district. Here visitors will find many spots to get a cheap meal, inexpensive clothing and enjoy fun activities that won’t hurt your pocket too badly.
Every year, as the summer heats up, the area is also host to the Sinchon Water Gun Festival near Yonsei University. This year, the event returns the last weekend of July after organizers canceled it in 2020 and 2021 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The event draws many watergun-clad students and tourists ready to attack each other in a friendly battle as DJs set the soundtrack. After a fierce battle, warriors celebrate their victories in pubs and eateries that sit along the Sinchon-ro street. According to the organizers, the festival attracts more than 100,000 participants every year.
The last water gun festival was held on a boiling hot day in 2019 before the pandemic swept over the whole world. I was fortunate enough to enjoy the event before the pandemic, was soaked and danced the day away to EDM music played by skillful DJs.
Tons of locals and tourists joined in and battled each other with their colorful water guns. People brought backpack sprayers, while others simply brought a bucket. You can bring anything that can be filled with water, so choose your weapon wisely! They chased and sprayed each other without anger. It was pure joy! I even spotted some participants in Marvel and Joker costumes.
Photos by ChiHon Kim
And, don’t worry if you don’t have a watergun, there are many vendors selling a variety of waterguns in Sinchon. Or you don’t need to bring or buy any water guns if, like me, you’d rather be a peaceful observer.
This year's fest theme is "V-WAR: War against the virus" which contains the meaning defeat the virus that took away our daily lives. The method of participation is still the same: If someone shoots you with a water gun around the festival venue, shoot back. Don’t forget, this festival is the only place where you can legally “shoot” water at each other, be it your friends or even strangers.
Photos by ChiHon Kim
There is no entrance fee for the festival and water fight, but if you're a serious water fighter or want to take part in a special ticketed event, get the package ticket online in advance. The package ticket come with goggles, a raincoat, a waterproof bag, and the use of the locker and changing rooms.
This year, like the last festival, the 0.24 miles-long main street that rolls down from the gate of Sinchon Station to the front gate of Yonsei University will be jam-packed with people of all ages and nationalities, armed with a raincoat and water gun. I bet this year's water fun festival going to be more fun and exciting because of the long wait.
It’s been already over three years since the last festival and I still feel pumped from the sights and sounds of the fest in my memory. Don’t miss this year’s Water Gun Festival!
Photos by ChiHon Kim
Sinchon Water Gun Fest
Dates: July 30-31, 2022 Hours: 1 to 9 p.m. Location: Near Sinchon station exit 2, 3 Contact: 1522-9223, 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) Transportation: Sinchon Station, exit 2 or 3 Web: (KOR only)
PLENTY TO DO IN SINCHON
Sinchon’s neighboring districts like Hongadae have started to take note and attract students and youth with similar trendy bars and indie music venues. But before you leave Sinchon, make sure to stop in at some of the many great spots for interesting food and cool attractions in this hip area.
Sinchon Playbus
Located in Star Plaza, the Sinchon Playbus(신촌 플레이버스) is literally a repurposed two-story bus. Split into three sections, each has different uses for tourists. The first, the “Welcome Zone,” is for getting useful travel information. At “Story Zone,” the second section, get a glimpse of Sinchon’s colorful history. Finally, the “Experience Zone” is equipped with real broadcasting equipment so you can try your hand at DJing or podcasting. Check this bus out for fun events like the visual radio program which draws in a crowd and more information on Sinchon’s cool attractions.
ADDRESS: 창천동 31-123
HOURS: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Closed Monday, Public Holiday), FEE: Free Admission
Boxquare
The Boxquare(박스퀘어), just across from Sinchon Station, is a restaurant complex housed inside of three stacked shipping containers. It opened in 2018 and has become a hot spot for young people looking for inexpensive and delicious food. Each of the 34 eateries in Boxquare offer a variety of unique foods and drinks by young entrepreneurs trying their hands at the restaurant industry.
You can choose anything from Japanese cuisine to mouthwatering pizza along with homemade beer at cheaper price than any restaurant in Seoul. The best part of this space is that you can enjoy the spectacular views of Sinchon while enjoying your meal from the balconies on the rooftop.
ADDRESS: 대현동 60-11 (KOR)
HOURS: Noon to 9 p.m.
