The Hwacheon Jjokbae Festival is more like a carnival with exotic and original rafts in competition. The winner takes home a cash prize, and many people, especially families and friends, participate in this one-of-a-kind summer experience. The Hwacheon Jjokbae Festival is a time for visitors to come together in the spirit of tradition and decorate the waters of the Hwacheon River with creatively designed tradition watercraft. The festival also includes water sports and various other events, totaling approximately 40 different programs. Festival Guide: The jjokbae (raft) contest has no limitations on the size or design, as long as the raft can hold up to 5 persons. Participants can enter the contest online. The rafts must function manually only, and must be self-designed and manufactured by the participants who will also personally ride the raft during the festival. This year, festival programs include a farm-stay for families, picnics, fishing by hand, a water treasure hunt, water balloon games, water gun games, and more water-related events. Also, bicycle riding, hiking, canoeing, underwater soccer, and more events that are offered to provide maximum enjoyment to all visitors. There is also an Indian Cultural Village, which offers a chance to experience Indian culture, and rabbit farm experiences are available for those seeking a more family-oriented activity. Also, programs include educational activities such as a trout and aquatic life aquarium, an otter life exhibition, and much more. Festival Highlights: The highlight of Hwacheon Jjokbae Festival is of course the jjokbae raft contest. The participants really make the contest more enjoyable with their unique costumes and creative boat-designs shown off during the water parade. To make the contest more fun, all participants prepare an item to reflect each year’s theme.