Participants in the 2nd Sinchon Water Gun Festival enjoy getting soaking wet on July 26. (photo: Jeon Han)
The shouts were all of laughter. Even though they were attacked by strangers, people were still happy and having fun. They are all participants in the Sinchon Water Gun Festival, which marks its second year this year.
Party-goers chant in unison and hold up their water guns as the two fire engines spray water over them, along Yonsei-ro in Sinchon, on July 26. (photo: Jeon Han)
Teams are formed and water gun battles ensue during the second Sinchon Water Gun Festival on July 26. (photo: Jeon Han)
The Sinchon Water Gun Festival is a day of energy and youth, as the venue is close to several universities: Yonsei, Sogang, Hongik and Ewha Womans University. Throughout the afternoon and evening, festival-goers filled Yonsei-ro in Sinchon and shot water guns at total strangers. Those who were attacked shouted, laughed and even danced, all while forgetting about their wet belongings. Participants included men and women of all ages, from every corner of the country and the globe. This is one of the few festivals in Korea where people can get out and have fun together with complete strangers, regardless of gender, age or nationality.
Suzy, from the popular girl group Miss A, completes the official starting countdown and announces the opening of the 2nd Sinchon Water Gun Festival on July 26. (photo: Jeon Han)
The festival was kicked off with a countdown by Suzy, a singer in the girl group Miss A. People began shooting water guns at each other, all around them. Numerous fire engines were also parked along the festival venue, spraying cool water over all the people.
Canadian visitor Bryan Stafford said the festival is, “full of fun,” and that nothing else can describe the event but, “fun.” Annie Williams from the U.K. said the festival is a, “fun event,” pointing out the disadvantage — or advantage — that people would feel a bit cooler after the water gun fights.
By Jeon Han, Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writers
hanjeon@korea.kr
Festival-goers shout for joy as they raise their water guns in the air, during the Sinchon Water Gun Festival on July 26. (photo: Jeon Han)
Bryan Stafford (left), Jeffery (right), both from Canada, and their friends are being attacked while posing for a photo together on July 16. (photo: Jeon Han)
Festival-goers in Sinchon enjoy the water gun fights during the second annual Sinchon Water Gun Festival on July 26. (photo: Jeon Han)
Annie Williams (right) poses for a photo with friends during the Sinchon Water Gun Festival on July 26. (photo: Jeon Han)
A man going by Eltton Brazil (center), from Brazil, dances as he gets shot by water guns during the Sinchon Water Gun Festival on July 26. (photo: Jeon Han)