Gimpo Aramarine Festival

A Water Play Festival in Gimpo, a City Where the Han River Meets the Sea

I went there half skeptical after hearing that 80,000 people had visited over just two weekend days. The Gimpo Aramarine Festival is a water leisure festival held every June around Aramarina in Gochon-eup. Gimpo is a city at the gateway where the Han River flows into the sea, and it turns the marina at the starting point of the Ara Waterway into a stage for water experiences like kayaking, SUP, and water bikes. As of 2025, it marked its 9th edition, and as the event expanded from two days to four, the program became much richer. It was selected as a "Gyeonggi Representative Tourism Festival" by Gyeonggi Province, so the scale is far from modest.

The first thing that caught my eye upon arrival was the yellow duck character, "Fori." The festival's signature program is the "Fori Race," an event where hundreds of duck figurines are floated down the water channel and raced to the finish line. It apparently started as a duck figurine race called the "Duck Race" and later settled into the current Fori name. Everyone watching the flock of yellow ducks drifting across the water while leaning on the railing looked completely at ease.

Take the Shuttle from Gochon Station, and Be Ready to Get Soaked

The first thing to decide is whether to reserve an experience. Popular activities such as kayaking and SUP sold out almost as soon as tickets opened. Since more than 1,200 people joined the pre-event alone, if you really want to get on the water, it is best to check the official website for the reservation schedule in advance and be prepared to line up early when it opens. On the other hand, programs like watching the Fori Race, playing in Marinaland, or enjoying the concert can be enjoyed without a reservation.

Getting there is easier than expected. Shuttle buses run from the taxi stand near Exit 2 of Gochon Station on the Gimpo Gold Line to the festival grounds. If you come by car, temporary parking lots are available, and in 2025 the number was doubled from the previous year to operate 4 lots. Still, it gets crowded during the daytime on weekends, so public transportation is the more comfortable choice. Dress is absolutely "clothes that can get wet." Programs like the Water Cannon Party literally blast water, so it is recommended to bring a change of clothes, a towel, and sandals. Marinaland (the children's water-play zone) has changing rooms, the public restrooms are continuously maintained, and there is also a drinking water service operated by K-water, which made it easy to refill water bottles.

Don't worry about food. There are rows of food trucks, and the F&B outlets at the nearby Hyundai Premium Outlet Gimpo branch are also operated as a food zone, so there are plenty of options. I also liked that Gimpo City emphasized a policy of "no inflated prices." Since payment at food trucks and local markets can often be faster with cash, having a bit of cash on hand helps you avoid getting stuck in line.

The Real Highlight Is at Sunset - The Sunset Cinema and Opening Concert

Once the daytime water play ends, the atmosphere changes completely. As the sun sets over the marina, the "Aramarine Sunset Cinema" opens, and sitting by the water to watch a movie with the evening glow in the background was the best part of the festival for me. The opening concert lineup was also impressive: on the first day of 2025, performances by the Marine Corps Band and a local choir were followed by stages from Car, the Garden, SOYOU, and Kim Tae-woo. It was not a concert with a separate admission fee, but rather a relaxed event that anyone could enjoy together at the sunset marina.

To be honest, the language environment is centered on Korean. I wouldn't say there is enough English guidance or interpretation, so a foreign visitor traveling alone might feel a bit lost when it comes to reservations or announcements. Still, because there are many see-eat-play style content offerings like watching the Fori Race, water play, concerts, and food trucks, you can still enjoy it by reading the situation even if you do not understand the language. It is much easier if you come with family or Korean friends.

If You Stay for the Night Events, Think About the Way Back and the Weather - It Is Just Before the Rainy Season

One thing you should definitely keep in mind is the timing. The festival takes place in mid-June, just before the rainy season begins, so the midday sun can be quite strong. A hat and sunscreen are essential, and since there is not much shade, it helps to check resting areas in advance. If you stay through the concert or sunset cinema and leave late, be sure to check the shuttle schedule from Gochon Station and the last train time on the Gimpo Gold Line in advance. If you are driving, it is also realistic to factor in traffic leaving the parking lots around closing time.

In short, the Gimpo Aramarine Festival is a good fit for family travelers who want to enjoy water play, sunset views, and performances all in one place near Seoul. Especially if you are with children, Marinaland and the Fori Race alone can fill an entire day. If you are planning to stay in Gimpo in June, bring a towel and visit the marina where the Han River flows into the sea.