World Cultural Heritage Hwasun Dolmen Autumn Flower Festival

🗓️ 2026.10.16 ~ 2026.10.25

The World Heritage Hwasun Dolmen Autumn Flower Festival is Hwasun’s representative autumn festival. It began in 2013 as the “Chrysanthemum Feast in the City” held at Namsan Park, then moved to the Hwasun Dolmen Sites and was developed into its current form. Under a new theme each year, the festival pairs the World Heritage dolmens with diverse autumn flowers to create a beautiful autumn landscape. Visitors can take in a wealth of sights and activities, including family-participation experience programs that interestingly unravel the history and culture of the dolmens and the Bronze Age, as well as various exhibitions and performances. In particular, the “DM Concert”—Hwasun’s signature performance, with “DM” taken from “DolMen”—adds to the festival and presents a special opportunity to experience the value of the World Heritage together with the beauty of autumn flowers.

Main Program

• 2026 DM Concert: A special stage at the Hwasun Dolmen Site grass plaza.

Side Programs

• Main stage performances
• Exhibitions: Theme gardens (Entrance photo garden, Chrysanthemum main garden, Family-friendly garden, Butterfly garden, Animal garden), Chrysanthemum bonsai exhibition, Chunsik’s History Road, Chunsik’s Village, Jjangdol’s Village
• Experiences: Hwasun Dolmen Naming Center, Prehistoric & Bronze Age Costume Shop, Jjangdol’s Snack Factory, Dolmen Accessory Workshop, Bronze Age play and hunting experience, Mobile phone photo printing service, Chunsik’s Time Postcards, Chunyang Children’s Playground

Consumer Participation Programs

• Chunsik’s Adventure
• Get Stamps and Stay Healthy
• Bronze Age Experience Master
• Tour of Dolmen Sites
• Stop by Hwasun Cinema and have a drink!

Other Details

• Sales: Hwasun signature desserts (Coal mine/Briquette ash ice cream, Chrysanthemum bread), Local food (8 locations), Single-dish food (8 locations), Food trucks (6 locations), Agricultural and special product sales
• Hwasun Writers Association Poetry and Painting Exhibition: Around Chunsik’s Village at the Dolmen Site grass plaza
• 3rd Dogok Agricultural and Special Products Grand Festival: Dogok-myeon Prehistoric Experience Center grass plaza
• Prehistoric life reenactment performances and autumn cultural performances: Chunyang outdoor special stage
• Experience of prehistoric people’s lifestyle: Prehistoric Experience Center
• Gwangdeok Culture Plaza DM Trot Singer Fan Signing Event & Gwangdeok Play Field: Gwangdeok Culture Plaza, Hwasun-eup

Practical Information

📍 Address: 180 Goindol 1-ro, Dogok-myeon, Hwasun-gun, Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City

🛏️ Accommodation near the event

💰 Fee:

• Paid: 5,000 KRW (5,000 KRW refunded in Hwasun Love Gift Certificates)
• Free: Hwasun residents, preschool children, disabled persons, persons of national merit, independence activists, 5·18 democratization merit recipients, war veterans (upon presentation of supporting documents)

📞 Inquiry: 061-379-3575

⭐️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goingdolmen

🖥️ Homepage: https://www.hwasun.go.kr/festival/index.do?S=S11

What is a dolmen?

A dolmen is a type of megalithic tomb made of large upright stones supporting a flat capstone. It dates from the Neolithic and Bronze Age and appears in many regions, including Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The basic form resembles a stone table, but dolmens were originally burial chambers, normally covered by a mound of earth or smaller stones.

The dolmens at Hwasun in South Korea are notable for their density and state of preservation. They are part of a larger group on the Korean peninsula, where more than 30,000 dolmens have been identified. The Hwasun site alone contains several hundred, including some with capstones weighing more than 100 tons. These stones were quarried from nearby mountains and moved over distances of up to several kilometres, using labour and techniques that are still not fully understood.

The builders used the monuments for burying important members of their communities, but dolmens also served as landmarks. They marked territory and expressed the social identity of the groups that made them. The Hwasun dolmens, together with the nearby sites in Gochang and Ganghwa, were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000 under the category “Dolmen Sites.” The listing recognises the archaeological value of the monuments and the evidence they preserve about prehistoric technology, social organisation, and land use.

The Hwasun Dolmen Autumn Flower Festival is held in the area around the stones each year. Visitors can walk through the site while seasonal flowers are in bloom and examine the structures at close range. Because the festival takes place at an active archaeological landscape, it also offers a chance to see how the monuments relate to their surrounding terrain, rather than treating them as isolated objects.

Sunchang Fermented Sauce Festival

🗓️ 2026.10.15 ~ 2026.10.18

The following food details are from the previous year’s (2025) festival; the 2026 festival details are currently being updated.

The Sunchang Fermented Sauce Festival invites visitors to Sunchang, the county traditionally regarded as the home of Korean fermented sauces, for four days of hands-on programming around gochujang (red chili paste), doenjang (soybean paste), and ganjang (soy sauce). In 2026, the festival marks its 21st year. It runs from October 15 to 18 around the Sunchang Traditional Gochujang Folk Village and the Sunchang Fermentation Theme Park, under the theme “The World’s Taste, Contained in Sunchang.” The program brings together experiences, performances, exhibitions, competitions, and food offerings rooted in traditional sauces and K-food.

The festival’s main draw is its participatory structure. Visitors can join the “Global Gochujang Making” program, which brings Korean and international participants together; watch the “Sunchang Gochujang Royal Tribute Procession,” a parade that recreates the Joseon Dynasty practice of presenting local gochujang to the king; and attend the “Global Sauce Culture School” to learn about and experience Sunchang’s sauce heritage. For those who prefer to make their own dishes, the “K-Food Experience Programs” cover kimchi, makgeolli, jangajji (pickled vegetables), and meju (fermented soybean lumps). The festival also includes “Sunchang Fermentation Village 1997,” the augmented reality (AR) mission game “Find the Sauce King,” and the “World Tour of Taste, Sauce Lounge,” which pairs sauce exhibitions with tastings and hands-on experiences.

Main Programs

• Global Gochujang Making — a joint sauce-making session for Korean and international participants
• Sunchang Gochujang Royal Tribute Procession — a parade reenacting the presentation of Sunchang gochujang to the king during the Joseon Dynasty
• Sunchang Fermentation Village 1997 — an experiential space themed around Sunchang’s fermented sauce culture
• Global Sauce Culture School — educational sessions on Sunchang’s sauce culture

Side Programs

• Opening Ceremony and Congratulatory Performance
• Encounter of Traditional Korean Music and Classical Music as Sauces Ripen
• World Heritage Tightrope Walking Performance
• Sunchang Global K-POP Song Festival
• Closing Ceremony and Autumn Concert

Consumer Participation Programs

• K-Food Experience Programs (making kimchi, makgeolli, jangajji, and meju)
• Find the Sauce King (AR mission game)
• Find the Golden Meju
• Red-Day Event
• Spicy Food Competition
• Fermented Sauce Gourmet Cooking Class
• Global Fermented Sauce Cooking Competition

Other Details

• Global K-Food Market
• World Tour of Taste Sauce Lounge
• K-Culture Exhibition and Experience
• Sunchang Tavern
• Local Art Exhibitions and Performances
• Agricultural Product Sales and Food Booth Operation

📍 Address: 55 Jangryu-ro, Sunchang-eup, Sunchang-gun, Jeonbuk State

🛏️ Accommodations near the event

💰 Fee: Free (Some programs have a fee)

📞 Inquiry: 063-650-1624

🖥️ Website: https://jangfestival.co.kr/

Sunchang, in North Jeolla Province, makes traditional Korean fermented sauces: doenjang (soybean paste), gochujang (chili paste), and ganjang (soy sauce). The craft has been practiced there for generations, and the county’s name is closely associated with these products in Korea.

Local producers attribute the quality to the environment. Mountain water, air, and a climate with distinct seasons support slow fermentation. Sauces age in earthenware onggi jars kept outdoors, where they are exposed to daily and seasonal temperature changes. The base for all three is meju, blocks of fermented soybeans. For ganjang, meju is brined and aged; for doenjang, the solids are further fermented; for gochujang, chili powder and glutinous rice are added. These processes take months or years and depend on naturally occurring microorganisms rather than additives.

The Sunchang Fermented Sauce Festival, held annually, is an effort to keep these techniques visible. Visitors can taste different sauces, watch demonstrations, and make a small batch to take home. The festival does not simply display finished products; it explains the steps and the conditions required to produce them.

Gochang Moyang Fortress Festival

🗓️ 2026.10.15 ~ 2026.10.19

The Gochang Moyangseong Festival is a historical and cultural event built around Moyangseong Fortress, widely regarded as the best-preserved original fortress in Korea. Held in Gochang-eup, Jeonbuk State, the five-day festival centers on Dap Seong Nori, an experiential walk along the fortress walls. The program is based on the local legend that one circuit cures leg ailments, two circuits bring a long and healthy life, and three circuits lead to ascension to paradise.

The festival’s main lineup includes Dap Seong Nori, Night Dap Seong Nori, Ganggangsullae DalBAM, a street parade, and Returns 1453. In Night Dap Seong Ganggangsullae Moonlight, residents and visitors come together for a nighttime combination of Dap Seong Nori and the traditional Korean circle dance Ganggangsullae. The street parade involves roughly 1,000 residents and expresses the past, present, and future of the region. Returns 1453 shifts the focus to Gochang Eupseong, allowing visitors to explore the interior of the old walled town under the theme of a journey to the past. Food stalls featuring local specialties of the Gochang region and direct sales markets round out the main offerings.

Main Programs

• Dap Seong Nori, Night Dap Seong Nori, Ganggangsullae DalBAM, Street Parade, Returns 1453

Side Programs

• Flea Market, Drone Show, Family Zone, Food Booths, Direct Sales Market, Tavern (Jumak)

Consumer Participation Programs

• Children’s Carrot Market, Traditional Game Experiences, Experiential Programs

📍 Address: 11 Moyangseong-ro, Gochang-eup, Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk State

🛏️ Accommodations near the event

💰 Fee: Free

📞 Inquiry: 063-560-2949

🖥️ Website: https://www.모양성제.com/

What is Dap Seong Nori?

Dap Seong Nori is a traditional Korean folk play associated with the Gochang Moyang Fortress Festival. Its name means “stepping on the fortress” or “treading the castle wall.” The practice is a walk along the stone ramparts of Gochangeupseong, a historic walled fortress in Gochang County. The fortress, also called Moyangseong, was built in the mid-fifteenth century as an administrative and defensive town wall. Its perimeter still encircles the older part of Gochang.

The custom grew from a local belief about the walls. A full circuit of the ramparts was thought to transfer worry, illness, and bad luck to the stones underfoot. The higher the wall, the stronger the effect, and completing the route was said to crush sickness with each step. For this reason, Dap Seong Nori was especially common on the first full moon of the lunar year. Families and neighbors climbed the walls in groups, singing and talking as they walked. It was a holiday outing that combined sociability with a shared purpose.

At the festival today, Dap Seong Nori is presented without turning it into a staged performance. There is no script, and no one is only a spectator. Participants, many in simple hanbok or comfortable walking clothes, form a line along the wall. The route follows the fortress perimeter and opens onto views of the surrounding fields and the old town below. Local performers lead the group, and traditional music accompanies the walk. The mood is relaxed and sociable, more like a communal stroll than a ceremony.

The activity works on two levels. It offers a physical walk with a clear view of the area, and it connects those who take part to a practice continued on the same walls for centuries. The older belief in transferred misfortune is not required for the experience to make sense. The walk itself is the event: a shared route through a historic place, taken in company and at a steady pace.

Hamyang Wild Ginseng Festival

🗓️ 2026.10.07 ~ 2026.10.11

Hamyang wild ginseng is grown in germanium soil at altitudes of over 500 meters, where its dense and firm texture and high saponin content make it a luxury wild ginseng of very superior quality. By implementing the nation’s first wild ginseng traceability system, the region lets consumers accurately know the production information behind every product. Quality control is maintained continuously through “wild ginseng guardian” activities, which preserve the differentiated characteristics that set this ginseng apart as a luxury wild ginseng.

The festival is organized to re-examine the meaning and historical value of wild ginseng. Held at Hamyang Sangrim Park, Natural Monument No. 154, where the mystery of a thousand years breathes, the programs use content that carries on the fading history and culture of wild ginseng and of the simmani (ginseng diggers) who once harvested it. Beyond heritage, the festival doubles as an economic driver. By drawing on the image of clean forest products—the county’s representative brand—it aims to expand sales channels for local agricultural and special products. Linked programs connecting forest, culture, and tourism resources are designed to revitalize the local economy. The festival is held every year around September to October.

1. Sales and Exhibition — Sales and exhibition of raw wild ginseng, processed wild ginseng products, agricultural and special products, and various market zones.
2. Experiences — Digging for wild ginseng, a wild ginseng auction, “Find the Golden Wild Ginseng,” health and anti-aging experiences, and more.
3. Performances and Events — Opening and closing ceremony performances, Sanmak Night, and performances by local singers and clubs.
4. Auxiliary Facilities — A local food pavilion, food trucks, a family zone, and other amenities.
5. Linked Events — Hanwoo and Handon tastings, “Wife’s Love” pancakes, Hamyang Arcade, and a flea market.

📍 Address: 49 Pilbongsan-gil, Hamyang-eup, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

🛏️ Accommodation near the event

💰 Fee: Free

📞 Inquiry: 055-960-6432

🖥️ Website: www.sansamfestival.or.kr

What is wild ginseng?

Wild ginseng is ginseng that grows naturally in mountain forests, without planting or cultivation. It is not a separate species from farmed ginseng; the term describes the plant’s origin and growing conditions. Cultivated ginseng is grown in managed fields and typically harvested within a few years. Wild ginseng matures over a much longer period, drawing nutrients from forest soil and the surrounding ecosystem. That slow development is the main reason it is scarce and highly valued.

In Korean traditional medicine, wild ginseng has a long history as a restorative herb. It is used to support vital energy, immune function, blood circulation, and general health and well-being. Since the plant takes decades to reach maturity and is difficult to locate, true wild ginseng is rare and commands a high price.

The 2026 Hamyang Wild Ginseng Festival, held at Sangrim Park, is designed for people who want to learn about the plant directly. Visitors can see how wild ginseng is identified in its natural habitat, observe traditional methods of processing and preservation, and join wellness programs organized around its medicinal uses. The park setting also offers a chance to understand the environment in which wild ginseng grows and the cultural traditions that have built up around it over centuries.

Yeongju Punggi Ginseng Festival

🗓️ 2026.10.03 ~ 2026.10.11

Ginseng has long been one of Korea’s most recognized health foods, valued for restoring energy and supporting immunity. Every year in early October, as the root’s nutrients reach their seasonal peak, Yeongju — one of the country’s leading ginseng production areas — hosts the Punggi Ginseng Festival for nine days. The event is structured around ginseng as a symbol of health, with exhibitions and experiences designed for visitors of all ages.

What sets this festival apart from a conventional harvest market is its emphasis on local heritage. The program includes the Gaesamteo Goyuje, a ritual performed at the site where ginseng was first discovered in the region, along with a reenactment of Governor Ju Se-bung’s procession and the Ginseng Grand Festival. Beyond the ceremonies, attendees can taste dishes made with nutritious Punggi ginseng, take part in hands-on activities such as ginseng peeling, and purchase fresh ginseng, red ginseng, and processed ginseng products harvested by local farmers at affordable prices.

Main Programs

• Gaesamteo Goyuje — a ritual held at the site where ginseng was first discovered.
• Ginseng Grand Festival — the festival’s centerpiece celebration.
• Reenactment of Governor Ju Se-bung’s procession — a historical pageant tied to the region’s past.
• Superior Ginseng Selection Contest and exhibition — a competition for the season’s finest ginseng, with selected entries on display.

Side Programs

The supporting lineup includes opening and closing ceremonies with congratulatory performances, youth cultural performances, an environmental singing contest, the Denden-eomi Hwajeon-nori traditional play, the Sobaeksan Punggi Ginseng Song Festival, and the One-Heart Athletic Meet. Together, these events round out the festival with music, community activity, and local tradition.

Consumer Participation Programs

For those who prefer to get involved directly, the festival runs a ginseng peeling contest and a ginseng injeolmi (rice cake) pounding session. Both activities offer a practical look at how Punggi ginseng is prepared and used.

Other Contents

A regional coexistence market sales center operates on-site, providing local vendors with an additional outlet for their goods during the festival period.

Visitor Information

📍 Address: Seongnae-ri, Punggi-eup, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

🛏️ Accommodations near the event

💰 Fee: Free (Some experience programs require a fee)

📞 Inquiry: 054-630-8706

⭐️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yctf0518/

🖥️ Homepage: https://yctf.or.kr/punggiginseng/

Punggi ginseng

Punggi ginseng is a type of Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) grown in the Punggi area of Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. It has been used in Korean herbal medicine for centuries. The local conditions—cool mountain air, mineral-rich soil, and sloping fields with good drainage—slow the growth of the roots, resulting in a firm texture and higher concentrations of ginsenosides, the compounds commonly associated with ginseng’s effects. Its flavor is earthy, with a mild sweetness.

Farming practices in the region are labor-intensive and follow a set schedule. Fields are rotated to preserve soil quality, and the roots are left in the ground for four to six years before harvest. Ginseng roots gain active compounds as they age, so older roots are generally preferred. In local usage, the root has been taken to support stamina, immunity, and circulation, though as with any herbal remedy, results vary and it is not a substitute for medical treatment.

The Yeongju Punggi Ginseng Festival, scheduled for 2026, gives visitors a chance to examine the root at different stages of processing: fresh, dried, powdered, brewed, or cooked into dishes. For anyone interested in Korean herbal traditions, the festival is a straightforward way to see how the crop is grown, prepared, and sold.

Yeongju Punggi Ginseng Festival

🗓️ 2026.10.03 ~ 2026.10.11

The following food content for the festival is from the previous year’s (2025) festival, and the food content for the 2026 festival is currently being updated.

Ginseng is a representative health food of Korea, valued for helping with recovery of energy and boosting immunity. October is the period when ginseng is most nutrient-rich, and it is also when the Punggi Ginseng Festival takes place in Yeongju, one of Korea’s leading ginseng production areas. The festival is built around ginseng as a symbol of health, so its core offerings are health-related exhibitions and experiences that people of all ages can enjoy.

What sets the festival apart is the way it mixes local history with the season’s harvest. Special programs include the Gaesamteo Goyuje ritual, the reenactment of Governor Ju Se-bung’s procession, and the Great Ginseng Ritual. These rituals tie the festival to Punggi’s history as a leading ginseng-producing area, while the excellent ginseng selection contest and exhibition highlights the quality of the local crop. Visitors can also taste ginseng dishes made with nutrient-packed Punggi ginseng and participate in hands-on experiences such as ginseng peeling. For shoppers, fresh ginseng, red ginseng, and processed ginseng products carefully harvested by local ginseng farmers are available at affordable prices.

Main Programs

• Gaesamteo Goyuje ritual, Great Ginseng Ritual, reenactment of Governor Ju Se-bung’s procession, excellent ginseng selection contest and exhibition, etc.

Side Programs

• Opening and closing ceremonies and celebratory performances, youth cultural performances, environmental singing contest, Dendong-eomi Hwajeon-nori courtyard play, Sobaeksan Punggi Ginseng Song Festival, One-Heart Athletic Meet, etc.

Consumer Participation Programs

• Ginseng peeling contest, pounding ginseng injeolmi rice cake, etc.

Other Details

• Operation of regional coexistence market sales centers, etc.

Practical Information

📍 Address: Seongnae-ri, Punggi-eup, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

🛏️ Accommodation near the event

💰 Fee: Free (Some experience programs have a fee)

📞 Inquiry: 054-630-8706

⭐️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yctf0518/

🖥️ Website: https://yctf.or.kr/punggiginseng/

Punggi ginseng is a variety of Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) grown in the Punggi area of Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. The town has been a recognized ginseng-producing region for more than 500 years. Its conditions suit the crop: cool mountain air, sandy loam soil with good drainage, and clear temperature differences between day and night.

The growing cycle is long. Farmers usually leave the roots in the ground for four to six years before harvest, and they rotate fields so the soil can recover between planting cycles. The harvested roots are dense and firm, with a high concentration of ginsenosides — the active compounds thought to influence immunity, circulation, and energy.

Practitioners of Korean medicine have traditionally described Punggi ginseng as warmer and more potent than ginseng from other regions. It is consumed fresh (susam), steamed and dried into red ginseng (hongsam), or sliced and used in teas and broths. It is commonly recommended as a tonic for fatigue and stress, and as a way to support the body’s defenses during seasonal changes.

The 2026 Yeongju Punggi Ginseng Festival will focus on this crop and its place in the local economy. The event is expected to cover how ginseng is grown and processed, how it is used in food and medicine, and the history behind the region’s long association with the plant. For visitors, it offers a straightforward look at a specialized agricultural tradition.

Sancheong Oriental Medicine Herb Festival

🗓️ 2026.10.02 ~ 2026.10.11

The 26th Sancheong Oriental Medicine & Herbal Medicine Festival is an oriental medicine and wellness festival built around the values of the Dongui Bogam, a UNESCO Memory of the World, and the pristine natural environment of Jirisan Mountain. Taking place around Dongui Bogam Village, the festival introduces the history and culture of traditional Korean medicine and runs health- and healing-themed experiences, exhibitions, and performances.

Visitors can experience anti-aging and healthy lifestyle culture directly through thematic programs such as Sancheong Hyeminseo, the “My Body’s Herbal Medicine” Experience, and the Oriental Medicine Wellness Pavilion. The festival also features local food, cultural performances, and family-friendly activities for a range of age groups, while serving as a platform to introduce Sancheong’s oriental medicine and herbal resources, the anti-aging industry, and health-and-healing tourism resources to domestic and international audiences.

The festival aims to promote Sancheong’s oriental medicine culture globally by expanding content for foreign tourists and strengthening overseas promotion, with the goal of growing beyond Korea into a global festival visited by people from around the world.

Event Programs

Official Events

• Opening Ceremony
• Closing Ceremony

Thematic Events

• Sancheong Hyeminseo
• “My Body’s Herbal Medicine” Experience
• Oriental Medicine Wellness Pavilion

Performance Events

• Sancheong Wellness Retreat Parade
• K-Hallyu Festival
• World Culture Festival
• Street Herbal Medicine Vendors
• Keundeul Madanggeuk (traditional outdoor play) performances
• Other linked events by stage

Experience Events

• K-Herb Demon Hunters Stamp Tour
• Children’s Oriental Medicine School
• Eup/Myeon Local Experience Zones
• Sancheong Herbal Treasure Hunt
• Crown Haitai Snack Imagination Playground
• Silent Yoga
• etc.

Exhibition Events

• (Permanent Exhibitions)
  • Expo Theme Pavilion
  • Sancheong Oriental Medicine Museum
  • Sancheong Herbal Medicine Pavilion

Sales Events

• Agricultural and Special Product Market
• Herbal Medicine Market
• Handicraft Exhibition and Sales Market
• etc.

Other Events

• Wellness Retreat Business Round Table

Visitor Information

📍 Address: 45-6, Dongui Bogam-ro 555beon-gil, Geumseo-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

🛏️ Accommodations near the event

💰 Fee: Free

📞 Inquiry: 055-970-6670~1

⭐️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scherbfest/

🖥️ Website: http://scherb.or.kr/

Sancheong County is in the southern part of South Korea, along the western slopes of Jirisan. The name means “pure mountain,” and the county’s identity is closely tied to the mountain and to the plants that grow there. For generations, local farmers and herbalists have cultivated ginseng, bellflower root, and other medicinal plants in the area’s highland soil. Traditional Korean medicine is not a historical curiosity here; it remains part of the local economy and daily practice.

The Oriental Medicine Herb Festival, held annually in Sancheong, draws on this background. Visitors can see how herbs are harvested and processed, watch practitioners prepare treatments, and buy dried herbs and other products directly from growers. There are also guided walks and talks that explain how the plants are used. The festival is less a themed event than an extension of what the county already does. It gives outsiders a straightforward view of a place where mountain agriculture and medicine have been connected for centuries.

Geumsan World Ginseng Festival

🗓️ 2026.10.02 ~ 2026.10.11

The food information for the festival below is based on the previous year’s (2025) festival content; the content for the 2026 festival is currently being updated.

About the Festival

Geumsan, in Chungcheongnam-do, is the home of ginseng, with a cultivation history spanning 1,500 years. The Geumsan World Ginseng Festival draws on this legacy to offer a wide-ranging program of experiences and attractions for all age groups. Among the highlights are ginseng digging experiences, red ginseng pack massages, red ginseng foot baths, the International Ginseng Trade Fair, and traditional ginseng culture experiences. Affordable shopping is another central part of the event, with a range of ginseng products available at accessible prices.

First held in 1981, the festival has taken place annually ever since. Its reputation as an industry-type festival representing Korea is reflected in ten designations as one of the nation’s top 10 best festivals by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, as well as its selection as an IFEA World Asia Specialty Product Festival in 2024. The event continues to evolve into a global festival shared with people from around the world.

Programs and Activities

Main Programs

• Ginseng digging experience trip – A hands-on opportunity to dig for ginseng.
• Red ginseng foot bath experience – A relaxing foot bath using water infused with red ginseng.
• etc.

Side Programs

• Ginseng King contest – A competition to find the year’s finest ginseng.
• Ginseng Festival – A ginseng-themed cultural program.
• Night drone lighting show – An evening drone display.

Consumer Participation Programs

• Geumsan Ginseng art experience – Art activities themed around ginseng.
• Geumsan Ginseng Folk Village – A traditional village experience centered on ginseng culture.
• Family traditional game experiences – Traditional games for families to enjoy together.
• etc.

Visitor Information

📍 Address: 30 Insamgwangjang-ro, Geumsan-eup, Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do

🛏️ Accommodation near the event

💰 Fee: Free admission (Some paid activities 2,000 won ~ 5,000 won)

📞 Inquiry: 041-750-2316

⭐️ Instagram: geumsan_travel

🖥️ Homepage: www.insamfestival.co.kr

What is ginseng?

Ginseng is a slow-growing perennial plant whose fleshy root has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in East Asia. The species most commonly used for health purposes is Panax ginseng, also known as Asian ginseng, which is native to Korea and northeastern China. The genus name Panax comes from the Greek for “all-healing,” reflecting the root’s historical reputation as a general tonic.

The plant itself is not conspicuous: it grows low to the ground, with five-lobed leaves and small red berries. The root is the part that is harvested. It takes at least four to six years to mature, and its shape can resemble a human figure; the Chinese name insam (人参) is often translated as “human root.” Traditionally, root shape and age were used as indicators of quality, with older and more anthropomorphic roots commanding higher prices.

In Korean medicine, ginseng is classified as an adaptogen, meaning it is thought to help the body cope with stress and maintain stamina. It is commonly taken as tea, extract, powder, or added to soups and alcoholic preparations. The active compounds, ginsenosides, are the basis for most research into the plant’s effects. Processing determines the final form: fresh ginseng is used raw, white ginseng is air-dried, and red ginseng is steamed and dried. Red ginseng is generally treated as the most concentrated preparation.

Ginseng also occupies a particular place in Korean social life. It is often given to elders and guests as a mark of respect, and its use is not limited to times of illness or fatigue. Geumsan County, in South Chungcheong Province, has been a center of cultivation for over 1,500 years. The region’s climate, soil, and long history of farming make it one of the principal ginseng-producing areas in Korea. The Geumsan World Ginseng Festival, held each year, is organized around the harvest and sale of the root; visitors can watch grading, learn about traditional processing, and buy fresh and dried ginseng from local growers.

Gangnam Festival

🗓️ 2026.10.02 ~ 2026.10.05

From October 2nd to October 5th, the “2026 Gangnam Festival” will transform the city center into the largest scale urban-type festival in the region. Unlike smaller localized events, this celebration utilizes the entire Gangnam area as a singular, expansive festival space, allowing domestic and international tourists to navigate a landscape where culture, gastronomy, and urban energy converge.

The festivities commence with a spectacular street parade designed to announce the opening of the event. Attendees can expect a diverse programming schedule that blends high-energy Hallyu content with traditional arts, ensuring there is something for every visitor—whether they are seeking the global appeal of K-POP or the serene atmosphere of temple music. The festival serves as a representative cultural tourism event, specifically curated to promote the distinct charm of the Gangnam district to a global audience.

Throughout the four-day duration, the night sky is decorated with light and music, while the streets host various performances and interactive experiences. The event is structured around several key pillars: K-POP and family concerts provide musical variety, the Fashion & Beauty Festa integrates K-fashion with live performance, and the Beer & Food Festa offers a dedicated space to experience various delicacies.

Key Event Highlights:

1. Grand Parade
2. Family Concert
3. DJ Party
4. K-POP Concert
5. Fashion & Beauty Festa
6. Beer & Food Festa
7. KBS Gugak Hanmadang (Maru Park)
8. Gangnam International Peace Marathon
9. Bongeunsa Temple Music Concert

Visitor Information

📍 Address: 320 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Nonhyeon-dong)

🛏️ Accommodations near the event

💰 Fee: Free

📞 Inquiry: 02-3423-5543

⭐️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heygangnam_festival

🖥️ Homepage: https://www.visitgangnam.net/festival

What is Gangnam?

Gangnam is a district in Seoul, South Korea. Its name means “South of the River,” a reference to the Han River. The area was largely developed from the 1970s onward as part of Seoul’s expansion, and it has since become one of the city’s main commercial and residential districts. International recognition came later, when PSY’s 2012 song “Gangnam Style” introduced the name to a global audience.

The district is internally varied. Apgujeong and Cheongdam contain high-end retail and independent fashion stores. Garosu-gil, along the edge of Sinsa-dong, has a concentration of cafes, restaurants, and small boutiques. K-pop entertainment companies maintain offices in Gangnam, and the area also hosts hospitals, financial offices, and technology firms. That mixture makes it a practical site for a festival centered on music, fashion, and food: it has venues, transport links, and existing businesses that can support such an event.

Gyeryong Military Culture Festival

🗓️ 2026.10.01 ~ 2026.10.05

The following festival details are from the previous year’s (2025) festival; details for the 2026 festival are currently being updated.

“Gyeryong’s Dream, K-Military Culture Soaring to the World!” The Gyeryong Military Culture Festival will take place from Sept. 17 (Wed) to Sept. 21 (Sun) at the Gyeryongdae runway and throughout the downtown area. The 2025 Gyeryong Military Culture Festival, a luxury festival of the Republic of Korea, plans to raise the status of military culture and present various contents that all generations can enjoy together through diverse performance programs—such as the opening celebration performance, genre-specific Military Culture Festa concerts (Rock, Trot, K-POP), invited military band and honor guard performances, and road parades—as well as various experience side events including the Extreme Special Experience Hall. In particular, this year, a ‘Wellness Life Special Exhibition Hall’ will be operated to showcase new festival content that fuses military culture with lifestyle.

The festival’s appeal lies in its range: large-scale performances sit alongside hands-on military experiences, and the genre-specific concerts are programmed so that visitors of different generations will each find a stage to enjoy. The Wellness Life Special Exhibition Hall is the most distinctive addition this year, signaling an effort to extend military culture beyond ceremonial displays and into everyday life. For those seeking deeper engagement, the overnight camp and training programs offer a level of immersion that a single-day visit cannot match.

Official Events

Opening ceremony and celebration performances.

Exhibition Events

Operation of the Wellness Life Special Exhibition Hall, Extreme Special Experience Hall, etc.

Performance Events

Military Culture Festa genre-specific concerts (Rock, Trot, K-POP), 3-service military bands and honor guards, busking performances, citizen arts group performances, road parades, etc.

Experience Events

2-day 1-night “Our Family” Barracks Camp, Yong-doryeong Circular Train, survival combat experience, barracks training experience, etc.

Side Events

Imagination Festival, Gyeryong Pat-geori Festival, Global Culture Competition, etc.

📍 Address: Jeongjang-ri, Sindoan-myeon, Gyeryong-si, Chungcheongnam-do

🛏️ Accommodations near the event

💰 Fee: Free

📞 Inquiry: 042-840-2621~4

🖥️ Website: www.gcfct.org

Gyeryong-si is known in South Korea as a military city. It contains Gyeryongdae, the headquarters compound for the Republic of Korea Army, Navy, and Air Force. The central commands of all three branches are located here, which is uncommon and gives the city a distinct administrative function.

The military presence affects local employment, housing, and public services. In recent years, Gyeryong-si has also developed a military-themed tourism sector. Museums and monuments explain the history and structure of the ROK armed forces. Experiential programs let civilians handle equipment, observe training methods, and learn about base life.

The annual Gyeryong Military Culture Festival is part of this effort. It features demonstrations, exhibitions, and participatory activities designed for visitors. The festival draws domestic tourists as well as international visitors interested in Korea’s defense institutions.