Looking for something to do in Korea next week? Here are 6 festivals running at some point during Oct 19–25, 2026 — each has its own dates below — taken only from the official festival data published by the Korea Tourism Organization (TourAPI). Compare dates and locations at a glance, then check each festival’s official channel before you go.
At a glance
| Festival | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Gwangju Kimchi Festival (광주김치축제) | Oct 23 (Fri) – Oct 25 (Sun) | 111, Naebang-ro, Seo-gu, Jeonnam-Gwangju |
| Gochang Moyang Fortress Festival (고창모양성제) | Oct 15 (Thu) – Oct 19 (Mon) | 11 Moyangseong-ro, Gochang-eup, Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk-do |
| Iksan Gukhwa Festival (익산천만송이국화축제) | Oct 23 (Fri) – Nov 1 (Sun) | 322 Hana-ro, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do |
| Grand Chrysanthemum Festival (대한민국 국향대전) | Oct 23 (Fri) – Nov 8 (Sun) | 27 Gonjea-ro, Hampyeong-gun, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropo |
| Yeosu National Heritage Media Art Festival: Jinnamgwan Guesthouse (국가유산 미디어아트 여수 진남관) | Oct 9 (Fri) – Nov 8 (Sun) | 11 Dongmun-ro, Yeosu-si, Jeonnam-Gwangju |
| Seomjinggang Interntional Experimental Arts Festvial (섬진강국제실험예술제(SIEAF)) | Sep 22 (Tue) – Oct 30 (Fri) | 1012 Seomjingang-ro, Jukgok-myeon, Gokseong-gun, Jeonnam-Gwa |
1. Gwangju Kimchi Festival (광주김치축제)
- Dates: Oct 23 (Fri) – Oct 25 (Sun), 2026 (3 days)
- Location: 111, Naebang-ro, Seo-gu, Jeonnam-Gwangju
- Map: Open in Google Maps
- Contact: +82-62-613-3955
The Gwangju Kimchi Festival, one of Korea’s leading kimchi festivals, returns for its 33rd edition from October 23 to 25 at the Gwangju Government Complex in Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City. Long devoted to preserving the traditions and cultural value of kimchi, Gwangju invites visitors to experience everything from age-old kimjang (communal kimchi-making) to new and creative ways of enjoying kimchi.
— Official description, Korea Tourism Organization
2. Gochang Moyang Fortress Festival (고창모양성제)
- Dates: Oct 15 (Thu) – Oct 19 (Mon), 2026 (5 days)
- Location: 11 Moyangseong-ro, Gochang-eup, Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk-do
- Map: Open in Google Maps
- Contact: +82-63-560-2949
Gochang Moyang Fortress Festival has been held since 1973 to inspire admiration for the construction of the walled town, develop local culture, and encourage love and pride for Gochang residents. Main events include a celebration and memorial ceremony, with additional events ranging from a pansori performance and farming music to folk games and archery.
— Official description, Korea Tourism Organization
3. Iksan Gukhwa Festival (익산천만송이국화축제)
- Dates: Oct 23 (Fri) – Nov 1 (Sun), 2026 (10 days)
- Location: 322 Hana-ro, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do
- Map: Open in Google Maps
- Contact: +82-63-859-4977
The Iksan Gukhwa Festival is held every year from late October to early November. The festival features an outdoor chrysanthemum exhibit, city agricultural hall, cultural performances, music fountain and much more as well as food.
— Official description, Korea Tourism Organization
4. Grand Chrysanthemum Festival (대한민국 국향대전)
- Dates: Oct 23 (Fri) – Nov 8 (Sun), 2026 (17 days)
- Location: 27 Gonjea-ro, Hampyeong-gun, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City
- Map: Open in Google Maps
- Contact: +82-61-320-2247
Grand Chrysanthemum Festival started in the autumn of 2004. Various chrysanthemum art pieces create a beautiful autumn ambience while the festival grounds are filled with diverse programs.
— Official description, Korea Tourism Organization
5. Yeosu National Heritage Media Art Festival: Jinnamgwan Guesthouse (국가유산 미디어아트 여수 진남관)
- Dates: Oct 9 (Fri) – Nov 8 (Sun), 2026 (31 days)
- Location: 11 Dongmun-ro, Yeosu-si, Jeonnam-Gwangju
- Map: Open in Google Maps
- Contact: 070-8064-0807
The Yeosu National Heritage Media Art Festival is a nighttime cultural event that presents Yeosu’s national heritages through media art. Under the theme “Jinnamgwan: Rebuilt with Light,” the event will be held from October 9 to November 8, 2026, in the areas surrounding Jinnamgwan Guesthouse, Gosodae Command Post, and Yi Sunsin Plaza.
— Official description, Korea Tourism Organization
6. Seomjinggang Interntional Experimental Arts Festvial (섬진강국제실험예술제(SIEAF))
- Dates: Sep 22 (Tue) – Oct 30 (Fri), 2026 (39 days)
- Location: 1012 Seomjingang-ro, Jukgok-myeon, Gokseong-gun, Jeonnam-Gwangju
- Map: Open in Google Maps
- Contact: +82-10-2344-5004
The Seomjinggang International Experimental Arts Festival is a traditional art festival that takes place in Gokseong, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City.
— Official description, Korea Tourism Organization
Still deciding? The earliest to close on this list is Gochang Moyang Fortress Festival (고창모양성제), which ends on Oct 19 (Mon), so they are easy to miss. Pick two or three from the table above by date and location first.
Before you go, check each festival’s official channel or contact number for the latest schedule — programs can change, and you will avoid a wasted trip.
Source: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI (English festival data). Photos: Korea Tourism Organization, Korea Open Government License (KOGL).
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