Is the Siheung Gaetgol Festival good for a family visit with children?

Yes, it is highly recommended for families. It features diverse, educational hands-on programs where children can directly experience and learn from nature, such as exploring the tidal flat ecosystem and participating in traditional salt gathering.

2026 Fall Festivals in South Korea: Top 5 Best Events from Mid-September

Q: How long does the 2026 Hongseong Namdanghang Daeha Festival run?

The 2026 Hongseong Namdanghang Daeha Festival starts on September 4 and runs until November 8 around the Namdanghang Port area in Hongseong, South Korea. The generous schedule allows visitors to taste the seasonal daeha (prawns) throughout autumn.

Q: Is there an admission fee for the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival?

The festival grounds themselves are open to the public for free, so anyone can view the floating lanterns. However, please note that there may be separate fees to cross the pontoon bridges, participate in certain craft-making programs, or use designated seating areas.

Q: What is the best way to handle parking when visiting these fall festivals?

Major fall festival sites often experience severe traffic congestion starting from the entrance roads. It is highly recommended to use the temporary parking lots provided by the event organizers or take advantage of shuttle bus transfer parking lots operating on weekends.

As the cool breeze sets in, various regions across South Korea come alive with vibrant events. We have compiled the dates, locations, and highlights of five major fall festivals taking place across the country in 2026. From delicious seasonal foods to spectacular sights, make special memories this autumn.

2026 Fall Festival Schedule Guide in South Korea

1. At a Glance: 2026 South Korea Fall Festival Schedule

Passing mid-September, the fall festival season officially kicks off. We have summarized the basic information of major nationwide festivals that are perfect for visiting with family and loved ones. Plan your trip according to your preferences and travel distances.

2026 Major Fall Festival Dates & Information
Festival Name	Dates	Location	Main Theme
Hongseong Namdanghang Daeha Festival	Sept. 4 – Nov. 8	Namdanghang Port, Hongseong, South Korea	Local food, daeha (prawns)
Siheung Gaetgol Festival	Sept. 18 – Sept. 20	Siheung Gaetgol Ecological Park, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea	Nature, eco-experiences
Andong International Mask Dance Festival	Sept. 24 – Oct. 4	Downtown Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea	Mask dances, traditional culture
Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival	Oct. 3 – Oct. 18	Namgang River area, Jinju, South Korea	Floating lanterns, night views
Seoul Light Hangang Bitseom Festival	Oct. 3 – Oct. 12	Yeouido Hangang Park, Seoul, South Korea	Media art, light displays

2. Hongseong Namdanghang Daeha Festival: A Fresh Seasonal Seafood Feast

A must-visit culinary destination in autumn is the Hongseong Namdanghang Daeha Festival in Hongseong, South Korea. This year, it runs generously for over two months, from September 4 to November 8. Visitors can taste large, plump daeha (fleshy prawns) caught right at their seasonal peak.

Abundant Food and West Coast Sunsets

Around the commercial district of Namdanghang Port and the special stage area, you can enjoy salt-grilled prawns alongside other seasonal seafood like gizzard shad and blue crabs. Tasting these fresh prawns while watching the beautiful red sunset over the West Coast offers a truly romantic experience.

<Hongseong Namdanghang Daeha Festival> Dates & Programs

3. Siheung Gaetgol Festival: A Breathing Space of Natural Ecology

Easily accessible from the Seoul metropolitan area, the Siheung Gaetgol Festival in Siheung, South Korea, is an eco-friendly event held intensively over three days, from September 18 to 20. It takes place at the Siheung Gaetgol Ecological Park, where you can experience the untouched atmosphere of inland tidal flats (gaetgol) and traditional salt pans, providing an excellent outdoor classroom for children.

Fun Eco-Friendly Experiences for All Ages

Popular programs here include gathering salt at the traditional salt pans and observing various plants and wildlife that inhabit the tidal flats. Escape the busy city center and take a walk through the wide-open reed beds to fully enjoy the autumn season.

<Siheung Gaetgol Festival> Dates & Programs

4. Andong International Mask Dance Festival: Traditional Culture Enjoyed by the World

The Andong International Mask Dance Festival, where tradition meets modernity, kicks off spectacularly from September 24 to October 4 in Andong, a historic city in South Korea. Established as one of the country's representative cultural tourism festivals, this event offers a rare opportunity to watch various domestic and international mask dances all in one place, including the traditional Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori (Hahoe mask dance drama).

The Entire Street Becomes a Giant Stage

This year, the festival expands beyond Andong Station and Mask Dance Park to include the original downtown area, transforming the entire city into a lively dance floor. Anyone, regardless of age or gender, can put on a mask and join the vibrant street parades for a unique cultural experience.

<Andong International Mask Dance Festival> Dates & Programs

5. Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival: A Brilliant Feast of Light on the Namgang River

The Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival, which beautifully illuminates the cool October nights, will be held from October 3 to 18 along the Namgang River in Jinju, South Korea. This modern festival originated from the tradition of floating lanterns (yudeung) used during the Battle of Jinjuseong Fortress in the Imjin War. It creates a spectacular sight with tens of thousands of colorful lanterns floating on the river's surface.

2026 Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival Main Event Schedule
Event Name	Date & Time	Location
Opening Ceremony (Goyuje) & Town Symbol Parade	Oct. 3 from 6:00 PM	Jinjuseong Fortress / Musical Fountain
First Lantern Lighting Ceremony (Festival Kickoff)	Oct. 3 at 7:30 PM	Manggyeong-dong Special Stage
Drone Light Show	Evenings of Oct. 3 / Oct. 10 / Oct. 17	Above the Namgang River, Jinju
Fireworks Show	Oct. 3 / Oct. 9 / Oct. 17 at 8:00 PM	Namgang River Area, Jinju

It showcases the essence of night tourism with plenty of interactive programs, such as hanging lanterns with personal wishes and crossing the pontoon bridge over the river.

<Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival> Dates & Programs

6. Seoul Light Hangang Bitseom Festival: A Special Autumn Night in the City

A fantastic feast of light unfolds right in the heart of Seoul, South Korea. The Seoul Light Hangang Bitseom Festival takes place from October 2 to October 11 at Yeouido Hangang Park. Through a brilliant fusion of laser art and light, the ordinary Hangang (Han River) is transformed into a futuristic art space.

Where Cutting-Edge Technology Meets Art

Set against the beautiful night view of the Han River, cutting-edge light art pieces are displayed. It is perfect to enjoy while taking a light stroll or having a picnic on a mat. If you want to experience a special autumn atmosphere in your daily life without traveling far, this is the best choice.

<Seoul Light Hangang Bitseom Festival> Dates & Programs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does the 2026 Hongseong Namdanghang Daeha Festival run?

The 2026 Hongseong Namdanghang Daeha Festival begins on September 4 and runs until November 8 around the Namdanghang Port area in Hongseong, South Korea. The generous schedule allows you to enjoy seasonal daeha (prawns) throughout the autumn.

Is the Siheung Gaetgol Festival a good place to visit with children?

Yes, it is highly recommended for families. The festival offers diverse and educational hands-on programs, such as exploring the tidal flat ecology and gathering salt, allowing children to learn through direct experience in nature.

Where are the main venues for the Andong International Mask Dance Festival?

The main events are spread out across Andong Station, Mask Dance Park, and the original downtown area of Andong. Various mask dance performances and lively parades unfold throughout the streets.

Is there an admission fee for the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival?

The festival grounds are open to the public for free, so anyone can view the floating lanterns. However, please note that there may be fees for crossing the pontoon bridges, participating in certain craft programs, or accessing designated seating areas.

What is the best way to handle parking when visiting these fall festivals?

Major fall festival sites experience severe traffic congestion starting from the entrance roads. We strongly recommend using the temporary parking lots operated by the festivals or taking advantage of the shuttle bus transfer parking lots available on weekends.

Conclusion

In autumn 2026, we looked at some representative festivals with relaxed schedules starting from mid-September. From the Hongseong Namdanghang Daeha Festival, which stimulates your appetite with abundant seasonal foods, to the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival and Seoul Light, which offer dazzling night views, there are plenty of options. During this perfect season for outings—neither too hot nor too cold—we hope you visit festival grounds across South Korea with your loved ones to make unforgettable, beautiful memories.