Korea Festivals

Daejeon Dong-gu Dongnak Festival

Oct 9 – Oct 11, 2026 · Daejeon

Daejeon Dong-gu Dongnak Festival
Daejeon Dong-gu Dongnak Festival. Photo: Korea Tourism Organization

Overview

Held around Donggwangjang (East Plaza) and Daedongcheon, behind Daejeon Station — a hub of transportation — the Daejeon Dong-gu Dongnak Festival is a leading culture and tourism festival in Daejeon, enjoyed amid the autumn atmosphere where the city center and nature come together. It is packed with rich content, from world cuisine served at unique theme booths to a game zone where people of all ages can join in and have fun. In particular, the 'Booknic' program — enjoying books and relaxation together against the natural backdrop of Daedongcheon — offers a sense of leisure and romance in the heart of the city, while a bakery competition that showcases participants' creativity and skill, and a cooking show where visitors can see professional chefs cook live, add a special culinary experience to the festival. At this festival, where local tourism assets such as Gwansachon and the Sojedong Cafe Street blend nature and culture, visitors can fully feel the unique character and charm of Daejeon's Dong-gu district.

Why go

This is a leading autumn culture and tourism festival in Daejeon's Dong-gu district, held right behind Daejeon Station where the city center meets the Daedongcheon stream. Highlights include world cuisine theme booths, a game zone for all ages, a bakery competition, and a live cooking show by professional chefs. The festival also features 'Booknic,' a program for reading and relaxing along the stream, giving the event a leisurely, romantic feel in the middle of the city.

Getting there from Seoul

Take the KTX or ITX-Saemaeul from Seoul Station (or Yongsan Station) to Daejeon Station; the journey takes roughly 1 hour on KTX. The festival grounds around Donggwangjang and Daedongcheon are directly behind Daejeon Station, so no further transfer is needed. Express or intercity buses from Seoul's bus terminals to Daejeon are also an option if you prefer bus travel.

Tips

  • Exit from the rear (east) side of Daejeon Station — the festival area is within walking distance, no taxi needed.
  • Bring a blanket or mat if you want to join the Booknic program and relax along Daedongcheon stream.
  • Pair your visit with a stop at nearby Gwansachon or the Sojedong Cafe Street before or after the festival.

Best for: families, foodies, book lovers, casual day-trippers.

  • Daejeon Dong-gu Dongnak Festival
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
  • Daejeon Dong-gu Dongnak Festival
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
  • Daejeon Dong-gu Dongnak Festival
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
  • Daejeon Dong-gu Dongnak Festival
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
  • Daejeon Dong-gu Dongnak Festival
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
  • Daejeon Dong-gu Dongnak Festival
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization

Other festivals in Daejeon

  • Daejeon

    Daejeon Jung-gu Book Festival

    Oct 10 – Oct 11, 2026

    The Jung-gu Book Festival builds on the diverse reading cultures and voices discovered within Jung-gu, bringing them together to foster new connections throughout the district. Presenting the district as a place shaped by layers of stories accumulated over time, the festival traces the time embedded in its alleys, the memories preserved in the old downtown, the lives of its people, and the emotions held by the community. In doing so, it uncovers and connects the stories that already exist within Jung-gu in a different perspective.

  • Daejeon

    Daejeon Seo-gu Art Festival

    Oct 9 – Oct 12, 2026

    A feast of light and culture-arts unfolding in the heart of the city, the 2026 Daejeon Seo-gu Art Festival will be held for three days from October 9 to 11 in the area in front of the Seo-gu District Office (Saemmeori, Boramae Park). Starting in 2016, the Daejeon Seo-gu Art Festival marks its 10th edition this year, and under the theme 'Chill with Seo-gu Art,' it is a culture-arts festival that reflects the latest trends and is made up of a variety of cultural and artistic programs. In addition, through an art market featuring artists from across the country, visitors can view and purchase a variety of artworks, and with culture-arts-themed experience programs and various cultural performances taking place, it is a signature festival of Daejeon Metropolitan City. Beyond its signature programs, the festival offers opportunities to enjoy a variety of artworks throughout the festival grounds, including an outdoor sculpture exhibition and special exhibitions, and through a range of programs for the whole family to enjoy, it is a festival where visitors can find cultural healing on a cool autumn day.

Festivals: Daejeon

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Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go. Official site