Gangdong Windflower Festival X Gangdong Book Festival
Oct 17, 2026 · Seoul
Overview
The 2026 Gangdong Windflower Festival × 17th Gangdong Book Festival is a cultural festival under the theme 'Read, Drink, and Make Art,' bringing together books and art, music and performances, exhibitions and local content all in one place. At 'Text Hip,' featuring meetings with authors Kim Ae-ran and Seong Hae-na along with independent publishers, local bookstores, and writers, visitors can discover new stories and connect with others through books, and through 'Art Hip,' made up of vinyl DJ sets, various performances, and local artist experience programs, visitors can experience art close to everyday life. In addition, 22 popular cafes, bakeries, and dessert spots in Gangdong-gu take part, making this a special festival where visitors can experience books, culture, and local flavors all in one place.
Why go
This one-day festival at Gangdong Arts Center combines a book fair with live art and music under the theme 'Read, Drink, and Make Art.' The 'Text Hip' programme brings author talks with Kim Ae-ran and Seong Hae-na plus independent publishers and local bookstores, while 'Art Hip' adds vinyl DJ sets, performances, and local artist experience programmes. Twenty-two neighbourhood cafes, bakeries, and dessert spots also take part, linking the festival to Gangdong-gu's food scene.
Getting there from Seoul
Gangdong Arts Center is in Sangil-dong, eastern Seoul, so this is a within-city trip rather than an intercity one. Take Seoul Subway Line 5 toward its Sangil-dong terminus, then a short bus or taxi ride to the venue; no KTX, ITX, or express bus is needed since the location sits inside Seoul.
Tips
- It runs for a single day (17 October 2026), so plan your visit and check the author talk/DJ set times in advance.
- Combine the book fair with a stop at one of the 22 participating Gangdong-gu cafes, bakeries, or dessert spots.
- Bring cash or card for purchases from independent publishers, local bookstores, and artist stalls.
Best for: book lovers, live music and art fans, café hoppers.
Photos
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
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Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go. Official site