Gijang Eupseong Festival
Oct 9 – Oct 11, 2026 · Busan
Overview
The "2026 Gijang Eupseong Festival" is a cultural tourism experience festival held from October 9 to 11 on the lawn in front of the Gijang Modern History Museum and throughout the Gijang Modern History Museum area. Set against the backdrop of the region's historical and cultural spaces, including Gijang Eupseong and the Modern History Museum, the event combines performance, reading, film, experience, and guided commentary programs. The main programs include the Eumseong Music Play Bar, Book Concert, Dongnebangne BIFF, Traditional Performing Arts Show, Challenge Dance, Pungnyu Wave Performance, Reading Club, and Pet Reels Video Festival. At the Gijang Modern History Museum, a Pop-up Workshop Experience, a "Slowness and Rest" Healing Experience, and a Gijang Eupseong Walking Docent Tour will be held. During the festival period, ongoing experience programs will also run, including the Gijang Bad Luck-Warding Lab, Pet Rock Adoption Center, Eumseong Goods Shop, and Eumseong Play Zone. The Gijang Eupseong Festival is not limited to a spectator-style format centered on performances and exhibitions of the region's historical and cultural resources, but is a festival composed of programs that allow visitors to directly participate in and experience them.
Why go
This festival turns the historic Gijang Eupseong old town wall and the Gijang Modern History Museum grounds into a hands-on cultural event rather than a sit-and-watch show. Programs mix live performance (Traditional Performing Arts Show, Pungnyu Wave Performance), reading and film (Book Concert, Dongnebangne BIFF, Reading Club), and participatory experiences (Pop-up Workshop, walking docent tour of Gijang Eupseong, a 'Slowness and Rest' healing experience). Quirky add-ons like the Pet Reels Video Festival and Pet Rock Adoption Center give it a lighter, family-friendly edge alongside the historical setting.
Getting there from Seoul
Take the KTX from Seoul Station to Busan Station (roughly 2.5-3 hours), then transfer to Busan's Donghae Line commuter rail toward Gijang Station, which sits close to the festival's Gijang-eup venue. An express or intercity bus to Busan's bus terminals followed by a local connection to Gijang-eup is another option if KTX seats are sold out.
Tips
- The festival runs outdoors on the museum lawn and around Gijang Eupseong, so dress for cooler October evenings in Busan.
- Specific hours and any admission fees aren't listed here, so check local signage or the venue on arrival.
- If you're bringing a pet, the Pet Reels Video Festival and Pet Rock Adoption Center make this an unusually pet-friendly stop.
Best for: history enthusiasts, families, pet owners, culture lovers.
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Reach travelers heading to Busan: sponsor this page.
Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go.