Goesan Kimjang Festival
Nov 5 – Nov 8, 2026 · Chungcheongbuk-do
Overview
The 2026 Goesan Kimjang Festival is a kimchi-making culture festival held over four days from November 5 to 8, 2026, around the Organic Expo Plaza and Goesan Sports Complex in Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do. Using local produce such as cabbage and Cheonggyeol peppers grown in Goesan as kimjang ingredients, the festival lets participants make kimchi themselves. The signature programs are 'One-Stop Kimjang Making,' in which participants mix kimchi using pre-reserved salted cabbage and fillings at the Organic Expo Plaza and take it home, and 'Drive-Through Kimjang,' in which participants park their cars at individual booths within Goesan Sports Complex, make kimchi, and load the finished kimchi into their vehicles. The festival also features the 'Children and Teen Kimjang Experience,' where children and teenagers make kimjang kimchi themselves, the 'Kimjang Master's Workshop' featuring kimjang masters, and the 'World Kimchi Tasting,' where visitors can sample kimchi from various countries. In addition, major events include the K-Red Food Street, the Grilling Zone, and the Korea Kimjang Competition. Separate from the festival venue, the 'Village Kimjang Experience,' in which kimchi is made directly in villages throughout the Goesan area, also takes place over the course of November.
Why go
The Goesan Kimjang Festival celebrates Korea's kimchi-making tradition using cabbage and Cheonggyeol peppers grown locally in Goesan. Hands-on programs like One-Stop Kimjang Making and the car-friendly Drive-Through Kimjang let visitors make and take home their own kimchi, while the World Kimchi Tasting, Kimjang Master's Workshop, and Korea Kimjang Competition round out the four-day event.
Getting there from Seoul
Goesan has no KTX station, so the most practical route from Seoul is an intercity express bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Goesan Bus Terminal, a journey of a few hours depending on traffic. From there, a taxi or local transport can reach the Organic Expo Plaza and Goesan Sports Complex festival venues.
Tips
- If a reservation option exists for the One-Stop Kimjang Making program, book ahead since salted cabbage and fillings are prepared in advance.
- Drivers can use the Drive-Through Kimjang at Goesan Sports Complex to make kimchi without leaving the car.
- Bring a cooler bag or sealed container to carry your finished kimchi home, especially for the bus trip back to Seoul.
Best for: families, food lovers, cultural travelers, hands-on experiences.
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