Gokseong Simcheong Children's Grand Festival
Oct 8 – Oct 11, 2026 · Gwangju & Jeollanam-do
Overview
Under the theme 'A Special Day as a Gift for Children!', the Gokseong Simcheong Children's Grand Festival is held every October at Gokseong Seomjingang Train Village, one of Gokseong's representative tourist attractions. On the main stage, a rich lineup of performance programs is presented, including popular character shows, musicals, and magic. In addition, throughout the Train Village — including the Rose Garden and the Lawn Square — various participatory programs and attractions are offered for families to enjoy together, such as the Rose Garden Children's Mission Exploration Team and children's playgrounds. The festival aims to let every family who visits become the main character, laughing together and making special memories, and to give all families a special time they will remember for a long time.
Why go
This family-oriented festival takes over Gokseong's Seomjingang Train Village with a stage lineup of character shows, musicals, and magic performances for children. Hands-on activities are spread across the village's Rose Garden and Lawn Square, including a children's mission exploration team and playgrounds, making it a full day out for families with young kids.
Getting there from Seoul
Gokseong sits on the Jeolla Line, so ITX-Saemaeul or Mugunghwa trains run directly from Yongsan Station to Gokseong Station, with the Train Village located right by the station. An express or intercity bus from Seoul to the Gokseong bus terminal followed by a short taxi ride is an alternative route.
Tips
- Jeolla Line trains to Gokseong aren't very frequent, so book Korail tickets ahead, especially for this four-day stretch in October.
- Activities are spread across the Train Village grounds (Rose Garden, Lawn Square, stage area), so wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Specific operating hours and fees for this event weren't listed, so confirm current details on arrival or with the festival organizer before planning your schedule.
Best for: families, young children, photographers.
Photos
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
Other festivals in Gwangju & Jeollanam-do
Gwangju & Jeollanam-do
Seomjinggang Interntional Experimental Arts Festvial
Sep 22 – Oct 30, 2026
The Seomjinggang International Experimental Arts Festival is a traditional art festival that takes place in Gokseong, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City. The festival invites over 100 artists from around the world, and "seeks to explore the philosophical, ecological, and artistic meanings and values encapsulated by the river."
Jeollabuk-do
Sunchang Jangryu Festival
Oct 15 – Oct 18, 2026
*The information below is based on the 2025 festivals. Details for the 2026 festivals will be updated as they become available.*Experience the most iconic spicy flavor of Korean cuisine, gochujang (red chili paste). This festival takes place in Sunchang, the renowned home of gochujang. Visitors can try spicy and savory dishes made with Sunchang gochujang, partake in programs such as making red chili paste, and check out the festival’s performances, exhibitions, and shops. The biggest attraction is the “Sunchang gochujang offering procession to the King.” It is an reenactment based on the records of King Taejo's (born Yi Seong-gye), founder of the Joseon dynasty, love for the taste of Sunchang gochujang. During the event, a music procession and porters with a wagon loaded with crocks of chili paste perform a march around the village. Visitors can also check out the new Fermentation Theme Park, where they can learn the scientific principles of food through microbial experiments.◎ TipTteokbokki is a must-eat Korean street food. Don’t miss the “Sunchang Tteokbokki Town,” where you can try a variety of tteokbokki dishes made using Sunchang’s fermented sauces.
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Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go. Official site