Grand Chrysanthemum Festival
Oct 23 – Nov 8, 2026 · Gwangju & Jeollanam-do
The 2026 edition ran Oct 23 – Nov 8, 2026. 2027 dates have not been announced yet; this page is updated automatically when the organizer publishes them. Check the official site for the latest.
Overview
The Grand Chrysanthemum Festival is held against the backdrop of Hampyeong's beautiful natural environment and chrysanthemums, which represent the city's autumn. This festival showcases large-scale planned chrysanthemum works and various bonsai pieces, presenting a rich autumn landscape where colorful chrysanthemums harmonize. In particular, alongside the chrysanthemum exhibition, a variety of cultural, performance, and hands-on activities have been prepared to fully enjoy the autumn atmosphere, offering a special time for families, couples, and tourists to enjoy and linger together. Through this festival, which blends beautiful chrysanthemums with culture and experiences, the event aims to widely promote Hampyeong's autumn and showcase the beauty of Hampyeongman Bay and the unique charm of the festival to the entire nation.
Why go
The Grand Chrysanthemum Festival turns Hampyeong Expo Park into a showcase of large-scale chrysanthemum displays and bonsai arrangements set against the region's autumn scenery. Alongside the flower exhibition, organizers add cultural performances and hands-on activities, making it a relaxed outing for families, couples, and tourists.
Getting there from Seoul
From Seoul, take the KTX on the Honam line toward Mokpo and get off at Hampyeong Station, then continue by local taxi or bus to Hampyeong Expo Park. An express bus from a Seoul terminal to Hampyeong's bus terminal is another option, again followed by a short taxi ride to the venue.
Tips
- Entry is paid, so bring cash or a card for tickets at the gate.
- Venue hours run 09:00–18:00, so plan to arrive with enough daylight to see the flower displays.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the exhibition spans an outdoor expo park best explored on foot.
Best for: families, couples, photographers, nature lovers.
Photos
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
Other festivals in Gwangju & Jeollanam-do
Gwangju & Jeollanam-do
Muan YD Festival
Nov 20 – Nov 22, 2026
The Muan YD Festival is a youth culture festival held by Muan-gun to promote cultural participation and communication among young people. The 6th Muan YD Festival in 2026 will be held over three days, from November 20 to 22, at Namak Central Park in Samhyang-eup, Muan-gun, and this year's theme is 'PLAY YD.' It features performances, hands-on experiences, and participatory programs so that young people can directly enjoy and take part in a variety of cultural content, offering them a chance to showcase their dreams and talents and a space for exchange and communication among youth. It also runs programs that allow local youth, residents, and tourists to participate together, expanding interest in and opportunities to take part in youth culture. The festival is also organized to promote the youth culture of Muan, the 'youth city,' and the region's diverse charms, and to create a space where young people can mingle and enjoy culture together.
Gwangju & Jeollanam-do
2027 ACE Fair
Sep 23 – Sep 26, 2027
This is a comprehensive cultural content exhibition and festival held in and around Kim Dae-jung Convention Center, where visitors can encounter a variety of content—including broadcasting and video, animation, characters, games, and webtoons—all in one place.
Gwangju & Jeollanam-do
Gwangju ACE Fair
Sep 23 – Sep 26, 2027
Held at the Kimdaejung Convention Center, the Gwangju ACE Fair is a comprehensive cultural content festival where broadcasting, animation, characters, games, and webtoons converge. This dynamic event serves as both a professional business hub for industry networking and a vibrant playground for the public. While domestic and international companies showcase the latest trends in the exhibition halls, visitors can enjoy a rich array of participatory programs, including an illustration fair featuring unique artist goods, lively cosplay competitions, and stage events with popular creators. The festival also offers family-friendly entertainment such as a dedicated board game zone and bubble shows, alongside creative markets for exclusive character merchandise.
Reach travelers heading to Gwangju & Jeollanam-do: sponsor this page.
Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go. Official site