Gwanak Gang Gam-chan Festival
Oct 16 – Oct 18, 2026 · Seoul
Overview
The Gwanak Gang Gam-chan Festival is Seoul's representative historical and cultural festival, held in Gwanak, a city steeped in history, to commemorate the patriotic spirit and achievements of General Gang Gam-chan, the hero of the Battle of Gwiju. It is not only a representative historical and cultural festival of Seoul held to honor the patriotic spirit of the renowned Goryeo general, but also a representative festival of Gwanak-gu created and enjoyed by its residents.
Why go
This festival honors General Gang Gam-chan, the Goryeo general celebrated for his victory in the Battle of Gwiju, and is considered one of Seoul's representative historical and cultural festivals. It is organized by Gwanak-gu District and doubles as a community festival for local residents, with free admission for all visitors.
Getting there from Seoul
The festival takes place at Nakseongdae Park in Gwanak-gu, within Seoul itself, so no intercity travel is needed. The area is served by Seoul Subway Line 2's Nakseongdae Station, from which the park is a short walk.
Tips
- Admission is free, so there's no need to book tickets in advance.
- Festival hours run from 12:00 to 21:00 across the three days (16–18 October 2026).
- Nakseongdae Park is associated with General Gang Gam-chan's history, so it's worth pairing a visit with some background reading on the Battle of Gwiju.
Best for: history, families, local culture.
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
Other festivals in Seoul
Seoul
Gwanak Gang Gam-chan Festival
Oct 16 – Oct 18, 2026
The Gwanak Gang Gam-chan Festival is a leading historical and cultural festival in Seoul, held in Gwanak, a city steeped in history, to honor the patriotic spirit and achievements of General Gang Gam-chan, the hero of the Battle of Guju. The Gwanak Gang Gam-chan Festival is Seoul's representative historical and cultural festival held to honor the patriotic spirit of General Gang Gam-chan, a renowned general of the Goryeo dynasty, and it is also Gwanak's signature festival, created and enjoyed together by the residents of Gwanak-gu. The Gang Gam-chan Festival newly began in 2016 by combining the 'Gwanaksan Royal Azalea Festival,' Gwanak-gu's representative traditional culture festival held since 1998, with the 'Nakseongdae Inheon Memorial Rite,' a memorial ceremony held since 1988. The Gang Gam-chan Festival carries forward his spirit through diverse programs reflecting the present day, set against the backdrop of cultural heritage sites imbued with the general's spirit — Nakseongdae, where General Gang Gam-chan is said to have been born at the spot where Mungokseong, the fourth star of the Big Dipper, fell; Inheon-dong, named after the general's posthumous title; and Seowon-dong, home to a pavilion the general is said to have frequently visited while traveling to and from Songdo. 'Tomorrow Gang Gam-chan' begins in the third week of October. Marking its 10th anniversary in 2026, the Gwanak Gang Gam-chan Festival is expanding its content to become Seoul's leading Goryeo-era historical and cultural festival embracing K-culture, taking a new step forward as a sustainable, mutually beneficial festival that bridges generations and revitalizes the local community.
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Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go. Official site