Hwadojin Festival

The Hwadojin Festival is Jemulpo-gu's signature historical and cultural festival in Incheon, held every year to honor and carry on the history and traditions of Hwadojin, a military camp established during the Joseon dynasty to guard against foreign invasions. Now in its 37th year, the Hwadojin Festival — Incheon's oldest military camp festival and the district's leading festival — will be held over two days, October 16-17, 2026, around Dongincheon Station North Plaza and Hwadojin Park. The festival's centerpiece is its official ceremonies recreating historical scenes, including an opening ceremony that begins with a large drum performance (Daebuktago), a procession reenacting the Eoyeongdaejang (Commander of the Royal Guard) building the fortress, and a royal decree bestowal ceremony. It also presents a variety of cultural performances, including the musical 'Hwadojin,' which reenacts the completion of Hwadojin; Gugak b-boying; Gugak a cappella; tightrope walking (jultagi); traditional performing arts; traditional Korean music performances; balloon cinema; magic shows; the Hwadojin Concert; a history quiz; and a history talk concert. There will also be plenty of stages where residents can take part directly, including performances by local artists, a children's dance competition, and a district residents' singing contest. Traditional military camp experience programs, such as the Hwadojin Gate Guard and the Joseon military exam, along with a space for traditional game experiences, have also been prepared.

The Hwadojin Festival is Incheon's oldest military camp festival, now in its 37th year, honoring the Joseon-era Hwadojin garrison that once guarded against foreign invasions. Highlights include historical reenactment ceremonies (a large drum performance, a fortress-building procession, and a royal decree ceremony), along with traditional performing arts, a musical, and hands-on programs like the Hwadojin Gate Guard and a Joseon military exam experience.

The festival takes place around Dongincheon Station North Plaza and Hwadojin Park in Incheon's Jemulpo-gu. Dongincheon Station sits on Seoul Subway Line 1 (Gyeongin Line), so you can take Line 1 directly from central Seoul without transferring, with the ride taking roughly an hour or more depending on your starting station. The venue is right by the station exit, so no further transfer is needed on arrival.