Hwasun Jeokbyeok Culture Festival
Oct 9 – Oct 10, 2026 · Gwangju & Jeollanam-do
Overview
The Hwasun Jeokbyeok Culture Festival is a regional cultural festival held around Hwasun Jeokbyeok and the Iseo Community Center in Iseo-myeon, Hwasun-gun, Jeonnam-Gwangju Unified Special City. The festival aims to utilize the natural scenery and historical and cultural value of Hwasun Jeokbyeok to offer local residents and tourists a variety of experiences and attractions. Major programs include the Jeokbyeok Walking Program, where visitors walk and enjoy Hwasun Jeokbyeok firsthand; the GEO Environmental Concert, which raises awareness of the importance of the environment; Jeokbyeok Wellness Time for mind and body healing; experience programs run in partnership with local public institutions and organizations; and a market selling Hwasun's local specialty products. In addition, an exhibition and awards ceremony for the winning entries of the Jeokbyeok Youth Writing Contest, as well as resident-participation programs (such as the Iseo Women's Association and Living Improvement Association), will also be held. During the festival, free shuttle buses will be operated, and the event is expected to draw around 5,000 guests, local residents, and tourists.
Why go
The Hwasun Jeokbyeok Culture Festival centers on the scenic Hwasun Jeokbyeok cliffs, combining a guided walking program along the cliffs with an environmental-themed GEO concert and wellness sessions. The event also features a local specialty market, resident-participation programs, and an exhibition for the Jeokbyeok Youth Writing Contest, giving visitors a mix of nature and community culture.
Getting there from Seoul
Take the KTX on the Honam Line from Seoul to Gwangju Songjeong Station, the nearest major rail hub to Hwasun-gun. From there, connect by local bus or taxi to Iseo-myeon and the Iseo Community Center area; free shuttle buses are also provided during the festival. An express bus from Seoul toward Gwangju or Hwasun is an alternative if you prefer a direct overland trip.
Tips
- Use the free shuttle buses during the festival dates rather than driving, since the site is in a rural part of Hwasun-gun.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the Jeokbyeok Walking Program, as it involves walking along the cliffs.
- Go early on October 9–10, as the event draws around 5,000 visitors to a relatively small venue.
Best for: nature lovers, families, walkers, cultural tourists.
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.