Hwasun Unju Culture Festival
Nov 7 – Nov 8, 2026 · Gwangju & Jeollanam-do
Overview
The Hwasun Unju Culture Festival is a signature cultural festival held at Unjusa Temple in Hwasun, a mystical sanctuary where a thousand Buddha statues and stone pagodas are nestled throughout its valleys. Within the serene temple grounds, where the legend of the reclining Buddha that has lain for a thousand years blends with countless stone pagodas, a variety of cultural and arts programs unfold for people of all ages to enjoy together. Heartfelt traditional bell-ringing and pungmul (traditional percussion) performances, along with music performances across various genres, liven up the festival grounds, while abundant participatory missions touring Unjusa Temple and traditional and cultural experiences are also prepared. As autumn deepens, visitors can journey through time and space into the mysterious legend of the thousand Buddhas and thousand pagodas, finding warm rest and creating special memories.
Photos
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
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
World Heritage Hwasun Dolmen Autumn Flower Festival
Oct 16 – Oct 25, 2026
The World Heritage Hwasun Dolmen Autumn Flower Festival began in 2013 as the 'Chrysanthemum Feast in the Heart of the City,' a chrysanthemum festival held at Namsan Park, which was later relocated to the Hwasun Dolmen site and newly developed into Hwasun's representative autumn festival. The World Heritage dolmens blend with colorful autumn flowers arranged under a new theme each year, creating a beautiful autumn landscape, while family-friendly hands-on programs that playfully unpack the history and culture of the dolmens and the Bronze Age, along with a variety of exhibitions and performances, offer plenty to see and enjoy. In particular, Hwasun's signature performance, the 'DM Concert' — its name drawn from the 'DM' in 'Dolmen' — adds to the festival's enjoyment, presenting a special festival where visitors can experience both the value of World Heritage and the beauty of autumn flowers together.
Gwangju & Jeollanam-do
Naju Yeongsangang Festival
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The 2026 Naju Yeongsangang Festival is Naju's signature autumn festival, held for five days from October 7 to 11 across the Yeongsangang Garden area. Set against the backdrop of the broad Yeongsangang and its beautiful gardens, it is a gathering place where Naju's history, culture, and tourism resources can all be experienced together. The festival offers a rich lineup of spectacular performances, citizen participation programs, hands-on activities for the whole family to enjoy, and a variety of local Naju food. By day, visitors can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the autumn garden along with lively programs, and by night they can take in a night view lit up with lights and passionate performances, making it a festival meant for an extended stay. It is a culture and tourism festival where residents and visitors come together to create special memories, while spreading awareness of the ecological value of the Yeongsangang and the unique charm of Naju.
Gwangju & Jeollanam-do
Gwangju Seochang Silver Grass Festival
Oct 15 – Oct 18, 2026
Gwangju Seochang Silver Grass Festival takes place along the themed walking paths next to Yeongsangang River with a range of walking programs and photo spots.
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Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go.