Jeongdong Culture Festival
Oct 16 – Oct 17, 2026 · Seoul
Overview
The 28th Jeongdong Culture Festival, hosted by The Kyunghyang Shinmun, will be held October 16–17 in and around Jeongdong-gil in Jung-gu, Seoul. Jeongdong-gil, which runs from The Kyunghyang Shinmun through the Seoul Museum of Art to Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung Palace, was the center of diplomacy, culture, and education during the Korean Empire era, and has long been a space where history and new culture coexist. This year's festival presents a contemporary reinterpretation of Jeongdong's history and tradition under the new concept 'Neo-Jeongdong: Pan.' Over the two days, Jeongdong-gil will host a street parade reinterpreting traditional performing arts, along with performances by contemporary artists working in gugak (traditional Korean music). Space design using rice straw and F&B programs will also be arranged, turning all of Jeongdong-gil into one new 'pan.'
Why go
A two-day street festival that reinterprets Jeongdong-gil's Korean Empire-era history of diplomacy and culture under the theme 'Neo-Jeongdong: Pan.' Highlights include a parade reinterpreting traditional performing arts, contemporary gugak performances, straw-based space design, and food and drink stalls along the historic route.
Getting there from Seoul
The site is in central Seoul, so no intercity travel is needed. Take the subway to City Hall Station (Lines 1 or 2) and walk a few minutes to Jeongdong-gil, which runs past Deoksugung Palace's Daehanmun Gate and the Seoul Museum of Art.
Tips
- Outdoor parade and performances are weather-dependent in mid-October, so check the forecast and dress warmly for evenings.
- Deoksugung Palace and the Seoul Museum of Art are right along the festival route, so combine your visit with sightseeing there.
- No fixed hours are published, so build in flexible time rather than planning around a strict schedule.
Best for: history buffs, performance & music fans, photographers, walking tours.
Photos
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. Official site