Jeongseon Arirang Festival
Oct 1 – Oct 4, 2026 · Happening now · Gangwon
Overview
The Jeongseon Arirang Festival is Jeongseon County’s signature cultural tourism festival created to preserve and carry forward the history, cultural value, and traditions of Jeongseon Arirang, one of Korea’s best-known folk songs. Celebrating Arirang, which is inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the festival brings together performances that blend tradition with contemporary elements, parades, hands-on programs, exhibitions, and various cultural and artistic events for visitors of all ages. The festival is also shaped by the local community, with residents taking on an active role in its planning and operation. Programs connecting Jeongseon’s cultural and tourism resources help boost the local economy and attract more visitors to the region. Building on the cultural legacy of Arirang and the unique traditions of Jeongseon, the festival seeks to establish itself as Korea’s leading Arirang celebration and grow into a global cultural tourism festival that people around the world can enjoy and relate to.
Why go
The Jeongseon Arirang Festival is Jeongseon County's flagship celebration of Arirang, a folk song inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Expect a parade, a national Arirang singing contest, an Arirang-POP dance competition, and the Chilhyeon ritual ceremony, with residents actively involved in running the event. Entry is free and programs are aimed at visitors of all ages.
Getting there from Seoul
Jeongseon has no KTX station, so the most direct option is an intercity/express bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal or Seoul Nambu Terminal to Jeongseon Bus Terminal. From there, take a local taxi or bus to Jeongseon Public Stadium, the festival venue. Allow extra travel time since Jeongseon is a rural county in Gangwon-do.
Tips
- Admission is free, with the venue open 10:00-22:00 each day.
- Book accommodation in Jeongseon early, as lodging options in the county are limited during the festival.
- Early October in Gangwon-do can be cool, especially in the evening, so bring a jacket.
Best for: families, culture lovers, folk music fans, photographers.
Program
Chilhyeon Ritual Ceremony, Arirang Parade, National Arirang Singing Contest, A (Arirang)-POP Dance Competition
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 Gangwon
Gangwon
Gangneung Coffee Festival
Oct 21 – Oct 25, 2026
The Gangneung Coffee Festival traces its roots to the everyday memories created around the coffee vending machines at Anmok Beach and to the café and roasting culture cultivated by local coffee artisans. Since it began in 2009, the festival has grown into a celebration of Gangneung’s distinct identity, connecting the city’s natural scenery, everyday culture, and local businesses. Residents, merchants, coffee professionals, and visitors come together to enjoy coffee and share stories about Gangneung through programs that bring together the humanities, arts, and local culture. A simple cup of coffee enjoyed by the sea has grown into a culture shared by the entire city. Today, the festival is a living cultural asset of the region, reflecting Gangneung’s history, the tastes of its people, and the pride of its community.
Reach travelers heading to Gangwon: sponsor this page.
Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go. Official site