Korea Festivals

Muan YD Festival

Nov 20 – Nov 22, 2026 · Gwangju & Jeollanam-do

Muan YD Festival
Muan YD Festival. Photo: Korea Tourism Organization

Overview

The Muan YD Festival is a youth culture festival held by Muan-gun to promote cultural participation and communication among young people. The 6th Muan YD Festival in 2026 will be held over three days, from November 20 to 22, at Namak Central Park in Samhyang-eup, Muan-gun, and this year's theme is 'PLAY YD.' It features performances, hands-on experiences, and participatory programs so that young people can directly enjoy and take part in a variety of cultural content, offering them a chance to showcase their dreams and talents and a space for exchange and communication among youth. It also runs programs that allow local youth, residents, and tourists to participate together, expanding interest in and opportunities to take part in youth culture. The festival is also organized to promote the youth culture of Muan, the 'youth city,' and the region's diverse charms, and to create a space where young people can mingle and enjoy culture together.

Why go

The Muan YD Festival is a youth-culture festival now in its sixth year, held over three days at Namak Central Park under the 2026 theme 'PLAY YD.' It mixes performances with hands-on, participatory programs so visitors can watch and join in, not just spectate. It's also a chance to see Namak Central Park, the park at the center of Muan's newer town area.

Getting there from Seoul

Muan sits in South Jeolla Province near Mokpo, so the most practical route is KTX from Seoul Station or Yongsan to Mokpo (roughly 2.5-3 hours), then a local bus or taxi onward to Namak Central Park in Samhyang-eup. An express bus from a Seoul terminal toward Mokpo or Muan is a slower backup if KTX seats sell out.

Tips

  • Book the Mokpo KTX early, especially for a late-November weekend.
  • Plan the last-mile transfer from Mokpo to Namak Central Park (local bus or taxi) in advance.
  • Bring a warm layer for outdoor evening performances, since late November is cold.

Best for: youth culture fans, festival-goers, day trips from Mokpo, photographers.

  • Muan YD Festival
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
  • Muan YD Festival
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
  • Muan YD Festival
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
  • Muan YD Festival
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
  • Muan YD Festival
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization

Other festivals in Gwangju & Jeollanam-do

  • Gwangju & Jeollanam-do

    Mokpo National Heritage Night Walk

    Oct 30 – Nov 1, 2026

    The '2026 Mokpo National Heritage Night Walk' is a nighttime cultural heritage event hosted and organized by Mokpo City, with support from the Korea Heritage Service and Jeonnam-Gwangju Unified Special City. Held over three days from October 30 to November 1, 2026, in and around the Mokpo Modern History and Culture Space, it is a cultural program designed to let visitors experience Mokpo's modern history and national heritage at night. With the subtitle 'Modern Times, the Story of Mokpo's Port Opening 129,' the event focuses on the opening of the port of Mokpo—the first port city independently opened by the Korean Empire in 1897—and the process of its formation as a modern city. Key cultural heritage sites include historic locations and architectural heritage such as Modern History Museum Hall 1, Modern History Museum Hall 2, Simsang Elementary School, Gyeongdong Catholic Church, and the site of Mokpojin Garrison. The event program consists of viewing and hands-on activities linking the nighttime scenery with cultural heritage, traditional culture performances, and other performances, conveying to visitors the historical value of Mokpo's port-opening history and modern cultural heritage.

  • Gwangju & Jeollanam-do

    Wolchulsan Chrysanthemum Festival

    Oct 30 – Nov 15, 2026

    The 2026 Wolchulsan Chrysanthemum Festival is an autumn flower festival held at Wolchulsan Gichanland from October 30 to November 15. Chrysanthemum displays and various flower sculptures are set up throughout Gichanland, allowing visitors to stroll and enjoy the autumn scenery. Near the Gayageum Sanjo Memorial Hall, visitors can admire chrysanthemum bonsai, and near the children's playground, families can encounter flower sculptures together. Silver grass photo zones and flower paths are also set up, making it a great place to capture autumn moments in harmony with the nature of Wolchulsan. From works symbolizing Yeongam to familiar character sculptures, each area offers different sights to see. It is a festival where families, friends, and couples can stroll through Gichanland and feel the autumn of Yeongam amid the fragrance of chrysanthemums.

  • Gwangju & Jeollanam-do

    Grand Chrysanthemum Festival

    Oct 23 – Nov 8, 2026

    The Grand Chrysanthemum Festival is held against the backdrop of Hampyeong's beautiful natural environment and chrysanthemums, which represent the city's autumn. This festival showcases large-scale planned chrysanthemum works and various bonsai pieces, presenting a rich autumn landscape where colorful chrysanthemums harmonize. In particular, alongside the chrysanthemum exhibition, a variety of cultural, performance, and hands-on activities have been prepared to fully enjoy the autumn atmosphere, offering a special time for families, couples, and tourists to enjoy and linger together. Through this festival, which blends beautiful chrysanthemums with culture and experiences, the event aims to widely promote Hampyeong's autumn and showcase the beauty of Hampyeongman Bay and the unique charm of the festival to the entire nation.

Festivals: Gwangju & Jeollanam-do

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Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go. Official site