Korea Festivals

National Heritage Media Art Cheongju

Oct 3 – Oct 24, 2026 · Happening now · Chungcheongbuk-do

National Heritage Media Art Cheongju
National Heritage Media Art Cheongju. Photo: Korea Tourism Organization

Overview

〈2026 National Heritage Media Art Cheongju — Yongdusaji Cheoldanggan, etc.〉 is a nighttime cultural event that expresses the historical value of cultural heritage sites in Cheongju's old downtown area (Yongdusaji Cheoldanggan, Mangseonru, Apgaksu, and Chungcheongdo Byeongmajeoldosa Yeongmun) through media art. The event's theme is 'Cheongju's Treasures Unveiled by Light.' It reinterprets the symbolism of Juseong — an old topographical characteristic of Cheongju — through contemporary media art, transforming the old downtown area into a grand stage for a voyage, and is composed as a story in which visitors search for the treasures (values) held within Cheongju's thousand-year national heritage. The event features a media facade using the four cultural heritage sites, a 3D sound tour, photo zones, and citizen-participation content. It runs for 22 days, from October 3 to October 24, 2026, with operating hours daily from 19:00 to 22:00.

Why go

This nighttime media art festival projects light-based artwork onto four historic sites in Cheongju's old downtown, including the Yongdusaji Cheoldanggan (Iron Flagpole), under the theme 'Cheongju's Treasures Unveiled by Light.' It combines a media facade, a 3D sound tour, photo zones, and citizen-participation content, making it a good evening outing for anyone interested in heritage sites reimagined through contemporary art.

Getting there from Seoul

Take the KTX from Seoul or Yongsan Station to Osong Station (about an hour), then a local bus or taxi into Cheongju's old downtown near Sangdang-gu. Alternatively, express or intercity buses run directly from Seoul's bus terminals to Cheongju, taking roughly 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic. From the Cheongju bus terminal or Osong Station, allow extra time to reach the Yongdusaji Cheoldanggan area since the event runs only in the evening (19:00-22:00).

Tips

  • Arrive by early evening since the show runs 19:00-22:00 and the old downtown area is best explored on foot before dark
  • Bring a jacket or warm layer, as October evenings in Cheongju can be cool after sunset
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the route covers multiple heritage sites across the old downtown

Best for: photographers, history buffs, couples, families.

Other festivals in Chungcheongbuk-do

  • Chungcheongbuk-do

    2026 Korea Forest Expo

    Oct 16 – Oct 18, 2026

    The 2026 Korea Forest Expo is an event that brings together the value, policies, and industry of forests in one place, held in and around Saengmyeongnuri Park in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do. The expo features the Forest Day commemoration ceremony and opening ceremony, the Forest Youth Forum, the Forest Golden Bell, cultural and artistic performances, and music concerts. In particular, Cheongju's largest fireworks display will take place, adding to the expo's main attractions. Promotional and exhibition booths from forestry-related organizations will also operate, along with hands-on programs such as woodworking, forest healing, and companion plants, while forest product sales booths and the Chungbuk Craft Fair offer forest-related exhibits, experiences, and sales content.

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    Cheongwon Life Festival

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  • Chungcheongbuk-do

    King Sejong and Chojeong Mineral Water Festival

    Oct 16 – Oct 18, 2026

    This festival commemorates the historical fact that King Sejong stayed at Chojeong Haenggung for 120 days, treating his diabetes and eye ailments with Chojeong mineral water while also achieving great accomplishments such as governing state affairs and creating Hangeul. Through this, it seeks to shed new light on the value of King Sejong and Chojeong mineral water, and to widely publicize the historical and scientific excellence of Chojeong mineral water, one of the world's three rare mineral waters. By spreading the value of Cheongju's clean natural environment and health resources both domestically and internationally, it aims to lay the groundwork for leaping beyond a domestic event into a world-class cultural tourism festival, and, building on the achievements of the festival over the past 20 years, to establish itself as Cheongju's representative brand festival.

Festivals: Chungcheongbuk-do

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