Pohang Marine Corps Culture Festival
Nov 14 – Nov 15, 2026 · Gyeongsangbuk-do
Overview
The Pohang Marine Corps Culture Festival is Korea's leading military culture festival, held in Pohang — the cradle of the Marine Corps and home to the Marine Corps 1st Division — where the history and spirit of the Marine Corps are shared with citizens and tourists. Built on the values of mutual growth that the Marine Corps and the local community have built together over many years, the festival reflects on the resilient spirit of the 'Ghost-Catching Marines' and the meaning of national defense and patriotism, turning them into cultural content that anyone can enjoy. Held every year throughout Pohang, the festival presents distinctive programs not normally accessible to the public, such as military equipment exhibitions, military band and honor guard performances, and military parades. It also runs a variety of programs spanning generations, including Marine Corps experience activities, performances involving fellow Marines, families, and citizens, and food markets. Through this, the festival opens a space of unity bringing together active-duty and veteran Marines and their families, citizens, and tourists. It is also a festival that makes a significant contribution to revitalizing the local economy and enhancing the city's brand value by using the Marine Corps — a resource unique to Pohang — as a tourism asset.
Why go
This is Korea's leading military culture festival, held in Pohang, home of the Marine Corps 1st Division, marking the long partnership between the Marine Corps and the local community. Visitors get rare access to military equipment exhibitions, band and honor guard performances, and parades, alongside hands-on Marine Corps experience activities and food markets.
Getting there from Seoul
Take the KTX from Seoul Station (or Yongsan) to Pohang Station, which generally takes around two to two and a half hours. Express or intercity buses to Pohang also run from Seoul's bus terminals if you prefer the bus. From Pohang Station or the bus terminal, continue by local bus or taxi to the Ocheon-eup, Nam-gu area where the festival is held.
Tips
- Book KTX tickets early, as festival weekends can sell out fast.
- Confirm local bus routes or arrange a taxi in advance to reach Ocheon-eup, since the venue is outside central Pohang.
- Mid-November is cool, so bring warm layers for outdoor exhibitions and parades.
Best for: military history enthusiasts, families, photographers.
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 Gyeongsangbuk-do
Gyeongsangbuk-do
Pohang International Fireworks Festival
Nov 19 – Nov 21, 2026
*The information below is based on the 2025 festivals. Details for the 2026 festivals will be updated as they become available.*The Pohang International Fire & Light Festival is an internationally renowned event themed around the images of “light,” symbolizing the global steel city of Pohang, and “fire,” representing the hot blast furnaces. Performers and local citizens dress up in all sorts of costumes and masks to join in the Fire & Light Parade, which marks the colorful beginning of the festival. The festival culminates in the International Fireworks Show, the highlight of the evening. The world’s best teams participate in the festival every year to give a spectacular show of fireworks against the backdrop of Yeongilman Bay. The festival began in 2004 to commemorate Pohang Citizens Day with a fireworks show and has since become a beloved celebrated annual festival, showcasing the pride of Pohang to its citizens.◎ TipYou can see the fireworks from Yeongildae Beach and Songdo Beach. Although you can’t hear the music from the show, you can watch the fireworks show peacefully at a less crowded seashore. After the show, you can move to Hyeongsangang Sports Park, the festival venue, to enjoy the rest of the festival’s programs.
Gyeongsangbuk-do
Pohang Nakhwa Night
Oct 9 – Oct 17, 2026
On a cool autumn night, a soft glow descends over the waters of Pohang Canal. Nakhwa is a traditional Korean fire art in which charcoal powder is wrapped in hanji (traditional paper) and slowly burned. Since no gunpowder is used, it doesn't burst like firecrackers; instead, the light slowly spreads along nakhwa lines strung across the canal. The festival's biggest highlight is the sight of two 75-meter nakhwa lines installed diagonally, richly illuminating the canal's night and water surface. At Pohang Canal, whose waterway was once cut off but was revived through citizens' efforts, the 'fire' of the industrial city of Pohang and the 'water' symbolizing restoration meet in a single scene. With no official ceremonies or singer performances, this festival—filled only with nakhwa and music—is a space entirely for citizens and visitors.
Gyeongsangbuk-do
2026 Pohang Steel Art Festival (2026PSAF)
Oct 24 – Nov 15, 2026
Tak-ma (琢磨, "polishing/grinding") – Iron sheds its rust by rubbing against iron, potatoes shed their skins by rubbing against potatoes.
Reach travelers heading to Gyeongsangbuk-do: sponsor this page.
Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go.