Sancheong Medicinal Herb Festival
Oct 2 – Oct 11, 2026 · Gyeongsangnam-do
Overview
Celebrating its 26th edition, the Sancheong Medicinal Herb Festival is a Korean medicine and wellness festival inspired by Donguibogam, which is inscribed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, and the pristine natural environment of Jirisan Mountain. Held at Donguibogam Village, the festival explores the history and culture of traditional Korean medicine through hands-on activities, exhibitions, performances, and health and wellness programs. Signature programs such as Sancheong Hyeminseo, My Body’s Herbal Remedy Experience, and the Korean Medicine Wellness Hall give visitors opportunities to experience Korean approaches to healthy aging and wellness firsthand. The festival also features local specialties, cultural performances, and family-friendly activities, while highlighting Sancheong’s medicinal herbs and other Korean medicine resources, its anti-aging industry, and its health and wellness tourism offerings. By expanding programs for international visitors and overseas promotion, it aims to share Sancheong’s Korean medicine culture with the world and grow into a global festival attracting visitors from Korea and abroad.
Why go
Now in its 26th year, this festival at Donguibogam Village celebrates Korean traditional medicine inspired by the Donguibogam text (inscribed on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register) and the surrounding Jirisan Mountain environment. Visitors can try hands-on wellness programs like Sancheong Hyeminseo, My Body's Herbal Remedy Experience, and the Korean Medicine Wellness Hall, alongside exhibitions, performances, and local herb specialties. Admission is free, with opening and closing ceremonies bookending the ten-day run.
Getting there from Seoul
Sancheong-gun has no direct KTX station, so the usual route is KTX to Jinju, then a local or express bus onward to Sancheong Bus Terminal. Alternatively, an intercity express bus runs directly from Seoul (Nambu Bus Terminal) to Sancheong. From Sancheong Bus Terminal, a local bus or taxi covers the final stretch to Donguibogam Village.
Tips
- Confirm bus/train connections in advance, as this is a rural area with limited schedules.
- Venue opens 09:00–18:00; plan your day trip or overnight stay around these hours.
- Entry is free, so budget instead for food, herbal products, and transport.
Best for: wellness seekers, families, nature lovers, traditional medicine enthusiasts.
Program
Opening Ceremony, Closing Ceremony, Sancheong Hyeminseo, My Body’s Herbal Remedy Experience, Korean Medicine Wellness Hall, and more
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 Gyeongsangnam-do
Gyeongsangnam-do
Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival
Oct 3 – Oct 18, 2026
The tradition of yudeung, or floating lanterns, dates back to the Battle of Jinjuseong Fortress, one of the three major victories of the Imjin War (Japanese invasions of Korea, 1592–1598). During the battle, lanterns were floated on the Namgang River as military signals to communicate with Righteous Army forces outside the fortress and as a means for families to exchange messages and check on one another. Jinju has carried on this tradition by organizing the Yudeung event as part of the Gaecheon Art Festival, first held in 1949 and regarded as Korea's first comprehensive regional arts festival. Since 2000, the festival has been held independently as the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival.
Gyeongsangnam-do
Guardians of Jinju
Oct 3 – Oct 18, 2026
Guardians of Jinju is a mission-based tour set around Jinjuseong Fortress and the Jinju Battle History Culture Park. Participants can enjoy the content simply by accessing a web-based platform, without having to install a separate app, and move between designated locations within Jinjuseong Fortress and the Jinju Battle History Culture Park to complete missions.
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Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go. Official site