The 8th Yecheon International Smartphone Film Festival
Oct 9 – Oct 11, 2026 · Gyeongsangbuk-do
Overview
The Yecheon International Smartphone Film Festival, now in its 8th edition this year, is a film festival that holds an open call for films and videos shot on smartphones, selects award-winning works through judging, and hosts an awards ceremony on-site on October 9 (Sat), where local residents can also join in and enjoy the festival together. Launched in 2019 in Yecheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do, a city blessed with pristine natural surroundings, the Yecheon International Smartphone Film Festival (hereinafter YISFF) symbolizes Yecheon and stands as a leading smartphone film festival nationwide, extending beyond Gyeongbuk. By making films with the smartphone that 'anyone' owns, in step with the footsteps of the times, it has stirred up a fresh and new wind of change.
Why go
Now in its 8th year, this festival invites open submissions of films shot entirely on smartphones, with judging and an awards ceremony held on site on October 9. It's a community-oriented event where local residents join in alongside filmmakers, reflecting Yecheon's reputation as a hub for this accessible, democratized style of filmmaking.
Getting there from Seoul
Yecheon-gun is in Gyeongsangbuk-do, reachable by train (via Cheongnyangni Station) or intercity/express bus from Seoul's bus terminals, with a total journey of roughly 2.5-3 hours to Yecheon. Since the venue is in Homyeong-eup rather than Yecheon's town center, plan for a local taxi or bus connection from the Yecheon train station or bus terminal to reach Sanhap-ri.
Tips
- Homyeong-eup is a rural part of Yecheon-gun, so arrange onward transport (taxi or local bus) from Yecheon station before you arrive.
- Time your visit around October 9 (Saturday) to catch the awards ceremony, which is open to the public and local residents.
- Confirm exact venue details, hours, and the program schedule directly with the organizers, as specifics beyond the dates and award day aren't published here.
Best for: film buffs, indie filmmakers, off-the-beaten-path travelers.
Other festivals in Gyeongsangbuk-do
Gyeongsangbuk-do
Andong Maskdance Festival
Sep 24 – Oct 4, 2026
The Andong Maskdance Festival is a global celebration where the memories carried by masks come to life through dance. Visitors can experience Korea’s mask dance traditions, inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, alongside mask dances from around the world. A wide range of performances, parades, the Tallori Daedongnanjang community celebrations, and the World Maskplay Competition create opportunities for people to come together and share in the festival experience. The 2026 Andong Maskdance Festival seeks to connect the stories preserved in masks with contemporary life. As children and seniors, local residents and international visitors gather in the same place to laugh, applaud, and share the rhythm of the festival, the memories carried by masks become a living culture. Shaped by the participation of all who take part, the festival becomes a true “dance for everyone,” celebrating the power of community and the joy of coming together.
Gyeongsangbuk-do
Yeongju Punggi Insam Festival
Oct 3 – Oct 11, 2026
Ginseng is one of Korea’s best-known health foods, valued for its ability to help restore energy and support the immune system. Every October, when ginseng is considered to be at its best, the Yeongju Punggi Insam Festival is held in Yeongju, one of Korea’s leading ginseng-producing regions. With health and wellness at its heart, the festival offers exhibitions and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. Special programs include the Gaesamteo Ritual Ceremony, Reenactment of Governor Ju Sebung’s Procession, and the Ginseng Grand Ritual. Visitors can also enjoy dishes made with nutritious Punggi ginseng and take part in fun activities such as ginseng peeling. The festival is also a great place to shop for fresh ginseng, red ginseng, and a variety of processed ginseng products made by local growers, all at reasonable prices.
Gyeongsangbuk-do
Mungyeong Gaeun Ajagae Market Festival
Oct 2 – Oct 4, 2026
The 'Gaeun Ajagae Market Festival' will be held for three days from October 2 (Fri) to October 4 (Sun) throughout Gaeun-eup, Mungyeong-si. Building on the warm, nostalgic atmosphere of the Gaeun Ajagae Market, this festival brings generations together, offering food, hands-on experiences, performances, and exhibitions all in one place. On the eve of the festival, October 2 (Fri), the 'Miss Trot 4 Gala Show' will be held, and on October 3 (Sat), the 'Time Capsule Concert' will feature singers representing the 80s-90s generation. On the final day, October 4 (Sun), the 'Kids Big Show' will be held for children and family visitors, filling the day with activities the whole family can enjoy together. In particular, to help revitalize the local economy, this year's festival includes a receipt event linked with nearby merchants, letting visitors sample menu items made with Mungyeong Yakdol Pork by a renowned chef. Also featured is the 'Gaeun Coal Mining History Photo Exhibition,' looking back on the history of coal mining in Gaeun, which played a major role in Korea's coal industry. Through photos capturing the work of miners in the past and daily life in the mining town, visitors can vividly experience this important history that supported Korea's industrialization and economic growth.
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Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go. Official site