Wolchulsan Chrysanthemum Festival
Oct 30 – Nov 15, 2026 · Gwangju & Jeollanam-do
Overview
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.
Why go
The Wolchulsan Chrysanthemum Festival turns Wolchulsan Gichanland into an autumn flower showcase, with chrysanthemum displays and flower sculptures set throughout the grounds. Highlights include chrysanthemum bonsai near the Gayageum Sanjo Memorial Hall, flower sculptures by the children's playground, and silver grass photo zones along flower-lined paths. It's a relaxed stroll through autumn scenery suited to families, friends, and couples alike.
Getting there from Seoul
Take a KTX on the Honam line from Seoul (Yongsan/Seoul Station) to Mokpo or Naju, then continue to Yeongam-eup by local bus or taxi. Alternatively, direct express buses run from Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal to Yeongam, from where a short taxi or local bus ride reaches Wolchulsan Gichanland.
Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the festival is spread across Gichanland's gardens and sculpture areas for strolling.
- Head to the silver grass photo zones and flower paths for the best autumn photo spots.
- Check the chrysanthemum bonsai near the Gayageum Sanjo Memorial Hall and the flower sculptures by the children's playground if traveling with kids.
Best for: families, couples, photographers, nature lovers.
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 Gwangju & Jeollanam-do
Gwangju & Jeollanam-do
Gangjin Bay Dancing Reeds Festival
Oct 24 – Nov 1, 2026
This festival takes place at Gangjinman Bay Ecological Park, home to 1,572 species, where visitors can enjoy beautiful sunsets along with a variety of performances and hands-on programs. Programs are available for people of all ages, including walking the Gangjinman Bay ecological trail and viewing the reed fields, allowing visitors to take in the natural scenery and ecological environment of Gangjinman Bay in autumn together. In particular, the festival runs participatory hands-on programs and environmental programs for children, so that families can enjoy themselves together in nature. It is a beautiful eco-cultural festival that showcases the ecological value of Gangjinman Bay Ecological Park and the seasonal scenery of its reed fields, while sharing the meaning of protecting the natural environment.
Gwangju & Jeollanam-do
Hwasun Unju Culture Festival
Nov 7 – Nov 8, 2026
The Hwasun Unju Culture Festival is a signature cultural festival held at Unjusa Temple in Hwasun, a mystical sanctuary where a thousand Buddha statues and stone pagodas are nestled throughout its valleys. Within the serene temple grounds, where the legend of the reclining Buddha that has lain for a thousand years blends with countless stone pagodas, a variety of cultural and arts programs unfold for people of all ages to enjoy together. Heartfelt traditional bell-ringing and pungmul (traditional percussion) performances, along with music performances across various genres, liven up the festival grounds, while abundant participatory missions touring Unjusa Temple and traditional and cultural experiences are also prepared. As autumn deepens, visitors can journey through time and space into the mysterious legend of the thousand Buddhas and thousand pagodas, finding warm rest and creating special memories.
Gwangju & Jeollanam-do
Mokpo Port Festival
Oct 16 – Oct 18, 2026
The 2026 Mokpo Port Festival will take place from October 16 to 18 around Mokpo Port and Samhakdo Island. The festival invites visitors to journey through time and experience the history and culture of Mokpo Port through the Traditional Pasi, which recreates the excitement of a full catch and bustling seafood auctions, and the Modern Pasi, which offers experiences of the shops, streets, and everyday culture of the modern-era docks. Highlights include “Pasi: A Full Catch!”, which recreates the arrival of a stow-net fishing boat, the lively Pasi Auction Show, Retro Dockside Street, and Fish Market Street. These unique Mokpo experiences unfold throughout the festival grounds. Visitors can also enjoy Mokpo’s seasonal seafood, hands-on activities for families and local residents, and a variety of performances. Together, these programs bring the atmosphere of Mokpo’s historic port into the present, offering a memorable way to experience the city’s past and present in one festival.
Reach travelers heading to Gwangju & Jeollanam-do: sponsor this page.
Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go.