Wonju Dumpling Festival
Oct 23 – Oct 25, 2026 · Gangwon
Overview
This autumn, if you want to fall head over heels for dumplings, head to Wonju! The 2026 Wonju Dumpling Festival runs from October 23 to 25 around Wonjucheon (Wonju Stream) and Munhwa-ui-geori (Culture Street) in Wonju. Held under the slogan "One Round at the Market, Delightful Dumplings!", this festival is a special autumn celebration blending delicious dumplings, the lively energy of the traditional market, and a variety of performances and hands-on experiences. There's plenty to enjoy, from the Global Dumpling Zone featuring unique dumplings from around the world and the Wonju Dumpling Zone, to exciting participatory programs like the speed dumpling-folding contest and the dumpling tower stacking contest. Adding to the festive excitement are celebratory performances by popular singers, a live cooking show by Chef Jeong Ji-seon, the "Queen of Dim Sum," and the Wonjucheon Nakhwa (falling-ember fireworks) show.
A tour program exploring various corners of the traditional market, cultural and arts experiences, and a flea market will also be held alongside the festival.
A bite of delicious dumplings, a round of exciting performances, a heart full of special memories! This autumn, enjoy dumpling-packed fun in Wonju with family, friends, or a loved one.
Why go
This festival turns Wonju's Jungang-dong Traditional Market and the Wonjucheon streamside into a three-day celebration of dumplings, mixing Korean and international dumpling stalls with hands-on contests like speed dumpling-folding and dumpling tower stacking. Beyond the food, there are stage performances, a cooking demonstration by a well-known dim sum chef, and an evening fireworks show over the stream, plus a market tour and flea market running alongside.
Getting there from Seoul
Wonju sits on the Gyeonggang Line, so KTX or ITX trains from Cheongnyangni Station in Seoul reach Wonju Station directly. Alternatively, express or intercity buses run from Seoul's bus terminals (such as Dong Seoul) to Wonju Bus Terminal. From either the train station or bus terminal, the festival area around Jungang-dong Market and Munhwa-ui-geori is a short local bus or taxi ride away.
Tips
- Visit the Global Dumpling Zone and the Wonju Dumpling Zone to compare international and local dumpling styles in one spot.
- Evenings bring the Wonjucheon Nakhwa fireworks and stage performances, so plan to stay past dark for the fuller programme.
- Weekend crowds build up in the traditional market, so arriving earlier in the day makes it easier to browse stalls and join the hands-on contests.
Best for: foodies, families, festival-goers, 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 Gangwon
Gangwon
Chiaksan Hanwoo Festival
Oct 22 – Oct 25, 2026
The Chiaksan Hanwoo Festival is a leading local festival organized by the Wonju Livestock Agricultural Cooperative, a festival of harmony in which people of all ages and genders participate together, based on Wonju's agricultural values and the Samto Sasang philosophy. It promotes the excellence of premium Chiaksan Hanwoo beef raised in pristine nature, and visitors can directly purchase local agricultural and livestock products and fresh food through various food experience programs, while experience programs for family visitors are also operated. In addition, Chiaksan Hanwoo tastings and discount sales, along with stage events featuring local art performances, are arranged to provide a wealth of things to see. The 12th Chiaksan Hanwoo Festival is a festival held together with citizens in Wonju, the center of the Samto Sasang philosophy.
Gangwon
Night of Light Show
Apr 25 – Oct 31, 2026
Night of Light Show is a nighttime attraction at Ganhyeon Tourist Area that mixes media facade, lasers, and a fountain show into one grand performance. The media facade section is the largest in Korea, using 12 large beam projectors on a natural rock wall. There are also seven large lasers and the fountain shoots water up to 60 meters high in time to music. Night of Light Show takes place on Saturday and Sunday evenings from late April to late October.
Gangwon
Wonju Agricultural Cooperative Chiaksan Sweet Potato Festival
Oct 17 – Oct 18, 2026
The Chiaksan Sweet Potato Festival promotes Chiaksan sweet potatoes, a local specialty of the Wonju area, and brings farmers and consumers together in an autumn festival. At the direct farm-produce market, visitors can find Chiaksan sweet potatoes along with other local agricultural products, and the event creates a space where producers and consumers interact directly and share in the joy of the harvest. At the festival grounds, visitors can enjoy a variety of food, and a reenactment of the Tongsinsa procession offers a glimpse of traditional culture. The festival aims to expand sales channels and boost consumption of local agricultural products, convey the value of farmers, and bring together local residents and visitors. It is an event where families can enjoy the feeling of autumn together.
Reach travelers heading to Gangwon: sponsor this page.
Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go. Official site