Yeosu National Heritage Media Art Festival: Jinnamgwan Guesthouse
Oct 9 – Nov 8, 2026 · Happening now · Gwangju & Jeollanam-do
Overview
The Yeosu National Heritage Media Art Festival is a nighttime cultural event that presents Yeosu’s national heritages through media art. Under the theme “Jinnamgwan: Rebuilt with Light,” the event will be held from October 9 to November 8, 2026, in the areas surrounding Jinnamgwan Guesthouse, Gosodae Command Post, and Yi Sunsin Plaza. Based on the historical background and spatial characteristics of key locations, the event uses video and light to depict the War Diary of Yi Sunsin, Admiral Yi Sunsin’s spirit of compassion for the people, and the voyages of the Turtle Ship. The event consists of media art exhibitions featuring the architecture of Jinnamgwan Guesthouse, the stele pavilion and protected trees at the Gosodae Command Post, and the Turtle Ship at Yi Sunsin Plaza. It also offers programs that combine viewing and hands-on experiences, such as an AI metahuman portrayal of Admiral Yi Sunsin, interactive content using visitor photos, and a stamp tour. The stamp tour involves visiting Jinnamgwan Guesthouse, Tarubi Monument, and the Turtle Ship, and on weekends during the event, experiential programs and a flea market will also be held.
Why go
This is a free nighttime media art festival projecting light and video onto Yeosu's historic Jinnamgwan Guesthouse, Gosodae Command Post, and Yi Sunsin Plaza, bringing to life Admiral Yi Sunsin's war diary and the Turtle Ship's voyages. Extras include an AI metahuman rendition of Admiral Yi Sunsin, interactive visitor-photo content, and a stamp tour across the three sites, with a flea market and hands-on programs added on weekends.
Getting there from Seoul
Take the KTX from Yongsan or Seoul Station to Yeosu-EXPO Station (roughly 3 hours), then a short taxi or local bus ride into central Yeosu near Jinnamgwan Guesthouse. An express or intercity bus from Seoul to Yeosu Bus Terminal is a cheaper alternative, though it takes longer.
Tips
- Arrive by around 19:00 since the light show only runs 19:30-21:30 nightly
- Pick up a stamp tour card to visit Jinnamgwan Guesthouse, the Tarubi Monument, and the Turtle Ship
- Go on a weekend if you also want the flea market and extra hands-on programs
Best for: history buffs, photographers, families, couples.
Other festivals in Gwangju & Jeollanam-do
Gwangju & Jeollanam-do
National Heritage Media Art Yeosu Jinnamgwan
Oct 9 – Nov 8, 2026
The 2026 National Heritage Media Art Yeosu is a nighttime cultural event that presents Yeosu's national heritage and the stories of Yi Sun-sin and the Jeolla Left Naval Headquarters through media art. Under the theme 'Jinnamgwan, Rebuilt with Light,' it will be held from October 9 to November 8, 2026, in the area around Jinnamgwan, Gosodae, and Yi Sun-sin Square. Based on the historical background and spatial characteristics of the main sites, it expresses the Nanjung Ilgi (War Diary), Yi Sun-sin's spirit of caring for the people, and the voyages of the turtle ship through video and light. The event consists of media art exhibitions using the architecture of Jinnamgwan, the memorial pavilion (bigak) and protected tree at Gosodae, and the turtle ship at Yi Sun-sin Square, and it runs programs linking viewing and hands-on experience, including an AI metahuman Yi Sun-sin, interactive content using visitors' photos, and a stamp tour. The stamp tour involves visiting Jinnamgwan, Tarubi, and the turtle ship, and on weekends during the event period, experience programs and a flea market will also be held.
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Reach travelers heading to Gwangju & Jeollanam-do: sponsor this page.
Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go.