Gwangju Kimchi Festival 2026: Family Fun & Programs Guide
Discover the 2026 Gwangju Kimchi Festival, a vibrant autumn celebration perfect for families! Explore immersive kimchi-making, thrilling games, and delicious food.
Quick answer
- The 2026 Gwangju Kimchi Festival runs from Oct 23-25, 2026, at Gwangju City Hall Plaza.
- Entry is free, with family-friendly activities like kimchi making and games.
- Highlights include the "Kimchi Dining Table" food zone and evening "Kimchi Party" shows.
- Experience classes like "Kimchi Experience School" (pre-booking required) and "My First Kimchi Class."
- Public transportation is recommended due to potential traffic and road closures.
Looking for an exciting festival to enjoy with your kids in Gwangju (광주) this October?
The 2026 Gwangju Kimchi Festival (광주김치축제) is set to delight visitors for three days, from October 23rd (Fri) to October 25th (Sun), 2026, at the Gwangju City Hall (광주시청) Plaza. Admission is free, and with a plethora of hands-on activities perfect for children, it's an ideal family outing.
Celebrating its 33rd anniversary this year, the Gwangju Kimchi Festival has been designated a 2026-2027 Cultural Tourism Festival by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. It's a signature autumn event for Gwangju, attracting over 57,000 visitors in just three days last year.
Today, we'll cover everything you need to know: the festival schedule, location, transportation tips, and must-try programs.
2026 Gwangju Kimchi Festival
Festival Name: The 33rd Gwangju Kimchi Festival
Dates: October 23rd (Fri) - October 25th (Sun), 2026
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Location: Jeollanam-do Gwangju Integrated Special City Hall (전남광주통합특별시청) Plaza (formerly Gwangju City Hall)
Address: 111 Naebang-ro, Seo-gu (Chi-pyeong-dong)
Admission Fee: Free
(Some experiences, like the Kimchi Experience School, require advance reservation)
Inquiries: 062-613-3955~7
(Gwangju Kimchi Festival Office)
Website: kimchi.gwangju.go.kr
📍 Gwangju City Hall (광주시청) Main Building
111 Naebang-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju Integrated Special City
Must-See Programs You Won't Want to Miss
1. Gwangju Kimchi Dining Table: A Feast for a Thousand
Open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM throughout the festival, this dedicated food zone at the Outdoor Music Hall Plaza offers a fantastic array of kimchi-infused dishes. Beyond delicious eats, you can enjoy food shows and live performances. With diverse menu options like Kimchi Bossam (boiled pork belly with kimchi), Kimchi Ramen, Kimchi Fish Cake Udon, and Aged Kimchi Pasta, it’s the perfect spot for lunch or dinner.
2. Opening Show
On October 23rd (Fri), from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, at the Main Stage of the Outdoor Music Hall, the Gwangju City Opera will present a captivating performance and video showcasing the journey of kimchi, as ingredients are added one by one to create the finished dish.
3. Presidential Award-Winning Kimchi Master Live Show
On October 24th (Sat), at 3:00 PM on the Main Stage of the Outdoor Music Hall, a Presidential Award-winning Kimchi Master will personally demonstrate their secret kimchi-making techniques.
4. Be Overwhelmed! Kimchi Party (Evening)
On October 23rd (Fri) and October 24th (Sat), from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, at the Main Stage of the Outdoor Music Hall, prepare for an unforgettable evening! The first night, RED NIGHT, blends a vibrant cocktail show with opera. The second night, K-HEUNG NIGHT, features traditional Korean performing arts, Chosun Pop, and an orchestra. If you dress to match the theme (hint: a red outfit!), you might even receive a special gift!
Interactive Programs Perfect for Kids
1. Kimchi Experience School (Advance Reservation Required)
Dates: October 23rd - 25th
Time: Daily 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (once a day, 60 minutes)
Location: Plaza in front of the City Hall Council
This unique class allows you to learn kimchi making directly from a Presidential Award-winning Kimchi Master. The instructor and kimchi variety change daily, offering a different experience each day.
Naver Reservation :: The 33rd Gwangju Kimchi Festival <Be Overwhelmed! Kimchi Party>Date | Master | Presidential Award Year | Kimchi Type |
October 23rd (Fri) | Master Kim Ji-mi (김지미) | 2024 | Immunity-Boosting White Kimchi with Mountain Deodeok |
October 24th (Sat) | Master Shin Myung-hwa (신명화) | 2022 | Giant Kohlrabi and Ograkji Kimchi |
October 25th (Sun) | Master Kwak Eun-ju (곽은주) | 2000 | Whole Wheat Seokbakji Kimchi |
※ Daily 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (once a day, 60 minutes),
Plaza in front of the City Hall Council, Naver advance reservation required.
2. My First Kimchi Making Class
Dates: October 23rd - 25th, 1:30 PM - 6:00 PM
(5 sessions daily, 30 minutes per session)
Location: Plaza in front of the City Hall Council
This hands-on experience allows you to mix 2.2 pounds (1 kg) of kimchi yourself and even make rice balls with Mudeungsan (무등산) watermelon pickle. Containers are provided for you to take your freshly made kimchi home, making it a perfect introduction to kimchi making for kids!
3. Kimchi Playground (Free, On-site Participation)
Kimjang Arcade: Daily 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM, continuously open at City Hall Lawn Plaza
This exciting experience transforms the kimchi-making steps of salting, seasoning, and mixing into fun games.
Kimjang Sports Day: Daily 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM, City Hall Lawn Plaza
Join Kimchi Man for a mini sports day featuring arm wrestling, balloon tossing, jegichagi (제기차기 - Korean hacky sack), and more, with chances to win prizes! No advance registration is required; simply join on the spot.
4. Global Kimchi Lounge
Daily 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM, City Hall Lawn Plaza
Here, you can enjoy kimchi tastings, experience pickling cultures from around the world, and even try making pumpkin injeolmi (인절미 - a type of Korean rice cake). It's a fantastic spot to visit with international friends!
Getting to the Festival & Transportation Tips
Subway: Approximately a 25-30 minute walk from Sangmu Station (상무역) Exit 4 or Uncheon Station (운천역) Exit 3.
Bus: Alight at the City Hall (시청) bus stop. Bus numbers include Geumho 46, Mae-wol 16, Unrim 50, Ilgok 38, Jiwon 25, Jiwon 45, and Cheomdan 22.
Car: Enter "Gwangju City Hall" or "111 Naebang-ro, Seo-gu" into your navigation system.
※ During the festival period, expect traffic controls on the road in front of City Hall and rerouted city bus services.
Be sure to check the festival's official website for announcements regarding controlled sections and rerouted bus lines before your visit. Parking can be challenging on weekends, so public transportation is highly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q. Is there an admission fee for the 2026 Gwangju Kimchi Festival?
A. Admission to the festival grounds is free. However, specific programs like the Kimchi Experience School and Kimchi Making Class operate via Naver advance reservation, so please check the booking page for costs and availability.
Q. What are the best times to visit with kids?
A. To make the most of your day, we recommend timing your visit to catch the Kimchi Experience School at 11:00 AM and the Kimjang Sports Day at 4:00 PM.
Q. Are there evening attractions?
A. Yes! The evening Kimchi Party takes place from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, October 23rd, and Saturday, October 24th.
Q. Can I purchase kimchi at the festival?
A. Last year, the Kimchi Market featured Presidential Award-winning master kimchi, quality-certified kimchi, and traditional market kimchi for sale. The list of vendors for this year will be available on the official website.
MellowTrip's Overall Review
The 2026 Gwangju Kimchi Festival offers a full day of fun, from free admission to hands-on kimchi experiences with masters, a lively Kimchi Playground for kids, and exciting evening Kimchi Parties. We highly recommend booking the Kimchi Experience School in advance, as it runs only once a day. Why not spend the last week of October with your family in Gwangju, making your very own batch of kimchi?
※ Please note that program schedules and content may be subject to change based on on-site conditions. Always check the official website before your visit.
Related Articles You Might Enjoy
Gwangju Attractions October Festivals: Kimchi Festival, Art Gwangju, Naju Namdo Food Culture Festival All at OnceFrequently Asked Questions
At the Kimchi Experience School of the 2026 Gwangju Kimchi Festival, what kind of kimchi can I learn to make from Master Kim Ji-mi on Friday, October 23rd?
On Friday, October 23rd, at the Kimchi Experience School, you can learn to make 'Immunity-Boosting White Kimchi with Mountain Deodeok' from Master Kim Ji-mi. This experience takes place once daily for 60 minutes at the plaza in front of the City Hall Council and requires advance reservation via Naver.
What are the themes for the night kimchi parties held on the evenings of Friday, October 23rd and Saturday, October 24th at the 2026 Gwangju Kimchi Festival?
The night kimchi party on Friday, October 23rd, will be a 'RED NIGHT' featuring a cocktail show and opera. On Saturday, October 24th, it will be a 'K-HEUNG NIGHT' with traditional performances, Joseon pop, and an orchestra. Both events will take place from 18:30 to 20:00 on the main stage of the outdoor music hall.
How many times a day is the 'My First Kimchi Making Class' held at the 2026 Gwangju Kimchi Festival, and how long does each session take?
The 'My First Kimchi Making Class' will be held 5 times daily from October 23rd to 25th. Each session lasts 30 minutes, where you can make 1kg of kimchi and also make Mudeungsan watermelon pickle rice balls at the plaza in front of the City Hall Council.
What is the traffic situation around the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City Hall Plaza during the 2026 Gwangju Kimchi Festival?
During the festival, there will be traffic control on the road in front of the City Hall, and city buses will be rerouted. Parking may be difficult on weekends, so public transportation is recommended. Please check the festival's official website announcements in advance for controlled sections and rerouted bus lines.
Share this article
Related Travel Stories
Gwangju & Naju Festivals 2026: Kimchi, Art & Namdo Food
Gwangju and Naju are vibrant in October 2026! Discover Art Gwangju, the Kimchi Festival, and Namdo Food Culture. Plan your 2-day cultural & culinary adventure now.
Cong Caphe Gwangju Dongmyeong Review 2026: Authentic Vietnamese Coconut Coffee
Experience a slice of Hanoi in Gwangju! Cong Caphe's Dongmyeong-dong branch brings authentic Vietnamese coconut coffee and delicious banh mi to the Honam region. A must-visit!
Twosome Place KN Tower Gwangju Review 2026: Study Cafe & Free Parking
Discover Twosome Place KN Tower, Gwangju's ideal spot for remote work or studying. Enjoy comfortable single seats, private study rooms, and 2.5 hours of free parking in the heart of Geumnam-ro.
Gwangju Family Dining: 9 Top Restaurants for Parents in 2026
Planning a Gwangju holiday meal with parents? Discover 9 hand-picked restaurants offering delicious Korean cuisine, comfortable settings, and easy parking for a stress-free 2026 dining experience.
L7 Chungjang by Lotte Gwangju Review 2026: River Views & Room Service
Discover L7 Chungjang by Lotte Hotel Gwangju, recently renovated for ultimate comfort. Enjoy river views, premium room service, and a prime location near top attractions. Perfect for your 2026 South Korea trip.
Gwangju's Hidden Baekban: Authentic Korean Lunch for ~$7
Craving authentic Korean home-cooked flavors without breaking the bank? This Gwangju spot, famous for its no-sign exterior and long lines, serves a delicious Baekban set for just ~$7. Don't miss this local favorite!