Jaraseom Flower Festival 2026: Autumn Bloom in Gapyeong

2026 Gapyeong Jaraseom Flower Festival

Autumn Flower Festa: Dates, Admission, Parking, and Must-Sees

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Words/Photos © NOLYUM

Date of Visit: 26.09.21

With the crisp breeze in the mornings and evenings these days,

don't you find yourself wondering where to go for an autumn outing every weekend?

If you're looking to enjoy beautiful flowers, take a lovely stroll,

and capture some stunning photos near Seoul,

then the 2026 Gapyeong Jaraseom Flower Festa is just perfect!

This year's Autumn Jaraseom Flower Festa runs

from September 12th to October 5th,

and admission is ~$5 per person.

However, you get ~$4 back in Gapyeong Love gift certificates,

so the actual cost is only about ~$1.

As you stroll through Jaraseom Namdo, where autumn flowers bloom wide,

you'll encounter truly seasonal landscapes, featuring crape myrtle, cosmos, cockscomb, pink muhly grass, and pampas grass.

If you ask me, on days like these with perfect weather,

I'd highly recommend an outdoor itinerary of walking and taking photos,

rather than just visiting a cafe.

1. 2026 Jaraseom Flower Festa: Essential Information

The 2026 Jaraseom Flower Festa is

Gapyeong's signature autumn flower festival, running for a total of 24 days,

from September 12th to October 5th.

The operating hours are from 8 AM to 6 PM,

and the festival grounds span across the Jungdo and Namdo areas of Jaraseom.

Having visited myself, I found the scale to be quite expansive, more than I initially imagined.

So, it's a good idea to set aside at least 1 hour and 30 minutes

for your visit to enjoy it leisurely.

If you plan to take photos, try out some experiences, and take breaks while exploring,

allowing about 2 hours for your visit would be ideal for a relaxed pace.

What's more, on days like these with glorious sunshine and a gentle breeze,

simply walking leisurely outdoors feels absolutely wonderful, much better than staying indoors, don't you think?

It's truly the perfect season for a scenic drive to Gapyeong!

2. Jaraseom Flower Festa Admission: ~$5,

is a ~$4 Refund Correct?

Yes, that's right!

Admission to the Jaraseom Flower Festa is ~$5 per person,

and when you purchase your ticket, you'll receive a ~$4 Gapyeong Love gift certificate back.

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Initially, a ~$5 admission might give you a slight pause,

but getting ~$4 back significantly lowers the perceived cost.

And the best part?

These gift certificates aren't just for use within the festival grounds!

At the festival grounds, you'll find booths selling local agricultural products and delicious food,

and you can even use these vouchers at some restaurants and cafes in the Gapyeong area,

making them incredibly versatile!

I used the gift certificate I received right away.

While browsing the Gapyeong specialty product booths,

my eyes were drawn to the Toomuch Farm booth, selling fresh seasonal Hallabong yogurt and blueberry yogurt.

It was perfect timing, as I was a little thirsty and peckish after walking through the flower gardens,

so I used the refunded gift certificate to buy some yogurt.

Exploring the flower festival and getting to taste products made from local agricultural specialties – that's truly one of the joys of a local festival!

If you don't find anything you fancy on the spot,

there's no need to use it right away!

Using it at a Gapyeong restaurant or cafe later is also a great option!

3. What kind of autumn flowers can you find on Jara Island?

The biggest charm of the Jara Island Flower Festa is, of course,

its vast, sprawling autumn flower fields.

You'll discover a stunning array of flowers all in one spot: zinnia, cosmos, sulphur cosmos, cockscomb,

pink muhly, pampas grass, mini sunflowers, liriope, and

Korean daisies, just to name a few!

Unlike festivals that feature just one type of flower stretching out endlessly,

here, each section has a slightly different atmosphere, which makes walking around even more enjoyable.

With the colorful flower fields in front and the Bukhangang River and lush green scenery behind,

the backgrounds for photos are absolutely stunning!

Flower Bloom Status as of September 21st?

Based on my visit on September 21st,

the zinnias and sulphur cosmos were

already lush and perfect for photos,

while the sunflowers and pampas grass also

added wonderfully to the autumn vibe.

However, the pink muhly grass section was

still a bit sparse, with some green patches and empty spots!

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Since pink muhly is said to begin its full bloom from early October,

you'll likely see an even more stunning landscape if you time your visit then.

Still, the overall color palette of the flower fields was wonderfully vibrant,

making it a fantastic destination for an autumn excursion in late September.

4. Participatory Experiences & Review of Gapyeong Specialty Product Booths

I actually thought the Jara Island Flower Festa was primarily

a festival focused solely on flower viewing.

But to my surprise, upon visiting, I found that beyond the stunning flower gardens, there were quite a few interactive programs to participate in,

making it much more enjoyable than I had anticipated!

When I visited,

the program 'Carbon Rest Point Walk Along the Autumn Flower Lights'

was underway.

There was even a pledge for carbon neutrality practices set up on one side,

and what I personally got to try was the "Handkerchief Making Experience"!

White handkerchiefs and fabric markers in various colors were provided,

allowing you to freely draw any flowers or designs you wished.

Since I was already at the flower festival, I decided to mix various colors

and decorate my handkerchief with an autumn flower theme.

At first, I thought it would just be a simple activity,

but after completing it myself, I ended up with a one-of-a-kind handkerchief,

and I felt quite proud.

Especially if you're visiting with children,

adding an activity like this in between all the walking and flower gazing

would make the experience much more enjoyable!

The festival grounds also feature spaces where you can purchase

local agricultural and specialty products, like the Gapyeong Specialty Products Hall and the Farmer's Baro Market.

With everything from fresh vegetables and processed goods to snacks,

it was fun to browse through them while enjoying the flowers.

As I mentioned before,

I used the refunded Gapyeong Love Gift Certificates to buy some yogurt.

The structure of purchasing an admission ticket → receiving a gift certificate refund → buying local products

creates a natural flow that I think perfectly aligns with the purpose of a local festival.

5. Essentials to Pack for Your Jara Island Flower Festa Trip

Jara Island is much larger than it appears in photos.

If you explore deep into the flower fields,

you'll find yourself walking quite a bit, so

comfortable athletic shoes are practically a must-have.

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There's also not much shade around the flower fields,

so even in autumn, the daytime sun can be quite strong.

If I were you, I'd definitely pack the following:

While stroller and parasol rentals

are available on-site, it might be more convenient to bring your own,

especially since it can get crowded on weekends!

This is for you if...

✔ Are looking for an autumn outing spot near Seoul

that's perfect for the current weather.

✔ Want to see a variety of autumn flowers like

crape myrtle, cosmos, and pink muhly grass all in one go.

✔ Are searching for a place to visit in Gapyeong where you can

enjoy a leisurely stroll with your parents.

✔ Are a family looking to enjoy not just flower viewing but also

hands-on craft activities with your children.

✔ Are seeking an autumn date course near Seoul that's perfect for

romantic strolls and photo opportunities with your loved one.

✔ Want to combine a scenic drive, delicious restaurants, and charming cafes

in Gapyeong into a perfect day trip.

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