Jeongseon Arirang Festival (Jeongseon Arirang-je)
OctoberGangwon
The Jeongseon Arirang Festival is a cultural festival held at Jeongseon Public Stadium in Jeongseon, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. It celebrates Jeongseon Arirang, a traditional Korean folk song, and Arirang is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Expect performances, a parade, hands-on activities, and local food, with free admission and open hours from 10:00 to 22:00.
When is it held?
Every year around early October. The exact dates change every year.
This year’s dates
Held 2026: Oct 1 ~ Oct 4 (ended). Check the official website for next year’s dates.
Before you go, check this year’s dates and fees on the official website.
What can you do there?
- Watch the opening theme performance and the Chilhyeon ritual ceremony
- Cheer along the colorful Arirang Parade
- Listen to the national Arirang singing contest for youth and adults
- See the A-POP (Arirang-POP) dance contest
- Stroll the night market and try local food and food trucks
Tips for visitors from abroad
Getting there
From Seoul you can reach the Gangwon area by KTX, express bus or intercity bus. Once there, check public transit to the venue in a map app (Naver Map and KakaoMap are the most accurate in Korea).
Naver Map ↗ KakaoMap ↗ Google Maps ↗ Official website ↗
What to wear and bring
Autumn days are mild and nights are cool. Bring a light jacket and shoes that are comfortable for long walks.
This is general guidance. Check the official website for what to bring and how to enter each event.
Photos
Source: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI. Dates may change. · Photo: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type3 · Shown unaltered.
Other festivals in the same month
Frequently asked questions
When is Jeongseon Arirang Festival (Jeongseon Arirang-je) held?
Every year around early October. The exact dates change every year. This year’s dates have not been announced yet.
How do I get to Jeongseon Arirang Festival (Jeongseon Arirang-je)?
From Seoul, take KTX, an express bus or an intercity bus toward Gangwon, then check public transit to the venue in a map app.
Is Jeongseon Arirang Festival (Jeongseon Arirang-je) free?
The official overview does not list admission. Please check the official website.
Places to visit near this festival in Gangwon
Top attractions close to the event site. Add them to the same day trip.
Source: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI. Dates may change.