About this festival
Gwangju is widely regarded as the city with the most refined kimchi culture in Korea, and the World Kimchi Festival has become the central stage for celebrating that claim. Highlights include a communal kimjang session where participants make and take home their own kimchi, a Presidential Award-winning kimchi showcase with open tastings, and cooking demonstrations by chefs working kimchi into global cuisines. The festival is one of the largest food-culture events in the country and has been part of the MCST designation list for multiple consecutive cycles.
Getting there
Take the KTX from Seoul to Gwangju Songjeong Station (about 1 hour 45 minutes). The Kim Dae-jung Convention Center in Buk-gu is reachable by Gwangju Metro Line 1. From Seoul by bus, it is about 3 hours to Gwangju U-Square Bus Terminal.
Tips
The festival is one of the most welcoming large food events in Korea for visitors without Korean language skills, as the subject is hands-on and edible. Kimjang sessions are sometimes bookable in advance on the festival website. October in Gwangju is mild and pleasant. Gwangju is also worth combining with a visit to the May 18th National Cemetery, a significant site in Korean democratic history.
Dates by year
- confirmed
2026
October 23 – 25, 2026
Source: Korea Tourism Organization (TourAPI). Last verified 2026-05-09.