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Jeongseon Arirang Festival

정선아리랑제

A four-day October festival in Jeongseon, Gangwon, celebrating the original source of Korea's Arirang folk song tradition, with a national singing contest, parade, and folk performances in the mountain valley town where the song was born.

October 1 – 4, 2026Jeongseon, Gangwon

About this festival

Jeongseon Arirang is considered the mother tradition of all Korean Arirang songs, registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2012. The 51st festival in 2026 runs October 1 to 4 with 83 events including the National Arirang Singing Contest and the Arirang Parade at the Jeongseoncheong riverside. The remote mountain valley setting, accessible by a scenic mountain railway, makes this one of the most atmospheric festival destinations in Gangwon Province.

Getting there

Take the KTX from Seoul Cheongnyangni toward Taebaek, changing to the Jeongseon Arirang Line at Jeungsan Station (about 2 hours 30 minutes total). The scenic Jeongseon Arirang Train runs through the valley on festival dates. By car from Seoul it is about 2 hours 30 minutes via Expressway 50.

Tips

Accommodation in Jeongseon is limited; Gangneung (1 hour by bus) or Wonju have more options. The Arirang Train is a popular experience in itself and often sells out on festival dates. The singing contest is in Korean, but the melodies and vocal performances are accessible regardless of language. Autumn foliage in the valley makes the scenery memorable beyond the festival itself.

Dates by year

  • 2026

    October 1 – 4, 2026

    confirmed

Source: Korea Tourism Organization (TourAPI). Last verified 2026-05-09.