Punggi Ginseng Festival to held in Yeongju this October

The 2026 Yeongju Punggi Ginseng Festival is scheduled to take place from October 3 to October 11 in the Namwoncheon and Punggi Ginseng Park areas of Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do. The nine-day event aims to showcase the excellence of Punggi ginseng, which is noted for its firm texture and deep aroma due to the region's clean environment and significant temperature fluctuations.

Festival highlights include traditional ceremonies such as the Gaesamteo ritual and a reenactment of the procession of Magistrate Ju Se-bung. Visitors can participate in various hands-on activities, including ginseng carving contests, ginseng rice cake pounding, and ginseng foot baths. Culinary offerings will feature ginseng-based dishes like ginseng bibimbap, ginseng fried items, and a food talk show hosted by Chef Oh Se-deuk.

The event also serves as a gateway to Yeongju's cultural heritage. Nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Sosu Seowon and Buseoksa Temple, are promoted alongside other local attractions like Seonbi Village and Museom Village, which will host its own wooden bridge festival from October 3 to 4.