South Korean cities announce autumn nighttime cultural festivals

South Korean cities are preparing various autumn nighttime festivals to promote regional tourism.

Pohang City will host the ‘Pohang Nakhwa Night’ festival at the Pohang Canal Flower Tree Plaza on October 9, 10, and 17. The event features ‘Nakhwa,’ a traditional firework display where charcoal powder wrapped in Hanji paper is burned to create a gentle, flowing light over the water. The festival will include traditional dance performances, a food market, and the ‘Pohang International Bread Festival.’

In Yeoju, the ‘2026 Yeoju Ogok Naru Festival’ is scheduled from October 23 to 25 at the Sinreuksa Tourist Site. New nighttime programs include ‘Naru Nanjang,’ a modern reinterpretation of a Joseon-era ferry wharf, and ‘Yeogang Goedam,’ a horror-themed mission experience based on local legends. The festival will also feature ‘Yagan Yeonhui,’ a series of performances combining traditional elements like tug-of-war and tightrope walking with modern multimedia shows and fireworks.