Local festivals in South Korean cities

Various South Korean cities have announced plans to host large-scale festivals in October 2026.

Yongin Special City will hold the ‘2026 Korea Joayong Festival’ on October 3–4 at Yongin Mir Stadium to commemorate its 30th anniversary of city status. The event, themed ‘Let’s Enjoy Together! Yongin 30th Anniversary,’ will feature character parades, cosplay, and dance performances involving international exchange partners. The program also includes the 26th Cyber Science Festival, showcasing humanoid robots and AI-driven elderly care, alongside food expos and youth festivals.

On October 3, the festival commenced with a character parade featuring 42 different characters from 30 domestic and international organizations, including the city’s mascot, Joayong. International participants included representatives from Kumamoto City, Japan, as well as delegations from Williamson County, USA, and diplomats from Croatia and Italy.

During the event, Mayor Lee Sang-il noted the city’s population growth from 270,000 in 1996 to over 1.11 million, emphasizing Yongin’s role as a semiconductor industry hub. He stated intentions to invest municipal finances into urban development and citizen welfare as major semiconductor projects progress.

Yeongcheon City will host the ‘2026 Yeongcheon Joint Festival’ from October 2 to 4 at Yeongcheon Riverside Park. This integrated event combines the 52nd Yeongcheon Culture and Arts Festival, the 24th Yeongcheon Hanbang Festival, the 14th Yeongcheon Wine Festa, and the Starry Hanwoo BBQ Festival. Highlights include a national singing contest, traditional medicine experiences, wine tastings, and discounts on local Hanwoo beef.