South Korean regional cultural festivals

South Korea is hosting various regional cultural and music festivals across several cities. In Seoul, the 2026 People Living in the World Book Culture Festival is being held at the Roh Moo-hyun Citizen Center, featuring book talks and a lecture on a new 928-page biography of the former president.

In Suwon, the 63rd Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival has expanded to include the ‘2026 Suwon Hwaseong Media Art’ from September 19 to October 6. This event utilizes light, sound, and drones at the Hwaseomun and Janganmun gates, alongside markets and interactive media parks.

Busan is hosting the ‘Citizen Terrace Festival’ from September 19 to November 14. This free event, held at the Busan Cultural Center and Lotte Mall Dongbusan, offers jazz, vocal music, magic, and circus performances intended to provide accessible culture for families and office workers.

Other regional activities include busking and food services at open-air cafes in Gimcheon. Additionally, Incheon City has announced the ‘2026 Incheon Tourism Souvenir Contest,’ a competition for local businesses to develop products based on the city’s history and culture, with submissions accepted from October 12 to 16.