Jongno festivals and events 34

Name: Seoul Light Gwanghwamun Gate
Start: 2025-12-12
End: 2026-01-04
Location: Gwanghwamun Square area

The dates, venue and fee of each festival's newest edition, its program and where the information comes from. Where two sources give different values, both are shown.

Upcoming and ongoing 9 Past 25

Festivals and events

Upcoming and ongoing 9

Jan 1–Dec 312026

Korean traditional music performance: Royal Banquet

Time: - Daily 11:00 / 14:00 / 16:00 ※ No performances on statutory public holidays
Fee: - General admission 65,000 won - Disabled visitors: 50% discount ※ Free: children under 24 months
Venue: Royal Banquet
Address: 10 Insadong 5-gil (Insa-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul
Organizer: The Creators Co., Ltd.
Contact: 02-953-0515
Website: jijidaeak.com/

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

Jan 1–Dec 312026

Namsan Beacon Ceremony and Other Traditional Cultural Events

Time: 11:00–15:40
Fee: Free
Venue: Namsan Beacon Tower and Bosingak Belfry
Address: 54 Jong-ro (Gwancheol-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul
Organizer: Seoul Metropolitan Government
Contact: Venue 02-319-1220; operator 02-737-6444
Website: namsanbongsu.kr/

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

May 1–Dec 312026

2026 Seoul Street Performances: Live in Every Corner

Time: Varies by performance
Fee: Free
Venue: Throughout Seoul
Address: Underground level, 172 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Sejong-ro)
Organizer: Seoul Metropolitan Government
Contact: 02-2088-7218
Website: www.instagram.com/seoulbusking/

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

Jun 4–Dec 312026

Eight Radiant Colors

Time: - 09:00–18:00 ※ Closed every Tuesday
Fee: Free
Venue: Cheongwadae Sarangchae, 1F
Address: 45 Hyoja-ro 13-gil (Hyoja-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul
Organizer: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Contact: 02-723-0300
Website: cwdsarangchae.kr

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

Oct 16–Dec 62026

Collection: Scenes of the Times

Time: 11:00–19:00
Fee: Free
Venue: ARKO Art Center, Exhibition Rooms 1 and 2
Address: 3 Dongsung-gil (Dongsung-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul
Organizer: Arts Council Korea
Contact: 02-760-4850
Website: www.arko.or.kr

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

Oct 28–Nov 82026

QUAD, Questions of Theater: The Dance of Revolution

Time: - Weekdays 19:30 - Weekends/public holidays 15:00 ※ No performances on Mondays or Tuesdays
Fee: All seats 50,000 won ※ See the official website for detailed fees and discounts.
Venue: Daehakro Theater QUAD
Address: 122 Dongsung-gil (Dongsung-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul
Organizer: Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture, Daehakro Theater QUAD
Contact: 1577-0369
Website: www.quad.or.kr/

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

Nov 72026

Family Book Festival

Time: 11:00–17:00
Fee: Free
Venue: Outdoor garden, Jeongdok Library, Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education
Address: Outdoor garden, Jeongdok Library, Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, 48 Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Hwa-dong)
Organizer: Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education
Contact: 02-2011-5742
Website: jdlib.sen.go.kr/jdlib/board/index.do?menu_idx=242&manage_idx=2478

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

Nov 14–Dec 62026

QUAD, Questions of Theater: Flames

Time: - Weekdays 19:30 - Weekends 15:00 - 11/14 (Saturday) 18:00 ※ No performances on Mondays
Fee: All seats 50,000 won ※ See the official website for detailed fees and discounts.
Venue: Daehakro Theater QUAD
Address: 122 Dongsung-gil (Dongsung-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul
Organizer: Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture, Daehakro Theater QUAD
Contact: 1577-0369
Website: www.quad.or.kr/product/performance/1278

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

Dec 16–Dec 272026

QUAD, Questions of Theater: Train to Xi'an

Time: - Weekdays 19:30 - Weekends 15:00 ※ No performances on Mondays
Fee: All seats 50,000 won ※ See the official website for detailed fees and discounts.
Venue: Daehakro Theater QUAD
Address: 122 Dongsung-gil (Dongsung-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul
Organizer: Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture, Daehakro Theater QUAD
Contact: 1577-0369
Website: www.quad.or.kr/

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

Held around this time in earlier years 1

Their newest edition, a year or two ago, began within the next three months of the year. This year's dates are not in our data yet; the cards below give each edition as it was.

Seoul Light Gwanghwamun Gate

Past editions 25

The newest edition of each series, newest first.

Oct 7–Oct 112026

Royal Culture Festival

Time: Varies by program
Fee: Admission charged (fees vary by palace)
Venue: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine
Address: Gyeongbokgung Palace, 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Organizer: Korea Heritage Service
Contact: 1522-2295
Website: www.kh.or.kr/fest

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

Oct 7–Oct 252026

2026 D.FESTA Small Theater Festival

Time: [Weekdays] 19:30 [Saturday] 16:00–18:00 [Sunday] 15:00–17:00 ※ Times vary by performance; see the website for detailed performance times.
Fee: - Standard price 30,000 won - Early booking discount (book by 9/30) 15,000 won - Student discount (elementary, middle, high school or university students; ticket holder only) 15,000 won: bring ID showing birth year, such as a student card, youth ID, passport, health insurance card or household register - Small-theater enthusiast discount (ticket holder only) 21,000 won: bring a paid small-theater performance ticket - Performing arts worker discount (ticket holder only) 15,000 won: bring ID and an Artist Pass, business card or similar proof - Uniformed public servant discount (police, corrections, military or fire services; includes up to 1 companion) 15,000 won: bring ID and an official service ID or employment certificate - Welfare discount (disabled visitors, national merit recipients and seniors; ticket holder and up to 1 companion) 15,000 won: bring ID and a disability welfare card, national merit card or similar proof; seniors must have been born before 1961 - Culture Nuri discount (Culture Nuri card holders; ticket holder only) 15,000 won: bring the Culture Nuri card. Discount tickets are issued at the venue after proof is checked; without proof, pay the difference from the standard price.
Venue: Space Aul
Address: 120 Daehak-ro (Dongsung-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul
Organizer: Korea Small Theater Association
Contact: 02-741-4188
Website: smalltheater.or.kr/

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

Oct 42026

Joint Reenactment of King Jeongjo's Royal Procession to the Tombs

Time: 09:00–21:00
Fee: Free (some programs charge participation fees)
Venue: Gyeongbokgung Palace
Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Sejong-ro)
Organizer: Seoul Metropolitan Government, Gyeonggi Province, Suwon Special City, Hwaseong Special City
Contact: Seoul 02-786-0610; Suwon 031-5191-2367; Hwaseong 070-4202-1017

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

Oct 2–Oct 112026

2026 Seoul Traditional House Week

Time: Varies by program
Fee: Free
Venue: Bukchon Cultural Center
Address: 37 Gyedong-gil (Gye-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul
Organizer: Seoul Metropolitan Government Traditional Houses and Architectural Assets Division
Contact: 02-550-2548
Website: hanok.seoul.go.kr/

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

Sep 24–Oct 42026

Changgyeonggung Palace Evening Banquet

Time: 17:00–20:30
Fee: Paid / free (some activities and performances)
Venue: Munjeongjeon Hall area, Changgyeonggung Palace
Address: 185 Changgyeonggung-ro (Waryong-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul
Organizer: Royal Palaces and Tombs Center, Korea Heritage Service
Contact: 1522-2295
Website: www.kh.or.kr/short/8aCe

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

Sep 19–Oct 42026

QUAD, Questions of Theater: Why the Peppers in the Rooftop Garden?

Time: - Weekdays 19:30 - Weekends/public holidays 15:00 ※ No performances on Mondays
Fee: All seats 50,000 won ※ See the official website for detailed fees and discounts.
Venue: Daehakro Theater QUAD
Address: 122 Dongsung-gil (Dongsung-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul
Organizer: Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture, Daehakro Theater QUAD
Contact: 1577-0369
Website: www.quad.or.kr/

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

Sep 18–Sep 202026

14th Festival of Culture Beyond Jahamun Gate — Art Passages: An Artistic Journey

Time: 10:00–21:00
Fee: Varies by program
Venue: Culture Forum Beyond Jahamun Gate
Address: 5 Pyeongchang 31-gil (Pyeongchang-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul
Organizer: Culture Forum Beyond Jahamun Gate, incorporated association
Contact: 02-6365-1388
Website: jmbforum.org

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

Sep 16–Sep 202026

Literature Week 2026: A Sideways Glance

Time: Varies by program
Fee: Free
Venue: Marronnier Park
Address: 104 Daehak-ro (Dongsung-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul
Organizer: Arts Council Korea
Contact: 070-7954-1369
Website: munhakweek.or.kr

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

Sep 11–Sep 162026

Seoul International Writers' Festival

Time: Varies by program
Fee: Free
Venue: Ara Art Center
Address: 26 Insadong 9-gil (Gyeonji-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul
Organizer: Literature Translation Institute of Korea
Contact: 02-6339-1232
Website: www.siwf.or.kr

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

Sep 2–Oct 242026

Gyeongbokgung Palace Starlight Night Tour

Time: Session 1 18:20–20:10 / Session 2 19:30–21:20
Fee: Admission charged (60,000 won per 1 person)
Venue: Gyeongbokgung Palace
Address: Gyeongbokgung Palace, 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Sejong-ro)
Organizer: Royal Palaces and Tombs Center, Korea Heritage Service
Contact: 1522-2295
Website: www.kh.or.kr/short/g6cX

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

Aug 142026

2026 Music for Every Occasion: Youth Concert with Commentary

Time: 19:30–21:30
Fee: - R seats 30,000 won - S seats 20,000 won
Venue: Sejong Chamber Hall
Address: 175 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Sejong-ro)
Organizer: Hoon Entertainment
Contact: 02-332-5545
Website: hoonent.com

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

Jul 20–Aug 92026

Seoul Summer Beach

Time: 13:00–22:00
Fee: Free
Venue: Gwanghwamun Square&Sejong-ro Park
Address: 175 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Sejong-ro)
Organizer: Seoul Metropolitan Government, Seoul Tourism Organization
Contact: 02-6941-0645

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

May 16–May 172026

D.FESTA Street Performance Festival

Time: 14:00–20:00
Fee: Free
Venue: Daehak-ro Maronie Park area
Address: 104 Daehak-ro (Dongsung-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul
Organizer: Korea Small Theater Association
Contact: 02-741-4188
Website: www.d-festa.com/

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

May 13–May 242026

Royal Kitchen Tasting Experience

Time: 18:00–21:00
Fee: Admission charged (30,000 won per 1 person)
Venue: Gyeongbokgung Palace
Address: Gyeongbokgung Palace, 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Sejong-ro)
Organizer: Royal Palaces and Tombs Center, Korea Heritage Service
Contact: 1522-2295
Website: www.kh.or.kr/short/E00R

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

May 13–May 142026

2026 Korean Forest Products and Food Festival

Time: - May 13 (Wednesday) 12:00–20:00 - May 14 (Thursday) 10:00–18:00
Fee: Free
Venue: Six Ministries Plaza area, Gwanghwamun Square
Address: 175 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Sejong-ro)
Organizer: Korea Forest Service
Contact: 02-545-0639
Website: www.instagram.com/kforestfood.festival

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

May 11–May 132026

2026 Fishing Village Relocation and Tourism Fair

Time: 11:00–20:00
Fee: Free
Venue: Gwanghwamun Square Activity Plaza
Address: Gwanghwamun Square Activity Plaza, underground level, 172 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Sejong-ro)
Organizer: Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
Contact: 02-701-3812
Website: sealife9597.imweb.me/

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

May 32026

Jongmyo Royal Ancestral Rite

Time: 10:00–17:30
Fee: Free
Venue: Jongmyo Shrine
Address: Jongmyo Shrine, 157 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Organizer: Korea Heritage Service
Contact: 1522-2295
Website: www.kh.or.kr/

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

May 3–May 102026

2026 Young Choreographers' Creative Performances

Time: 19:30
Fee: All seats 30,000 won
Venue: Daehak-ro Arts Theater Small Theater
Address: Dongsung-dong Complex, 17 Daehak-ro 10-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Organizer: Dance Association of Korea
Contact: 02-744-8066
Website: yccp.koreadanceassociation.org

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

Apr 25–Apr 272026

Royal Ancestral Shrine Visitation Ceremony at Jongmyo

Time: 11:00–17:00
Fee: Free
Venue: Yeongnyeongjeon Hall area, Jongmyo Shrine
Address: 157 Jong-ro (Hunjeong-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul
Organizer: Royal Palaces and Tombs Center, Korea Heritage Service
Contact: 1522-2295
Website: www.kh.or.kr/

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

Apr 182026

Queen Jeongsun Cultural Festival

Time: 12:00–16:00
Fee: Free admission (some programs charge fees)
Venue: Sungin Neighborhood Park (Dongmangbong Peak area)
Address: 150 Dongmangsan-gil (Sungin-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul
Organizer: Jongno-gu
Contact: 02-2148-1852
Website: blog.naver.com/jongno0401/224235725035

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

Apr 16–May 312026

Changdeokgung Palace Moonlight Tour

Time: 19:10/20:00 (100 minutes)
Fee: Admission charged
Venue: Changdeokgung Palace
Address: Changdeokgung Palace, 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Waryong-dong)
Organizer: Royal Palaces and Tombs Center, Korea Heritage Service
Contact: 1522-2295

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

Apr 11–Oct 312026

Ongoing Traditional Cultural Events at the State Council Site

Time: 11:00–15:00
Fee: Free
Venue: State Council Site Historical Square
Address: 45 Jong-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Sejong-ro)
Organizer: Seoul Metropolitan Government
Contact: 02-737-6444
Website: cafe.naver.com/ujbj2025

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

Apr 8–May 272026

Royal Dessert Kitchen at Gyeongbokgung Palace

Time: 10:00–16:50
Fee: Admission charged
Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Sejong-ro)
Organizer: Royal Palaces and Tombs Center, Korea Heritage Service
Contact: 1522-2295
Website: www.kh.or.kr/

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

Jan 23–May 172026

CookieRun: Kingdom Art Collaboration Special Exhibition — Legacy of the Great Kingdom

Time: 11:00–20:00
Fee: - Adults 23,000 won - Teenagers 21,000 won - Children 18,000 won - Special rate (ages 65 and older) 15,000 won - Special ticket (all ages) 45,000 won
Venue: Ara Art Center, Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Address: 26 Insadong 9-gil (Gyeonji-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul
Organizer: DEVSISTERS
Contact: 02-514-0134

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI

Dec 12–Jan 42026

Seoul Light Gwanghwamun Gate

Time: Sunday–Thursday 17:30–21:30; Friday–Saturday 17:30–22:00
Fee: Free
Venue: Gwanghwamun Square area
Address: Gwanghwamun Square area, near Gwanghwamun Station on Line 5, 1-68 Sejong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Organizer: Seoul Metropolitan Government
Contact: 02-2133-1936
Website: www.seoullightgwanghwamun.com/

Sources: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI