Gwangju Kimchi Festival to Showcase Local Delicacies Starting October 23

by Park Seungho Posted : October 19, 2026, 14:00Updated : October 19, 2026, 14:00

Gwangju's renowned eateries will showcase their kimchi at a single venue.
Additionally, kimchi masters will share their secrets for making this traditional dish.
 
From October 23 to 25, visitors can head to the Gwangju Government Complex Plaza in the Seo-gu district of Gwangju Special City.
 
This marks the 33rd Gwangju Kimchi Festival.
 
According to Gwangju Special City, the festival will feature unique culinary events highlighting traditional kimchi, lively performances, and various hands-on activities.
 
Key programs include 'A Thousand People's Table,' a kimchi party, master classes by kimchi experts, a kimchi experience school, a kimchi playground, a kimchi pop-up exhibition, and a kimchi market.
 
The festival offers a variety of experiences and exhibitions suitable for all ages.
 
The 'A Thousand People's Table' will feature ten local restaurants known for their distinctive menus, showcasing unique dishes that incorporate kimchi.
 
The 'Kimchi Party,' held at the main outdoor stage on October 23 and 24, will include popular music performances, traditional arts, and orchestral music to enhance the festive atmosphere.
 
Family-friendly programs are abundant. In the master class, a winner of the festival's presidential award will share their special techniques.
 
At the kimchi experience school, participants can learn to make kimchi or create rice balls with pickled watermelons from Mudeungsan.
 
Children can enjoy the kimchi playground, featuring a kimjang arcade and a kimjang sports day, while the first floor of the Gwangju Government Complex will host a pop-up exhibition showcasing the history and culture of kimchi, along with award-winning entries.
 
This year's kimchi market and agricultural products fair have expanded in size compared to last year.
 
The kimchi market will offer products from HACCP-certified companies and traditional food quality-certified vendors, including kimchi from renowned kimchi masters and local market favorites, at discounts of 10% to 30% off.
 
The 'One-Day Kimchi' section will feature unique varieties like spicy napa cabbage kimchi and bite-sized kimchi, while the 'Kimchi is the Best' pop-up store will present distinctive products inspired by kimchi to attract younger audiences.
 
During the festival, from 8 p.m. on October 21 to midnight on October 25, vehicle traffic will be restricted in the area from the intersection in front of the Gwangju Government Complex to the back entrance of the Bank of Korea, and some city bus routes will be rerouted.
 
On weekends, external parking lots near government offices around the Gwangju Government Complex and the underground parking lot at Peace Park in the Sangmu district will be open for free.



* This article has been translated by AI.