Gwangju Kimchi Festival 2026

The Gwangju Kimchi Festival, one of Korea’s leading kimchi festivals, returns for its 33rd edition from October 23 to 25 at the Gwangju Government Complex in Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City. Long devoted to preserving the traditions and cultural value of kimchi, Gwangju invites visitors to experience everything from age-old kimjang (communal kimchi-making) to new and creative ways of enjoying kimchi. Programs include the Korea Kimchi Competition, the Kimchi-Making Experience, the Kimchi Market, and the Thousand People’s Table, where visitors can enjoy food alongside cultural performances. The festival also links kimchi to the region’s broader food culture, arts, and tourism, while local residents take an active part in shaping an event that reflects Gwangju's unique character.