Seoul becomes vibrant year-round festival destination for global visitors

The “365 Festival City Seoul” plan to achieve top 5 global city status

The 365 Festival City Seoul initiative is built on four key strategies: establishing the Hangang River as a festival hub, expanding participatory festivals, enhancing information accessibility, and revitalizing the local economy.

Festival venues, previously concentrated in the city center, will be expanded to the Hangang River—Seoul’s iconic landmark—and connected across the city. Seoul will also significantly strengthen experiential content, moving beyond spectator-oriented festivals to encourage active participation by both residents and tourists.

The city will establish and operate an integrated information system to provide quick, easy access to festival details. Beyond hosting events, SMG aims to create a virtuous cycle for the local economy by increasing tourist stays and linking festivals with surrounding commercial districts.

The Seoul Spring Festival, the city’s flagship spring event, will be expanded into a comprehensive festival integrating K-content with performances, culture, and tourism. The event period will be significantly extended from 7 to 26 days, with major venues shifting to the Hangang River to host a variety of waterfront programs. From April 10 to May 5, the 2026 festival will take place under the theme “Ride the Seoul Vibe” at Yeouido, Ttukseom, and Banpo Hangang Parks.

Starting with a drone light show on opening day, the festival will feature a wide range of programs, including the Hangang Campus Song Festival at Jamwon Hangang Park and the Seoul Circus Festival at Nodeul Island.

The MY PACE Hangang Triathlon Festival, a participatory summer sports festival based on swimming, cycling, and running, will introduce a new intermediate level alongside existing beginner and advanced categories. This will further broaden participation among children, international visitors, and a wider range of participants. Beyond the competition, programs will also be expanded to include hands-on and leisure activities, reinforcing its identity as a recharging sports festival. The 2026 MY PACE Hangang Triathlon will be held June 5–7 at Ttukseom and Jamsil Hangang Parks.

Seasonal summer programs along the Hangang River will also be expanded, including a drone light show and a chimaek (chicken and beer) party on opening day, as well as riverside concerts by the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra featuring orchestral and operatic performances.

Autumn and Winter Festivals: Citywide events showcasing art and culture

Now in its second year, the Seoul Autumn Festival brings together a wide range of fall performing arts and festivals under a single integrated brand. This year, the festival period has been extended by about one month to a total of 72 days, featuring 204 performances and events. The 2026 Seoul Autumn Festival will be held from September 19 to November 29 across the entire city, including the Hangang River area, featuring 204 public and private performances that encourage creative activities, participation, and international exchanges.

In tandem with the festival, major events, such as the Seoul International Fireworks Festival, Seoul BBQ Festival, Taste of Seoul, and Jeongdong Culture Night, will also be held, offering visitors a rich experience of Seoul in the fall.

The Seoul Winter Festival, which attracted approximately 11 million visitors last year and achieved over 10 million visitor status, will return as a signature winter event utilizing light displays and media art. This year, it will showcase large-scale content linking the Hangang River with the city’s nighttime landscapes, while expanding programs for international visitors and further developing into an interactive, participatory festival.

The 2026 Seoul Winter Festival will be held for 59 days from December 4, 2026, to January 31, 2027, at locations such as the Hangang River, Gwanghwamun Square, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul Plaza, Bosingak Pavilion, and DDP.

To provide a comprehensive view of festivals hosted by the city, district governments, and the private sector throughout the year, Seoul has revamped the Fun Seoul website (however only in Korean for the time being) and will offer personalized information through AI chatbot services.