Gwangju · Street and culture festival

Chungjang Street Festival of Recollection

October 7–11, 2026

Dates: October 7–11, 2026
Hours: 2–10 p.m.
Admission: Free
Venue: Geumnam-ro, Chungjang-ro, May 18 Democracy Square, and Art Street
Address: Geumnam-ro 3-ga, Dong-gu, Gwangju

Naver Map Google Maps Official festival website

Photo: Korea Tourism Organization

AROUND THE FESTIVAL

Plan a few nearby stops

Traditional marketGwangju · Every five daysSongjeong Five-Day MarketThis traditional market opens on dates ending in 3 and 8 each month.View market details Arts centerBeside the main festival zoneAsia Culture CenterSee exhibitions and performances at Gwangju’s major cultural complex between street programs.View details Historic squareAt the heart of the routeMay 18 Democracy SquarePause at the square to understand why this downtown festival is closely tied to Gwangju’s modern history.View details

STAY NEARBY

Hotels near the festival

Dong-gu, Chungjang-ro, and central Gwangju

View stays

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Build your visit around the parade

Choose the right day

Each day has a different headline program, from the opening show to themed parades and the closing performance.

Walk the full route

The festival stretches across Geumnam-ro, Chungjang-ro, Art Street, and May 18 Democracy Square.

Stay for the evening

Most programs run from midafternoon into the night, when the streets are at their liveliest.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

Gwangju turns memory into a street festival

At a glance

Chungjang Street Festival of Recollection fills downtown Gwangju with parades, performances, themed streets, food, and programs built around shared memories.

Why this location matters

Geumnam-ro and May 18 Democracy Square are central sites in Gwangju’s democracy movement. The festival links that history with contemporary street culture.

Before you go

The 2026 festival runs October 7–11 from 2 to 10 p.m. Admission is free. Check the daily schedule before choosing your arrival time.