At the end of summer, a celebration of light unfolds in Yeongwol Donggang: Experience the 24th Donggang International Photography Festival.
The intense heat of summer has subsided, and we are at the threshold of a season where cool breezes begin to blow. If you want to awaken forgotten sensibilities, how about a photo trip to Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Yeongwol? Korea’s representative photography festival, the 24th Donggang International Photo Festival, is ready to capture shining moments throughout Yeongwol-gun, including the Donggang Photo Museum.
From Friday, July 17, 2026, to Sunday, October 11, 2026, this festival is more than just an appreciation of photographic works; it is a venue for cultural communication created by renowned domestic and international photographers, Gangwon residents, and photography enthusiasts coming together. What stories will this photo festival, which will offer a calm yet deeply resonant experience like a river, hold?
Donggang: 24 Years of Traces Etched in Photographs
Yeongwol is a place that holds deep artistic inspiration as much as it does beautiful natural scenery. The Donggang International Photo Festival, which has continued here for 24 years, has become Korea’s representative photography event, exerting a profound influence on the domestic and international photography world. Hosted by the Donggang Photo Village Operating Committee and the Yeongwol Cultural Tourism Foundation, this festival has greatly contributed to the development of local culture through the convergence of Yeongwol’s magnificent scenery and the art of photography.
The festival will take place for approximately three months, from July 17 to October 11, 2026, primarily centered around the Donggang Photo Museum and extending throughout Yeongwol-gun. Operating hours are from 9 AM to 6 PM, with admission closing at 5 PM, so please keep this in mind when planning your visit. We recommend visiting in the morning for a more relaxed viewing experience.
The Heart of the Festival: Donggang Photo Museum
The main venue for the 24th Donggang International Photo Festival is the Donggang Photo Museum, located at 1909-10 Yeongwol-ro, Yeongwol-eup, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. This place will be the heart of the festival, presenting various special exhibitions and award-winning works, promising to deeply move visitors. It will be a great pleasure to explore the exhibitions unfolding in various parts of Yeongwol, centered around the museum.
A World Unfolding Beyond the Lens: Highlights of the 24th Donggang International Photo Festival
This year, the 24th Donggang International Photo Festival welcomes visitors with richer and more diverse programs than ever before. From works conveying messages that cut across time to international pieces gathering attention from around the world, we have prepared special stories that can only be found in Donggang.
Notable Main Exhibition Programs
Klook.com
| Exhibition Name | Main Content |
|---|---|
| Donggang Photography Award Winner’s Exhibition | You can encounter the profound artistic world of Anna Lim, this year’s Donggang Photography Award winner. |
| International Thematic Exhibition | You can appreciate the diverse works of 19 artists selected from around the world who participated online. |
| Yeongwol International Photo Workshop | This is an opportunity to get a glimpse into the working methods of world-renowned photographers. |
| Donggang Photography Portfolio | You can discover the fresh perspectives and potential of talented emerging artists. |
| Yeongwol Citizens’ Photo Exhibition | You can experience the local sentiment through sincere works depicting the lives and landscapes of Yeongwol citizens. |
| Gangwon Province Photographers’ Exhibition | This exhibition showcases works embodying the beauty of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province and the stories contained within it. |
| Lifelong Education Center Students’ Photo Exhibition | These are the results of passionate students who learn and express the world through photography. |
| Children’s Photo Class Exhibition | You can discover works filled with children’s pure perspectives and brilliant imagination. |
In addition, as an annual event eagerly awaited by photographers worldwide, each program features unique themes and depth, promising a special experience for all visitors. In particular, Anna Lim’s works and the International Thematic Exhibition are considered key attractions of this festival, so don’t miss them.
Why Experience the 24th Donggang International Photo Festival in Yeongwol Now?
Strolling through exhibition spaces filled with photographs, we sometimes find comfort, sometimes inspiration. However, the 24th Donggang International Photo Festival is special not only because of the excellence of its works. There are several reasons why you should experience this festival in Yeongwol at this time.
- Harmony of Art and Nature: The outstanding natural scenery of Donggang harmonizes with the art of photography, offering true healing away from the stifling city.
- Deep Insight: The Donggang Photography Award-winning works and the International Thematic Exhibition will offer deep insights into modern society and human nature, opening up new perspectives.
- A Venue for Participation and Communication: Beyond mere appreciation, you can get opportunities to interact with photography experts and enthusiasts through various participatory programs such as workshops and portfolio reviews.
- Discovery of Local Culture: You can have a special experience discovering the local life, culture, and hidden beauty through the works of Yeongwol citizens and Gangwon photographers.
- At the Threshold of Autumn: The festival period, extending from the hot summer into the cool early autumn, is the optimal time to comfortably enjoy Yeongwol’s beautiful scenery and immerse oneself in art.
Tips for an Unforgettable Visit
- Use Public Transportation: It is convenient to use public transportation from Yeongwol Terminal to Donggang Photo Museum.
- Accommodation Booking: Accommodations in the Yeongwol-gun area may be booked up quickly during the festival period, so it is advisable to make reservations in advance.
- Connect with Nearby Tourist Attractions: Plan a richer trip by visiting Yeongwol’s famous attractions such as Cheongnyeongpo and Seonam Village’s Korean Peninsula-shaped terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When does the 24th Donggang International Photo Festival take place?
The festival runs for approximately three months, from Friday, July 17, 2026, to Sunday, October 11, 2026. You can enjoy photography art along with Yeongwol’s beautiful nature from the end of summer to the threshold of autumn.
Q2. What are the festival operating hours and admission closing time?
Operating hours are daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. Admission closes at 5 PM, so it is advisable to keep this time in mind when planning your visit for a relaxed viewing experience.
Q3. Where is the main venue for the festival?
The main venue is the Donggang Photo Museum, located at 1909-10 Yeongwol-ro, Yeongwol-eup, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. In addition to this, a variety of exhibitions and programs will be held throughout the Yeongwol-gun area.
Q4. Are there any main programs that are particularly noteworthy?
The award winner’s exhibition, where you can appreciate the works of this year’s Donggang Photography Award winner, Anna Lim, and the International Thematic Exhibition, featuring works by 19 artists from around the world, are considered key attractions of the 24th Donggang International Photo Festival. We highly recommend visiting and experiencing the profound emotions.
Q5. Are there any useful tips for attending the festival?
During the festival period, Yeongwol may attract many visitors, so it’s advisable to consider using public transportation and booking accommodations in advance. Additionally, plan a more fulfilling travel itinerary by combining your visit with famous Yeongwol tourist attractions such as Cheongnyeongpo or Seonam Village.
Love Korea? Promote it & Earn.
