Into the golden waves! 2026 Gimje Horizon Festival Perfect Guide
As October deepens into autumn, do you long to suddenly escape somewhere? For those tired of daily life and yearning for special memories, South Korea’s representative culture and tourism festival, the Gimje Horizon Festival, will offer autumn days colored with golden inspiration.
This festival, held around Gimje Byeokgolje, the oldest and largest irrigation facility in Korea, is more than just a spectacle; it is a living historical experience where you can fully feel the breath of five thousand years of agricultural culture. From October 1 to 5, 2026, let’s explore in advance the diverse programs that will unfold on Gimje’s wide horizon and all the information needed to enjoy the festival without inconvenience.
Ecstasy Unfolding on the Horizon: A Deep Dive into Key Programs
The Gimje Horizon Festival is more than just a festival; it is a meaningful event that allows visitors to experience and preserve the essence of our traditional agricultural culture. In particular, as the only honorary representative culture and tourism festival designated by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism that focuses on traditional agricultural culture, its uniqueness shines even brighter. We introduce unforgettable experiences that can only be found in Gimje.
Overwhelming Scale, Main Programs
- Presidential Award Horizon National Nongak Competition This is the only Presidential Award event among national festival competitions. Teams representing Nongak from all over the country participate, offering the best stage to fully experience the dynamic energy and artistry of our traditional Nongak.
- Byeokgolje Legend Twin Dragon Play This performance is based on the twin dragon legend associated with Byeokgolje, the main stage of the Gimje Horizon Festival. The situational drama performed by residents of Buryang-myeon, Gimje-si, offers an immersive experience as if entering a legend.
- Standing Stone Tug-of-War for a Bountiful Harvest This is a traditional folk game performed to pray for a bountiful harvest on Jeongwol Daeboreum (the first full moon of the lunar new year). Residents of Gyowol-dong, Gimje-si, participate together to reaffirm the meaning of great unity and to directly witness and participate in the dynamic scene of praying for a bountiful harvest.
Agricultural Wisdom Encountered with Your Fingertips: Experience Programs
Festivals offer true enjoyment when you participate directly, beyond just watching. At the Gimje Horizon Festival, there are a variety of agricultural culture experiences that are hard to find in cities. Don’t miss the programs that will create unique memories for both children and adults.
- Cooking Rice in an Earthen Stove Light a fire in a traditional earthen stove and experience the taste of freshly cooked, warm rice. It’s more than just a meal; you can feel the wisdom and devotion of our ancestors.
- Grasshopper Catching Experience This is a special experience where you can directly catch grasshoppers hopping in the golden fields. It will give children a connection with nature and adults a sense of childhood nostalgia.
- Rice Harvesting Experience This is a time to directly harvest the golden-colored rice and realize the value of sweat and effort. Feel the joy of harvest with your whole body.
- Others A wealth of attractions, including various traditional games, craft experiences, and local specialty tastings, will be available throughout the festival.
*The 2026 festival program will be continuously updated. We recommend checking the official website for final confirmation before your visit.
2026 Gimje Horizon Festival, Master the Timetable!
The Gimje Horizon Festival, operating daily from 9 AM to 9 PM during its period from Thursday, October 1 to Monday, October 5, 2026, features special events each day. Check in advance when the main programs are taking place and plan your own festival itinerary.
| Date | Morning (09:00~12:00) | Afternoon (13:00~18:00) | Evening (18:00~21:00) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 1 (Thu) | Opening Ceremony Preparation | Official Opening Ceremony & Celebration Performance | Byeokgolje Legend Twin Dragon Play |
| Oct 2 (Fri) | Traditional Agricultural Experience (Rice Harvesting) | Presidential Award Nongak Competition (Preliminaries) | Standing Stone Tug-of-War for a Bountiful Harvest |
| Oct 3 (Sat) | Traditional Agricultural Experience (Grasshopper Catching) | Presidential Award Nongak Competition (Finals) | Invited Singer Performance & Fireworks |
| Oct 4 (Sun) | Traditional Agricultural Experience (Earthen Stove Rice) | Local Arts Troupe Performance | Closing Ceremony Preparation & Awards Ceremony |
| Oct 5 (Mon) | Free Experience & Tour | Festival Closing Performance | Festival Ends (Closure procedures after 18:00) |
*The above timetable is an example, and actual programs may change due to on-site conditions and organizer circumstances. Please check the official website for the exact schedule before your visit.
Gimje Horizon Festival, How to Arrive Comfortably?
To fully enjoy the festival, understanding convenient transportation and parking information is essential. The Gimje Horizon Festival takes place throughout Gimje-si, particularly centered around Byeokgolje, thus offering various transportation options for visitors’ convenience.
When Arriving by Public Transportation
When Using the Train
- Gimje Station Take the KTX or a regular train and get off at Gimje Station. From Gimje Station to the festival grounds (Byeokgolje), it is convenient to use a city bus, taxi, or shuttle bus.
When Using the Bus
- Gimje Intercity Bus Terminal Take an express or intercity bus and get off at Gimje Intercity Bus Terminal. From the terminal to the festival grounds, you can use a city bus or taxi, and it is recommended to check the shuttle bus routes operating during the festival period.
When Using Your Own Car & Parking Information
If you search for ‘Gimje Byeokgolje’ or ‘442 Byeokgolje-ro, Buryang-myeon, Gimje-si, Jeollabuk-do’ on your navigation system, you will be guided to the exact festival grounds. The surrounding roads may be congested during the festival period, so it is advisable to leave with ample time.
- Parking Lots Several temporary parking lots will be set up around the festival grounds. Parking fees may be charged or free, and you must park in designated areas according to the instructions of parking attendants. During weekends or peak hours, parking spaces may be insufficient, so we recommend considering public transportation or transferring to a shuttle bus.
Comfortably with Festival Shuttle Buses!
For the convenience of visitors, shuttle buses will operate between major hubs and the festival grounds during the festival period. You can arrive at the festival grounds more conveniently by using public transportation or parking in a temporary lot and then taking a shuttle bus.
- Shuttle Bus Operation Information Shuttle buses operate from Gimje Station, Gimje Intercity Bus Terminal, and major temporary parking lots to the festival grounds (Byeokgolje). Operating hours and routes can be checked in detail on the festival’s official website. (Typically operating from 30 minutes before the festival starts until 1 hour after it ends)
Your Own Gimje Horizon Festival, Tips for Enjoying It Fully
Here are a few tips for 100% enjoying the Gimje Horizon Festival, unfolding in the golden fields. Preparing in advance can create a more enjoyable and comfortable festival experience.
- Comfortable Clothing and Shoes Since the festival grounds are extensive and there are many experiential activities, it is recommended to wear comfortable clothing for activities and shoes that are easy to walk in.
- Prepare Personal Items The autumn sun can be strong, so bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. It can get chilly in the evening, so a jacket is essential.
- Check Experience Programs in Advance Popular experience programs may close early. If you are interested in a particular experience, check the operating hours and location in advance, and if possible, apply promptly on-site.
- Water and Snacks Although there are restaurants and convenience stores within the festival grounds, they can be crowded, so bringing simple water or snacks is a good idea.
- Prepare Your Camera Capture amazing life photos against the backdrop of the golden horizon and diverse events!
From October 1 to 5, 2026, a place of beautiful memories will unfold in Gimje! May you fully enjoy the golden autumn days at the Gimje Horizon Festival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When and where will the 2026 Gimje Horizon Festival be held?
It will be held for 5 days, from Thursday, October 1 to Monday, October 5, 2026, throughout Gimje-si (centered around Byeokgolje). Various programs will operate from 9 AM to 9 PM.
Q2. Is the festival admission charged or free?
Admission to the festival grounds is generally free. However, additional costs may apply for some special experience programs or paid facility usage, so on-site confirmation is required.
Q3. Is there enough parking space at the festival grounds?
Temporary parking lots operate during the festival period, but it can be crowded on weekends or during peak Time slothours. We recommend using public transportation or transferring to a shuttle bus if possible.
Q4. Are pets allowed?
Due to the nature of a large-scale gathering, pet accompaniment may be restricted for safety reasons. Please check the official website’s pet policy before your visit.
Q5. When will the 2026 program be confirmed?
The festival program will be confirmed and announced sequentially as the event date approaches. The latest information can be found on the official website of the Gimje Horizon Festival.
