Sunchang Fermented Paste Festival, a feast of K-taste unfolding on 20 years of fermentation history!
The familiar taste on your table every day, do you know the deep wisdom and history hidden within it? Gochujang, Doenjang, Ganjang… more than just food, ‘jang’ (fermented sauces) has embodied the life and spirit of our people, and it is the foundation of K-Food and the essence of fermented culture attracting global attention.
From October 16th to 18th, 2026, a grand festival will be held in Sunchang, the home of that taste. The Sunchang Fermented Sauce Festival is celebrating its twentieth anniversary and will offer an even more special moment, adding the joy of being inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This year’s festival will establish Sunchang’s Identity as a home of traditional fermented sauces and position itself as Korea’s representative fermented food festival, promoting the excellence of K-Food to the world.
The Heart of the Land of Fermented Flavors: Sunchang Fermented Sauce Festival, Turning Twenty
Sunchang has historically possessed a natural environment with clear water and air, ideal for the development of fermented foods. Against this backdrop, the Sunchang Fermented Sauce Festival began, commemorating the inscription of Korea’s jang-making culture as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and deepens its meaning as it celebrates its twentieth anniversary. Hosted by Sunchang-gun, this festival is more than just a food festival; it is the fruit of efforts to preserve and develop our unique fermented culture.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Festival Name | Sunchang Fermented Sauce Festival |
| Period | October 16th, 2026 ~ October 18th, 2026 |
| Venue | Sunchang Traditional Gochujang Folk Village and Fermentation Theme Park Area |
| Operating Hours | 09:00 ~ 21:00 |
| Host | Sunchang-gun |
| Admission Fee | Free |
Awakening the Five Senses with Taste and Excitement: Highlights of the Sunchang Fermented Sauce Festival
The 2026 Sunchang Fermented Sauce Festival will showcase over 50 programs across 8 categories, including various experiential programs, cultural performances, exhibitions, and sales, all centered around traditional fermented sauces. It offers not only the chance to taste spicy and savory dishes made with Sunchang Gochujang, but also a wealth of special experiences that satisfy all five senses.
Recreating the Royal Table: Main Programs
One of the festival’s undeniable highlights is the ‘Sunchang Gochujang Royal Tribute Procession’ performance. Following the splendid procession, you can vividly experience the prestige of Sunchang Gochujang, which was presented as a tribute to the Joseon Dynasty kings. In addition, key programs are prepared for you to experience the depth of traditional fermented sauces.
- Fermentation Land 1997 A special journey exploring the history of Sunchang fermentation.
- Let’s Make Gochujang Together A popular experience to make Sunchang Gochujang yourself with experts.
- Traditional Jang Culture School A valuable time to learn the secrets of making jang.
- Beans: Boil, Pound, Make Meju Directly experience the process of making meju, the beginning of fermented sauces.
Fun and Excitement for Everyone: Ancillary and Consumer Participation Programs
From the ‘Spicy Flavor Contest’ for spicy food enthusiasts, to ‘Catch! Teenieping in Jang Flavor Land,’ loved by children, and the ‘Fermentation Youth Madness Contest’ for young people to showcase their talents, there are plenty of programs for people of all ages to enjoy. In particular, special events commemorating the 20th anniversary are drawing attention.
Twentieth Anniversary Special Events
- Find the Golden Meju A thrilling mission to find hidden golden meju throughout the festival grounds.
- You and I, Coming of Age 20th-anniversary special fermented sauce product discounts and gift certificate benefits upon receipt verification.
- DJ & EDM Light Show A spectacular DJ performance and feast of lights that will heat up the Fermentation Theme Park at night.
In addition, events such as the ‘Folk Games Contest’, ‘Eup/Myeon Nongak Contest’, and ‘Sunchang Arts Festival’ will add to the festival’s excitement with abundant events where local residents participate and create together.
Why You Must Experience the Sunchang Fermented Sauce Festival Now? Unmissable Specialness
The 2026 Sunchang Fermented Sauce Festival goes beyond a simple annual event, playing a crucial role in enhancing the status of our traditional culture and leading the globalization of K-Food. The reasons why you should not miss this year’s festival, which holds even more special meaning as it celebrates its twentieth anniversary, are clear.
- Commemorating UNESCO Inscription Join us in this meaningful moment when the world recognized the value of Korea’s jang-making culture.
- 20th Anniversary Special Programs Full of special events like ‘Find the Golden Meju’ and ‘You and I, Coming of Age,’ that can only be enjoyed at this time.
- A Place for Diverse Experiences You can choose and participate in experiences that suit your taste from over 50 programs, creating unforgettable memories.
- Economic Benefits Grab the opportunity to get a 20% discount on fermented sauce products, plus a gift certificate worth 10% upon receipt verification!
Come to Sunchang, full of the deep taste of fermentation and joyful energy. This autumn 2026, the Sunchang Fermented Sauce Festival, which will give you unforgettable memories, awaits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When and where is the Sunchang Fermented Sauce Festival held?
The Sunchang Fermented Sauce Festival will be held for three days from October 16th to October 18th, 2026, at the Sunchang Traditional Gochujang Folk Village and Fermentation Theme Park Area. Operating hours are daily from 9 AM to 9 PM.
Q2. How much is the festival admission fee?
Admission to the 2026 Sunchang Fermented Sauce Festival is free, allowing you to enjoy all programs. However, there may be some paid experiential programs, so it is advisable to check on-site.
Q3. Are there programs enjoyable with children?
Yes, various programs are prepared for children. There’s an abundance of content for the whole family to enjoy, including experiential programs like ‘Catch! Teenieping in Jang Flavor Land’ and ‘Let’s Make Gochujang Together,’ as well as a folk games experience zone.
Q4. What special events can be anticipated at the Sunchang Fermented Sauce Festival?
This year, in celebration of its 20th anniversary, a variety of special programs are prepared, such as ‘Find the Golden Meju,’ the ‘You and I, Coming of Age’ fermented sauce product discount event, and the DJ & EDM Light Show, promising even richer enjoyment.
Q5. Can I purchase fermented sauce products at a discount during the festival?
Yes, during the festival, there will be a 20% discount on fermented sauce products as part of a consumer participation program, and you can also receive an additional gift certificate worth 10% upon verifying your receipt. Don’t miss out!
