There are two main ways to enjoy autumn's delicacy, large prawns. One is to visit a lively prawn festival full of events and attractions, and the other is to focus on the meal at a relatively quiet local specialty restaurant. Which option is better depends on the purpose of your visit and your personal preferences.
In the autumn of 2026, the most representative prawn festival is the Namdanghang Port Prawn Festival held in Hongseong, Chungnam. The festival continues until early November, so you have time to plan your visit.
Note: The opening celebration performances (Sept 4-6) and the Chuseok special performances (Sept 25-26) have already ended. You can find more information on September Autumn Local Festivals on the related page.
Comparing the pros and cons of both options in a table before your visit can help you decide. The festival venues operate on a fixed-price system, making prices transparent, but they can be very crowded on weekends.
| Category | Festival Venue Restaurant | Outlying Local Specialty Restaurant |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Fixed-price system (KRW 60,000 per 1kg for dine-in) | Varies by restaurant; wider selection including course meals |
| Reservations | Not available (first-come, first-served on-site) | Mostly available (by phone or online) |
| Waiting Time | Can be long during peak times like weekend lunches | Minimal to no waiting with a reservation |
| Atmosphere | Lively and bustling, linked with performances and activities | Relatively quiet, allowing focus on the meal |
| Food Composition | Simple basic table setting centered on grilled prawns | Various side dishes (sukidashi) or course meals |
| Amenities | Public parking (may require detours when congested) | Many have private parking, private rooms, etc. |
Although commonly referred to as 'daeha' (large prawns), most of the live shrimp you encounter are farmed whiteleg shrimp. Wild prawns (Fenneropenaeus chinensis) have a delicate nature and die soon after being caught, making it difficult to distribute them alive. Here is how to tell them apart (based on 2022 Ministry of Food and Drug Safety standards):
While wild prawns are rarer and more expensive, farmed whiteleg shrimp are also plump and delicious in the autumn. Just because the shrimp you eat at a festival or restaurant is whiteleg shrimp doesn't mean it's inferior in taste.
The best choice depends on who you are with and what your purpose is.
If you're on a family trip with children We recommend the festival grounds, which have many programs kids will love, such as the bare-handed catching experience. You can take care of both dining and entertainment at once.
If you want a quiet gastronomic trip If you want to avoid the bustling crowds and have a private meal, it's wise to book a table at a specialty restaurant in the outskirts, a little away from the festival. You can enjoy a more leisurely meal with a wider variety of side dishes.
If you're on a budget-conscious day trip You might consider getting **take-out (KRW 45,000 per 1kg)** from the festival site or a nearby fish market. You can save money by purchasing the prawns and cooking them yourself at your accommodation or at home.
Q1. Are the shrimp served at the festival wild prawns? A. No. The live shrimp cooked right from the tank at festival restaurants are mostly farmed whiteleg shrimp. Wild prawns are typically distributed flash-frozen or chilled and cost 2-3 times more. Autumn whiteleg shrimp are excellent in taste and quality, making them perfectly enjoyable in a festive atmosphere.
Q2. What are the festival prices for 2026? A. At the 2026 Hongseong Namdanghang Prawn Festival, the price for dining in is standardized at KRW 60,000 per 1kg. This is a KRW 10,000 increase from 2024 (KRW 50,000). The advantage is that a fixed-price system is operated within the festival grounds, preventing price gouging.
Q3. Do I have to go to a festival to eat autumn prawns? A. No. Besides Hongseong's Namdanghang Port, you can enjoy autumn prawns at various other ports on the west coast, such as Baeksajanghang Port in Anmyeon-do, Taean, and Boryeong's Muchangpohang Port. Visiting the fish markets or restaurants in these areas is a great alternative if you want to avoid the festival crowds. You can also explore other destinations by checking a broader Autumn Festival Calendar.
The 23rd Jarasum Jazz Festival will be held for three days from October 9th to 11th, 2026, on and around Jarasum Island in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do. As Korea's leading autumn music festival, where you can enjoy performances by world-class jazz artists amidst nature, it is beloved by many each year. This year, anticipation is even higher with a special program celebrating the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France.
A diverse lineup has been announced, ranging from world-renowned artists to talented domestic musicians. The main performers for each day are as follows, and subsequently announced artists may have their performance dates and stages assigned later.
October 9 (Fri)
October 10 (Sat)
October 11 (Sun)
Additional Lineup
You must purchase a paid ticket to watch the main stage performances at the Jarasum Jazz Festival. The official ticketing vendor is Yes24 Ticket, and the early bird tickets released on July 1st are sold out. Currently, only general admission tickets are available for purchase.
| Ticket Type | Regular Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General 1-Day Pass | KRW 88,000 | Choose one day: Fri, Sat, or Sun |
| General 2-Day Pass | KRW 154,000 | Consecutive 2 days: Fri-Sat or Sat-Sun |
| General 3-Day Pass | KRW 198,000 | Full access from Fri to Sun |
For those visiting the festival for the first time, here is a guide from booking to viewing.
Here is a list of items to prepare in advance for a comfortable viewing experience.
Q. Can I enjoy the festival without a ticket?
A. Yes, you can. While a paid ticket is required for the main stage performances on Jungdo of Jarasum Island, the Off Stage performances held throughout downtown Gapyeong-eup can be enjoyed by anyone for free. During the festival period, the entire town of Gapyeong is filled with the sound of jazz, so it's a great idea to visit casually, enjoy the 2026 autumn foliage on a day trip near Seoul, and soak up the festival atmosphere.
Q. I want to use the Jarasum campsite. How do I make a reservation?
A. Reservations for the Jarasum Auto-Camping Site and caravans must be made separately from festival tickets. Bookings open on a first-come, first-served basis at 2 PM on the 10th of each month through the Gapyeong Facilities Management Corporation website or the 'Thankyou Camping' app. Competition is very high, so it's best to check the date and time carefully and prepare in advance.
Q. What are the rules for bringing in food and drinks?
A. While a variety of food is sold at the festival venue, bringing outside food is also relatively permitted. However, items that could pose a safety risk, such as glass bottles or glasses, may be restricted. To protect the environment, we encourage you to bring food in reusable containers and take your trash with you when you leave. For the most accurate and detailed rules, it is best to check the official website announcements just before the festival.
The 23rd Jarasum Jazz Festival in 2026 will be held for three days from October 9th to 11th in the Jarasum Island area, Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do. As Korea's representative autumn music festival where you can enjoy performances by world-class jazz artists in nature, it is loved by many every year. This year, a special program commemorating the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France adds to the anticipation.
A diverse lineup, from world-renowned artists to talented domestic musicians, has been unveiled. The main performers for each day are as follows, and additionally announced artists may be assigned performance dates and stages sequentially.
October 9th (Fri)
October 10th (Sat)
October 11th (Sun)
Additional Lineup
Performances on the main stage of the Jarasum Jazz Festival require a paid ticket for admission. The official booking site is Yes24 Ticket, and the early bird tickets, which went on sale on July 1st, are sold out. Currently, only regular tickets are available for purchase.
| Ticket Type | Regular Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular 1-Day Pass | 88,000 KRW | Choose one day: Fri, Sat, or Sun |
| Regular 2-Day Pass | 154,000 KRW | Two consecutive days: Fri-Sat or Sat-Sun |
| Regular 3-Day Pass | 198,000 KRW | Admission for all days, Fri-Sun |
For first-time visitors, here is a guide from booking to enjoying the festival.
Here is a list of items to prepare in advance for a comfortable experience.
Q. Can I enjoy the festival without a ticket?
A. Yes, you can. The main stage performances on Jarasum Jungdo require a paid ticket, but the Off Stage performances held throughout downtown Gapyeong-eup can be enjoyed by anyone for free. During the festival period, the entire town of Gapyeong-eup is filled with the sound of jazz, so it's a great idea to visit casually to enjoy the 2026 autumn foliage near Seoul and soak in the festival atmosphere.
Q. I want to use the Jarasum campsite. How do I make a reservation?
A. The Jarasum Auto-Camping Site and caravans must be booked separately from the festival tickets. Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis at 2 PM on the 10th of every month through the Gapyeong Facilities Management Corporation website or the 'Thank U Camping' app. Competition is very high, so it is advisable to check the date and time accurately and prepare in advance.
Q. What are the rules for bringing in food?
A. While a variety of food is sold at the festival venue, bringing in outside food is also relatively unrestricted. However, items that could pose a safety risk, such as glass bottles or glasses, may be restricted. For environmental protection, it is recommended to bring food in reusable containers and take your trash with you. For detailed regulations, it is most accurate to refer to the official website announcements just before the festival.
In the fall of 2026, the 63rd Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival, the representative festival of Suwon in Gyeonggi-do, will take place. This festival, commemorating King Jeongjo's filial piety and love for his people, offers a variety of attractions and activities set against the backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. From the reenactment of the Royal Procession of King Jeongjo, a key highlight of this year's festival, to spectacular media art and the serene nighttime opening of Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, we have compiled all the information you need to fully enjoy the 2026 Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival.
During the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival, several events are held simultaneously. Please refer to the table below to plan your visit.
| Program | Period | Main Venue | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| The 63rd Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival | Oct 4 - Oct 11, 2026 | Areas around Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, including Hwaseong Haenggung Palace and Yeonmudae Post | Mostly free (Some experiences may have a fee) |
| Joint Reenactment of the Royal Procession of King Jeongjo | Oct 4, 2026 | Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul ~ Suwon Hwaseong Fortress ~ Yungneung Royal Tomb, Hwaseong | Free for street viewing |
| Suwon Hwaseong Media Art | Sep 19 - Oct 6, 2026 | Areas around Hwaseomun Gate, Janganmun Gate, and Jangan Park | Free |
| Hwaseong Haenggung Palace Nighttime Opening | May 1 - Nov 1, 2026 (Every Fri-Sun & public holidays) | Hwaseong Haenggung Palace | Paid (See below) |
Hwaseong Haenggung Palace Admission Fee (Same for daytime and nighttime)
The absolute highlight of the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival is the 'Joint Reenactment of the Royal Procession of King Jeongjo'. This event faithfully recreates the procession of 1795 when King Jeongjo traveled with his mother, Lady Hyegyeong, to pay respects at Yungneung, the tomb of his father, Crown Prince Sado.
The sight of the procession passing through Janganmun Gate and entering Haenggung Plaza is spectacular. To get a good viewing spot, it's recommended to arrive at key viewing points well before the procession's expected arrival time. Watching from the street is free.
After sunset, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress reveals another charm. During the festival period, special nighttime attractions are added.
This is a media facade show that uses the fortress walls as a canvas. The festival of light, themed 'Saebitdongnak: Suwon Hwaseong, Blooming with Light,' will spectacularly adorn the areas around Hwaseomun and Janganmun Gates.
Even outside the festival period, the nighttime opening of Hwaseong Haenggung Palace continues, allowing visitors to feel the autumn night's ambiance. You can experience a different kind of serenity from the daytime by strolling through the ancient palace under soft lighting.
During the festival period, the area around Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is very congested, so using public transportation is highly recommended.
Q. Can I enjoy all festival events for free? A. Most outdoor programs, such as the Royal Procession of King Jeongjo, the media art show, and walks along the fortress wall, are free. However, an admission fee of 2,000 KRW for adults is required to enter Hwaseong Haenggung Palace. Some hands-on programs may have a separate participation fee.
Q. What are the benefits of wearing Hanbok? A. If you wear Hanbok, including modernized versions, admission to Hwaseong Haenggung Palace is completely free. This applies to both daytime and nighttime openings.
Q. Are the events held even if it rains? A. In case of light rain, most outdoor events proceed as scheduled. However, in case of severe weather conditions such as a typhoon or heavy rain, large-scale outdoor events like the Royal Procession of King Jeongjo may be downsized or canceled. It is advisable to check the official website of the Suwon Cultural Foundation for announcements before your visit.