Geumjeongsan Fortress Festival

The 2026 Geumjeong Mountain Fortress Festival, which celebrates the significance of Geumjeong Mountain—newly designated as a national park in 2026—will be held for three days, from Friday, October 16, to Sunday, October 18, at Geumjeong Mountain Fortress Plaza and the surrounding area. Based on Geumjeongsan Fortress—a representative cultural heritage site of Geumjeong-gu, Busan, and the largest mountain fortress in South Korea—and Geumjeongsan National Park, this festival of history, culture, and the arts is held annually to commemorate the construction of Geumjeongsan Fortress. Beginning with the Geumjeong Arts Festival in 1996, the Geumjeong Mountain Fortress Festival continues this year to showcase Geumjeong’s new charms through a variety of programs that blend the ecology and nature of Geumjeong Mountain National Park with the history and culture of Geumjeong Mountain Fortress.

1. Ecology Programs - Walking Event: A walking program featuring storytelling about the nature of Geumjeongsan Mountain and the history of Geumjeongsan Fortress - Geumjeongsan Ecology Tour: An ecology program where participants explore the wildlife inhabiting Geumjeongsan Mountain with a professional guide - Themed Exhibition: An outdoor exhibition highlighting the designation of Geumjeongsan National Park and the significance of Geumjeongsan Fortress - Geumjeongsan Talk Show: Stories about the ecology of Geumjeongsan National Park presented by distinguished speakers - Other ecological programs, etc. 2. History Programs - Geumjeongsan Fortress Village Tour: A historical tour of the Geumjeongsan Fortress Village led by a guide - Fortress Construction Experience: Hands-on experience with the principles behind fortress construction, including the use of a crane and a pulley system - History and Culture Experience: Crafting traditional items set against the backdrop of the Joseon Dynasty - Pop-up Photo Studio: Taking sticker photos with Geumjeongsan Fortress as the backdrop - Geumjeongsan Fortress VR Tour: Exploring Geumjeongsan Fortress using VR technology - Other historical programs, etc. 3. Performance Programs - Themed Performance: An original musical created collaboratively by local artists and residents - Opening and Closing Ceremonies: Ceremonies and celebratory performances marking the designation as a national park - Residents’ Singing Contest: A program featuring a prize giveaway for participants - Geumjeong Fortress Arts Festival: Performances by Geumjeong-gu’s leading cultural and arts organizations - Choral Festival: Performances by local choirs - Fringe Performances: Street performances such as circus acts, mime, and magic shows - Community Culture Performances: Performances by local community culture clubs - Other group performance programs, etc. 4. Supporting Programs - Collaboration with Local Businesses: Festival venue check-in and local tourism promotion events - “Geumbanji” Festival Supporters Program: Hands-on programs created and run by local college students - Flea Market: Vendor sales and hands-on activities - The 29th Geumjeong Essay Contest - The 22nd Geumjeong On-Site Painting Contest - Geumjeong Mountain Fortress Makgeolli Festival: A traditional local community event where participants share Geumjeong Mountain Fortress makgeolli and food - Promotion booths run in collaboration with relevant local organizations ※ Some hands-on programs require a fee, and the program schedule is subject to change depending on on-site conditions.