Seorak Cultural Festival

The Seorak Cultural Festival is Sokcho’s premier regional cultural festival, dating back to the first Seorak Festival in 1966. It celebrates the history and culture centered around Mount Seorak, as well as the lives and stories of Sokcho’s citizens. This year, marking its 61st edition, the festival takes the theme “Seorak: Coloring Together” to reflect on the past 60 years of tradition and history, taking a step forward as a festival where citizens and tourists participate together to create new stories. While preserving the long-standing identity of the Seorak Cultural Festival, the event will present a new vision through diverse programs that allow citizens to take center stage, participate directly, and enjoy the festivities. In particular, the festival has been structured to help citizens and tourists more easily understand and connect with the “Seorak Sosa (Snow Peak Minor Ritual)”—a central ritual that has been a cornerstone of the festival since its very first edition—by adding commentary and storytelling to the traditional ceremony. Additionally, the “Seorak Climbing Competition,” which carries on the mountain culture that marked the festival’s inception, will feature a hike up Dalma Peak—a trail normally closed to the public—as well as a Seorak Mountain concert, allowing visitors to fully savor the beauty of autumn in Seorak. The festival’s signature program, the “Street Parade,” is a community-building event featuring direct participation from local residents, clubs, schools, and cultural and arts organizations. Taking place along Seorak Rodeo Street, the parade brings together citizens across generations and neighborhoods, offering the joy of the Seorak Cultural Festival—an experience that goes beyond simply watching to one of active creation and participation. In addition, at the Sokcho Expo Lawn Plaza, a variety of cultural and artistic performances will take place, including community-building programs such as the “Sokcho! Cheerful Sports Day,” as well as performances by local arts groups, fringe shows, and a club festival. Programs for the whole family to enjoy—such as local cultural experiences and children’s play areas—will also be available. Furthermore, the festival’s enjoyment will be further enriched through collaborations with the “Seorak Rodeo Street Commercial District Revitalization Project” and the “Sokcho Cultural City Culinary Week.” The Seorak Cultural Festival, which has been held for 61 years, is now embarking on a new chapter and a new story.

1. Main Program - Opening Ceremony and Celebration Performances: A grand declaration marking the opening of the 61st Seorak Cultural Festival, followed by celebratory live performances by legendary vocalist “Yoon Su-il” and emotional diva “Yeom Yu-ri” - Seorak Minor Ritual (Sosa): A modern visualization of an ancient local ritual praying for the well-being of the nation and the region (Mountain Spirit Ritual, Joint Ritual of the Three Spirits, Ancestral Worship Ritual, and Farewell Ritual) - Representative Local Traditional Performances: Invited demonstrations of Sokcho’s unique intangible cultural heritage, including the “Sokcho Lion Dance,” “Domun Farming Songs,” “Dondollari,” and “Sokcho Arirang” - Seorak Rodeo Street Parade: A large-scale street procession and street performances at various locations, featuring professional art troupes from across the country alongside residents from eight neighborhoods, youth groups, and multicultural teams - Closing Ceremony and Fireworks Show: A spectacular fireworks finale to cap off the festival, followed by a closing concert featuring renowned vocalists “Gummy” and “Solji,” along with “Trot Prince” Shin Seung-tae 2. Participation and Competition Programs - National Song and Dance Competition 〈Seorak Star!〉: A passionate vocal and dance competition featuring 12 teams from across the country who have advanced through the preliminaries - Sokcho Survival Quiz Show 〈Seorak Golden Bell〉: A scholarship quiz competition for adults and youth centered on Sokcho and the Seorak Cultural Festival - Sokcho Citizens’ Unity Festival 〈Cheerful Sports Day〉: Inter-neighborhood competitions among the 8 districts, featuring traditional and modern recreational sports events open to all on-site visitors - Sokcho Citizens’ Unity 〈Hangung Tournament〉: A traditional recreational sports tournament featuring an 8-district tournament using target boards, open to all citizens - Stage of Passion Go! 〈Club Festival〉: A relay performance featuring citizen clubs representing Sokcho’s 8 neighborhoods 3. Special Events and Outdoor Performances - Our Stage Go! : Special guest performances by 7 middle and high school youth clubs, the popular K-POP boy group “YOUNITE,” and the fusion traditional music group “Dodori” - Seorak Fringe Festival: Street art performances—including busking, mime, and magic—that engage closely with the audience - Special Family Performance 〈Balloon Magic Show〉: A fantastic balloon and magic performance for children and families 4. Hands-On Activities and Side Events - Local Culture Experience Zone (approximately 25 neighborhoods): Craft, traditional culture, and art experience booths for people of all ages - Kids’ Playground & Moms’ Lounge: An air bounce playground exclusively for children and a rest/nursing area for families with infants and toddlers - 61st Anniversary Seorak Cultural Festival History Exhibition Hall: Exhibition of 61 years of historical records and an official merchandise zone - Gastronomy Partnership: Joint operation with the 2026 Sokcho Food Festival 〈Masupda! Sokcho〉 food zone 5. Pre-Event Activities - Seoraksan Hiking Competition 〈Dharma! Ridge Trail Walk〉: A fall hike for 500 participants along the Seorak Ridge Trail, starting at Seohyang Park, passing through Dalma Peak (635m), and ending at Small Park - Seoraksan Forest Concert: A folk healing concert held in the embrace of Seorak, in conjunction with the hiking competition (Performer: Shin Hyun-dae)