Gwangju Kimchi Festival

*The food offerings listed below are from last year’s (2025) festival; details for the 2026 festival are currently being updated.*The Gwangju Kimchi Festival, which represents Korea’s kimchi culture, continues its 33-year history and will be held this year for three days, from October 23 to October 25, at the Gwangju City Hall in the Gwangju Metropolitan City, Jeollanam-do. Held in Gwangju, South Jeolla Province—the birthplace of kimchi that has preserved its traditions and values—the Gwangju Kimchi Festival is an event where visitors can experience the past, present, and future of kimchi all in one place, from traditional kimjang (kimchi-making) culture to innovative kimchi-themed activities. Through a variety of programs—including the Korea Kimchi Competition, kimchi-making workshops, the Kimchi Market, and “The Table for a Thousand” (a dining space featuring cultural performances)—visitors can experience Korea’s unique food culture and stories. In particular, the festival is evolving into a food culture festival unique to Gwangju, where local culinary traditions, art, and tourism are intertwined with kimchi, and citizens actively participate.

1. Main Programs - Table for a Thousand (Food Stalls), Kimchi Party, Kimchi Master Class, Kimchi Market 2. Side Programs - Exhibitions, sales, hands-on activities, cultural performances, etc. 3. Consumer Participation Programs - Kimchi Experience Center, Kimchi Playground, Salt Experience Center, etc. 4. Other Details - Urban Farmers Festival